Day: August 12, 2021

State of NJ

Beat the Heat – Heat-Related Illnesses and Safety

August 12, 2021

By: Christopher Freer, DO, FACEP Senior VP Emergency and Hospitalist Medicine, RWJBarnabas Health

Summer is here! While the summer brings with it warm and pleasant weather, it can also introduce high temperatures and humidity that stress the body’s ability to cool itself, leading to dangerous and in some cases deadly conditions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year there are over 600 heat-related deaths in the United States. There are three major forms of heat illness to be aware of: heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke and there are ways to be smart about the heat and avoid all three.

Heat cramps are muscle spasms that usually affect the arms, legs or stomach. They occur when fluid and salt lost by heavy sweating are not replenished. Although heat cramps can be very painful, they usually do not result in permanent damage. Drinking plenty of fluids can prevent these uncomfortable conditions.

Heat exhaustion is more serious than heat cramps. It occurs when sweating causes the body to lose water and salt (electrolytes), resulting in a reduction of blood volume. The symptoms of heat exhaustion often include:

  • Headache
  • heavy sweating
  • intense thirst
  • dizziness
  • fatigue
  • loss of coordination and appetite
  • nausea
  • cool and moist skin
  • weak and rapid pulse

Victims of heat exhaustion should make an appointment to be examined by a health care professional and should avoid strenuous activity for at least one day following recovery.

Heat stroke is the most dangerous heat ailment. Sweating is the body’s most effective means of heat removal. As heat stroke begins, sweating stops and body temperature can rise to critical levels. Heat stroke is more likely to occur in older adults and cause death if not immediately treated by a health care professional. The early symptoms of heat stroke may include:

  • high body temperature
  • distinct absence of sweating
  • hot, red or flushed dry skin
  • rapid pulse
  • difficulty breathing
  • headache
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • high blood pressure

Advanced symptoms may include seizures, convulsions, or loss of consciousness.

If you suspect you or someone you know is suffering from any heat-related illness, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention.

Heat illnesses can be serious and, in some cases, deadly, but there are ways to protect yourself. To avoid heat-related illnesses:

  • Drink plenty of liquids. Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink; by then, there is a good chance you are already on your way to being dehydrated. Electrolyte drinks are good for replacing both water and minerals lost through sweating. Also, avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages when spending a day in the sun.
  • Wear sunscreen. A sunburn will inhibit your skin’s ability to sweat
  • Watch the news. Your local news station will alert you on days when hot weather has the potential to pose a danger.
  • Take cool baths or showers. Cool water lowers body heat 25 times faster than cool air.
  • Wear light clothing. Loose-fitting clothing allows sweat to evaporate.
  • With physician’s approval, use salt tablets.
  • Avoid hot foods and heavy meals
  • Stay in air-conditioned areas. If your home does not have air conditioning, spend time in public facilities like your local library or mall
  • Be alert. Do not ignore the danger signs of heat-related illnesses. If you feel uncomfortable, take a break. If symptoms persist, contact a health care professional.

For more information about heat-related conditions please visit: www.rwjbh.org

Ewing, Ewing, Mercer County

Crash With Injuries Route 29 South at W. Upper Ferry Road In Ewing Township

August 12, 2012

EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–At 5:43 p.m. the West Trenton Fire Company, Ewing Police and Ewing EMS were detailed to Route 29 South at West Upper Ferry Road for a vehicle crash with reported entrapment. When the chief arrived it was reported that there was no entrapment but there was a small oil and paint spill that needed clean up. Ewing Township firefighters responded to apply oil dry to clean the roadway. Ewing Township EMS transported victims to the hospital. The Ewing Township Police Department is investigating the crash. No further information is available at this time.

Mercer County, Trenton

Crash At Rt 129 And Lalor, Vehicle Overturned Reported Victims Trapped

August 12, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Trenton Fire Department, Police and TEMS were detailed to Route 129 South at Lalor Street for an overturned vehicle with reported entrapment around 5:35 p.m. Police reported that there were victims trapped, the occupants were removed from the vehicle and it was unclear if TEMS transported to the hospital. Trenton Police is investigating the crash. No further information is available.

