Newark reports of monkeys on the loose may be AI-driven: Officials
by: Spencer Gustafson, Greg Mocker
NEWARK, N.J. — Newark police spent two days investigating reports of wild monkeys on the loose, only to find no evidence that any animals were actually roaming the city.
Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda said officers were first alerted around 10:35 a.m. Thursday to reports of monkeys near Georgia King Village. Similar calls had been received the previous day, prompting Animal Control officers to respond. Despite multiple searches, officials say no animals were found.
“Officers have not located any monkeys,” Miranda said. “Any photos or videos circulating on social media about this incident are likely AI-generated.”
The supposed sightings sparked concern among residents. Hariette Guity, who works near West Market Street, said she heard the warning secondhand.
“A coworker called and said to be careful, there’s a monkey on the loose,” Guity recalled. “When something really does happen, then what?”
This isn’t the first time AI-generated content has caused confusion. Earlier this month, Yonkers Police issued a warning about an “A.I. Homeless Man Prank,” in which fake images led people to believe strangers were inside their homes.
“We need to use AI the right way,” said Newark resident Richard Chapman. “Having the police respond to something that isn’t real wastes their time when they could be helping people who actually need it.”
Police say they checked buildings and surrounding areas thoroughly. While the investigation is ongoing, Miranda said the reports have been “preliminarily determined to be a hoax.”
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