The dead body found in an empty Chamberlain Avenue lot early Friday morning has been identified as an elderly Newark man, according to police.
Ali Achmetov, 65-year-old, was discovered in a lot at 374 Chamberlain Avenue at about 6 a.m., police said. An investigation by detectives determined the man died elsewhere and was jettisoned at the empty lot. The New Jersey Medical Examiner Office determined the man died from natural causes, said police.
Police have arrested Michael Rzucidlo, 40, of Clifton for allegedly dumping the body at the empty lot.
Detectives Ralph Fermin, Ed DelValle, Kelvin Matos, and John Scully were able to identify the victim and made notification to his family. Police received further information that the elderly man was in possession of a gray Pontiac wagon which was likely used to transport and improperly dispose of the body.
Police issued an alert with a full description of the vehicle to all law enforcement agencies in New Jersey.
On Sunday, police officer Edgar Taylor saw the sought-after Pontiac wagon on Broadway and Straight Street. He pulled over the car with two people inside. Both occupants were taken to downtown Paterson for questioning.
Detectives Fermin and Matos determined one of the occupant – Rzucidlo — taken in for questioning transported and disposed of the body at the Chamberlain Avenue lot. Police charged Rzucidlo with possession of a stolen vehicle and unlawful disposal of human remains.
Police ask anyone with information about this incident to contact detectives Fermin, DelValle, or Matos at 973-321-1120.