Day: July 24, 2020

Burlington, Burlington Twp, Mount Laurel

Burlington Twp. Man Who is Corrections Officer Charged in Fatal Shooting at Mount Laurel Medical Office

July 24, 2020

MOUNT LAUREL, NJ (BURLINGTON)–Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina and Mount Laurel Police Chief Stephen Riedener announced that a Burlington Township man has been charged with fatally shooting an employee and wounding a patient inside a township medical office this afternoon.

Bruce Gomola Jr., 51, of Kingsbridge Drive, was charged with Murder (First Degree), two counts of Aggravated Assault (Second Degree), and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (Second Degree).

He will be scheduled for a first appearance in Superior Court, and the case will then be prepared for presentation to a grand jury for possible indictment. Gomola is employed as a corrections officer at the Burlington County Jail in Mount Holly. He is being held in the Camden County Correctional Facility in Camden.

The incident occurred near the Mount Laurel Police Department, with officers responding to the Delaware Valley Urology office in the 15000 block of Midlantic Drive at 12:50 p.m. today after receiving reports of a shooting inside the building.

The investigation revealed that Gomola apparently became upset concerning an appointment for his father. When Patient Services Representative Stephanie Horton attempted to discuss the situation with Gomola, he pulled a .40 caliber handgun and fired one shot into her chest. The bullet exited through her back and struck a female patient in the knee.

Gomola then left the building and drove away, but soon returned to the scene and surrendered without incident to a Mount Laurel detective.

Horton, 44, of Willingboro, was pronounced dead at 4:18 p.m. at Cooper University Hospital in Camden. The other victim, a woman in her fifties, was treated at the same facility for non-life-threatening injuries.

The investigation is being conducted by the Mount Laurel Police Department and the Prosecutor’s Office.

All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Bruce Gomola Jr., 51, of Kingsbridge Drive, was charged with Murder (First Degree), two counts of Aggravated Assault (Second Degree), and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (Second Degree).
Hamilton, Hamilton, Mercer County

Hamilton Mayor Jeff Martin Selects New Chief Financial Officer

July 24, 2020

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Hamilton Mayor Jeff Martin is pleased to announce Yolanda Hill as the new, permanent Chief Financial Officer for the Township.

Hill comes with nine years of experience serving as the Principal Accountant for the City of Vineland, where she previously held the title of Accounting/Finance Co-op.  While in Vineland, she was intimately involved in all aspects of the Financial Department, including preparing the Annual Financial Statement, Annual Debt Statement, municipal and utility budget and supervising employees.  In total, Vineland’s municipal and utility budgets total over $175 million in 2020, compared to Hamilton’s total of $125 million in 2020. 

“I am eager to work with Mayor Martin and for this new opportunity to serve the residents of Hamilton Township. I look forward to building a strong financial foundation for Hamilton and finding long term solutions to build its economic health,” said Hill. 

Hill is a graduate of Rowan University with a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting. She is a Certified Municipal Finance Officer, attaining her certification in 2016.

“I am excited to have Yolanda join my leadership team and fill this critical position,” said Mayor Martin.  “I am thankful for her willingness to serve and am confident that the residents of Hamilton Township will be well-served by her ambition, experience and dedication to public service. “

“I would also like to thank our Business Administrator Kathy Monzo for filling the position of Acting CFO while we searched for a permanent hire. I know Kathy and Yolanda, working together as a team, are the perfect fit to ensure a strong financial future for Hamilton.”

Hill will assume the role of Director of Finance/Chief Financial Officer on Monday, July 27, 2020. This nomination requires, and is expected to receive, the consent of the Hamilton Township Council.

Hamilton Mayor Jeff Martin is pleased to announce Yolanda Hill as the new, permanent Chief Financial Officer for the Township. Photo: Provided
Mercer County, West Windsor, West Windsor

After 45 Hours Missing Man Found Alive In West Windsor

July 24, 2020

Previous MidJersey.News stories on this search here:

Massive Search Underway In West Windsor For Missing Person Cameron Ward

Police Ask For Assistance Locating Missing Person In West Windsor

WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)—On Wednesday July 22, 2020 at 8:54 pm, a 25-year-old resident was reported at missing/endangered. West Windsor Police responded, and the 25-year-old was believed to have been last seen at approximately 5:30 pm walking 3 family dogs and usually takes them to West Windsor Community Park-Dog Park. The victim’s mother contacted the West Windsor Police after “good Samaritans” found the 3 dogs wondering without any caretaker nearby and returned them to the mother’s residence.

West Windsor patrol units along with Sargent LaTorre began a search of the victim’s residence and the Community Park at 193 Princeton Hightstown Road. The missing person was not found during the initial search that night.

On Thursday July 23, 2020 another search was conducted during daylight with multiple officers and K-9 units from West Windsor Police, Robbinsville Township Police, and Mercer County Sheriff’s Office. Once again on Thursday after searching all day the person was not found.

Today, on Friday July 24, 2020 a task force of Search and Rescue teams set up for a massive search of Community Park and nearby neighborhoods. The West Windsor Community Park was closed to the general public by the Fire Police while the search continued as well as the investigation into the missing person. Patrol Sabatino who is a drone pilot and K-9 units working in unison were searching the banks of the Grover’s Mill Pond. At 2:27 pm, Drone Pilot Sabatino with K-9 support located the missing/endangered person in a very secluded (thick foliage) area. The man had been missing for approximately 45 hours. Those 45 hours included very heavy thunderstorms and extreme heat. The victim, who was conscious, was transported to a local hospital for evaluation by West Windsor Emergency Services Squad 45.

