Office of the Attorney General: Two Newark Men Indicted on Charges Related to Armed Robberies - One Defendant Also Charged With Aggravated Assault on State Trooper

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL

July 30, 2008

TRENTON - Attorney General Anne Milgram and Criminal Justice Director Deborah Gramiccioni announced today that two Newark residents have been indicted on charges related to two armed robberies in Newark in January. One of the defendants was also charged with aggravated assault on a New Jersey state trooper.

At the time of his arrest, defendant Altariq Bryant, 36, allegedly dragged the trooper with his car as he attempted to flee. The trooper fired at Bryant, wounding him.

According to Director Gramiccioni, Bryant and Laquan Epps, 25, were charged in an 11-count indictment on July 23. Each man was indicted on charges of first-degree robbery (two counts), second-degree conspiracy, second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and third-degree unlawful possession of a weapon. They also were charged with possession of cocaine and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, both in the third-degree.

In addition, Bryant was charged with second-degree counts of aggravated assault on the trooper, eluding police, and aggravated assault on another individual who was injured when Bryant crashed into his car. Epps was charged with fourth-degree obstructing government functions. Separate indictments charged each defendant with second-degree possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.

The 11-count indictment alleges that on Jan. 8, 2008, Bryant and Epps committed two armed robberies in Newark. It is alleged that the defendants robbed an auto dealership at gunpoint. Less than two hours later, they allegedly robbed a clothing store at gunpoint. A bulletin was subsequently issued by Newark Police to be on the lookout for the defendants and their vehicle.

A New Jersey state trooper and an Essex County Sheriff’s Department detective spotted a vehicle fitting the description in the bulletin at a gas station in Newark a short time later. Epps, who allegedly had been driving, walked away from the car before the officers arrived. As the officers approached the suspect car, Bryant allegedly jumped into the driver’s seat. The trooper attempted to get Bryant to exit the car, but Bryant allegedly drove away, dragging the trooper. The trooper discharged his service weapon three times, striking Bryant once in the chin.

Bryant drove away and traveled north on the Garden State Parkway. He was pursued by other officers who responded to an alert. The pursuit ended when Bryant crashed into two vehicles at Bloomfield Avenue and State Street in Bloomfield. A search of the car by police allegedly uncovered a loaded .40-caliber handgun and a number of vials of cocaine.

Members of the Attorney General’s Shooting Response Team coordinated the investigation. Deputy Attorney General Steve Farman presented the case to the state grand jury.

The indictment is merely an accusation and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

First-degree crimes carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in state prison and a $200,000 fine; second-degree crimes carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $150,000 fine; third-degree crimes carry a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $15,000 fine; and fourth-degree crimes carry a maximum sentence of 18 months in prison and a $10,000 fine.

The indictments were handed up to Superior Court Judge Maria Marinari Sypek in Mercer County, who assigned them to Essex County.

Copies of the indictments are posted with this release at http://www.njpublicsafety.com.