Prosecutor: Robbery 'Not Motive' in Johnson Shooting Saturday

Authorities today said the victim in a shooting at a West Ward pizzeria Saturday night was not the victim of random violence or robbery.

"It appears at this junction in the investigation that [Calvin] Johnson was targeted. It also appears at this time that robbery was not the motive. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office tips line at 1-877-847-7432," the Essex County Prosecutor's Office said in a statement.

A $10,000 reward is also being offered for information leading to the arrest of the shooter, the prosecutor's office said.

The 55-year-old Johnson, who had worked at the Golden Pizzeria and Grill for decades, was shot at around 11:13 pm while working at the restaurant, located at 377 South Orange Ave. He was transported to University Hospital and was pronounced dead at 11:36 p.m.

An anti-violence rally in repsonse to Johnson's death is scheduled for today at 5 pm in front of the pizzeria, according to published reports.

The Newark Police Department and Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force are in the early stages of their investigation, said Newark Police Director Samuel DeMaio, but they are urging anyone who might have information to contact police.