newark - Shore News Network

Middletown woman charged in Newark home invasion, pepper spray assault on 8 people

Breaking Local News ReportApril 23, 20250

NEWARK, DEL. — A Middletown woman was arrested after she allegedly forced her way into a Newark home and sprayed multiple people with a chemical irritant during an early morning altercation earlier this month, authorities said. Newark Police said officers responded to the area of East Main Street and Choate Street around 1:20 a.m. on April 5 following reports of a fight. Upon arrival, officers learned that multiple individuals had been exposed to what was believed to be pepper spray. The suspect had fled the scene. Investigators determined that a confrontation had taken place on Choate Street, after which several

Police hunt vandal who keyed car twice on Chestnut Street in Newark

Breaking Local News ReportApril 23, 20250

NEWARK, N.J. — Newark police are asking for the public’s help identifying a suspect involved in two separate acts of criminal mischief targeting the same vehicle last month and again earlier this month. According to Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda, Sr., the incidents occurred around 11 p.m. on the 40 block of Chestnut Street. The suspect, who was captured on surveillance video, allegedly keyed the rear passenger door and fender of a victim’s vehicle between March 13 and March 15 and returned to repeat the vandalism on April 3. Authorities released a surveillance image of the suspect and are encouraging

Newark police search for man who punched victim in early morning Polk Street assault

Breaking Local News ReportApril 22, 20250

NEWARK, NJ — Authorities are asking for the public’s help in identifying a man wanted for aggravated assault after he allegedly punched another man during an early morning altercation in Newark’s South Ward, officials said. The incident occurred around 3:30 a.m. on Sunday, April 20, in the 100 block of Polk Street. According to Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda, Sr., the victim had been speaking with a woman when her boyfriend approached, sparking a verbal dispute that quickly escalated. Police say the suspect punched the victim multiple times in the face before fleeing the scene on foot, heading northbound

Caught on camera: Newark cops hunt suspect in North Star Academy school break-in

Breaking Local News ReportApril 17, 20250

NEWARK, NJ, April 17 — Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying a man captured on surveillance video during a burglary at North Star Academy early Wednesday morning, Newark officials announced. The incident occurred around 1:50 a.m. on April 16, when the suspect reportedly climbed the fence at the Washington Place Courtyard of the school located at 13 Central Avenue. According to authorities, the man gained entry through a side alley door and spent approximately one hour inside the building. Once inside, the suspect attempted to access the school’s main office without success. He then broke into two

Newark police seek suspect wanted for marble madness

Breaking Local News ReportApril 16, 20250

NEWARK, N.J. — Newark police are asking for the public’s help in identifying a man accused of shattering windows with marbles during two early-morning incidents this week. According to Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda Sr., the unidentified suspect was caught on surveillance video on April 14 and April 15 damaging windows at two separate downtown locations using a slingshot-like device. Around 7 a.m. Monday, the man was seen using an unknown object to fire marbles at the Newark Department of Health & Welfare on the 100 block of William Street, cracking multiple windows. At the time, he was wearing

Newark election to allow 16, 17-year-olds to vote tomorrow

Breaking Local News ReportApril 14, 20250

NEWARK, NJ — Tomorrow, Newark will hold its school board election, marking a historic milestone as the first city in New Jersey to allow 16- and 17-year-olds to cast ballots. The election, set for April 15, 2025, follows a unanimous January 2024 city council decision to lower the voting age for school board races, a move celebrated by advocates as a bold step toward empowering youth and strengthening democracy. The ordinance, championed by then-City Council President LaMonica McIver and supported by Mayor Ras J. Baraka, aims to give Newark’s roughly 7,000 eligible teens a voice in shaping the policies of

