Crime & Safety

Alleged Drug Dealer Escapes Police Custody In Newark

A man accused of dealing drugs on school property escaped police custody while attending court in Newark on Monday afternoon.

NEWARK, NJ — UPDATE: Newark police reported Monday that Edwin Hernandez was apprehended at Newark Penn Station around 7 p.m. Our original article follows below.

A prisoner escaped police custody in Newark on Monday afternoon, authorities said.

According to the Newark Department of Public Safety, Edwin Hernandez, 26, of Newark, escaped police custody while attending court.

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Hernandez was arrested at 9:16 p.m. on May 13 for several warrants, possession of CDS, distribution of CDS, distribution within 1,000 feet of a school, distribution of CDS on school property and resisting arrest, police said.

“While attending court today, Hernandez managed to escape police custody and is currently at large,” police stated. “While [we] are actively searching for Hernandez, we seek the public’s assistance in quickly locating him and removing him from our streets.”

Find out what's happening in Newarkfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Newark authorities provided the below photo of Hernandez.

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Edwin Hernandez can call the Department's 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877- NWK-TIPS (1-877- 695-8477) or 1-877- NWK-GUNS (1- 877-695- 4867). Anonymous tips can also be made using the Police Division’s website at: www.newarkpd.org or through our its smartphone app available at iTunes or on Google Play.

Keep updated with local public safety alerts at the Patch Newark Facebook page. Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Main Photo: Shutterstock

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