Newark Cop Tries To Make Traffic Stop, Gets Gun Pointed At Him: Police Seek Suspect

NEWARK, NJ — Newark authorities have arrested one man and are searching for another after a police sergeant allegedly had a gun pointed at him while trying to pull a Honda Civic over for a traffic stop on Saturday, police say.

According to the Newark Department of Public Safety, a police sergeant canvassing the area of Grafton Avenue and Oraton Street around 2:15 a.m. heard gunshots and saw a black, four-door Honda Civic traveling at a high rate of speed on Grafton Avenue. The sergeant attempted a motor vehicle stop, but the suspects allegedly refused to pull the vehicle over.

During the encounter, the passenger allegedly pointed a gun at the police sergeant before the driver managed to elude the officers in the area of Ridge Street and Ballantine Parkway, authorities stated.

The sergeant did not fire his weapon during the incident, police said.

Police later found the Honda Civic abandoned in the area of Ridge Street and Elwood Avenue. Officers also recovered the handgun that was allegedly pointed at the sergeant, authorities said.

On Tuesday, the Newark Police Fugitive Apprehension Team, with assistance from the division’s Emergency Response Team, arrested Alexander Marfisi, 26, of Newark, in connection with the incident.

Newark authorities stated that they continue to search for a second suspect, Adam Aquino, 27, of Newark.

Both men are charged with Aggravated Assault Against a Police Officer, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Eluding, Conspiracy and Discharge of a Firearm.

Anyone with information about Adam Aquino [see photo] is urged to 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).

Photo of Adam Aquino: Newark Department of Public Safety