Suspect throws coffee and flees after failed holdup
NEWARK, N.J. — Police are searching for a man who allegedly used a phone translation app to threaten a cashier during an attempted robbery at a Newark restaurant last month.
The incident occurred around 7:50 a.m. February 20 in the 100 block of South Street, according to the Newark Department of Public Safety.
Authorities said the suspect entered the restaurant, purchased a cup of coffee and then used the Google Translate app to announce a robbery. Police allege he threatened to shoot the cashier if she did not open the register.
When the cashier ran away from the register, the suspect attempted to remove it but was unsuccessful. He then threw his coffee and fled the business, heading eastbound on South Street.
The suspect was last seen walking eastbound on Tichenor Street toward Pennington Court, officials said.
Detectives described the suspect as a Black male wearing all black clothing and a black face mask.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Newark Police Division’s 24-hour Crime Stoppers tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477) or submit an anonymous tip online through the department’s website.
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Key Points
- Suspect allegedly used Google Translate app to threaten cashier
- Attempted robbery occurred February 20 on South Street
- Police seeking public’s help to identify masked suspect