Barnegat, Ocean County

Four Ocean County Residents Charged With Narcotics Distribution

August 12, 2021

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force collaborated with the Pine Beach Police Department, Barnegat Township Police Department Crime Reduction Unit and Patrol Division, Toms River Township Police Department Special Enforcement Unit and Patrol Division, Lakewood Township Police Department Street Crimes Unit, Lakewood Township Police Department Special Response Team, Lakewood Township Police Department K-9 Unit, Lakewood Police Department Patrol Division, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit, Seaside Heights Police Department Detective Bureau, and Lacey Township Police Department, to conduct an investigation into the distribution of narcotics in the Ocean County area. The investigation identified a residence in Pine Beach being utilized by Kevin Collins, 37, and Daysha Kelly, 35, as well as a residence in Lakewood being utilized by Elex Hyman, 49, and Jamie Steen, 38, for purposes of storing and distributing Heroin, Fentanyl, and Cocaine in Ocean County. The investigation revealed that all four defendants were acting together and in support of one another in carrying out their distribution scheme.

On August 10, 2021, Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Narcotics Strike Force, along with Officers from the Pine Beach Police Department, Barnegat Township Police Department Crime Reduction Unit, and Toms River Township Police Department Special Enforcement Unit, established surveillance on the subject residence in Pine Beach. Detectives observed Collins and Kelly leave the residence and travel by way of public transportation to the Ocean County Mall. As Detectives maintained surveillance on Collins and Kelly, the Ocean County Regional SWAT Team executed a court-authorized search warrant on the Pine Beach residence. Detectives then approached Collins and Kelly and arrested them without incident. Collins and Kelly were found to be in possession of approximately 100 wax folds of Heroin, 22 grams of Crack Cocaine, and $1,230 in United States Currency. In addition, as a result of the execution of the search warrant on the Pine Beach residence, Detectives seized approximately 1300 wax folds of Heroin, 134 Ecstasy Pills, two semi-automatic 9mm handguns, and $9740 in United States currency.

On August 11, 2021, Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Narcotics Strike Force, along with Officers from the Lakewood Township Police Department Street Crimes Unit, Lakewood Township Police Department Special Response Team, Lakewood Township Police Department K-9 Unit, and Lakewood Township Police Department Patrol Division, executed a court-authorized search warrant on the residence in Lakewood. Though nothing of evidentiary value was located at the residence, Lacey Township Police Officers performed a motor vehicle stop on a vehicle being operated by Hyman – with Steen as a passenger – in Lacey Township. As a result of the stop, Hyman and Steen were arrested and approximately $5780 in United States Currency was seized.

Kevin Collins, of Pine Beach, was charged with Possession of More than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Heroin With Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(2); Possession of More than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Cocaine With Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(2); Possession of More than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Ecstasy Pills With Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(2); Possession of Heroin in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1); Possession of Cocaine in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1); Possession of Ecstasy Pills in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1); Possession of Drug Paraphernalia in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:36-2a; Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Controlled Dangerous Substance Offense in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4.1a; and Being a Certain Person Prohibited from Possessing a Weapon in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-7a. Collins was transported to the Ocean County Jail where he is currently lodged pending a detention hearing.

Daysha Kelly, of Pine Beach, was charged with Possession of More than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Heroin With Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(2); Possession of More than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Cocaine With Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(2); Possession of More than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Ecstasy Pills With Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(2); Possession of Heroin in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1); Possession of Cocaine in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1); Possession of Ecstasy Pills in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1); Possession of Drug Paraphernalia in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:36-2a; and two counts of Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Controlled Dangerous Substance Offense in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4.1a. Kelly was transported to the Ocean County Jail where she is currently lodged pending a detention hearing.

Elex Hyman, of Barnegat, was charged with Conspiracy to Possess More than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Heroin With Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2a(1) and N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(2); Conspiracy to Possess More than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Cocaine With Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2a(1) and N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(2); and Conspiracy to Possess More than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Ecstasy Pills With Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2a(1) and N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(2). Hyman was transported to the Ocean County Jail where he is currently lodged pending a detention hearing.

