Newark Fugitive Unit Makes Several Arrests

Newark police have arrested more than a half-dozen people wanted for violent crimes since early this month, the department said in a statement.

The Fugitive Apprehension Section had been searching for Omar Donaldson, 23, when he turned himself in March 4. Donaldson is accused of pointing a gun at another man during a dispute Jan. 25. 

On March 5, police arrested Nijah Brown, 23, at his Chadwick Avenue home for the armed robbery of a city woman nearly two weeks earlier. In that incident, the 44-year-old victim said her assailant fired a gun and robbed her purse. The victim was unhurt.

Evrard Ruff was arrested after being spotted at 930 Broad St. on March 6 following a brief foot chase. Ruff, 20, allegedly shot a 22-year-old man on Norfolk Street after the man fought back during a robbery attempt Nov. 7, 2012. 

Jordan Rodriguez, 21, was taken into custody March 7 on charges he shot another man in the leg during a fight Nov. 12, 2012. The 23-year-old victim was shot in front of 666 3rd St. Nov. 12, 2012.

Lesley Rodriguez, 31, was arrested March 8 following a fight a month earlier during which he pointed a gun at a neighbor, police said.

An 18-year-old city man, Jermaine Gamble, was arrested at his Norfolk Street home March 13 for a parole violation. Gamble was hiding in a back room and was carrying a .357-caliber revolver, police said.  

"The dedicated efforts of our fugitive team drives home our message to the criminal element that those who opt to commit acts of violence in our community will be pursued relentlessly until captured. Despite the fact that the capture of these suspects does not often receive the attention of their acts of violence, we will continue to dedicate ourselves to bringing these criminals to justice and providing a greater level of safety for our residents and closure to their victims and loved ones,” said Police Director Samuel DeMaio.