NEWARK, N.J. — Newark police arrested nine individuals early Sunday morning following an illegal street racing event, where participants blocked streets and damaged a police vehicle, authorities said.
Public Safety Director Fritz G. Fragé announced the arrests, stating that all the suspects were from outside Newark and had come to the city to engage in a “street takeover.” “Thanks to these arrests, these individuals quickly learned that the City of Newark is not their playground,” Fragé said in a statement.
The incident occurred at approximately 2:31 a.m. on September 15, when officers responded to reports of erratic driving at the intersection of Doremus Avenue and Port Street. Upon arrival, police found around 100 vehicles blocking Doremus Avenue, with a large crowd surrounding and attacking a marked police vehicle. Some in the crowd attempted to flip the car, but no injuries were reported.
Additional officers arrived, and nine individuals were arrested, each charged with eluding police. Those arrested include:
- Daniel O. Cacula, 23, of Danbury, Conn.
- Gabriel N. Alscora, 21, of Brooklyn, N.Y.
- Kevin H. Sayco, 25, of Woodland, N.Y.
- Jason Flores Perez, 20, of West New York, N.J.
- Damien R. Persuad, 20, of North Baldwin, N.Y.
- Terrance Briggs, 22, of Pembroke Pines, Fla.
- Alejandro Alonso, 20, of West New York, N.J.
- Gabriel D. Paitch, 18, of Kearny, N.J.
- Mitchell E. Long, 21, of Ephrata, Pa.
No officers were injured during the event, and police were able to safely bring the situation under control. The investigation is ongoing.
