Officials: Dispute Led to Irvington Man's Death in Newark Car Crash

An argument over a double-parked car, which resulted in a car chase between the two drivers, likely led to the death of an Irvington man who was struck by one of the drivers early Saturday morning in Newark's West Ward.

The Essex County Prosecutor's Office said Terron Covin, 38, whose last known addresses were in both Irvington and West Orange, was struck and killed in his car at the corner of Sanford and Marion Avenues around 4 a.m. after two cars collided with Covin's and crashed into a nearby building.

On Monday, the prosecutor's office . Authorities said Gary A. Cook, 44, of Newark, was in a double-parked car near Varsity Road and Lennox Street when another driver flashed high beams at him. Someone in Cook's car fired shots at the driver with the high beams and the driver apparently fled towards Marion Avenue as Cook pursued. Then, Cook and the second driver crashed into Covin's car at Marion and Sanford avenues, allegedly killing him, authorities said.

Covin was pronounced dead at the scene. The name of the man driving the second car, the one with the high beams, was not released.

Cook Sr., Gary A. Cook Jr., 24, of Newark, and Lamar Baker, 27, of Newark, all who occupied the double-parked car, were charged Monday with aggravated assault and weapons offenses. Cook Jr., Cook Sr.'s son, was in the passenger seat. Baker was in a rear passenger seat.

Both Cook Sr. and Cook Jr. are in serious condition at University Hospital in Newark. The driver of the car with the high beams suffered minor injuries and has not been charged with any crime.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Essex County Prosecutor's tips line at 1-877-847-7432 or the Newark Police Department tips number at 1-877-695-8477.