For Immediate Release

February 17, 2017

For Further Information, Contact: Captain Derek Glenn

Or the Public Information Office (973) 877-9374

MEDIA ADVISORY

Newark Police Sergeant Shares Story of Recuing Drowning Stolen Car Suspect

from the Frigid Passaic River – Today at 1:30 P.M.

Newark Police Division Sergeant Juan Gonzalez of the 2nd Precinct will share the story of how he jumped into the frigid Passaic River to rescue drowning stolen car suspect, Amir Sinclair Copeland, 24, of Newark, Tuesday night.

Shortly before 10 p.m., officers from the 2nd Precinct patrolling North 6th Street and 5th Avenue were alerted that two males, driving a tan 2002 Chrysler Town and Country mini-van, had attempted to steal a car nearby.

Seeing the van, officers activated the police car's lights and siren in an attempt to stop the van. The Town and Country accelerated, followed by the police car, to McCarter Highway and Center Street, where both suspects ran from the vehicle.

One suspect ran towards Broad Street and was able to escape. Copeland, the second suspect and driver, jumped into the Passaic River in an attempt to elude capture. After the officers observed Copeland’s head sink under the water and that he was flailing in the water and beginning to drown, Sergeant Juan Gonzalez jumped into the river, swam out to him and pulled him to safety.

Newark Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose commended the sergeant for his courageous and selfless act. “Rather than waiting for a boat or raft to arrive, Sergeant Gonzalez risked his own life to ensure that Copeland would survive,” he said. “Jumping into the icy Passaic River, swimming out to save the suspect and pulling him to safety is nothing short of heroic.”

“I dove into the water at the spot where I saw bubbles,” Sgt. Gonzalez said. “I couldn’t see the suspect, but I reached down, grabbed his arm and was able to pull him to the surface.”

Sergeant Juan Gonzalez was also recognized after he donated two bicycles to a father who reported his children’s Christmas gifts stolen on November 14, 2016.

Who: 2nd Precinct Sergeant Juan Gonzalez

W What: Story of Rescuing Drowning Car Theft Suspect from Passaic River

When: 1:30 p.m., Today, Friday, February 17, 2017

Where: 480 Clinton Avenue, Newark, NJ – 1st Floor Media Room

Visual: Sergeant Juan Gonzalez

Rescued Suspect Amir Sinclair Copeland