Liquor store rampage: Newark cops hunt man who smashed TV, fridge with bottles

Breaking Local News ReportApril 14, 20250

NEWARK, NJ — Newark police are asking for the public’s help identifying a man who caused damage inside a Springfield Avenue liquor store after being asked to leave for appearing intoxicated, officials said Monday. Key Points Bottles hurled after being kicked out According to Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda, Sr., the incident happened at around 8:50 p.m. on April 7. A man entered the store in the 200 block of Springfield Avenue and was asked to leave by an employee who believed the suspect was under the influence. The man allegedly became agitated, grabbed two bottles, and threw one

Gun goes off inside Newark charter school, injures staff member in hallway incident

Breaking Local News ReportApril 11, 20250

NEWARK, Del. — A school employee was injured Thursday morning in an accidental shooting at ASPIRA Charter High School in Newark, prompting an active investigation by Delaware State Police. Key Points Accidental shooting during morning hours The incident happened at approximately 7:02 a.m. inside the school at 750 Otts Chapel Road. According to authorities, the man—identified as a school bus driver and member of the school’s Culture & Climate Team—was carrying a concealed firearm in his waistband when it discharged unintentionally. Delaware State Police stated the weapon fired as a result of being improperly handled or manipulated while on school

Newark man flees police on stolen motorcycle

Breaking Local News ReportApril 10, 20250

NEWARK, NJ — Authorities have issued an arrest warrant for a Newark man who allegedly fled from police on a stolen motorcycle after briefly cooperating during a traffic stop, officials said. Key Points Motorcycle pursuit follows brief traffic stop Elijah P. Oliver, 31, was observed by a police officer riding a motorcycle in the 500 block of Elizabeth Avenue at around 11:15 p.m. on Saturday, April 5. When Oliver stopped at a gas station on Frelinghuysen Avenue, the officer initiated a traffic stop and asked for identification. According to Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda, Sr., Oliver handed over a

Woman wanted for questioning in Newark armed robbery

Breaking Local News ReportApril 10, 20250

NEWARK, N.J. — Authorities are asking for the public’s help in locating a 25-year-old woman wanted for questioning in connection to an armed robbery earlier this week where a victim was forced to transfer money from his phone at gunpoint. Key Points Robbery occurred in North Ward Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda, Sr. said the robbery occurred on Monday, April 7, near North 5th Street and Dickerson Street. According to investigators, three suspects approached a man walking in the area and robbed him at gunpoint. The suspects took the victim’s cell phone and forced him to unlock it. Police

Manhunt underway after driver strikes victim twice in Newark hit-and-run

Breaking Local News ReportApril 7, 20250

NEWARK, NJ — Authorities are searching for a driver who twice struck a man with a vehicle in a hit-and-run incident early Friday morning, according to the Newark Department of Public Safety. Key Points Victim hit, then struck again Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda Sr. said the incident occurred around 3 a.m. when the suspect drove a silver Ford Taurus with New Jersey plates (L70RGX) onto the curb of Grove Street between Grain Street and Central Avenue, striking a male pedestrian. The driver then reversed the vehicle, hitting the victim a second time before fleeing eastbound on Central Avenue.

Kearny police chase and arrest armed robbery suspect after foot pursuit into East Newark

Breaking Local News ReportApril 6, 20250

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 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

Wawa ATM scuffle ends in robbery arrest as Newark man is extradited from Maryland

Breaking Local News ReportApril 5, 20250

BEAR, DELAWARE — A Newark man was arrested this week in connection with a December strong-arm robbery at a Wawa ATM in Bear, after authorities tracked him across state lines to Maryland. Key Points Delaware State Police responded to the Wawa at 1605 Pulaski Highway on December 2 at approximately 5:41 p.m. following a report of a robbery. According to police, the suspect approached a customer at the ATM inside the store and attempted to snatch the cash following the transaction. A struggle broke out, but the victim initially held onto the money. As the victim tried to leave the

