Mother Robbed While Pushing Stroller In Summit

SUMMIT, NJ — A Summit mother was pushing a stroller along Park Avenue when police say she was robbed during an encounter that led to an arrest later that same morning.

Authorities say the incident happened around 9 a.m. Wednesday near John Street, when a man approached the woman from behind, then moved in front of her and the stroller before grabbing at her cell phone. A brief struggle followed as the woman tried to hold onto her phone, according to police.

Investigators say the man was able to take the phone and also grabbed the woman’s sunglasses from the stroller before fleeing the area in a dark-colored 2024 Chevrolet Impala.

Police said a witness called 911, which helped quickly alert officers to the situation.

By around 11 a.m., detectives identified a suspect as Darell L. Mitchell, 55, of Newark. Police said he was located and arrested in Newark and was in possession of items taken during the incident at the time of his arrest.

Mitchell has been charged with robbery, endangering the welfare of a child, and receiving stolen property. He was later taken to the Essex County jail pending his first court appearance in Union County.