Newark Police Seek Purchase of Armored Truck

Newark City Council is scheduled to vote on whether to allow the city to buy a used armored vehicle for the , according to media reports.

The Argus reported Monday that council members will vote on whether to lease the bulletproof truck for a total of $161,000 for the next seven years.

In the report, Police Chief James Leal said that Friday's tragic that killed 12 people and April's in Oakland are examples of why such trucks are needed.

More from The Argus:

The vehicle is said to be a Lenco BearCat, which resembles an armored Brinks truck, would be used only for special circumstances, such as armed barricaded suspects, terrorist attacks and shootings at schools and other public places, police said.

Newark, a small city of just under 43,000 people, has had its share of police standoffs with suspects in recent years, but has never been hit with a terrorist attack or mass shooting. Still, Leal said the Aurora tragedy is a "prime example" of why police agencies need the truck.

"Nowadays, you don't where or how it's going to happen," Leal said.

Leal also told The Argus that the vehicle would be used as a protective truck and would not be used as an "assault vehicle." Neighboring police departments, including Union City and Fremont, have similar trucks, according to the report.

The item is listed in the city council's consent agenda. The council meets at 7:30 p.m. Thursday inside City Hall, 37101 Newark Blvd.

Read the entire Argus article by clicking here.

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