Bite marks help ID suspect

A university student evaded robbery Tuesday evening in the School Lane apartment complex by biting his attacker, according to Newark police.

The suspect, Leval E. Petty, 29, of the unit block of Mavista Circle, was identified by the victim's bite marks, police said.

Petty allegedly attacked the 21-year-old male student on Tuesday at 10:35 p.m. as the victim was walking on Duke Street, said Newark police spokesman Lt. Brian Henry. He demanded money and put his hand in the student's pocket.

The victim attempted to run away, but Petty allegedly pushed him to the ground and began to punch and kick him.

The victim was left with several minor cuts and bruises, but did not require serious medical attention.

The victim resisted the robbery by biting Petty on the arm. Petty was unable to take any of the victim's belongings, and the student was eventually able to escape, Henry said.

A witness observed the incident and called 911, providing Newark police with a description of the suspect and the direction the fled in after the attack.

An officer picked up Petty in the parking lot of the College Square Shopping Center, Henry said. He was positively identified as the suspect, in part by the bite marks left by the victim.

Petty was charged with first-degree attempted robbery and sent to Young Correctional Facility after an initial court appearance at Justice of the Peace Court 20.