2008 Woodie Awards
Spike in Newark armed robberies has residents on alert
Amanda Lopez
Issue date: 10/19/07 Section: News
For the second time in two weeks, the Newark Police Department is investigating an off-campus home invasion in the city. The incident occurred Monday, Oct. 8 at approximately 11:30 p.m. in the College Park townhouses on Madison Drive.
According to Lt. Brian Henry of the Newark Police Department, a white female between the ages of 40 and 50 approached a townhouse in the complex asking for directions. When three 19-year-old male students opened their door to address the woman but could not help her, she left the premises.
Within a couple of minutes, the residents answered another knock at the door. This time, three armed male suspects barged into the home and ordered the residents "to get on the floor."
"At one point, one victim was punched in the face by one intruder," Henry said. "But no medical attention was required."
According to police, the suspects fled the scene in a dark vehicle after taking electronic equipment, computers and cash. Although the case is under investigation, no specific leads have been developed at this time.
Henry said the department is unsure if this incident is related to the Oct. 9 robbery at the Main Street Court apartment complex.
"The circumstances are quite different and we haven't ruled it out," he said. "But at this time, it does not seem to be."
According to Newark Police, the intruders repeatedly asked, "Where's the stuff?" as they searched the residence.
Police searching the townhouse discovered marijuana and other drug paraphernalia on the premises.
This being the second home invasion within the past two weeks, Henry said he felt much of the responsibility should be taken on by students themselves.
"It is hard to say blankly whether or not off-campus housing should be more secure," he said. "In many complexes, doors are propped for people students do not know. Many of these places are taking adequate measures but are difficult to utilize when they are bypassed by residents."
According to Lt. Brian Henry of the Newark Police Department, a white female between the ages of 40 and 50 approached a townhouse in the complex asking for directions. When three 19-year-old male students opened their door to address the woman but could not help her, she left the premises.
Within a couple of minutes, the residents answered another knock at the door. This time, three armed male suspects barged into the home and ordered the residents "to get on the floor."
"At one point, one victim was punched in the face by one intruder," Henry said. "But no medical attention was required."
According to police, the suspects fled the scene in a dark vehicle after taking electronic equipment, computers and cash. Although the case is under investigation, no specific leads have been developed at this time.
Henry said the department is unsure if this incident is related to the Oct. 9 robbery at the Main Street Court apartment complex.
"The circumstances are quite different and we haven't ruled it out," he said. "But at this time, it does not seem to be."
According to Newark Police, the intruders repeatedly asked, "Where's the stuff?" as they searched the residence.
Police searching the townhouse discovered marijuana and other drug paraphernalia on the premises.
This being the second home invasion within the past two weeks, Henry said he felt much of the responsibility should be taken on by students themselves.
"It is hard to say blankly whether or not off-campus housing should be more secure," he said. "In many complexes, doors are propped for people students do not know. Many of these places are taking adequate measures but are difficult to utilize when they are bypassed by residents."
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