Cell phones, wallet stolen in two holdups, according to police.
(Photo: Dept. of Public Safety)
Christian Crowell, 22, and Kenneth Johnson, 23, were charged with robbery, conspiracy and weapons-related offenses.
Officers responded around 7:35 p.m. to Roseville and 3rd avenues, where a 45-year-old man had his wallet and other items stolen at gunpoint, according to police. A second robbery call came in about 10 minutes later at Roseville and 4th avenues
In the second holdup, police said two assailants robbed a 29-year-old at gunpoint and took his cell phone. In both cases, authorities learned the attackers escaped in a 2009 Hyundai Sonata.
Police uncover cigarette sales scheme in Newark, authorities say
After an extensive search, city police said they arrested Crowell and Johnson near Sussex Avenue and North 6th Street. A loaded .28 caliber handgun was also recovered from the wanted car, authorities added.
Newark Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose commended officers for making the quick arrests.
"Their quick actions likely prevented the two suspects from continuing to victimize other residents," Ambrose added in a statement.
Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc. Find NJ.com on Facebook.