NPD1 helicopter aids in arrest of car theft suspect

NEWARK, NJ — NPD1, the city of Newark Department of Public Safety’s helicopter, assisted in the arrest of Kalifa Purnell-Brown, 19, of Newark, on Tuesday, Aug. 9.

At approximately 6:45 a.m., officers patrolling South Orange Avenue near Grove Street observed a black BMW traveling at a high rate of speed. NPD1 responded to the area and advised ground patrol vehicles via police radio of the direction of the vehicle, which had been reported stolen.

When the vehicle came to a stop between Ivy Street and Mount Vernon Place, three suspects exited and fled. Ground patrol officers apprehended Purnell-Brown as she was jumping a rear yard fence in the area.

Purnell-Brown is charged with receiving stolen property.

“NPD1 continues to prove itself as an invaluable tool in assisting patrol officers on the ground to locate and apprehend suspects fleeing crime scenes through our streets,” stated city of Newark Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose.

This investigation is active and ongoing.