A keen-eyed New Jersey Transit Police Officer on patrol in Newark Penn Station this week spotted and arrested a suspect wanted for a home invasion robbery and attempted murder of a 17-year-old girl in Montclair. New Jersey Transit Police Officer Bryan Richards recognized the suspect walking in Newark Penn Station on Monday November 9th after a bulletin was issued by Montclair police and placed him under arrest.
"I am proud of the New Jersey Transit Police officers who identified and captured this suspect accused of terrorizing a young woman whose safety was violated in her own home," said SVP, Chief of New Jersey Transit Police and Office of Emergency Management Christopher Trucillo. "Officer Richards was alert and aware of his surroundings, trusted his gut and detained a criminal who was wanted by local officials for weeks.”
Anthony Harper, 30, of Newark is suspected of breaking into an apartment in Montclair on October 19th where he beat and choked unconscious a 17-year-old girl, tied her up and put her in a closet.
Other New Jersey Transit Police patrolling Newark Penn Station and aided in the arrest include; Officer Brian Rea, Officer Michael Sczesny, Officer Alex Penalva, Lt. John Hennessy and Sgt. Andrew D’Aloia.
In July, Officer Bryan Richards was part of a team of officers that made international headlines after saving the life of a newborn baby in Newark Penn Station. His efforts to perform CPR in the Newark Penn Station bathroom and in a patrol car on the way to the hospital were caught on video from his body worn camera.
