Kearny police chase and arrest armed robbery suspect after foot pursuit into east newark

Robbery suspect with knife and stolen jewelry caught after Kearny police chase

KEARNY, N.J. — A robbery suspect was arrested Thursday morning after leading multiple Kearny police officers on a foot chase that ended in East Newark, according to a press release from the Kearny Police Department.

Key Points

Robbery suspect fled on foot after ditching bicycle and clothing; captured in East Newark.
Officers recovered stolen jewelry, a knife, an airsoft pistol, and multiple discarded items.
Marquis E. Simmons, 35, of Newark, faces robbery, weapons, theft, and obstruction charges.

Around 10:50 a.m., Officer Ryan Wilson was flagged down near Halstead Street and Kearny Avenue by a robbery victim who reported being held up by a suspect on a bicycle. The suspect fled from Officer Wilson and discarded both his bike and outer layers of clothing, which were later recovered.

Officer Wilson gave a description of the suspect, including distinctive face tattoos, while other officers canvassed the area. The suspect fled through backyards, crossed Belgrove Drive, and headed south along the Passaic River.

Suspect apprehended and items recovered

Detectives Matos, San Martin, and Nunez spotted the suspect, who changed direction and began running. A foot pursuit ensued and Officer Sean Wilson, along with East Newark Sergeant Fiore, eventually caught the suspect near Grant Avenue in East Newark. Police recovered the victim’s jewelry and a knife during a search.

The suspect, identified as Marquis E. Simmons, 35, of Newark, was also linked to an airsoft pistol with its orange safety tip removed, as well as multiple weapons and clothing items discarded during the chase.

Multiple charges filed

Simmons was charged with robbery, theft, four counts of weapons offenses, and two counts of obstructing the administration of law.

“Outstanding work by our officers in apprehending this robbery suspect,” said Chief of Police Scott Macfie. “Criminals should know—if you break the law in this town, we will find you and we will hold you accountable.”

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