NEWARK, N.J. – A group of men posing as FBI agents forced their way into a woman’s Newark apartment, held her down and stole $7,500 from a bedroom safe, police said.
Three men entered a building on Mott Street near Raymond Boulevard in the Ironbound section at about 2:30 p.m. Aug. 27, according to the Newark Department of Public Safety. A fourth suspect waited outside in a black Toyota Camry Solara.
The men went to the woman’s third-floor apartment, knocked on the door and claimed they were federal agents, police said. They demanded that she open the door.
Woman Pushed Onto Couch as Apartment Was Ransacked
When the woman opened the door, the men rushed inside and pushed her onto a couch, according to Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda Sr.
One suspect, described as light-skinned and wearing a white shirt and blue jeans, allegedly held the woman down. The other two men, who were masked, searched the apartment.
Police said they found a bedroom safe and took $7,500. Two credit cards were also stolen from the woman’s purse.
- Three suspects allegedly entered the victim’s third-floor apartment while a fourth waited outside.
- Police said the group stole $7,500 from a bedroom safe and two credit cards.
- Investigators are also looking into whether a shuttle bus seen in connection with the case may be involved.
Were the suspects really FBI agents?
No, according to Newark police. Investigators say the men posed as federal agents to convince the victim to open her apartment door.
After the robbery, the three men returned to the waiting Toyota and fled east on Fleming Avenue, police said. The Camry Solara displayed out-of-state license plates.
Newark Police Trying to Identify Four Suspects
Investigators released images of people they are seeking to identify and are asking residents to take a close look.
Police are also investigating a shuttle bus that may have some connection to the home invasion. The department has not publicly explained what role, if any, the bus played.
Miranda is asking anyone who recognizes the suspects, knows who was using the Toyota or has other information about the robbery to contact investigators.
Was the victim injured during the home invasion?
Police said the woman was pushed onto a couch and held down during the robbery. The department’s public statement did not report the extent of any physical injuries.
Tips can be submitted through the Newark Police Division’s 24-hour Crime Stoppers line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477). Police said anonymous tips are confidential and may qualify for a reward.
Information can also be submitted through the Newark Police Division website.
What should someone do if they recognize the suspects?
Contact Newark Police Crime Stoppers at 1-877-695-8477. Police are seeking information that could identify any of the four men or help investigators determine what happened before and after the robbery.
Sources: Newark Department of Public Safety, public alert from Director Emanuel Miranda Sr.; Newark Police Division, Crime Stoppers and tip information
