Man Told Attackers He Was Newark Cop; They Rob Him Anyway: Police

NEWARK, NJ — Authorities have arrested a man who allegedly was part of a group that assaulted an off-duty Newark police officer on Tuesday.

According to the Newark Department of Public Safety, the officer got into a collision with another driver around 11:05 p.m. near Bloomfield and Mount Prospect Avenues. When he saw someone on the ground, the officer got out of his vehicle. At that point, a group of men allegedly assaulted him and took his cell phone, even though he repeatedly told them that he was a police officer.

The driver of the other car managed to run to safety during the assault, police said.

After the assault, the injured officer’s on-duty peers arrived on the scene to lend aid. Emergency responders transported him to University Hospital for treatment, authorities said.

After conducting an investigation, Newark detectives identified Geraldo Concepcion, 27, of Newark, one of the suspects who allegedly attacked and robbed the officer. Police arrested Concepcion on Wednesday and charged him with aggravated assault and conspiracy. (See below photo)

“Several other suspects remain at large as this investigation continues,” the Newark Department of Public Safety stated Wednesday. “While police are actively searching for other suspects, we seek the public’s assistance in quickly locating and removing them from our streets.”

Anyone with information 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 may also be made using the Police Division’s website at: www.newarkpd.org or through its Smartphone App available at iTunes or on Google Play.

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Photo of Geraldo Concepcion: Newark Department of Public Safety

Main photo: Shutterstock