NEWARK, NJ — Police in Newark have arrested one of the men accused of posing as FBI agents during a violent home invasion on Mott Street, but investigators say two other suspects are still at large. The robbery happened in broad daylight on Aug. 27 at an apartment building near Raymond Boulevard, according to the Newark Department of Public Safety.
Authorities say three men entered the building, went to a third-floor apartment and demanded that the woman inside open the door. After she complied, police said the men rushed in, forced her onto a couch and ransacked the apartment while one of them held her down. The case led to burglary, theft and impersonation charges after an arrest this week.
Police say the suspects claimed to be federal agents before rushing inside
According to Newark police, the men told the victim they were federal agents and used that claim to pressure her into opening the door. Once inside, the situation quickly turned violent. Police said one suspect restrained the woman while the other two searched the apartment and took property from inside.
The robbery took place around 2:30 p.m., a detail that underscores how openly the crime unfolded in a residential building. Investigators have not said whether the woman knew any of the suspects or whether the group targeted her specifically before arriving at the apartment.
Officials said the intruders left the building after stealing $7,500 from a safe in the bedroom and taking two credit cards from the woman’s purse.
A getaway car and possible shuttle bus connection are part of the investigation
Police said a fourth suspect was waiting outside in a black Toyota Camry Solara with out-of-state plates. After the apartment invasion, the vehicle fled east on Fleming Avenue, according to authorities. Newark police also released surveillance images tied to the case, including photos of the suspects and the getaway car.
Investigators said a shuttle bus may also be connected to the home invasion, though they did not explain exactly how it fits into the case. That suggests detectives are still piecing together the suspects’ movements before and after the robbery. For now, officials are asking anyone with information to come forward while the search continues.
Samuel Prata of Newark faces burglary and impersonation charges
On Thursday, police announced the arrest of Samuel Prata, 42, of Newark, in connection with the home invasion. He is charged with burglary, theft, criminal restraint, impersonating a public servant, and conspiracy, according to authorities.
The charges reflect both the alleged break-in and the false claim that the men were law enforcement. Police have not released additional details about how Prata was identified or taken into custody. The two other suspects remain wanted as detectives continue trying to track them down.
Investigators are asking for tips as the search continues
Newark police said the case remains active and that the other suspects have not been found. The department is urging anyone with information about the men, the black Toyota Camry Solara, or the shuttle bus to contact investigators. Tips can be made through the Police Division’s 24-hour Crime Stopper line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS, which is 1-877-695-8477.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the police division’s website. Officials have not said whether any of the stolen property has been recovered. The arrest of one suspect marks progress in the case, but investigators are still looking for the rest of the group.
What police say happened inside the Mott Street apartment building
Police describe the incident as a coordinated home invasion that began with a knock on the victim’s door and escalated within moments. The woman was confronted in her own apartment, forced down, and held in place while the others searched the rooms. The theft of cash and credit cards, along with the impersonation of federal agents, made the case stand out to investigators.
In releasing surveillance photos and announcing the arrest, Newark officials appeared to be using the case both to build the investigation and to warn residents about impostors claiming official authority. For now, the department says the inquiry is continuing and that additional arrests remain possible as detectives follow leads.
How residents can help investigators identify the remaining suspects
Authorities have not said whether the suspects were armed, and they have not identified the shuttle bus they believe may be connected to the case. Still, police are treating the getaway vehicle and surveillance images as key pieces of evidence. Anyone who saw suspicious activity near Mott Street and Raymond Boulevard on Aug. 27 may have information useful to detectives.
Officials say anonymous reporting remains available for people who want to help without giving their name. With two suspects still at large, police are continuing to build the case around the vehicle, the possible shuttle bus link and public tips from residents who may have seen the men before or after the invasion.
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