Two East Orange residents have been arrested on charges they shot and attempted to rob a man entering a taxi yesterday in neighboring Orange, according to police.

Charles Edwards of Newark was reported in good condition at University Hospital in Newark following the 4:40 a.m. incident on Berwyn Street, at the border of the two cities, Orange Police Director Charles Cobbertt said.

A 17-year-old male resident of North Walnut Street, identified as the gunman, and Kelly Smith, 19, of South Munn Avenue, were picked up by police minutes after the attempted robbery and shooting, he added.

Cobbertt said Edwards was getting into a taxi when he was approached by two males.

"One of them struck him in the head with a handgun and shot him once, causing a flesh wound to his right hip," Cobbertt said.

The cab driver sped off, he added, and the suspects fled on foot.

Edwards managed to walk "towards Central Avenue, where he flagged down a passing East Orange police patrol car," Cobbertt continued.

The patrol car, along with a responding Orange Police Department patrol unit, accompanied Edwards back to the shooting scene, where the victim was able to point out his assailants to police, he said.

The younger suspect, not identified because of his age, and Smith were both charged with attempted robbery, aggravated assault, possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.

Cobbertt said the 17-year-old was sent to the Essex County Juvenile Detention Center in Newark, pending a hearing.

Smith was put in the Orange lockup and was being held without bail pending a municipal court arraignment today.

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“Reach Back with One Hand and Pull Someone Else Up With You.”

– Charles C. Cobbertt

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