Day: August 31, 2021

Barnegat, Middlesex County, Ocean County, Sayreville

Barnegat, NJ Man Indicted And Arrested For 22-year-old Cold Case Murder

August 31, 2021

SAYREVILLE, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Chief John Zebrowski of the Sayreville Police Department announce a Barnegat man has been arrested after being indicted by a Middlesex County Grand Jury for the 1999 murder of Nancy Noga, 17, of Sayreville.

On January 7, 1999, Ms. Noga, who was then a senior in high school, was reported missing after she did not return home from work. Five days later, on January 12, 1999, at approximately 8:57 A.M., Ms. Noga’s body was discovered in a wooded area behind what was then Mini-Mall Plaza Shopping Center on Ernston Road. An autopsy later determined Noga died from blunt force trauma after being struck with a blunt object. For more than two decades, the case remained open and active as investigators continued to investigate Ms. Noga’s death.

Today, Bruce A. Cymanski, 49, of Barnegat was indicted for first- degree murder, first-degree felony murder, first-degree aggravated sexual assault, first-degree kidnapping, and third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose in connection with the killing of Nancy Noga. Assistant Prosecutor Scott Lamountain, who serves as the section chief of the Major Crimes Unit, presented the case to the Grand Jury.

Following the return of the indictment by a Middlesex County Grand Jury, Cymanski was arrested near his home by members of the Sayreville Police Department, Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Barnegat Police Department after a brief foot pursuit. Cymanski is presently lodged at the Middlesex County Adult Correction Center where he is detained pending a pre-trial detention hearing in Superior Court.

The arrest was made possible by a joint investigation conducted by Detective Mark Morris and Sergeant Deon McCall, both of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, in conjunction with Sergeant Daniel Ellmyer of the Sayreville Police Department and retired Detective Sergeant Richard Sloan, formerly of the Sayreville Police Department.

Cymanski was in-part identified through the use of genetic genealogy conducted by the Chief Genetic Genealogist of Parabon NanoLabs, Ms. CeCe Moore.

“In the decades since Nancy Noga’s death, law enforcement has relentlessly pursued justice on her behalf. The advancement of modern scientific tools has allowed that endeavor to enter a new chapter,” said Prosecutor Ciccone.

“This arrest is the result of decades of hard work by so many detectives and officers. We never stopped following up on leads, and today with the arrest of Bruce Cymanski, we are one step closer to bringing a degree of justice and closure to the family. I want to thank Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and her office for their tireless efforts and partnership in bringing justice to the family of this young girl,” said Chief Zebrowski.

This investigation is active and continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Morris at (732)745-3702 or Sergeant Ellmyer at (732)525-5406.

As is the case with all criminal defendants, the charges against Cymanski are merely accusations and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

From the Facebook Page: A Cold Night in January: What Happened to Nancy?
Sayreville Police Department file photo
Burlington, Fort Dix, McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst

Washington Air Guardsmen depart to support “Operation Allies Refuge” at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ

August 31, 2021

CAMP MURRAY, WA–As citizens around the globe watched events unfold in recent weeks in Afghanistan, approximately 50 Airmen from the Washington Air National Guard departed Aug. 28, 2021, to provide essential support to vulnerable Afghans as part of Operation Allies Refuge at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey.

The Department of Defense recently approved a request for assistance from the State Department to provide temporary housing, sustainment, and support inside the United States for vulnerable Afghans at military installations around the country. JBMDL is one of the locations where servicemembers are providing this support.

According to Lt. Col. Lisa Weaver, Air Component Coordination Element for the Washington National Guard, the WNG received urgent requests for OAR volunteers through the Joint Information Exchange Environment, the National Guard Bureau’s web-based, interagency mission coordination and situational awareness system. The request then went out to the units with a short suspense.

Due to Airmen being heavily tasked since March 2020 with Covid operations, civil disturbance missions and wildland firefighting support, just to name a few, the speed and size of the response was unexpected. But in hindsight it all made sense to Weaver.