Jamie Steen, of Barnegat, was charged with Conspiracy to Possess More than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Heroin With Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2a(1) and N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(2); Conspiracy to Possess More than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Cocaine With Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2a(1) and N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(2); and Conspiracy to Possess More than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Ecstasy Pills With Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2a(1) and N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(2). Steen was transported to the Ocean County Jail where she is currently lodged pending a detention hearing.

Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Asset Forfeiture Unit, Ocean County Regional SWAT Team, Pine Beach Police Department, Barnegat Township Police Department Crime Reduction Unit and Patrol Division, Toms River Township Police Department Special Enforcement Unit and Patrol Division, Lakewood Township Police Department Street Crimes Unit, Lakewood Township Police Department Special Response Team, Lakewood Township Police Department K-9 Unit, Lakewood Township Police Department Patrol Division, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit, Lacey Township Police Department, and Seaside Heights Police Department Detective Bureau, for their combined and collective assistance in connection with this investigation.

The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6). 

Ocean County, Toms River

Toms River Man Indicted On Terroristic Threats And Causing False Public Alarm

August 12, 2021

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on August 12, 2021, an Indictment by a Grand Jury sitting in Monmouth County was returned against David Giordano, 36, of Toms River, on charges of Terroristic Threats in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-3a, and False Public Alarms in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:33-3c, relative to an incident that occurred on April 12, 2021. These charges were presented to a Monmouth County Grand Jury due to a conflict arising out of the fact that Giordano’s threats were made against the Ocean County Judiciary.

On April 12, 2021, three videos were uploaded to a public YouTube Channel entitled “Toms River Police are the Best.” These videos included images of Giordano, news coverage of Giordano’s previous arrest in connection with painting a blue line on Hooper Avenue, images of the Ocean County Justice Complex as well as Toms River Township Town Hall – followed by a video of a homemade bulldozer destroying public buildings in Granby, Colorado in 2004. The videos also included graphics stating the person posting the video would turn Toms River Township Town Hall and the Ocean County Justice Complex “upside down.” An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit determined that Giordano produced and posted the videos to the YouTube Channel.

On May 3, 2021, Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Toms River Township Police Department, and Berkeley Township Police Department executed court-authorized search warrants on two residences – one in Toms River and the other in Berkeley Township – where Giordano is known to reside. As a result, Detectives recovered and seized several items containing digital evidence. A motor vehicle stop was subsequently performed by Toms River Township Police Officers on a vehicle operated by Giordano. Giordano was arrested and taken into custody without incident. Although initially detained in the Ocean County Jail and then transported to Monmouth County Correctional Institution shortly after his arrest, Giordano was released on July 21, 2021 pursuant to New Jersey Bail Reform.

Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Assistant Prosecutor Shanon Chant-Berry who is handling the case on behalf of the State, as well as the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Toms River Township Police Department, and Berkeley Township Police Department, for their collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation leading to Giordano’s indictment.

The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).

  • David Giordano, 36, of Toms River
Middlesex County, South Brunswick

South Brunswick Township Creates Outreach Effort for Fire Victims

Fire Victims in Need of Assistance

August 12, 2021

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–A fire at the Princeton Orchards Apartments last Friday, August 6th heavily damaged multiple apartments leaving 8 school children and their families with a significant loss. The South Brunswick Community Resource Team is collaborating to gather donations to distribute to these families, to help meet their immediate needs for clothing, food, school supplies, and other items.

The families are mostly in need of Gift cards- Walmart, Target, Amazon, Stop & Shop, Shop Rite, drug stores, etc.

The collections should be dropped off at the front desk at South Brunswick High School – 750 Ridge Road, Monmouth Junction; South Brunswick Public Library -110 Kingston Lane, Monmouth Junction; South Brunswick Social Services – 540 Ridge Road, Monmouth Junction or South Brunswick Recreation Center -124 New Road, Monmouth Junction.  

