Newark NJ police recently arrested an East Orange man accused of shooting a person during a theft incident.
According to Newark law enforcement, the suspect approached a 24-year-old man who was walking near the intersection of South Orange Avenue and Sunset Street in Newark, New Jersey. The suspect allegedly brandished a handgun as he tried to steal the victim’s cell phone.
At some point during the theft attempt, the victim tried to run away, prompting the suspect to fire a gun at the victim. After the shooting, the suspect fled the scene.
Detectives with the Newark Major Crimes Shooting Team investigated the incident and eventually determined the identity of the suspect.
The suspect, a 39-year-old man from East Orange NJ, was later apprehended in Asbury Park in Newark, NJ. He has been charged with numerous crimes, including aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon, and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.
If the suspect is eventually convicted of aggravated assault, he faces severe penalties. As set forth by N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1(b), a person who commits an assault with a deadly weapon such as a handgun or a knife can be charged with a third degree felony. A conviction for third degree aggravated assault could lead to a sentence of 3-5 years in New Jersey State Prison.
After being placed under arrest and charged, the suspect was moved to the Newark city jail in advance of a bail hearing. His bail was later set at $95,000.
For further information about this case, access the NJ.com article, “East Orange Man Charged in Newark Shooting on New Year’s Eve.”
