By: Richard L. Smith

What began as a routine search for a stolen vehicle turned into a dramatic rescue when two Summit Police detectives found themselves at the scene of a burning home in Newark’s South Ward.

According to information released by the Summit Police Department, the incident occurred around 2:58 p.m. on Friday, August 29.

Detective Sergeant Ruddy Garita and Detective Darin Sliker were canvassing South 19th Street for a BMW reported stolen out of Summit the previous day when they spotted heavy smoke billowing from the second story of a residence.

As they approached, a man fleeing the home shouted that people were still inside.

From a rear window, a woman and child could be heard crying for help. Without hesitation, Det. Sgt. Garita rushed across the street, grabbed a contr

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