63-Year-Old Newark Detective Dies in Highway Crash After Retirement

Mocobizscene-A retired detective with over 30 years of service with the Newark police tragically lost his life in a highway crash in Mercer County last week, as reported by individuals who were close to him.

According to public records, Toye Muhammad, 63, officially retired from the Newark Public Safety Department in 2021. Robert Jackson, a retired police detective and a close friend, had the privilege of serving alongside him.

“Toye was an exceptional officer,” praised Jackson. “I had the privilege of being a decade ahead of him, and I witnessed his remarkable development not only within the police department but also within the community. He was a reliable and honorable individual.”

Muhammad mentioned that he had worked in the city’s executive protection unit, serving under Mayor Ras J. Baraka. As part of this unit, he and his colleagues provided round-the-clock security for the mayor.

According to Detective Jeffrey Lebron, a spokesperson for the New Jersey State Police, the crash occurred at 4:28 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 22, at milepost 59.9 on the southbound New Jersey Turnpike.

State police have not released the name of the individual involved in the crash or provided any further details. However, when contacted by phone on Wednesday, December 27th, several individuals who were familiar with the situation confirmed that the former Newark officer, Muhammad, had tragically lost his life in the accident.

Muhammad’s wife, Celeste Muhammad, did not comment on the matter. Similarly, Catherine Adams, the spokesperson for the Newark Public Safety Department, also refrained from making any statements.

Alif Muhammad, a close friend of the retired detective, mentioned that Toye Muhammad had a career that involved providing security for Louis Farrakhan, the leader of the Nation of Islam.

Alif Muhammad expressed, “He had a significant impact. He was the kind of police officer who truly made a difference.”

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