Newark Mugging Victim Fights Back Against Armed Robber: Police

NEWARK, NJ — A Newark resident narrowly escaped a tragedy when they fought back against an armed man trying to rob them on Bryant Street Tuesday night, authorities say.

The battle took place around 7:30 p.m. on the 100 block of Bryant Street, when Hanife D. McCall, 24, of Newark, allegedly tried to rob a person at gunpoint. But the would-be-victim decided to fight back and grab McCall’s revolver, authorities said.

A struggle ensued. The gun fired. And that’s when someone called the cops.

A Newark police officer arrived on the scene shortly afterwards and detained McCall, but not before suffering an injury to his knee during the process. Emergency responders transported the police officer to a nearby hospital. He was released after receiving treatment, authorities said.

No other injuries resulted from the robbery attempt, police said.

Police later recovered the alleged robbery weapon at the scene.

Newark authorities said Tuesday evening that McCall is expected to be charged with Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, Aggravated Assault Against a Police Officer, Robbery and Resisting Arrest.

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