Security Guard Stabbed At Newark Nightclub: Police

NEWARK, NJ — A security guard at a nightclub in Newark was stabbed after an argument with a customer earlier this week, authorities say.

According to the Newark Department of Public Safety, the stabbing took place around 2 a.m. on Monday as a private event was ending at Lit 21, a restaurant, nightclub and sports bar located on the 1000-block of McCarter Highway.

Here’s what happened, authorities alleged:

“As the security guard escorted people from the club’s lower level, the suspect walked into that area from upstairs and refused to leave. An argument ensued and the suspect swung at the guard, who hit the man in the face, causing him to fall to the floor. The guard got on top of the suspect to hold him down, but the suspect pulled out a small pocket knife and stabbed the guard twice in his shoulder and once in his hand.”

The suspect fled the scene after the stabbing. The guard was treated for his wounds at University Hospital, police said.

The suspect was captured on surveillance video. Police released photos of the suspect, who is 5 feet 8 inches and has dreadlocks (see below).

Authorities said anyone with information can contact the Police Division’s 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477). Anonymous tips can also be made using the Police Division’s website.

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.