“We have so many people who have been connected to Afghanistan the last 20 years and want to help in any way they can,” she said. “It’s an opportunity to make a difference in a situation where it really is necessary: working directly with displaced nationals, helping them settle, and keeping them safe.”

The more than 50 Airmen who volunteered belong to all the units of the WA ANG: the Headquarters Washington Air National Guard and 194th Wing at Camp Murray, 141st Air Refueling Wing at Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane, Washington, and Western Air Defense Sector at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. The group is a blend of ranks, career fields and part time and full time guardsmen.

With a majority of the WA ANG contingent designated as general augmentees, they will help the JBMDL task force provide housing, medical, logistics, and transportation support. The WA ANG also deployed security forces and transportation Airmen to provide career field-related support.

Senior Airman Sarah Godfrey, a material management specialist with the 194th Logistics Readiness Squadron, is an Airman who has been on back-to-back missions. According to her, she volunteered again because she’s thriving, and also, it goes back to why she joined the WA ANG in the first place.

“The [whole] reason I joined the guard was to assist with any kind of state side mission or mission in general [that] contributes to the community,” she said. “I just want to at least comfort refugees coming in and help in any way I possibly can.”

During an in-processing event for departing Airmen at Camp Murray, Washington on Aug. 27, 2021, the state’s adjutant general, Army Maj. Gen. Bret D. Daugherty, addressed the group and talked about the historic nature of OAR.

“You are about to play a part in what very well could be the last chapter in 20 years of war in Afghanistan. While the previous chapters have all been full of death and destruction, this last chapter could be really really positive,” he said. “You’re going to have an impact on our country for generations. Typically people who come to America have a pretty rough go of things that first generation but their kids and grandkids make major contributions to our country. So the work you are going to do here is going to set the stage for major contributions for generations and not everyone gets to do that.”

  • Washington Air National Guardsmen out-process on August 27, 2021 at Camp Murray, Wash. The Air Guardsmen will deploy to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ in support of Operation Allies Refuge to help process Afghan evacuees. (Air National Guard photo by TSgt Emily Moon/Released)
  • Washington Air National Guardsmen out-process on August 27, 2021 at Camp Murray, Wash. The Air Guardsmen will deploy to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ in support of Operation Allies Refuge to help process Afghan evacuees. (Air National Guard photo by TSgt Emily Moon/Released)
  • Washington Air National Guardsmen out-process on August 27, 2021 at Camp Murray, Wash. The Air Guardsmen will deploy to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ in support of Operation Allies Refuge to help process Afghan evacuees. (Air National Guard photo by TSgt Emily Moon/Released)
  • Washington Air National Guardsmen out-process on August 27, 2021 at Camp Murray, Wash. The Air Guardsmen will deploy to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ in support of Operation Allies Refuge to help process Afghan evacuees. (Air National Guard photo by TSgt Emily Moon/Released)
  • Washington Air National Guardsmen out-process on August 27, 2021 at Camp Murray, Wash. The Air Guardsmen will deploy to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ in support of Operation Allies Refuge to help process Afghan evacuees. (Air National Guard photo by TSgt Emily Moon/Released)
Hamilton, Hamilton, Mercer County

New Jersey State Police Partners with Make-A-Wish Foundation to Make Dream Come True for Two Brave Boys

August 31, 2021

By: Tyler Eckel

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP (MERCER)– Earlier today, Colonel Patrick J. Callahan joined Make-A-Wish of New Jersey President and CEO Tom Weatherall, former Make-A-Wish of America Board Chair John Crowley, and a contingent of more than 100 troopers and law enforcement officers from several states to make a dream come true for two amazing boys. Samaree and Dalton are 6-year-old boys battling serious illnesses who dream to become police officers.

