Newark Police: Man Arrested After Being Seen Carrying Machine Gun

An anonymous tip led to the arrest Wednesday of a city man who was seen carrying a machine gun through a South Ward neighborhood, Det. Todd McClendon of the Newark Police Department said.

Someone called Newark police shortly before noon and reported seeing Ricky Anderson, 20, near 196 Seymour Ave. carrying a machine gun in a book bag, McClendon said. Working off a description provided by the tipster, plainclothes police arrived and arrested Anderson after reportedly finding a 9mm weapon with a high-capacity magazine.

Anderson, who McClendon said has been arrested before on weapons offenses, was charged Wednesday with unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a high-capacity magazine, which is prohibited under New Jersey law.

"I applaud the members of our community who continue to speak out against crime and lawlessness in our city through providing valuable information to the police. Many of our residents have taken a more active role in the safety of their neighborhoods and their contributions have proven invaluable to our efforts to prevent and reduce crime,” Newark Police Director Samuel DeMaio said. “I encourage more of our residents to join in our partnership between the police and community that is saving lives and preventing tragedies on a daily basis."