Juquan Walker’s attempt to avoid paying a $1.75 train fare ultimately carried a heavy price: up to 15 years in jail.
On Aug. 25, 2010, Walker and two friends jumped the turnstiles at Newark Penn Station and boarded a PATH train, according to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office. Port Authority police removed Walker, a 24-year-old Irvington resident, and his friends from the train, then brought the three to a room to issue them citations.
According to police, Walker pushed an officer and fled, throwing his backpack on nearby train tracks shortly before police tackled him to the ground. Police also recovered the backpack, which contained a loaded handgun, marijuana and crack cocaine.
Walker, who already had two felony convictions and was on probation at the time of his arrest, was charged with cocaine possession, possession with intent to distribute, weapons offenses and resisting arrest. Walker, who was sentenced yesterday by Judge Thomas Moore, must serve at least 8 years of his sentence before earning parole eligibility.
“Walker was previously placed on probation for a drug offense and an aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He had a second chance, but didn’t respond. A significant prison term is appropriate in this case,’’ said Assistant Prosecutor Justin Edwab, who tried the case.
-Paul Milo
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