January 1, 2017

Contact: Sheriff Armando Fontoura (973) 621-4105

Newark – A city man wanted on prior weapons and aggravated assault charges was arrested this afternoon by Essex County sheriff’s officers and new weapons charges were filed against him.

Sheriff Armando Fontoura stated that officers from his department’s Patrol Division were conducting quality of life operations in the area of Weequahic Park on Sunday what they observed a suspect wanted by the Newark Police Department on weapons, assault and robbery charges standing in a bus stop shelter on Frelinghuysen Avenue near McClellan Street.

“The background and photograph of this particular suspect, Isiah Rhynes, 18 of Newark, was one of the topics under review at this morning’s roll call as our department also had a warrant for his arrest on charges of receiving stolen property,” Sheriff Fontoura noted.

As the sheriff’s officers pulled their marked cruiser up the bus stop, Rhynes bolted from the scene on foot.

“As the suspect ran through a nearby fast food parking lot, he withdrew a silver-colored handgun from his waistband and aimed it at our officers who in return drew their service weapons,” Fontoura added.  “At this point Rhynes threw his handgun, a .32 caliber, Smith & Wesson revolver, to the roof an adjacent building.  Rhynes was then taken into custody without further incident and his weapon was recovered.”

As a result of today’s arrest, Rhynes was charged with the unlawful possession of a weapon and resisting arrest.

Rhynes was lodged at the county jail, pending a bail hearing.