Newark Police have made an arrest in last weekend’s robberies and assault.
On Sunday morning, May 16, 2021, Newark Police investigated two robberies, one attempted robbery, and one assault, all occurring within a two-hour time frame between 1:30 and 3:37 , according to Lt. Andrew Rubin.
Rubin said during three of the incidents, the suspects confronted victims, displayed a firearm, and demanded their property. In two of the incidents, the property was turned over, while in the third incident, no property was turned over. The three incidents occurred on East Park Place, West Park Place, and on the Pomeroy Trail near the Newark Shopping Center. Rubin said based upon the investigation, the firearm involved is believed to be a BB gun.
During the fourth incident, the suspects walked up to a victim on foot on Benny Street. They engaged the victim in conversation and then shot the victim in the hand with a BB gun. The suspects fled and the victim later received treatment at an area hospital for a non-life-threatening injury.
The suspects in all four of these incidents were described as up to four males, of various races, and ages 20-30.
On Friday, May 21, 2021, Newark Police charged Jasiah Brooks, 18, of Bear, with multiple offenses related to these incidents after a search warrant was executed at his residence. Brooks was taken into custody at his residence without incident.
Rubin said Brooks was identified as a suspect following witness interviews and a review of various surveillance videos. Throughout the investigation, Detectives identified 11 different victims involved in these incidents. Detectives are continuing the investigation to identify additional suspects said Rubin.
Brooks was transported to Newark Police headquarters where he was charged with 30 total offenses, including:
Attempted Robbery First Degree (2 counts)
Robbery First Degree
Robbery Second Degree
Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (2 counts)
Conspiracy Second Degree (3 counts)
Reckless Endangering Second Degree (7 counts)
Conspiracy Third Degree (3 counts)
Assault Third Degree (7 counts)
Menacing (4 counts)
Brooks appeared before Justice of the Peace Court #11 by video and was ordered to be held in default of $60,000 secured bail. Brooks was turned over to the custody of the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in Wilmington.
Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact Det. P. Keld at (302) 366-7100 x. 3106 or [email protected]. Additional methods for providing information to Newark Police can be found on our tips page, where reward information may also be available.