Victim, 19, was punched, shot at during September robbery, police say
NEWARK -- The Fugitive Apprehension Unit Friday arrested two 19-year-old city men who were wanted for the robbery last month of a third 19-year-old from Newark, department spokesman Sgt. Ron Glover said.
Grant Simmons and Marcus McLean were wanted in connection with a robbery on Roanoke Court Sept. 14 during which the victim was approached by three men who demanded money. When the victim said he had none and attempted to walk away, someone punched him in the back of the head. The victim fled into his apartment where he watched from a window as one of the men aim a gun at him, prompting the victim to quickly drop to the floor just before shots rang out. The assailants fled and the victim was not hurt, Glover said.
Warrants were issued for McLean and Simmons after the victim identified them as two of the assailants, Glover also said.
McLean was arrested Friday morning at his Roanoke Court home. Simmons was also arrested Friday morning, at a Highland Avenue address.
Glover said that after Simmons' mother let them into the apartment, they found him in a bedroom where they spotted a ammunition magazine and two bricks of heroin. A 9-mm and a .44-caliber handgun were both also found in Simmons' laundry bag, Glover said.
Simmons and McLean were both charged with robbery, conspiracy, certain person prohibited weapon, aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose and unlawful possession of a weapon. Simmons was also charged with numerous gun and drug related offenses in connection with the heroin and weapons found Friday, Glover said.
"I commend the dedication and commitment of the detectives assigned to the Major Crimes Unit and Fugitive Apprehension Section, for working hand in hand during the course of this investigation. Their teamwork clearly resulted in the apprehension of these two violent criminals who have shown no regards for human life. I am pleased that they have been removed from our streets," said Newark Police Director Eugene Venable.
Paul Milo may be reached at pmilo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @PaulMilo2. FindNJ.com on Facebook
