NEWARK, N.J. — Newark police are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect wanted in connection with a brutal aggravated assault and robbery that occurred early Friday, July 4.
At approximately 12:55 a.m., officers responded to a report of an assault in the 200 block of Elm Street. Upon arrival, they found a man lying unconscious in a pool of blood. According to investigators, the suspect shoved the victim to the ground and repeatedly stomped on his face until he lost consciousness. The suspect then searched the victim’s pockets and stole his cell phone and wallet.
Bystanders attempted to pursue the attacker, but he escaped through backyards along the 200 block of Lafayette Street toward Adams Street.
The suspect is described as a Hispanic male with a light complexion, standing between 5 feet 6 inches and 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing around 180 pounds, and having tattoos on both arms. He was last seen wearing a blue Nike T-shirt, blue jean shorts, a white cap, and black-and-white Nike sneakers. Police say he is known to frequent Independence Park near Market and Ferguson streets.
Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda, Sr. is urging anyone with information about the suspect’s identity to contact the Newark Police Division’s 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477). Tipsters can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward.