Person Of Interest Arrested In Shooting Of Newark Police Officer
Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray, joined by Newark Mayor Cory Booker and Acting Newark Police Director Samuel DeMaio, announced on May 27 that at approximately 5:20 p.m. detectives with the Newark Police Department and the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office arrested Rasul McNeil-Thomas, 19, of Newark without incident at his home in the 300 block of Leslie Street in Newark.
The arrest occurred about a half mile from the location where off-duty Newark police officer William C. Johnson, 45, of Newark was fatally shot. McNeil-Thomas was charged with conspiracy to commit carjacking, carjacking, unlawful possession of a handgun and possession of a handgun for an unlawful purpose.
The preliminary investigation indicates a car was taken in a carjacking by McNeil-Thomas and a second at-large suspect and used in the drive-by shooting of Officer Johnson and the two other victims. The car was carjacked shortly before the shooting in close proximity to the Texas Fried Chicken and Pizza Restaurant, located at 250 Lyons Avenue in Newark.
The car was taken by gunpoint. Evidence relating to the shooting was found in the vehicle. At this time Mr. McNeil-Thomas is considered a person of interest in the shooting of Officer Johnson and the two other victims.
“The arrest of Rasul McNeil-Thomas less than 24 hours after the shooting is a major development in this case, but we plan to move forward with our investigation, methodically, going where the evidence takes us,” said Acting Prosecutor Murray.
The investigation is active and ongoing. We are pursuing all leads. A second suspect remains at large.
While acknowledging the investigation continues, Acting Police Director DeMaio said, “This arrest is yet another testament to the skill and professionalism routinely demonstrated by the hardworking men and women of the Newark Police Department. I am especially proud of the dedication and cooperative efforts by each of the investigators from the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.”
“The tragedy of this senseless killing is compounded by the fact that the victim, Officer Johnson, was a man who devoted his professional life to protecting the City of Newark and its residents from this type of violence,” said New Jersey Attorney General Paula T. Dow. “Our hearts and prayers go out to Officer Johnson's family, friends, fellow officers, and the entire law enforcement community.
“Right now, law enforcement needs the community to step forward with any information that can assist in the arrest of the person or persons responsible for this shooting, which easily could have claimed additional lives.”
“This is a sad day for the city of Newark, and a sobering reminder of the public safety challenges that all of our cities are facing,” said State Senator M. Teresa Ruiz (D-Essex/Union). “I know I speak for the entire community when I say that we are all deeply saddened by this senseless tragedy.
“I’d like to extend my personal condolences to the family and friends of Officer Johnson, and to the law enforcement community as it mourns the loss of one of its own. My thoughts and prayers are with them, and the other victims of this horrendous crime.”
Officer Johnson, a 16-year-veteran of the Newark Police Department, was shot the night of May 26. He died from his injuries at 3:10 am May 27.
The defendant will be taken to Newark Police Headquarters and transferred to the Essex County Correctional Facility. Bail was set at $300,000 by the Honorable Joseph Cassini III, Judge of the Superior Court.
These are accusations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they plead guilty or are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Anyone with information is still urged to contact either the Newark Police Department 877-695-8477 or the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office tips line at 877-847-7432.
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