Newark, NJ, Police Arrest Man Who Allegedly Announced Robbery Using Google Translate

Newark, N.J. — Authorities in North Jersey say they have arrested a man who allegedly used Google Translate to announce the robbery of a business back in March.

25-year-old Najee Bishop of Newark is facing charges of robbery, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, terroristic threats, and certain persons prohibited from weapon possession.

Newark Police Investigate Unusual Robbery Case

According to the Newark Department of Public Safety, at about 6:40 on the evening of March 6th, Bishop entered a business on the 100 block of Pacific Street. He showed an employee his cell phone featuring a Google Translate message announcing that he had a gun and demanding all the shop's money. His message also reportedly advised the worker not to get killed for someone else's money.

Bishop then walked around the shop’s counter, removed $550.00 from the cash register, and placed the money in a blue backpack he was carrying. He also removed one cell phone from the employee and another from the store before fleeing westbound on Chestnut Street. Both cell phones were later located under a vehicle in the 200 block of McWhorter Street.

Detectives later identified Bishop as the suspect and obtained a warrant for his arrest.

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Newark Official Comment on Technology and Crime

Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda, Sr., said in a statement, "While using technology to commit crimes online has become commonplace, in this case, we saw Google Translate being used for an in-person crime. Undeterred, our dedicated robbery detectives were persistent in locating and appropriately charging this suspect."

The public is reminded that charges are accusations and all persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Chris Coleman is a South Jersey native and has been a cornerstone of the Atlantic City radio market since 1998. He serves as Brand Manager for WPG Talk Radio 95.5 and afternoon on-air personality for Cat Country 107.3. A five-time President's Circle award winner and Townsquare Media's 2024 Content Creator of the Year, Chris covers news, events, and stories of interest across Southern New Jersey. Story tips: chris.coleman@townsquaremedia.com