Big turnout expected as fugitives get chance to surrender in Newark

BY ALEXI FRIEDMAN

A four-day law enforcement initiative in Newark aimed at encouraging fugitives with open warrants for nonviolent crimes to surrender begins today.

The operation, called Fugitive Safe Surrender, is being held inside the Bethany Baptist Church, 275 W. Market St., from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., today through Saturday.

The program gives fugitives a second chance to surrender, with little risk of jail time, officials said.

Essex County has about 9,000 fugitives wanted for nonviolent crimes.

Union County, which is also taking part in the program, has about 1,000.

But anyone with an open warrant from New Jersey can walk in and surrender, officials said.

Those who turn themselves in will be processed at the church, then have their cases heard before a judge at the nearby Priory, also on West Market Street.

Because of the expected turnout, those who do not see a judge will be given a court date and a voucher that can be shown to police in the event of a minor traffic stop or other infraction.

Streets surrounding the church will also be closed from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on those days, the Essex County Sheriff's Office said.

Traffic will be blocked from Hartford Street, between Hudson Street and Morris Avenue; Hudson Street, between West Market and Hartford streets; Warren Street, between Norfolk and West Market streets; and Morris Avenue, between Hartford and West Market streets.

Children who attend the University Heights Charter School, located at the church, may be dropped off and picked up at the Hartford Street entrance.

Last November, more than 2,200 people turned themselves in during a safe surrender operation in Camden, and just nine were arrested, authorities said.

Alexi Friedman may be reached at (973) 642-0341 or afriedman@starledger.com.