Newark man arrested after 9-year-old girl critically injured in hit-and-run

Breaking Local News ReportApril 3, 20250

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY — Police have arrested a 51-year-old man in connection with a hit-and-run that left a 9-year-old girl critically injured in Newark earlier this week, city officials announced Wednesday. Key Points: Sawab O. Williams of Newark was taken into custody after being identified as the suspect in an April 1 collision at the intersection of Irvine Turner Boulevard and Spruce Street, according to Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda, Sr. Officers responded to the scene around 7:36 a.m., where the child had been struck by a vehicle. The driver fled without stopping. The girl was rushed to University

Manhunt underway for Newark driver who hit 9-year-old girl and fled scene

Breaking Local News ReportApril 3, 20250

NEWARK, N.J. — Authorities have issued an arrest warrant for a Newark man accused of hitting a 9-year-old pedestrian with his vehicle and fleeing the scene early Tuesday morning, according to the city’s Department of Public Safety. Sawab O. Williams, 51, also known as “SB,” is wanted on charges of assault by auto and endangering an injured victim after allegedly striking a child at the intersection of Irvine Turner Boulevard and Spruce Street around 7:36 a.m. on April 1. The young girl was taken to University Hospital in critical but stable condition. Police say the driver failed to remain at

As Many New Jersey Districts Mull School Closings, Newark Spent $2.8 Million on Expensive Catering

Breaking Local News ReportMarch 31, 20250

NEWARK, N.J. — Your school district might be faced with closing and selling schools to close their budget gap, but the prime beneficiary of New Jersey school state aid is living high on the hog. The Newark School Board authorized spending up to $2.8 million in taxpayer money for catered meals at meetings and events, drawing sharp criticism from a Republican state senator who accused the district of reckless spending. Sen. Declan O’Scanlon (R-13) slammed the move, citing it as another example of what he called the district’s “obscene spending habits,” which have included travel expenditures and recreational staff events.

Newark Officers Receive Glass Ceiling Award

Breaking Local News ReportMarch 28, 20250

Newark Officers Receive Glass Ceiling Award

**Newark, NJ** – Members of the Newark Police Department were recognized for their service on Thursday during a ceremony to honor their achievements. The 7th Precinct Executive Lieutenant G. Caballero, 4th Precinct Community Service Officer K. Eley, and 6th Precinct Officer M. Chang received the Glass Ceiling Award from West Ward Council Member Dupre Kelly.

The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Mayor of Public Safety, LaKeesha Eure. This event highlighted the dedication and contribution of the officers to their community.

The Newark NJ Department of Public Safety shared the event details through their social media platforms. The department emphasized the importance of recognizing the efforts of officers in maintaining public safety.

The award ceremony serves as a token of appreciation for the distinguished service provided by the officers in their respective roles within the Newark Police Department.

Creep on the run: Newark police seek suspect in Elizabeth Avenue sex assault

Breaking Local News ReportMarch 27, 20250

NEWARK, N.J. — Newark Public Safety officials are asking for the public’s help identifying a man wanted in connection with a sexual assault reported Wednesday morning near Elizabeth Avenue and Vanderpool Street. According to Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda Sr., the incident occurred around 9:18 a.m. when a woman walking in the area was approached by an unknown male who touched her buttocks before fleeing eastbound on Vanderpool Street. Key Points Detectives described the suspect as a Black male, approximately 20 to 25 years old, standing between 5’3″ and 5’6″ tall, weighing 120 to 145 pounds, with black hair.

Suspected Chinese Spy Arrested by ICE in Newark Convicted in Court

Breaking Local News ReportMarch 27, 20250

NEWARK, N.J. — A Chinese national convicted of acting as an unregistered agent of a foreign government was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on March 24 in Newark, officials confirmed Wednesday. Ming Xi Zhang, who lawfully entered the U.S. in 2000, remains in ICE custody following his federal conviction in New Jersey for engaging in covert activities on behalf of a foreign power without notifying the U.S. Attorney General. Key Points Zhang’s conviction came from the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, which sentenced him to three years of probation on April 30, 2024. He

Should a 14-Year-Old Who Murdered a Newark Cop Face Adult Charges?

