A multi-agency operation in Newark led by US Marshals captured three suspects, including an 18-year-old Bloods gang member, with newly appointed Interim New Jersey US Attorney Alina Habba participating in the arrests.
According to the New York Post, Zakiyy Houser, an 18-year-old gang member with multiple weapons charges, was apprehended at the Pennington Court apartments while wearing an Amazon delivery vest, following his alleged involvement in a shooting that injured two people in Newark last month.
The operation involved 22 agents from various law enforcement agencies, including US Marshals, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and local authorities. Habba, President Trump's former attorney who was recently named New Jersey's interim top prosecutor, joined the raid wearing the agency's bulletproof vest and cap.
The arrests extended beyond Houser to include two other dangerous suspects. Darius Torres, 22, a sex offender wanted by the Lehigh County Sheriff's Office, was arrested for failing to appear in court after being charged with possession of child pornography and obscene materials.
David Bogar, 26, was also apprehended while hiding under a bed in his Newark apartment. He was wanted by the Union County Sheriff's Office for aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer after allegedly ramming a police vehicle and fleeing the scene.
Houser's criminal history spans multiple jurisdictions across Essex County, including charges of conspiracy, burglary, theft, and various weapons violations. His prior offenses occurred in several New Jersey communities, including Elmwood Park, Livingston, Newark, Verona, and West Caldwell.
During the operation, Habba expressed her admiration for the law enforcement officers' dedication and coordination. She emphasized the importance of understanding their work firsthand to effectively support their efforts as US attorney.
Habba shared her perspective on the relationship between her office and law enforcement agencies:
I can't do my job if I don't understand what these guys do every day. They do the legwork, they go get the bad guys. They put so much time and energy into doing it, and now it's the US attorney's job to make sure that we get them locked up and that they go to jail for a longtime.
The interim US attorney also addressed her stance on juvenile offenders, particularly referencing a recent case involving a 14-year-old Bloods member who allegedly killed a Newark detective. She stated her intention to charge the teen as an adult, demonstrating her tough approach to violent crimes regardless of the perpetrator's age.
Habba's appointment as interim US attorney came after John Giordano's nomination by President Trump for the position of US ambassador to Namibia. The transition marks a significant shift in New Jersey's federal prosecution leadership.
When asked about her preference between field operations and working in the White House, Habba maintained her diplomatic stance, expressing gratitude for both opportunities. She acknowledged her unique position while careful not to compromise her relationship with President Trump.
The interim US attorney emphasized her commitment to supporting law enforcement operations through her office's prosecutorial work. She plans to ensure her team provides comprehensive support to the agents working in the field.
The successful multi-agency operation in Newark resulted in the arrest of three dangerous suspects, including Bloods gang member Zakiyy Houser, sex offender Darius Torres, and assault suspect David Bogar. The arrests were conducted by a team of 22 agents from various law enforcement agencies, with Interim US Attorney Alina Habba actively participating in the operation. The coordinated effort demonstrates the effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation in apprehending individuals wanted for serious crimes, while also showcasing Habba's hands-on approach to her new role as New Jersey's top federal prosecutor.
