‘We Know Who They Are’: Newark Mass Shooting Investigation Continues

NEWARK, NJ — “We know who they are.” That was one of the messages from Newark Mayor Ras Baraka as the city continues to reel from a drive-by shooting that injured nine people last week.

Authorities said the shooting took place at 6:19 p.m. on June 30 on the 200-block of Clinton Place. The victims – who ranged from 17-years-old to 68-years-old – are all in stable condition. Four adult victims and one juvenile male were taken to Newark Beth Israel Medical Center for treatment of their wounds. Four other adult victims were transported to University Hospital for treatment.

The shooters allegedly arrived at Clinton Place and St. James Place in a white, 2021 Honda Pilot that was reported stolen out of Jersey City the day before. After the shooting, the Honda left the scene east on Lehigh Avenue from Clinton Place.

Police said the suspects who stole the Honda arrived in Jersey City using a black, 2016 BMW X1, which was reported stolen out of New York on June 29. Both vehicles were recovered in Newark; the Honda at Elizabeth Avenue and Stengel Avenue, and the BMW on Hunterdon Street.

On July 4, Baraka and city public safety officials gave an update on the police investigation into the shooting, noting that one suspect – a 17-year-old male from Newark – has been arrested (watch the video here). The juvenile has been charged with receiving stolen property (the BMW), obstruction of the administration of law and resisting arrest.

Other suspects apparently remain at-large, although Baraka emphasized that the investigation is moving forward quickly.

“This is not an arbitrary random incident of violence,” the mayor said. “This is two groups that have been going back and forth.”

“We know who they are,” Baraka added. “We’ve identified who they are…. We know where they hang at.”

Baraka said that it appears the shooting was “the result of two groups in a dispute,” although he added that there is no evidence that it is related to gang activity.

More than 60 percent of the violence in Newark happens because of personal disputes, he said.

Baraka said the police investigation is ongoing, and that the city has received support from the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office.

“Our goal is to bring each suspect involved to justice,” Baraka said. “Each of the victims in this case obviously deserves that.”

• See related article: Violent Crime Up In Newark For 2021, But Down Over 3-Year Period

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