Breaking Local News ReportMarch 25, 20250

NEWARK, NJ – A new debate is raging in New Jersey surrounding the murder of a Newark police officer at the hands of a 14-year-old boy. On March 7, Newark, New Jersey, was rocked by tragedy when Detective Joseph Azcona, a 26-year-old five-year veteran of the police force, was gunned down in his patrol car while investigating illegal firearms. The alleged shooter? A 14-year-old boy, now charged with murder, attempted murder, and weapons offenses. A petition is circulating, demanding that this teenager be tried as an adult, reflecting a growing public outcry over the loss of a hero and a

Do You Know Them? Pair Sought in Armed Robbery at Newark Barbershop

Breaking Local News ReportMarch 25, 20250

NEWARK, N.J. — Newark police are asking for the public’s help in identifying two men who carried out an armed robbery inside a barbershop on Frelinghuysen Avenue last week. According to Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda Sr., the incident occurred around 5:16 p.m. on Monday, March 17, 2025, when the suspects entered the shop. One man pulled out a firearm, causing several patrons to flee to the back—except for one victim who remained seated in the barber’s chair. Key Points The armed suspect struck the victim with the weapon and stole his crossbody bag containing $700 before fleeing with

Newark expediter pleads guilty in bribery and COVID loan fraud schemes

Breaking Local News ReportMarch 25, 20250

NEWARK, N.J. — A Newark expediter admitted Wednesday to conspiring to bribe city officials, including former Councilmember Joseph A. McCallum Jr., and to fabricating official city documents for real estate and construction projects, federal prosecutors said. Lamont Baxter, 49, also pleaded guilty to participating in a scheme to fraudulently obtain Paycheck Protection Program loans during the COVID-19 pandemic, collecting over $40,000 in relief funds, according to U.S. Attorney John Giordano. Key Points Between 2017 and August 2022, Baxter served as a liaison between developers and Newark agencies, helping expedite permits and approvals in exchange for cash bribes. He used terms

New Jersey candidate for governor blames NJ officials for Newark police shooting

Breaking Local News ReportMarch 22, 20250

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J. — Mayor Mario Kranjac has blamed state and local Democratic leaders for creating what he calls an “anti-police environment” following the fatal shooting of Newark Police Detective Azcona and the injury of another officer. In a statement Monday, Kranjac, a Republican and outspoken supporter of former President Donald Trump, claimed that policies from Governor Phil Murphy, Attorney General Matt Platkin, former Attorney General Gurbir Grewal, and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka have contributed to lawlessness. “The horrific murder of a Police Officer by a 14-year-old child-criminal shows how decades of a left-wing, Marxist, anti-police ideology have hollowed out

Newark shoplifters steal nearly $850 in Nike shoes,

Local News ReportMarch 19, 20250

NEWARK, NJ — Authorities are asking for the public’s help in identifying four women accused of stealing 17 pairs of Nike footwear from a store in Newark. On March 12 at approximately 4:50 p.m., the suspects entered the Nike Factory Store in the 600 block of Mayor Kenneth A. Gibson Boulevard. They placed the merchandise, valued at $846, into a black tote bag before leaving without paying. The group was last seen walking southbound toward Market Street. All four suspects are described as Hispanic females. They wore hoodies, sweatsuits, and leggings, with one carrying a pink crossbody bag. Officials urge

23-Year-Old Dead in Early Morning Crash in Newark

Breaking Local News ReportMarch 18, 20250

NEWARK, Del. – A 23-year-old man was killed Tuesday morning in a single-vehicle crash in Newark, Delaware State Police said. The crash occurred around 7:15 a.m. on Sunset Lake Road (SR-72), just south of Reybold Road. Authorities said a blue 2004 Honda Accord was traveling northbound at an apparent high rate of speed when it veered off the right side of the road. The car struck a ditch and then collided with several trees. The driver, a Newark resident, was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity has not been released as police work to notify his family. Investigators closed