Newark Driver Fights Off Carjackers, Gets Hit In Head: Police

NEWARK, NJ — A man and woman tried to carjack a Newark driver earlier this month, but she refused to let them take her vehicle, even when one of them hit her in the head with a weapon, police announced Tuesday.

The attempted carjacking took place around 7:30 p.m. on April 16 on the 100-block of Downing Street, according to the Newark Department of Public Safety.

The victim told police that a man and woman attempted to carjack her, striking her in the head with a “weapon” when she put up a struggle. Her attackers eventually gave up and fled the scene, she said.

Staff at St. Michael’s Hospital treated the victim and released her, police said.

Police said that one suspect was described as a middle-aged male about 5 feet 9 inches with a medium build and wearing a black and brown coat with light blue jeans. Police said that the other suspect was described as a middle-aged Hispanic woman with long, black hair and a tattoo on her right wrist.

Newark authorities provided the below surveillance photo in connection with the attempted carjacking.

“While police are actively searching for these suspects, we seek the public’s assistance in quickly locating and removing them from our streets,” Newark authorities said Tuesday. “This investigation is ongoing.”

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 can also be made using the Police Division’s website at: www.newarkpdonline.org or through its smartphone app available at iTunes and Google Play.

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Main Photo: Google Maps