Driver stopped for motor-vehicle violation
NEWARK -- A member of the public told police that a city man was armed with a high-caliber handgun, leading to the man's arrest early Tuesday, police said.
Officers working with the city's violence reduction initiative were patrolling in the 300 block of Elizabeth Avenue when someone called the city's anonymous tip line shortly after midnight, police spokesman Sgt. Ron Glover said. The caller provided a description of the man and his vehicle.
Shortly afterward, police spotted the car and saw someone enter. Police stopped it for a motor-vehicle violation, Glover said.
Officers approached and watched as the driver, Ralph E. Cooper, 31, threw something in the back seat. Officers checked and found a loaded Lorcin .380-caliber automatic, Glover said. Cooper was arrested and charged with weapons offenses and was also issued motor-vehicle summonses.
"Police-community relations, mutual cooperation and respect are pivotal to the success of the department and its officers to keeping our city safe. The anonymous tip line has been a huge part of that collaborative effort. I urge the public, 'if you see something,
say something,' use the tip line," said Newark Police Director Eugene Venable.
"Officers will respond accordingly and investigate every tip, no matter how great or small, to its natural conclusion."
The Newark anti-violence initiative includes personnel from the FBI, State Police, Essex County Sheriff and county prosecutor's office as well as city police from the gang and ceasefire units.
The department's 24-hour Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line is 877 NWK-TIPS (877 695-8477) or NWK-GUNS (877 695-4867).
Paul Milo may be reached at pmilo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@PaulMilo2. FindNJ.com on Facebook
