Police arrest friends of Newark shooting victim

Newark police have arrested three men in connection to robbery that turned deadly outside a fast food restaurant last week.

According to Newark police, 21-year-old Dariel Pankins, 17-year-old Isaac Chattin, 17-year-old Karel Blalock and 20-year-old Marcus Johnson, went to the KFC on Marrows Road in Newark last Thursday with the intent to commit a drug-related robbery of another individual.

During the incident, Johnson, who was armed with a semi-automatic rifle, was shot and killed in the parking lot of the restaurant. The rest of the group fled the scene.

Pankins, Chattin and Blalock have been charged with robbery, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and conspiracy. Pankins and Blalock were also charged with possession of firearm by persons prohibited.

Police are continuing to search for Johnson’s killer and are attempting to identify several people who fled the scene in a dark colored sedan.

Anyone with information should contact the Newark Police Department. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333.