NEWARK, NJ — Newark Public Safety Director Emmanuel Miranda Sr. has called for the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect who stabbed a security guard early Monday at a local nightclub.
The incident occurred at approximately 2 a.m. at Lit 21, a restaurant, nightclub, and sports bar located at 1034 McCarter Highway. The altercation began as a private event was ending, and the security guard was escorting patrons from the lower level of the venue.
The suspect, described as a 5-foot-8 Black male with dreadlocks, entered the lower level from upstairs and refused to leave. After an argument escalated, the guard struck the suspect in the face, causing him to fall to the floor.
While the guard attempted to restrain him, the suspect pulled out a small pocket knife and stabbed the guard twice in the shoulder and once in the hand before fleeing the scene. The victim was treated at University Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
Authorities released surveillance images of the suspect and urged anyone with information to contact Newark Public Safety officials.