Special police credited with arrests this weekend
NEWARK -- Police called to Malcolm Shabazz High School Friday stopped a student from attacking a vice principal and made arrested a second student on a weapons charge, Sgt. Ron Glover said in a statement.
Special Police Officers David Paige and Abdul Muhammad were sent to the school around 2:30 p.m. on a report that two students were seen with a handgun.
While investigating, Paige and Muhammad were called to the gym, where another student was assaulting a vice-principal, Glover said. When officers attempted to subdue her, the student began swinging her arms and legs, sending her fanny pack to the floor. The pack contained a loaded .25-caliber handgun, Glover also said.
After the gun had been secured and the 16-year-old student placed under arrest, a second student, also 16, approached police and said the gun belonged to him and that he had asked the first student to hold it for him.
Both students were charged with unlawful possession of a weapon and conspiracy, while the girl was also charged with resisting arrest and aggravated assault. They were both being held at the Essex County Juvenile Detention Facility.
Later that day, at 9:15 p.m., a special officer patrolling in the 200 block of Cathedral Court spotted Nasir Williams, 18, holding a clear plastic bag containing what was later determined to be heroin and cocaine, Glover said. Williams was seen taking part in a hand-to-hand sale, Glover added.
As police handcuffed Williams he also allegedly tried to remove a loaded 9-mm Taurus handgun from his waistband. He was charged with weapons and narcotics offenses, including unlawful possession of a weapon.
Last night, detectives from the Rapid Response Team patrolled the hallways of the building at 195 First St., where they saw Dombayah Gbor, 33, on the 11th floor with a gun in his waistband, Glover said.
Gbor pulled the gun out of his waistband and tried to run into a nearby apartment but was caught. He has been charged with possession of a loaded and defaced .45-caliber handgun.
"The city of Newark has Special Law Enforcement Officers, some of whom who work alongside our full time police officers in our fight against crime in the city. The arrest of three teenagers over the weekend for gun possession is a testament to what our special officers are able to do if necessary -- they have the same arrest powers as our regular police officers and will not hesitate to use that arrest authority if need be," said Newark Police Director Eugene Venable.
Paul Milo may be reached at pmilo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @PaulMilo2. FindNJ.com on Facebook
