Newark Good Samaritans Step In To Save Postal Carrier From Robbery

NEWARK, CA — Bernie Sanders once said, "The Postal Service is a vitally important institution for the American people," and on Monday, Dec. 19, a group of good Samaritans took that sentiment to heart when they interrupted a strong-arm robbery involving a postal carrier.

Newark police responded to the call of a robbery shortly after 2:30 p.m. in the area of Haley and Bettencourt streets, but when they arrived, the suspects had already fled the scene after being chased off by the good Samaritans who had come to the aid of the postal carrier.

"While investigating the incident, Newark officers located the suspect vehicle nearby," Newark police said in a news release. "Based on the totality of the circumstances, a pursuit was initiated. The pursuit covered approximately 2.8 miles and was ultimately terminated on southbound Interstate-880 before the Mowry exit."

As the suspect vehicle continued on southbound Interstate-880, Fremont Police responded to assist and located the suspect vehicle as it re-entered Newark in the area of southbound Interstate-880 and Stevenson Boulevard, police said.

The suspect vehicle drove onto northbound Balentine Drive before colliding into the curb in the 39000 block of Balentine Drive where upon impact, the two suspects fled on foot, police said.

"One suspect was apprehended after a brief foot pursuit and the second suspect was located nearby shortly after," police said.

Imran Siddiqi, an 18-year-old male driver residing in Union City, was ultimately arrested for robbery, robbery of a mail carrier, evading a peace officer with wanton disregard for the safety of others and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. He was booked at Santa Rita Jail.

The second suspect, a 16-year-old male juvenile, was arrested for robbery of a mail carrier. He was booked at Alameda County Juvenile Hall. Given the fact that this case involved a juvenile, Newark police said they would not be releasing any additional information about the subject.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Sergeant Karl Fredstrom via email at Karl.Fredstrom@newark.org or by phone at 510-578-4974.

Information can be left anonymously on the "Anonymous Tip" hotline at 510-578-4965.

"We would like to thank the community members that came to the aid of the postal carrier, and thank our law enforcement partners at the Fremont Police Department for their assistance in this case," Newark police said.