Newark residents woke Sunday to news that a nun who serves at St. Rose of Lima Church was violently robbed while walking to a bus stop Saturday morning, and that police have arrested a suspect who faces multiple charges in that attack and a separate incident later the same day.
The victim, identified to News 12 New Jersey as Sister Julia, was walking along 11th Street at about 7:30 a.m. on Saturday on her way to work at a nearby nursing home when she said she was pushed to the ground, punched twice and had her purse stolen, Newark police told reporters.
Arrest and charges
Newark police arrested 25-year-old Raheem Green in connection with the assault on the nun. Authorities said Green is also charged in a second incident later that morning: a sexual assault and attempted murder on another woman. Police described formal charges including robbery, assault and attempted murder related to both incidents.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Victim (first incident) | Sister Julia, St. Rose of Lima |
| Location | 11th Street, Newark |
| Time | ~7:30 a.m., Saturday |
| Suspect | Raheem Green, 25 |
| Charges | Robbery, assault, sexual assault, attempted murder |
Community response and church security
The attack alarmed clergy and parishioners at St. Rose of Lima, who said the sister is continuing her community service despite the assault. Pastor Marco Hurtado-Olazo, who knows the nun from services at St. Rose of Lima, said the church has reached out to the diocese and will increase security measures.
“We’re going to install cameras. I called the diocese. This is going to be a bunker we have no choice. This area was improving — that’s the sad thing,”
Pastor Hurtado-Olazo made the comment to News 12 New Jersey, underscoring concern that a neighborhood showing signs of improvement experienced a troubling spike in violence.
What this means for residents
The arrests and the church’s immediate plan to add cameras reflect two practical responses: law enforcement action and increased local surveillance. For residents who use public transit or walk to work in the area, the incident is a reminder of the importance of vigilance during early morning hours.
- Police advise reporting suspicious activity promptly to Newark police.
- St. Rose of Lima plans to install cameras and review security around the church.
- The arrested suspect faces charges for both the nun’s attack and a separate more serious incident.
Newark police are leading the criminal investigation. As the case proceeds, prosecutors will determine formal filings and next steps. The church and community members say they will work with authorities and the diocese to strengthen protections for congregants and nearby residents.
