Spurs Cap, Shirt Help Cops ID Fraud Suspect At Newark Airport

NEWARK, NJ — A South Carolina man’s San Antonio Spurs gear helped Port Authority police identify and apprehend him after he allegedly tried to use fake documents to rent a car at the Newark Airport Hertz location, authorities say.

Police received a complaint about a man trying to use fraudulent documents - including a South Carolina driver’s license and a Bank of America credit card - at the Hertz around 4 a.m. on Wednesday, a spokesman with the Port Authority of NY/NJ stated.

Witnesses told arriving officers that the suspect fled the area before they arrived. The witnesses gave police a “detailed description” of the man, including his San Antonio Spurs hat and clothing, authorities said.

Port Authority police later saw a man who matched the suspect’s description walking away from a nearby bus stop at the airport. As the officer interviewed the suspect - later identified as Wurie Jalloh, 27, of Brooklyn, New York – the bus driver stepped out of the vehicle and handed Jalloh a San Antonio Spurs hat and sweatshirt that he allegedly left on the bus.

Both items matched the description that witnesses gave officers, authorities said.

When police arrested Jalloh, he allegedly provided them with a fake name. Officers discovered his real identity during his arrest processing, authorities stated.

Police later found Jalloh’s cellphone and a South Carolina ID card at the Newark Airport Hertz office, authorities said.

Authorities charged Jalloh with Forgery, Credit Card Theft, Intent to Defraud A Card Holder and Hindering Apprehension.

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