Donations will be collected through September 20, 2021. Please direct questions to Jeanne Wert at South Brunswick Director Of Social Services at South Brunswick Township (jwert@sbtnj.net) or Amy Finkelstein, Supervisor of Student Assistance and Wellness at South Brunswick School District (Amy.Finkelstein@sbschools.org).

Background on the fire –

On August 6, 2021, at 5:30 PM, the Monmouth Junction Fire Department was dispatched to the Princeton Orchards Apartments off Ridge Road for a kitchen fire. Police officers along with Monmouth Junction Fire Chief Scott Smith and Deputy Chief Sean Wert arrived to find smoke coming from Building E of the garden apartment-style building. Firefighters encountered heavy fire conditions in Apartment E on the second floor in the center of the building. Due to the volume of fire and the need to search the other units in the building for victims and fire spread, the fire went to a third alarm. A total of 12 fire trucks and over 60 firefighters responded, including firefighters from Monmouth Junction, Kendall Park, Kingston, Jamesburg, Plainsboro, North Brunswick Co. #2, Monroe Fire District #3, and Brookview. Firefighters from East Brunswick District #1, Monroe Fire Co. #1, Montgomery Fire Co. #2, and Little Rocky Hill covered South Brunswick fire stations during the fire and responded to two other incidents, including a truck fire on Route 522.

Ambulances from South Brunswick, North Brunswick and Monroe responded to the scene. One resident and one firefighter were treated at the scene for heat exhaustion.

“Firefighters conducted an aggressive fire attack and were able to contain the fire to the single unit of the 12-unit building”, according to Chief Smith. This was a challenging fire for firefighters. We had a large building with a rapidly spreading fire and a dozen apartments to search, plus humid weather that took a toll on the crews. Three other apartments off the same common hallway as the fire apartment suffered smoke and water damage and were all deemed uninhabitable.

South Brunswick Township Fire Safety Bureau determined the cause of the fire to be accidental.

A fire at the Princeton Orchards Apartments last Friday, August 6th heavily damaged multiple apartments leaving 8 school children and their families with a significant loss. The South Brunswick Community Resource Team is collaborating to gather donations to distribute to these families, to help meet their immediate needs for clothing, food, school supplies, and other items.
Middlesex County, South Brunswick

South Brunswick Manhunt Ends In Capture

August 12, 2021

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–At 11 a.m. on August 11, 2021 South Brunswick Police responded to the Royal Oaks Apartment Complex off Henderson Road for a dispute. Arriving officers were advised Koddy Hyman age 41 of Franklin Township was a fugitive with outstanding warrants. Hyman was wanted for kidnapping, aggravated assault, and unlawful possession of a weapon for an incident a month earlier. He had outstanding warrants from New Brunswick, Woodbridge, and South Brunswick municipal courts.

Officer Ryan Bartunek and Officer Dan Rodriguez observed Hyman flee into the woods at the intersection of Henderson Road near Blackhorse Lane. Officers set up a perimeter and contacted the New Jersey State Police K9 unite. At 12:45 pm Hyman emerged from the woods and was spotted by Officer Christopher Magee-Vanderveen and PFC Jesse Blake who gave chase. Hyman went under a fence and ran across the northeast corridor Amtrak train lines. He ran into the rear of High Grade Beverage property at 891 Georges Road where Sergeant William Merkler captured him at 1:06 p.m. 

Hyman was treated at the scene by EMS for heat exhaustion. He was transported to Middlesex County Correction Center awaiting a bail hearing.

Chief Raymond Hayducka praised the work of all the officers involved. “The officers’ quick actions of setting up a perimeter and waiting the suspect out under extremely hot conditions was excellent police work. I want to also thank the NJ State Police for their assistance. This took time and tactics to successfully capture this suspect.”

  • Koddy Hyman, 41, Franklin Township
Mercer County, Trenton

Four Trenton Firefighters Recognized for Exemplary Bravery During June 2020 House Fire

August 12, 2021

By: Tyler Eckel

TRENTON (MERCER)– Mayor W. Reed Gusciora announced today that four City of Trenton firefighters have received the American Legion Firefighter of the Year Team Valor Award for rescuing an unconscious Trenton resident within minutes of responding to a house fire in June 2020.

