The Newark Department of Public Safety is asking for help identifying suspects involved in two armed robberies that took place on Monday, November 11, 2024. These incidents occurred within minutes of each other, with both involving a stolen red Hyundai Sonata.
The first robbery happened around 6:45 a.m. on McWhorter Street near Ferry Street. A man was approached by an armed suspect who exited the Sonata and demanded his belongings. The victim lost his backpack, which contained his wallet, bank card, cash, and cell phone. The suspect then fled in the stolen vehicle.
Shortly afterward, a second victim was targeted on New Jersey Railroad Avenue near Lafayette Street. This time, two suspects got out of the Sonata, pointed a gun at the victim, and stole another backpack filled with personal belongings, including a cell phone. The suspects returned to the car, driven by a third accomplice, and fled westbound on Lafayette Street. Later, the stolen vehicle was found abandoned on South 16th Street.
Police are providing descriptions to help identify the suspects. Suspect #1 wore a black hooded sweatshirt and tan pants. Suspect #2, who has a heavy build and a noticeably bowlegged stance, was wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt. No description of the driver has been released.
If you have any information about these suspects, please contact the Newark Police Division’s 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477). All tips remain confidential, and there is a potential reward for information leading to an arrest.