East Orange Man Accused Of Pepper Spraying 2 Newark Cops

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Authorities are searching for an East Orange man who allegedly pepper sprayed two police officers during a struggle in Newark last year.

The Newark Police Department has issued an arrest warrant for Isaiah Ketchens, 33, in connection with an incident that took place in July 2025.

According to the Newark Department of Public Safety, two officers were flagged down by a male who observed his stolen dirt bike listed for sale on Facebook Marketplace.

Police accompanied the victim to Smith Street near Norwood Place, where he had arranged to meet up with the person selling his dirt bike.

Upon becoming aware of police presence, the suspect – Isaiah Ketchens – attempted to flee the scene on the stolen dirt bike, authorities said.

Here’s what happened next, police alleged:

“A struggle ensued during which an officer attempted to use his pepper spray before observing a handgun in the suspect’s hand. The officer then dropped the pepper spray to recover the weapon from the suspect. Mr. Ketchens then picked up the pepper spray and sprayed both officers before fleeing southbound on Smith Street towards South Orange Avenue. A handgun loaded with ballpoint ammunition was recovered from the scene.”

Both officers were transported to University Hospital for treatment, police said.

On Wednesday, authorities announced that detectives investigating the incident have obtained a warrant for the arrest of Ketchens on charges of two counts of aggravated assault on a police officer, disarming a law enforcement officer, two counts of resisting arrest, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of prohibited weapons (ballpoint ammunition), and obstruction of justice.

Authorities said anyone with information can contact the Police Division’s 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477).

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