Newark Cops Raise Alarm After ‘Serial Homeless Attacks’ In NY, DC

NEWARK, NJ — UPDATE: Newark Public Safety Director Brian O’Hara reported that the suspect in recent attacks against homeless individuals in New York City and Washington D.C. was arrested Tuesday in D.C. Our original article follows below.

Newark police and city workers are warning local residents to be aware about recent attacks on people experiencing homelessness in New York City and Washington D.C.

On Sunday, police and workers from the city’s homeless outreach department began an outreach campaign among people without addresses living in Newark.

According to the Newark Department of Public Safety:

“The NYPD is investigating an attack that occurred [Saturday], when a suspect approached two homeless individuals and shot both of them, killing one. The Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Department is also investigating a series of attacks that occurred between March 3 and 9, when at least three individuals were stabbed and shot. One of homeless individuals was also set on fire and killed.”

“Beginning tonight, Newark’s residents without addresses will be advised by police of the recent separate attacks against homeless in New York City and in Washington D.C.,” Newark Public Safety Director Brian O’Hara said.

“Our goal, along with the city’s homelessness workers, is to remove them from the streets and to assist them to shelters for their safety,” O’Hara said.

• See related article: 5 Shootings Of Sleeping Homeless Men In DC, NYC Linked: Police

O’Hara said anyone with information about attacks such as those in New York City and Washington D.C. can call the department's 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477). Anonymous tips can also be made using the police division’s website or through its smartphone app.

More people are experiencing homelessness in Essex County than any other part of the state, according to a recent survey. About 85.9 percent of those counted in Essex County live in Newark, the state's most populated city.

• See related article: Essex County Still Has The Most Homeless People In New Jersey

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