Richard D. Williams, 39 of Newark, New Jersey appeared May 31, 2017 in federal court before US District Judge John Michael Vazquez to face new charges of possessing a firearm though he is a previously convicted felon.
Williams was arrested February 18, 2017 along with three others, Terrell Norris, 28, a 16-year-old, both from Newark as well, and Nakiah Burr, 19, of East Orange.
After a car reported stolen in Fairfield was spotted in Newark, police began the chase of the allegedly stolen Infiniti Q50 with squad cars and even the Newark Police Division’s helicopter. The chase ended in flames after Williams, the alleged driver, drove into oncoming traffic in East Orange and crashed into an unmarked police SUV, both cars caught fire. Williams managed to get out, attempted at running and was quickly caught by an officer. The men inside the SUV and the three other suspects were able to exit their vehicles before they caught fire.
An officer searched Williams and found a loaded .38 handgun in his waistband. He was arrested on the spot and taken first to the hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Two other police officers were injured and taken to the University Hospital.
The suspect was charged with four counts of aggravated assault against a police officer, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession on a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and now for being a felon in possession of a firearm. The other three suspects were charged with receiving stolen property and resisting arrest.
Williams could face a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted of being a felon possessing a gun.
US Attorney William E. Fitzpatrick credits the investigation to the work of ATF special agents, the Newark Department of Public Safety and the New Jersey State Police.
All persons are assumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Tags: Car, Weapons, Federal Court, Essex County
Photo: Newark Police Department. (Williams, Norris, Burr)
