NEWARK, N.J. — Authorities are asking for the public’s assistance in locating a man wanted for questioning in connection with an armed robbery that took place last month. Newark Public Safety Director Fritz G. Fragé said police are seeking Richard Garcia-Mercado, 32, in relation to the September 15 incident.
Police responded to a call at approximately 3:36 a.m. that Sunday near McCarter Highway and Verona Avenue, where two male victims were reportedly robbed at gunpoint. According to the report, the victims had arranged to meet Garcia-Mercado at the location when a silver Acura arrived. Two armed suspects exited the vehicle and took cash, jewelry, bank cards, cell phones, and other belongings from the victims before fleeing southbound on McCarter Highway. A third suspect reportedly acted as the getaway driver.
Detectives are now searching for Garcia-Mercado, who is described as 6 feet tall, weighing 170 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. Authorities have not confirmed his direct involvement but want to question him as part of the ongoing investigation.
“We are urging anyone with information about Richard Garcia-Mercado’s whereabouts to come forward,” Fragé said in a statement, directing the public to the Newark Police Division’s 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477).
Officials have not released further details about the investigation or the identities of the other suspects involved in the robbery. The case remains active as authorities seek additional leads from the community.