The day began when troopers escorted the boys from their hometowns of Camden and Florence to Troop “C” Hamilton Station where they got a chance to don custom-made State Police uniforms and participate in training exercises with our T.E.A.M.S and K-9 Units. They were also given a tour of the station by Troop “C ” Hamilton Station detectives and had the opportunity to meet pilots from our Aviation Unit and members of our Marine Services Bureau.

After they were all trained up, they made their way to the Make-A-Wish Castle in Monroe Township where they were welcomed by Colonel Callahan and more than 100 police officers from various departments.

Colonel Callahan led a ceremony where he surprised the boys by officially making them Honorary State Troopers. He had an opportunity to speak about their strength and bravery and how he was inspired by their wish to become police officers.

After the ceremony, Samaree and Dalton solved their first crime when they located a suspect vehicle involved in the stolen wish crystal from the Make-A-Wish Castle. We think they did a great job solving a crime on their first day.

We would like to thank Blauer for providing official New Jersey State Police Uniforms, Troopers United Foundation and Route 22 Limousine for helping to make this day a success.

Make-A-Wish of New Jersey has granted nearly 11,000 life-changing wishes to children with critical illnesses throughout the Garden State, and we commend them for their efforts.

Photos provided by NJ State Police.
State of NJ

Governor Murphy Signs Legislation to Establish the “Amistad Commission Exemplary Award Program”

August 31, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Governor Phil Murphy today signed S3654 into law establishing the “Amistad Commission Exemplary Award Program.” The program is charged with identifying outstanding educators who have shown a commitment to furthering student knowledge on the African slave trade, slavery in America, the vestiges of slavery in this country, and the contributions of African Americans to our society. Under this new law, school districts will submit their nominations through an application created by the Amistad Commission. Two recipients of the Amistad Commission Exemplary Award will be named by the Amistad Commission Exemplary Award Committee and will each receive an award of $2,500 in recognition of their extraordinary contributions. Additionally, each school district in which a teacher award recipient is employed will also receive an Amistad Commission Exemplary Award in the amount of $2,500. The award monies will be used to assist other teachers in the school district with the implementation of the curriculum and teaching techniques of the teacher award recipient.   

“There is no way to understand American history without learning about the struggles and triumphs of our African American community,” said Governor Murphy. “This legislation honors the incredible educators who are committed to this important mission and ensuring that future generations of students understand the realities of the slave trade, America’s history of slavery, and the rich contributions of African Americans to our nation’s story.”  

“The Amistad Commission Exemplary Award Program continues to advance the Amistad Commission’s mission in ensuring that African-American history and experiences are taught in schools across New Jersey,” said Acting Commissioner of Education Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan. “This legislation is indicative of the support of the Amistad Commission in the work transpiring in classrooms across the State.”

“The Amistad curriculum is a highly regarded educational program that infuses the history of African-Americans, the hardships they have overcome and the important contributions they have made to society into lesson plans,” said Senator Steve Sweeney. “By honoring educators who have implemented this curriculum effectively, we are supporting an honest accounting of the shameful legacy of slavery, the rich history of African-American accomplishments and the many reasons for cultural pride.”   

“The story of America is one that was built with many people, but oftentimes this is not captured in our textbooks or taught in the curriculum. The Amistad Commission does important work towards ensuring that all of our students have a well-rounded understanding of the cultural, economic and societal impact that African-Americans have had on our nation and our state,” said Senator Teresa Ruiz.  “Every opportunity we get to applaud the efforts of teachers is meaningful. We have to take every measure possible to make sure that all of our classrooms, both in policy and in practice, are educating our students on the true story of America.”  

“Black history is American history. However, for too long, teaching this history and the history of slavery in this country was either rushed through or completely glossed over; this is why the Amistad Commission was created,” said Senator Ron Rice. “The Amistad curriculum teaches young folks about some of the darkest periods in our country’s history, and yet, also imparts on them the historical, cultural and social influence Black Americans have had on the United States. By rewarding and recognizing the efforts of some teachers who effectively educate this part of our history, we are incentivizing all educators to do the same.”  

“The development of the Amistad curriculum was a pivotal moment in New Jersey education. It is a significant tool, guiding a more well-rounded lesson in American history for students and teachers,” said Assemblymembers Mila Jasey, Shavonda Sumter, Pamela Lampitt, and Annette Quijano, in a joint statement. “The history of African-Americans, the hardships overcome and the critical contributions they have made to society is an important part of providing a full understanding of American history.  Honoring educators who have effectively and imaginatively used the Amistad curriculum in the classroom will inspire more teachers across the state in how to teach lessons on the rich history of African Americans.” 

Lawrence, Mercer County

Nine Year Old Child Removed From Storm Drain In Lawrence Township

August 31, 2021

LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–On August 31st, 2021 at approximately 4:51 p.m. the Lawrence Township Police Department, Lawrence Township Fire Departments and Emergency Services responded to the Lawrenceville Point development in Lawrenceville, NJ on a report that a nine year old child had crawled into a storm drain and become lost. The child was visiting relatives within the area and had wandered off and entered the storm drain.

Emergency responders located the child a short time later unharmed within the drain and the child was removed from the drain without incident. The child did not sustain any injuries and did not require any additional medical treatment.

State of NJ

On Overdose Awareness Day, Murphy Administration Expands Naloxone Distribution and Brings Overdose Data to Action

August 31, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Governor Phil Murphy today announced that his Administration has marked a milestone in implementing harm reduction initiatives to combat the state’s opioid crisis. The New Jersey Department of Health signed two standing orders to drastically expand access to naloxone, the lifesaving medication used to reverse an opioid overdose, which will more easily enable all licensed pharmacists to dispense any form of an opioid antidote to any individual or entity without an individual prescription and allow for the distribution of naloxone by other entities like Emergency Medical Technicians after they leave the scene of an overdose.

Additionally, the New Jersey Department of Health also launched the New Jersey Overdose Data Dashboard, which displays information about naxolone administrations, substance use treatment admissions, neonatal abstinence syndrome cases, viral hepatitis cases, opioid prescriptions, and drug-related hospital visits. Data can be disaggregated by race/ethnicity, age, gender and county to allow users to identify impacted populations and monitor morbidity and mortality trends in New Jersey. Public health professionals, law enforcement, researchers, journalists, and other community members will be able to use the data to inform their opioid response strategies, conduct research, and apply for future grants. These overdose prevention measures are likely to have a dramatic impact on reducing overdose deaths in New Jersey and reaffirm Governor Murphy’s commitment to ending New Jersey’s opioid epidemic.

Governor Phil Murphy

“While we are making incredible strides in our fight against the opioid epidemic, we must continue to expand access to harm reduction interventions,” said Governor Murphy. “We have already lost over 2,000 New Jerseyans to suspected overdoses this year, which is why it is critical to strengthen our ability to save lives by preventing overdose deaths and connecting people to supports and treatment.” 

Several agencies across the Murphy Administration continue to work collaboratively to combat the opioid crisis. The New Jersey Department of Health’s Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) grant supports initiatives such as the Attorney General’s Operation Helping Hands, which helps connect individuals with opioid use disorder to necessary recovery services and treatment. Under the OD2A grant, The New Jersey Department of Health continues to expand upon initiatives such as 5 Minutes to Help, a program that trains Emergency Medical Service providers to improve linkages to care for non-fatal overdose victims as well as provides trauma-informed training and support for first responders. Additionally, earlier this month, the New Jersey Department of Human Services distributed more than 24,000 doses of the opioid overdose antidote naloxone to 271 law enforcement agencies across New Jersey. Human Services has also given 64,000 free doses to residents at pharmacies and previously distributed 70,000 free doses to police, EMS, homeless shelters, libraries, opioid treatment programs, opioid mobile outreach programs and re-entry organizations.

“On this day, as we honor those lives lost, those communities devasted, and those hearts broken, we take steps to protect those we love from future overdose deaths,” said Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. “We have the power to stem the tide of this epidemic. Lifesaving medications such as naloxone along with powerful data tools such as New Jersey Overdose Data Dashboard will help us get to the other side.”

“Our first responders on the front lines of the opioid epidemic are uniquely positioned to distribute naloxone after responding to an overdose in the field,” said Department of Health Deputy Commissioner Dr. David Adinaro. “I am proud to sign these standing orders today that will put more naloxone in the hands of individuals who can respond to overdose – whether it be individuals at risk of overdose or their loved ones.”

“Today, as we remember our friends and family lost to drug overdoses, we also want to give hope to those struggling with addiction. Naloxone saves lives, and the path to recovery is attainable,”  Human Services Acting Commissioner Sarah Adelman said. “As always, I urge residents seeking addiction assistance to call 1-844-ReachNJ, a 24-hour-a-day, 7 day-a-week addictions help line where people facing addiction or their friends and family can get immediate assistance and support from live, New Jersey-based, trained addiction counselors. ReachNJ assists callers regardless of their insurance status. Treatment works, so please don’t hesitate to call.” 

“Every life lost to a drug overdose is one too many,” said Acting Attorney General Andrew J. Bruck. “Today, as we recognize and mourn the lives lost, we are taking overdose prevention measures that will undoubtedly spare other families the pain and sorrow so many are feeling today.”

For more information about the Murphy Administration’s comprehensive strategy to combat the opioid crisis view the report released earlier this year, click here.

For more information on ReachNJ, visit reachnj.gov.

To view the DOH Overdose Data Dashboard, click here.

To view the Office of the Chief State Medical Examiner’s Public Data Dashboard, click here. 

Farmingdale, Monmouth County, State of NJ

State Grand Jury Declines to Criminally Charge Officer Involved in Fatal Police Encounter in Farmingdale on October 18, 2019

August 31, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–FARMINGDALE, NJ (MONMOUTH)–A state grand jury has voted not to file any criminal charges at the conclusion of its deliberations regarding the death of Charles Tsakiris, 38, of Farmingdale, N.J., who was fatally shot by an officer of the Howell Township Police Department on October 18, 2019. As required by statute, all fatal police encounters must be presented to a grand jury. According to available evidence, including video from a body worn camera and the statement of a civilian witness, Mr. Tsakiris advanced at the officer with a knife after the officer responded to a 911 call reporting a stabbing.

The fatal police encounter was investigated by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) and presented to 16 to 23 New Jersey residents called to serve on the grand jury in accordance with Directive 2019-4, the “Independent Prosecutor Directive” issued by the Attorney General in 2019. In July 2021, OPIA issued standard operating procedures (“SOPs”) to ensure that these grand jury presentations are conducted in a neutral, objective manner, and with appropriate transparency regarding the process, consistent with the Independent Prosecutor Directive. The investigation of this officer-involved shooting included interviews of witnesses, collection of forensic evidence, review of body worn camera footage, and autopsy results from the medical examiner. After hearing testimony and evidence from the investigation, the grand jury concluded its deliberations yesterday, Aug. 30, and voted “no bill,” meaning a majority of grand jurors found the actions of the officer who shot Mr. Tsakiris were justified and no charges should be filed against him.

According to the investigation, at approximately 10:45 p.m. on Oct. 18, 2019, Lt. Anthony DeMatteo of the Howell Township Police Department responded to a call of a reported stabbing at the home of Mr. Tsakiris on Walnut Street in Farmingdale. When Lt. DeMatteo arrived, he placed his medical bag on the front steps and knocked on the door. Mr. Tsakiris opened the door with a knife in his hand. Lt. DeMatteo backed away as Mr. Tsakiris advanced on him with the knife. Lt. DeMatteo gave repeated verbal commands to Mr. Tsakiris to back up. When Mr. Tsakiris did not comply with the commands and continued to advance toward Lt. DeMatteo, Lt. DeMatteo discharged his firearm, fatally wounding Mr. Tsakiris.

Aid was given to Mr. Tsakiris by officers arriving on scene as well as emergency medical personnel. Mr. Tsakiris was pronounced dead at the scene at approximately 11:02 p.m. An autopsy determined that the cause of death was multiple gunshot wounds.

Teresa Oshel, 40, who also resided at the house, was found deceased in a bathroom from stab wounds. A third individual at the residence, Jeffrey Tsakiris, 36, was taken to the hospital where he was treated for stab wounds and later released.

A 2019 law, P.L. 2019, c. 1, requires the Attorney General’s Office to conduct investigations of a person’s death that occurs during an encounter with a law enforcement officer acting in the officer’s official capacity or while the decedent is in custody. It requires that all such investigations be presented to a grand jury to determine if the evidence supports the return of an indictment against the officer or officers involved.

After considering the facts, evidence, and testimony from the OPIA investigation, the state grand jury found the actions of the officer were justified. An officer may use deadly force in New Jersey when the officer reasonably believes it is immediately necessary to protect the officer or another person from imminent danger of death or serious bodily harm.

A conflicts check was conducted pursuant to the Independent Prosecutor Directive and no actual or potential conflict of interest was found involving any individual assigned to the investigation. Prior to presentation to the grand jury, the investigation was reviewed by OPIA Executive Director Thomas Eicher in accordance with the policies and procedures established for these presentations in the SOPs.

At the conclusion of these investigations, pursuant to the Independent Prosecutor Directive and SOPs, OPIA determines whether any principal should be referred to the appropriate law enforcement agency for administrative review in accordance with the AG’s Internal Affairs Policy & Procedures. OPIA monitors any resulting review and takes such actions as are necessary to ensure that the review is completed in a timely fashion, and that appropriate actions are taken based on the results of the review.

The Independent Prosecutor Directive is posted on the Attorney General’s website at this link:

Click to access ag-Directive-2019-4.pdf

Further information about how fatal police encounters are investigated in New Jersey under the directive is found at this link: http://www.nj.gov/oag/independent-prosecutor/

Mercer County, Trenton

Man Killed In Trenton Shooting Identified

August 31, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department are investigating a shooting homicide in Trenton, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported.

Police responded to the 400 block of West Hanover Street just before 9 p.m. on Monday, August 30, on a Shot Spotter activation.  Upon arrival, they discovered Fred Davis, 43, suffering a gunshot wound.  He was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead a short time later.

Early investigation indicates that Davis was arriving home from work at the time of the shooting.  He parked his vehicle in front of his residence and was approached by two black males who attempted to rob him.

No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing.  Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Marc Masseroni of the Mercer County Homicide Task Force at (609) 989-6406.  Information can also be emailed to mchtftips@mercercounty.org.

Last night’s MidJersey.News story here:

Man Shot And Killed In Shooting On West Hanover Street In Trenton

Names of 2021* homicide victims: 

  1. 2/18/2021 Jabree Saunders, 26, from shooting on May 14, 2018
  2. 2/22/2021 Khalil Gibbs, 25, of West Windsor, shooting
  3. 2/25/2021 Lovelle Laramore, 60, of Trenton shooting
  4. 4/15/2021 Kaheem Carter, 22, of Trenton, shooting
  5. 4/20/2021 Shaquan McNeil, 25, of Trenton, shooting
  6. 4/24/2021 Cheryl Jones, 65, of Trenton, shooting
  7. 4/29/2021 Ramire Harvey, 25, of Trenton, shooting
  8. 5/15/2021 David Williams 36, of Trenton, shooting
  9. 5/29/2021 Edgar Geovani Sis-Luis, 34, of Trenton, aggravated manslaughter
  10. 7/05/2021 Dion Ellis, 16, Trenton, Shooting
  11. 7/14/2021 Pablo Herrera Chun, 53, Trenton, Shooting
  12. 7/19/2021 William Mitchell, 33, Trenton, Shooting
  13. 7/19/2021 Jermel Carter, 38, Trenton, Shooting
  14. 7/29/2021 Leonard Pettigrew, 58, Trenton, Shooting
  15. 7/30/2021 Shaquil Loftin, 23, Shooting, Trenton
  16. 8/01/2021 Daquan Basnight, 30, of Ewing, Shooting
  17. 8/13/2021 Javier Chaj-Ajtun, 33, of Trenton, Shooting
  18. 8/19/2021 Herberth Ramirez Pimentel, 37, of Trenton, Shooting
  19. 8/23/2021 Yanquai Edwards, 25, of Rancocas, NJ, Shooting
  20. 8/25/2021 Daron Cheston, 18, Trenton, Shooting
  21. 8/30/2021 Fred Davis, 43, Trenton, Shooting

*Updated to reflect the person who died in 2021 from complications from a shooting on May 14, 2018 as per medical examiner report.

Berkeley, Ocean County

Tragic Loss At The Jersey Shore As Lightning Claims Lifeguard And Injures 7 Others

August 31, 2021

BERKELEY TOWNSHIP – SOUTH SEASIDE PARK, NJ (OCEAN)—Berkley Township Police have released the name of the lifeguard killed in a lighting strike yesterday as 19 year old Keith Pinto of Toms River, NJ. According to Pinto’s Facebook page he attended Ocean County Community College and was a graduate of Toms River High School North.

Yesterday August 30, 2021 at approximately 4:35 p.m. the Berkeley Township Police Department responded to the 21st Avenue Beach in the South Seaside Park section for a report of a lighting strike involving multiple people on the beach. Upon arrival, first aid and advanced life support was immediately rendered to the victims.

It was determined that a total of 8 victims, four of which were lifeguards, were reported to have been either struck or were injured from the residual lighting strike. One of the victims, a Berkeley Township lifeguard, Keith Pinto 19 of Toms River, succumbed to his injuries. The remaining victims were triaged and treated for their injuries at surrounding hospitals. The investigation into this tragic incident is ongoing.

Berkeley Township Mayor Carmen Amato issued the following statement regarding the fatal lightning strike in South Seaside Park today.

“This is a tragic and heartbreaking day for our town and the entire Jersey Shore.”

“This young person was out there every day protecting the lives of others. Our lifeguard teams, like so many along the shore, develop special connections with our community throughout the summer, which makes this loss even greater.”

“On behalf of myself and our entire community, I offer our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of this young man.”

Berkley Township’s ocean beaches will be closed for swimming but open for sunbathers Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday as beach staff and lifeguards will be off. Crisis Counselors will be available for beach staff employees.

Governor Phil Murphy released a statement this evening: “Our hearts are with the family and friends of the young lifeguard killed by today’s horrific lightning strike on the beach in Berkeley Township, and we pray for a full recovery for those injured. I’ve spoken to Mayor Carmen Amato and offered the full support and assistance of our administration during this difficult time.”

A GofundMe has been set up at this link:

Words cannot describe how so many of us are feeling right now. We lost a special guy tonight, one who was so close and meant so much to so many people. Keith passed away after being struck by lightning while he was working his lifeguarding shift. A complete tragedy that nobody would have ever expected to happen. It would be impossible to get it all into words how much our friend meant to us but we all know how amazing he was. Keith has left behind an overwhelming amount of amazing memories that will live in our hearts forever. All donations will go directly to Keith’s family for the proper goodbye that he deserves. Our hearts are broken by what happened and all our love and support goes out to the Pinto family and all others affected by this tragedy. We’re gonna miss you so much brother❤️#LLK

Yesterday’s MidJersey.news story: Lighting Strike Kills Lifeguard Injures 7 Others In Berkley Township

This is the second fatal lifeguard accident at the Jersey Shore this year only 10 days ago on August 20, 2021 a 16 year old lifeguard in Cape May died from injuries from a lifeboat accident.