Police officers are credited with quick intervention in Newark incident

Newark

By: Richard L. Smith

A teenager was taken into custody following a brutal pepper spray attack on a supermarket employee on Thursday.

Newark Police Chief Fritz Fragé told RLS Media that on May 23 at approximately 12:20 p.m., a Newark police officer stationed at ShopRite on Springfield Avenue responded to an altercation between a cashier and a 17-year-old customer.

According to witnesses, the argument escalated, after which the teenager sprayed the cashier with pepper spray.

Customers in the store praised the officer for his quick intervention, which prevented the situation from escalating further.

The cashier fell to the ground and all hell broke loose. The police officer at the door handcuffed the attacker. –ShopRite Customers

Although at least one customer came into contact with the pepper spray, no serious injuries were reported.

According to police, the cashier was taken to University Hospital for treatment and is currently in stable condition.

Director Fragé stated that the youth was arrested and faces several charges, including aggravated assault, illegal possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an illegal purpose and harassment.

The suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.