Newark Police Arrest 5 In Connection With Local Shootings

NEWARK, NJ — Police in Newark arrested five people in connection with local shootings last week, including a teenage suspect who allegedly tried to carjack a retired police captain, authorities said.

On Saturday, the Newark Department of Public Safety released the following information about each arrest.

CARJACKING

According to authorities, police responded to the 200-block of 14th Avenue around 3:45 p.m. on Nov. 24 after getting a ShotSpotter notification.

Here’s what happened next, authorities said:

“Police located the victim, a retired Newark police captain, who had been shot at by a male juvenile who attempted to carjack him. The victim was sitting in his parked vehicle conducting his duties as a security officer when the suspect opened his vehicle’s door and demanded that he get out. The victim withdrew his firearm, causing the suspect to flee, heading west on 14th Avenue towards Ashland Street. The victim chased the suspect, who then drew a weapon and fired towards him, striking a parked vehicle.”

Detectives investigating this incident identified a juvenile suspect, who was arrested Friday. He faces charges of carjacking, aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and criminal mischief, authorities said.

VICTIM SHOT EXITING BUS

According to police, Christopher Rodriguez, 20, and Tommie Jordan, 18, both of Newark, were arrested on Dec. 1 and charged with aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, possession of a prohibited weapon (large capacity magazine) and conspiracy.

Police accused Rodriguez and Jordan of shooting a victim who exited a NJ Transit bus on the 500-block of Elizabeth Avenue.

The victim was transported to University Hospital for treatment of a non-life-threatening injury, and is reportedly in stable condition, authorities said.

SHOOTING, ROBBERY

Police arrested Ammaj Jones, 19, of Newark, on Nov. 24 after he was identified as the suspect who robbed and shot a victim in the 100-block of 1st Street on Nov. 18, authorities said.

Authorities accused Jones of entering the back seat of the victim’s vehicle when a passenger exited. After demanding the victim’s cash and property, he then shot the victim and fled the vehicle, police said.

Police later identified Jones as a suspect, arresting him after officers carried out a search warrant.

Jones was charged with aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and robbery.

SHOT AT FROM VEHICLE

Newark police said they arrested Khalil Palmer, 38, of Irvington, on Nov. 23 in connection with a shooting that took place on Oct. 20.

According to police:

“Police responded to the 200-block of South 20th Street following a ShotSpotter notification. A female victim was shot at from a vehicle that followed her from Newark onto Routes 1 and 9. The victim was not injured. Police identified Palmer as the suspect in this incident and he was arrested without incident. Palmer faces charges of aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and certain persons prohibited from weapon possession.”

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