Dashawn Gibson, 25, of Newark, pleaded guilty in connection with the March 20, 2014 killing of Altariq Davis, 28, also of Newark
Dashawn Gibson NEWARK -- A Newark man has pleaded guilty to a reckless manslaughter charge for fatally shooting another man on a city street last year, several weeks before he allegedly crashed into a police vehicle during a chase.
Dashawn Gibson, 25, entered the plea on Friday in connection with the March 20, 2014 killing of Altariq Davis, 28, of Newark. The shooting occurred about 8:30 p.m. on the 200 block of South 6th Street.
Under a plea agreement, prosecutors are recommending that Gibson receive a seven-year prison sentence, according to Katherine Carter, spokeswoman for the Essex County Prosecutor's Office. Gibson would have to serve nearly six years before becoming eligible for parole.
His sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 8 before Superior Court Judge Martin Cronin.
Charges are still pending against Gibson's co-defendant, Hakeem Maloney, 35, of New Brunswick.
MORE: Man arrested after ramming Newark police car was sought for questioning in fatal shooting
Gibson was arrested on May 9, 2014 after leading Newark police on a chase in a stolen car and crashing into a police cruiser, authorities said.
City police spotted Gibson operating a Chevrolet Impala and another motorist driving a Subaru on Pulaski Street at about 4:45 p.m, authorities said. Gibson and the other motorist were both driving erratically, authorities said.
Officers attempted to pull over both drivers, but Gibson led police on a chase, got stuck in traffic and rammed the Impala into a police cruiser, authorities said. Gibson was ordered out of the inoperable vehicle and taken into custody after struggling with officers, authorities said.
Police said the Impala was reported stolen in Newark on May 5. The driver of the Subaru was not caught, police said.
Gibson was indicted in August 2014 on various charges, including murder, felony murder, robbery, kidnapping, eluding, resisting arrest, assault by auto and weapons offenses.
Under the plea deal, the murder charge was downgraded to reckless manslaughter and the remaining charges will be dismissed.
Bill Wichert may be reached at bwichert@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @BillWichertNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
