NEWARK, NJ – The Newark Department of Public Safety is calling for public assistance to identify a male suspect involved in recent armed robberies. Public Safety Director Fritz G. Fragé announced the request following two incidents in close proximity.

The first incident occurred on Wednesday at approximately 3:23 p.m. on the 500 block of Orange Street. A male suspect attempted to steal a woman’s purse and, upon resistance, brandished a handgun, leading the victim to surrender her belongings. The suspect then escaped westbound towards East Orange.

In a related incident early Thursday at 12:15 a.m., the same individual targeted another woman near Roseville Avenue and Orange Street. He was last seen fleeing on a bicycle, then on foot, into East Orange. Police have since recovered the bicycle and weapon involved.

Described as a 5’8″ African American male with a thin build, dark complexion, goatee, and dread locs or braids, he was last seen wearing a yellow shirt with a dinosaur logo, black striped sweatpants, and black and gray sneakers. Detectives are urging anyone with information to come forward to assist in the swift identification of the suspect.