Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda, Sr. reports that a warrant has been issued for the arrest of Isaiah Ketchens, 33, of East Orange, wanted for aggravated assault on law enforcement officers in an incident that occurred on Thursday, July 31, 2025.
At approximately 1:20 p.m., two Newark Police Officers were flagged down by a male who observed his stolen dirt bike listed for sale on Facebook Marketplace. Police accompanied the victim to Smith Street near Norwood Place, where he had arranged to meet up with the person selling his dirt bike.
Upon becoming aware of Police presence, the suspect, Isaiah Ketchens, attempted to flee the scene on the stolen dirt bike. A struggle ensued during which an Officer attempted to use his pepper spray before observing a handgun in the suspect’s hand. The Officer then dropped the pepper spray to recover the weapon from the suspect. Mr. Ketchens then picked up the pepper spray and sprayed both Officers before fleeing southbound on Smith Street towards South Orange Avenue. A handgun, loaded with ballpoint ammunition, was recovered from the scene. Both Officers were transported to University Hospital for treatment.
Detectives investigating this incident have obtained a warrant for the arrest of Isaiah Ketchens on charges of two counts of aggravated assault on a police officer, disarming a law enforcement officer, two counts of resisting arrest, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of prohibited weapons (ballpoint ammunition), and obstruction of justice.
Director Miranda urges anyone with information about the whereabouts of Isaiah Ketchens to call the Police Division’s 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477). All anonymous Crime Stopper tips are kept confidential and could result in a reward.
Anonymous tips may also be made using the Police Division’s website at: https://www.newarkpublicsafety.org/how-do-i/submit-a-crime-tip/. #newarknj #police #warrant #assault
