The Newark Police Department is conducting an investigation following a motor vehicle crash that resulted in significant damage to the St. John AM Church early Friday morning. The incident occurred at the intersection of New London Road and Hillside Road on August 9, 2024, at approximately 2:06 AM.
According to initial reports, the vehicle was traveling westbound on West Cleveland Avenue at a high rate of speed. Upon reaching the intersection of West Cleveland Avenue, Hillside Road, and New London Road, the vehicle left the roadway and collided with the St. John AM Church, which stands on the northwest corner of the intersection.
The driver of the vehicle fled the scene before the arrival of law enforcement officers, and no description of the driver is currently available.
The Newark Police Department contacted representatives from the church and the City of Newark Building Department. Both organizations responded to the scene to assess the damage and take necessary actions.
Following an investigation into this incident, George Shaw, 36, of Newark, was identified as a suspect according to Lt. Andrew Rubin. The identification was made using forensic evidence, video evidence and witness interviews. The investigation determined that Shaw had just stolen the vehicle from a car dealership on East Cleveland Avenue said Rubin. An officer observed the vehicle driving in a reckless manner on East Cleveland Avenue fleeing the dealership and the vehicle crashed before the officer was able to attempt to stop the vehicle.
On November 28, 2024, Shaw was formally arrested by Newark Police at the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution, where he was being held on unrelated charges. Shaw was charged with:
- Theft Over $1,500
- Criminal Mischief (2 counts)
- Reckless Driving and additional traffic offenses
Shaw appeared before Justice of the Peace Court #11 by video and was ordered to be held in default of $6,000 cash bail. Shaw was turned over to the custody of the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in Wilmington.