West Winsor Police Chief Garofalo wanted to thank each and every person who assisted in the successful outcome. They never game up in finding this person. Without the teamwork, incredible efforts from numerous agencies, and the usage of the latest technologies (including K-9s, and drones) this incident would have had a tragic ending.

Agencies responding, West Windsor Township Police including Patrol Division, Detective Bureau & Administration, West Windsor Emergency Services Squad 45, Princeton Junction Fire Company, West Windsor Fire Company, Fire Police, Plainsboro Fire Department, Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, Robbinsville Township Police, NJ State Police, New Jersey Search and Rescue, Mid-Atlantic Search and Rescue, Community Search and Rescue, Lambertville Search and Rescue, Ramapo Rescue Dogs, Central Jersey K-9, Mercer County Communications, Mercer County Communications Center.

After 45 Hours Missing Man Found Alive In West Windsor
Hamilton, Hamilton, Mercer County

2 Car Accident With 1 Overturned On Nottingham Way

July 24, 2020

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–The Hamilton Township Fire Department, Hamilton Township Police Dept and RWJ Hamilton EMS responded to a 2 car accident at Nottingham Way and Donald Drive just before noon. No serious injuries were reported in the accident where one of the vehicles ended up on its roof. No other information is available.

Photos by: Brian McCarthy OnScene News

Photos by: Brian McCarthy OnScene News
Mercer County, West Windsor, West Windsor

Massive Search Underway In West Windsor For Missing Person Cameron Ward –Update Found

UPDATE HERE: After 45 Hours Missing Man Found Alive In West Windsor

See MidJersey.news story yesterday: Police Ask For Assistance Locating Missing Person In West Windsor

July 24, 2020

FOUND JULY 24, 2020

WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–A massive search for missing person Cameron Ward of West Windsor is under way at West Windsor Community Park and Grover’s Mill Pond area of the Township.

West Windsor Police, Mercer County Sheriff’s Office and many other police agencies, Search and Rescue teams, West Windsor and Princeton Junction Fire Departments and West Windsor Emergency Services are conducting a wide area search at West Windsor Community Park and Grover’s Mill Pond.

Agencies are using search and rescue dogs, drone type aircraft and even checking the pond by boats to try and locate the missing person.

West Windsor Community Park is closed until searches of area are completed.

If you have any relevant information about missing person Cameron Ward contact the West Windsor Township Police Department.

  • Missing Person: Cameron Ward 25 y/o white male 6’1 180 lbs wearing orange/gray shirt & black short. If seen call WWPD
A massive search for missing person Cameron Ward of West Windsor is under way at West Windsor Community Park and Grover’s Mill Pond area of the Township.

The circumstances surrounding his disappearance are unknown at this time and we are looking for any information regarding Mr. Ward or his current whereabouts. If you have any information please contact the West Windsor Police Department @ 609-799-1222.

July 23, 2020

WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–The West Windsor Police Department is requesting your assistance with locating Cameron Ward, last seen on July 22nd around 5:30 PM leaving his house on foot taking his dogs for a walk in the West Windsor Community Park.

Mr. Ward was discovered missing around 9 PM when the 3 dogs he was walking were returned to their home by a good samaritan. 

Cameron is a 25 year old white male. He is 6’1 and weighs approximately 180 pounds with hazel eyes and brown hair. He was last seen wearing an orange/gray shirt, black shorts, and blue/black sneakers.

The circumstances surrounding his disappearance are unknown at this time and we are looking for any information regarding Mr. Ward or his current whereabouts. If you have any information please contact the West Windsor Police Department @ 609-799-1222.

Mercer County, Trenton

Kitchen Fire In Trenton

July 24, 2020

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Trenton Fire Department responded to the 700 Block of West State Street this morning around 6:30 am for a kitchen fire. Firefighters were met with heavy fire on the second floor in the area kitchen that extended to the 3rd floor. Firefighters were able to quickly put hose lines in service and knock down the fire.

The Trenton Building Department, Trenton Police, TEMS and PSE&G also responded to the scene.

Manalapan, Monmouth County

State Police Arrest Man for DWI and Seize Heroin

July 24, 2020

MANALAPAN, NJ (MONMOUTH) and MOUNT OLIVE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MORRIS)–The New Jersey State Police have arrested Dante Desadario, 21, of Manalapan, N.J., and Joseph Serpe, 37, of Staten Island, N.Y., and seized 110 bags of heroin during a traffic stop yesterday.

At 12:11 a.m., troopers from Netcong Station stopped Desadario for a traffic violation on Interstate 80 in Mount Olive Township, Morris County. During the stop, troopers determined Desadario was under the influence and arrested him for DWI. After further investigation, troopers discovered Serpe was in possession of heroin and drug paraphernalia. He was arrested without incident.

Joseph Serpe was charged with possession of heroin, criminal under the influence, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Dante Desadario was charged with DWI. Both were released pending a court appearance.

Charges are mere accusations and the accused is considered innocent until proven guilty.

The New Jersey State Police have arrested Dante Desadario, 21, of Manalapan, N.J., and Joseph Serpe, 37, of Staten Island, N.Y., and seized 110 bags of heroin during a traffic stop earlier today.Joseph Serpe was charged with possession of heroin, criminal under the influence, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Dante Desadario was charged with DWI. Both were released pending a court appearance.