Police say officers chased the suspect through several backyards before taking him into custody after the stolen vehicle was abandoned.
Newark, NJ – A Newark man has been arrested in connection with a carjacking involving a vehicle occupied by a woman and two children earlier this month, according to Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda Sr.
Pedro Salazar, 28, of Newark, was taken into custody following the March 8 incident in the city’s North Ward.
Key Points
• Newark man arrested after carjacking vehicle with two children inside
• Victims escaped safely before suspect drove off in the car
• Police tracked the vehicle and captured the suspect after a foot chase
Carjacking reported on Bloomfield Avenue
Police responded around 7:38 p.m. to the 100 block of Bloomfield Avenue after receiving a report of a carjacking.
Authorities said a man had briefly left a vehicle parked outside while he entered a nearby store, leaving a woman and two children inside.
Investigators said the suspect entered the driver’s side door and ordered the woman in the front passenger seat to get out, threatening to drive away with the children if she refused.
The woman and the two children, ages 17 and 4, exited the vehicle before the suspect drove away eastbound on Bloomfield Avenue.
Vehicle tracked through Newark streets
Police used a tracking device on the vehicle to locate it near Mt. Prospect Place.
When officers approached, authorities said the suspect fled in the vehicle, traveling northbound and striking a parked car before continuing to the 500 block of Clifton Avenue.
The vehicle was later found abandoned, and officers determined the suspect had fled on foot through nearby backyards.
Suspect captured after foot pursuit
Investigators said the suspect ran through properties along Clifton Avenue and Ridge Street before officers located him.
Police ultimately apprehended Salazar in the 500 block of Parker Street.
Director Miranda praised the officers involved, noting they were persistent in searching the area and safely taking the suspect into custody.