Dear residents,

In the last ten days, we’ve had three homicides within a small area along Mount Prospect Avenue. Our prayers are with the families of the victims.

These violent events occurring so close together within such a short time period are not typical for our community. The assailants in these incidents appear to have targeted their victims based on initial reports. The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office is investigating these crimes and will report progress soon.

In the meantime, I have asked for increased patrols of uniformed officers in the area. The Mount Prospect Business Improvement District already employs Essex County Sheriffs to provide an additional police presence and they will be on high alert for any unusual activity.

Unfortunately, gun violence knows no borders and occasionally spills into our normally safe North Ward community. These acts are not reflective of the people who we call our neighbors.

Remember, you can assist our police by reporting anything you know about these crimes or any other crimes anonymously to Newark TIPS. You can also call the Second Precinct at (973) 733-6080 or the Seventh Precinct at (973) 645-1819.