NEWARK, NJ – A man who committed a series of rapid robberies in Newark during a short span has been arrested and charged.
According to Newark Public Safety Director Fritz G. Fragé, Tashan K. Bethea, 39, of Plainfield, was charged for three armed robberies in Newark, all occurring within 15 minutes of each other on August 7, 2022.
A statement by the Newark Police Department states that at approximately 12:45 a.m., Bethea and a second suspect robbed the first victim at gunpoint in the 400 block of Springfield Avenue. The second victim was robbed at gunpoint at 12:51 a.m. in the 300 block of Springfield Avenue. A third victim was robbed at gunpoint at 1 a.m. by the same suspects in the 300 block of Littleton Avenue.
“Officers canvassing the area for the suspects located Bethea and he was immediately arrested. He faces three counts each of robbery, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, aggravated assault, and conspiracy. The second suspect continues to be sought by police,” Director Frage said.
Also arrested was Deshawn Craddock, 25, of Newark, in connection with an armed robbery, and Andre Thompson, 32, also of Newark, in connection with a carjacking.
Two days earlier, on August 5th, a man was robbed at gunpoint while inside the mini-mart of the Exxon Gas Station, at 1400 McCarter Highway, by a suspect who entered with two other males.
“The suspect fled in a white 2012 BMW 750I that was reported stolen. Detectives identified DaeShawn Craddock as a suspect and he was arrested the following day on Lyons Avenue. He faces charges of robbery, receiving stolen property, and conspiracy,” police said.
Another robbery and carjacking took place on August 2nd when a driver in the area of Broad Street and Vanderpool Street was approached by a male who walked up to his driver’s side window. The victim rolled down his window and was assaulted by the suspect.
“The victim fled his vehicle for safety but was further assaulted by other males. The victim returned to where he left his vehicle and it was stolen. He later received texts demanding cash for the return of his vehicle. Police observed the vehicle at Gillette Place, near Broad Street, and arrested the driver, Thompson. He is charged with carjacking and theft by extortion,” police said.
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