Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray and Newark Police Director Samuel DeMaio announced today the arrest of 12 suspects accused of 15 carjackings in Essex County during June, July and August.
“Carjackings pose a serious threat to the well-being of the community,’’ said Acting Prosecutor Murray. “We have been working closely with our federal partners, the New Jersey State Police and the Newark and Irvington Police Departments to apprehend those who would prey on innocent people going about their daily business in Essex County. Residents and those who visit this county have a right to be safe and these arrests go a long way in making the streets safer.’’
Director DeMaio said, “I commend the Essex County Carjacking Task Force for their diligent work in arresting these individuals who have wreaked havoc in our neighborhoods through their random and violent attacks. I hope that their arrests sends a dual message to both the criminals and community alike. The Newark Police Department and its law enforcement partners are working together, sharing both information and resources in an effort to reduce and prevent crime. We will continue to work together to improve the quality of life in the greater Newark area as we relentlessly target those who seek to perpetrate violent crimes against our residents and within our community.”
The following individuals have been arrested:
Antonio Feliciano, 19, of Irvington was arrested and charged by members of the Major Crimes Task Force with an armed carjacking which occurred on July 4, on Adams Street in Newark.
Keywan Hudson, 26, of Newark was arrested and charged by members of the Major Crimes Task Force with an armed carjacking on July 4, on William Street in Newark.
Fitim Bitic, 46, of Perth Amboy was arrested and charged by members of the Major Crimes Task Force with a carjacking which occurred on July 17, on Orchard Street in Newark.
Lamar Cavaness, 21, of Newark was arrested and charged by members of the Major Crimes Task Force with an armed carjacking which occurred on July 21, on Kearny Street in Newark.
Jihad Shariah, 25, of Elizabeth was arrested and charged by members of the Major Crimes Task Force with an armed carjacking with a gun which occurred on August 13, on Haynes Avenue in Newark.
Jihad McRae, 18, of Newark was arrested and charged by members of Major Crimes Task Force with an armed carjacking which occurred on June 30, on South 6th Street in Newark.
Jahleel McLendon, 18, of Newark was arrested by patrol officers from the Newark Police Department and charged with an armed carjacking which occurred on June 30, on Springfield Avenue in Newark.
A review of McLendon’s arrest revealed the incident matched a pattern of carjackings and members of the Major Crimes Task Force subsequently charged McLendon in four additional armed carjackings.
One occurred on Clinton Avenue in Newark on June 15. The other occurred on Springfield Avenue in Newark on June 15. The third occurred on South 19th Street on June 9, and the fourth took place on South Orange Avenue on June 6, 2012.
In addition to the seven adults, five juveniles have been charged with carjackings.
A 15-year-old juvenile from Newark was arrested and charged by patrol officers from the Newark Police Department with an armed carjacking with a gun which occurred on August 12, on North 7th Street, Newark. Another 15-year-old from Irvington was arrested and charged with armed carjacking on August 19 on Cutler Street in Newark. A third 15-year-old from Irvington was charged with armed carjacking on August 19, on Linden Avenue in Irvington. Finally, two juveniles from East Orange, ages 16 and 17, were arrested by patrol officers from East Orange along with patrol officers from Orange and charged with armed carjackings that occurred on August 22.
These charges are accusations. All defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until they plead guilty or are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
