Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda, Sr., requests the public’s help in locating Akinwande Lawrence, 17, of Newark, who has been reported missing.
On Monday, March 16, 2026, Akinwande left home and traveled to Eagle Rock Reservation in West Orange. His family discovered he was missing from his bedroom at approximately 10:45 p.m.
He reportedly traveled to West Orange as a passenger in a friend’s vehicle. At approximately 12:45 a.m., Akinwande exited the vehicle and fled without explanation. He was last seen at Newark Penn Station, stating he wanted to go to Jenny Jump State Forest in Hope, NJ.
Detectives investigating this incident describe Akinwande as African American, 5’8” tall and 140 pounds. He was wearing a brown hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans.
Director Miranda urges anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Akinwande Lawrence 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://npd.newarkpublicsafety.orgNewark Police Division. #newarknj #police #missingperson #tips