Captain Vincent Przemieniecki and firefighters Akiyse Watkins, Peter Mancini and Michael Szabo of Rescue Company 1 were presented with a plaque on Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021 at the Trenton War Memorial.

In the early morning of June 9, 2020, the Trenton Fire Department responded to reports of a fire at a residence on the 600 block of Martin Luther King Blvd that possibly had trapped occupants inside. Fire was already visible from the windows when they approached the property. Przemieniecki and Szabo began a search on the first floor, while Watkins and Mancini searched the second floor.

When Mancini and Watkins climbed the stairs inside the house, they were met with high heat and thick black smoke as well as an active fire engulfing the front bedroom. While searching the floor, Watkins discovered a semi-conscious victim on the hospital bed and radioed Przemieniecki, who helped arrange an EMS team to wait for the victim outside.

In order to buy them time to rescue the victim, Mancini crawled down the hallway to shut the door to the bedroom where the fire was spreading. Szabo joined them on the second floor and the three firefighters, while dealing with rapidly deteriorating heat and visibility conditions without the protection of a hose line, successfully maneuvered the victim down the stairs and out to EMS personnel in front of the property. 

“There is no doubt that Trenton is blessed with an exceptional fire department made up of individuals who regularly put their lives at risk to protect our residents and minimize property damage,” said Mayor Gusciora. “Their speed, organization, teamwork and bravery were on full display in this incident and resulted in the best possible outcome. I’m grateful to the American Legion for recognizing their service.”

Left to right – Captain Vincent Przemieniecki, Firefighter Akiyse Watkins, Willie J. Smith of The American Legion Mitchell A. Davis Post 182, Firefighter Michael Szabo and Firefighter Peter Mancini. Photo provided by the City of Trenton.
American Legion Firefighter of the Year Team Valor Award. Photo provided by the City of Trenton.
    Hamilton, Mercer County

    Police arrest three juveniles on multiple burglary, criminal mischief, and bias intimidation offenses.

    August 12, 2021

    By: Tyler Eckel

    HAMILTON TOWNSHIP (MERCER)– On August 11, 2021 at approximately 5:10 AM, Officers were detailed to the parking lot of Hamilton Lanes located on the 1200 block of Kuser Road for a report of Burglary to Auto and Criminal Mischief. Upon arrival Officers located the calling party who stated he was notified by his vehicle tracker system that two of his tractor trailers were moving in the parking lot between 3:17 AM and 4:27 AM. Three tractor trailers had damage to them as well as spray paint on them. Upon further investigation it was discovered that the doors to the bowling alley had been spray painted as well. Officers located spray paint cans that matched the colors used in the graffiti on the outskirts of the property.

    At approximately 6:27 AM Officers were detailed to the area of Kuser Road and Sundance Drive on a report of Criminal Mischief to several parked vehicles.  Graffiti was written on the vehicles and additional graffiti was located on a sign, curb line, and planters/columns belonging to Dragonfly Farms.  The graffiti contained racial slurs and images of male genitalia. 

    At approximately 8:35 AM, Detective Chris Pullen was following up in the area of the graffiti when he noticed three juvenile males and a juvenile female walking in and out of traffic on Kuser Road near Sundance Drive looking and pointing at the graffiti.  Detective Pullen stopped the juveniles for their safety and developed information that the juveniles had information or may have been involved in the graffiti.  Further investigation by Detective Pullen and Detective Matt Donovan revealed that three juvenile males were responsible for the graffiti and damage to the tractor trailers.

    The three juveniles were placed under arrest and charged with two (2) counts of Burglary, nine (9) counts of Criminal Mischief, four (4) counts of Bias Intimidation and Unlawful Taking of a Means of Conveyance. 

    Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Chris Pullen of the Hamilton Police Division’s Criminal Investigations Section at 609-581-4080, Detective Matt Donovan of the Hamilton Police Division’s Juvenile Section or the Hamilton Police Crime Tip Hotline at 609-581-4008.