Newark Cops Search For Man After Domestic Violence Stabbing: PD

NEWARK, NJ — Newark police are searching for a man who allegedly stabbed a woman in a North Ward home during a domestic violence-related incident on Wednesday night. The victim is hospitalized in critical condition, authorities said.

According to the Newark Department of Public Safety, authorities have issued an arrest warrant for Erwin Rucal, 39, of Newark, for “an incident of attempted murder” that took place around 9:30 p.m. in the city’s North Ward.

Officers responded to a home after receiving a call that a woman was assaulted by a man she knows. On arrival, the officers found the woman suffering from a knife wound, authorities said.

Emergency responders transported the victim to University Hospital for treatment; she was in critical condition as of Thursday, authorities said.

Detectives investigating this incident identified Rucal as a suspect in the stabbing, and have secured a warrant for his arrest on charges of attempted murder, aggravated assault, terroristic threats, unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.

Police said Rucal is 5 feet 6 inches and 200 pounds, with a fair skin complexion, black hair and brown eyes. He also has a tattoo of a spider on his neck. (See below photo)

“While police are actively searching for Rucal, we seek the public’s assistance in quickly locating and removing him from our streets,” Newark authorities said.

A police investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Erwin Rucal 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 its smartphone app.

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