Belleville Woman Charged With Knifepoint Robbery, Kidnapping

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Police have charged a Belleville woman in connection with an early morning armed robbery that took place in Newark on Tuesday, authorities say.

A female victim reported that a woman robbed her at knifepoint around 5:45 a.m. on the 100 block of 4th Avenue, according to the Newark Department of Public Safety. During the robbery, a group of concerned citizens intervened and the suspect fled on foot, police said.

Officers responding to the area found the suspected robber, Desiree K. DaSilva, 22, of Belleville, a short distance from the scene on Stone Street.

Police charged DaSilva with Robbery, Kidnapping, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose.

Details about the kidnapping charge were not immediately available.

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