Watch out: Wanted man pointed gun at a cop, police say

NEWARK - Newark Police are looking for a man they say pointed a gun at a police sergeant early Saturday morning.

Alexander Marfisi, 26, and Adam Aquino, 27, both of Newark, refused to stop when ordered to pull over on Grafton Street and Oraton Street, police said.

A sergeant, whose identity was not disclosed, had been investigating the report of a gunshots in the area, police said. A four-door Honda Civic with Marfisi and Aquino inside sped by, and the officer gave chase before the Civic got away, police said. The car was later found abandoned in the area of Ridge Street and Elwood Avenue, police said.

Police said the passenger pointed his gun at the officer, who did not fire.

“The sergeant showed great restraint when faced with an imminent threat to his life,” said Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose. Police have recovered the gun they said was pointed at the officer.

Police didn't say which of the two men being sought was the driver and which was the passenger. Both face charges of aggravated assault against a police officer, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a weapon, eluding, conspiracy and discharge of a firearm.

Newark Police asked anyone with information about the incident to call the department's 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477).

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com.