Newark Man Arrested In Connection To Shots Fired Incident, Chase

NEWARK, NJ —A Newark man is in custody and facing weapons and drug charges after a shots fired incident in that city early Monday morning, the Newark Department of Public Safety said. The suspect was driving a car he allegedly stole at gunpoint in Jersey City, according to WABC.

Rodney Burch, 28, was apprehended by police shortly before 4 a.m. after a short pursuit that ended at Kearny Street, near Summer Avenue. Burch faces charges of unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, discharging a weapon within the city limits, eluding, obstruction of the administration of the law, aggravated assault against a police officer and possession of CDS, according to Newark Department of Public Safety.

"I commend the patrol officers for their courage in confronting and apprehending a suspect seen brazenly firing a weapon on our streets," said Brian O'Hara, Newark Public Safety director "Had it not been for their brave and swift actions, this senseless, violent incident could have resulted in tragedy."

Jersey City officials have not announced any charges relating to alleged crimes in that jurisdiction.

WABC reported that Burch stole a Nissan at gunpoint in Jersey City at around 3:15 a.m. Monday morning.

According to Newark police, at around 3:40 a.m., an officer patrolling the 600 block of Summer Avenue in Newark observed Burch, who was standing outside a black Nissan Sentra, raise a gun and discharge multiple rounds into the air.

Then, upon becoming aware of police presence, Burch fled in the vehicle, police said.

After crashing into a parked vehicle, Burch then fled on foot, tossing the handgun into the backyard of a residence in the 100 block of Summer Avenue, according to police.

Police said they soon apprehended Burch, who then allegedly spit at the arresting officers.

According to police, a handgun was recovered and they found Burch in possession of 34 glassine envelopes of suspected heroin.

WABC reported that Burch was taken to the hospital to be evaluated.