ALLENTOWN-ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MONMOUTH-MERCER)–Last night October 20, the Robbinsville Township Police reported a driver, driving erratically in Robbinsville. RTPD tried to stop the vehicle and after a short pursuit Robbinsville Police broke off the chase.
In Allentown, at 9:37 pm, Patrolman Daniel Dascoli attempted to initiate a motor vehicle stop of a 2010 Red Nissan Maxima, which was driving erratic in the Borough of Allentown. The driver who was later identified as Hector Rentas of Allentown, PA, failed to stop his vehicle and subsequently crashed on Old York Road in the area of Cliffwood Drive. The vehicle ended up crashing on the Robbinsville Township side of Old York Road.
Through the investigation Ptl. Dascoli discovered a loaded 9mm handgun with a high-capacity magazine within reach to the driver in plain view, as well as controlled dangerous substance in his possession.
Ptl. Dascoli observed several possible indicators of alchol consumption present. Rentas was transported to Captial Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton for a medical evaluation. Once released, Rentas was later charged with Unlaful Possession of a Firearm, Possession of a High-Capacity Magazine, Possession of Controlled Dangerous Substances and Eluding Police. Rentas was later lodged in Monmouth County Correctional Institution.
The Robbinsville Township Police Department was reviewing the incident and some charges could be pending in Robbinsville Township with same driver.
*** The media and public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and that the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. ***
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Councilwoman At Large and City Council President Kathy McBride was joined by a group of City residents demanding action from the Mayor, Police Director and Mercer County Prosecutors Office about the shootings in Trenton. McBride, calls for comprehensive aggressive plan and officials to do their jobs to solve crimes in the City. Full video and press release below.
The Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department are investigating a shooting that occurred in Trenton Tuesday night that resulted in the death of two brothers, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported.
At approximately 10:30 p.m. on October 20, 2020, suspect(s) shot into the second floor of a residence in the 200 block of Mulberry Street. Two brothers, Johnny Perez, 8, and Gustavo Perez, 16, were struck and killed.
There is no suspect information at this time and no motive for the murders. Anyone with information is asked to call (609) 989-6406. Information can also be emailed to mchtftips@mercercounty.org.
Councilwoman Kathy McBride And Other Residents Demand Action
Trenton is making unfortunate history in the year 2020. During an 18-day period between May and June, Eight Trentonians lost their lives in a rash of violence. In July, August and October Trenton experienced multiple double homicide incidents, and on multiple occasions Trenton has experienced two unrelated homicides in the same day. Many of these suspects remain at large. We are on pace to reach the sad milestone of the deadliest year in our long history.
We as Trentonians have an obligation to ensure that our children are safe. Where can our children be safe if not in their homes? As you may know, my son Kenneth McBride was a victim of gun violence while attending college on March 21, 1993. I now worry for my surviving children, my 19-year-old son, my twin boys, and my niece. I should not have to worry whether they are safe in the sanctity of their home.
Our parents, our mothers and fathers, have an obligation to ensure that their children are not carrying guns, dealing drugs; and to hold their children accountable for their actions. We must all do our part.
Recently, Police Director Coley stated in an interview “Until Trenton
Police adds more personnel and better technology, it can’t take a big bite out of crime” and she indicated that Trenton is “way behind other agencies” with regard to technology and staffing and that it was not even considered a “21st Century Policing Agency.”
Trenton is facing many financial issues, now more than ever. Unfortunately, our present oversight by the Department of Community Affairs does not allow for an increase in officers currently.
We have an unknown financial future in the face of Covid19 and the health and financial impacts it is having on the City of Trenton. At this time it is hard to envision a path in which the Department of Community Affairs will approve funds to acquire the technology and officers Director Coley has requested.
Accordingly, we are required to work with the technology and dedicated officers we have to address this violent year. The responsibility lies with those in the City of Trenton who are responsible for leadership of our police force and for enforcing our laws and keeping our citizens safe.
Without additional resources leadership must be the answer.
We cannot have children murdered feet from their beds in the safety of their homes. Trenton requires action now from those who can provide a plan to address the significant issues of violence in our City with the resources approved in accordance with our state oversight. Thank you.
Kathy McBride, Trenton City Council President
City of Trenton
The “News Media” practicing social distancing at today’s press conference at Trenton Police Headquarters
Scenes from the press conference at Trenton Police Headquarters and the shooting scene at Mulberry Street and Breunig Avenue.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Continuing its efforts to support and connect with local businesses, Hamilton Township announced today the launch of its Business Registry.
Having a Business Registry will benefit both the Township and our businesses in several ways. The Registry is designed to allow the Township to have greater communication with business owners. By email or phone, it will allow the Office of Community and Economic Development, especially the Division of Economic Development the ability to offer assistance and resources valuable to their success and business growth. Collecting information such as emergency contacts and operations allows our first responders to better assist in emergency situations.
Once this information is collected, it can be used to further our mutual economic interests, accurately measure growth and gauge the variety and quantity of businesses that the Township is home to.
“This new Business Registry will transform the way that Hamilton is able to interact and communicate with our local businesses so that we can be a better resource,” said Mayor Jeff Martin. “Not only this, but it will provide the Township a unique opportunity to formally measure our success and opportunities for growth with a system that can put us on a path for even greater economic prosperity moving forward.”
Very early on in the pandemic, we realized our inability to quickly and effectively communicate with our businesses on critical info. This registry is designed to fill that gap at no-cost to our businesses.
This project is being spearheaded by the Township Department of Community and Economic Development, who will connect with local business organizations such as the Hamilton Township Economic Development Advisory Commission, Shop Hamilton and the Hamilton Partnership to further their reach.
“It is essential that all Hamilton businesses receive information efficiently from the local government,” said Hamilton Councilman Anthony Carabelli. “Especially faced with this current pandemic, there are programs and incentives announced frequently that could be missed if not for the Business Registry. I applaud the efforts of the Mayor and his Economic Development team for launching this worthwhile initiative.”
While registration is free, businesses are required by Township Ordinance 20-24 to register. Fines will be imposed should businesses fail to register by the December 31, 2020 deadline. The registration form is available online as well as hard copy. For more information and to register a business, visit www.hamiltonnj.com/businessregistry.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Another victim has fallen to senseless violence in the city. The Mercer County Prosecutors Office confirms that on October 16, 2020 Rudy Alvira Jr. of Hamilton died from gunshot wounds sustained on October 9, 2020. — Information was released today October 21, 2020
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Trenton Police, Trenton Fire Department, and Trenton EMS responded to a shooting in the 1st block of Oak Street around 7:50 pm. The shooting sounded critical as a “trauma alert” was called en route to the hospital. The vicitm was transported by TEMS and Capital Paramedics to the Trauma Center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center.
Update at 11:15 pm the Trenton Fire Department was detailed back out to Oak Street for a “washdown” to clean up body fluids.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–A member of Governor Murphy’s senior staff has tested positive for COVID-19 and out of an abundance of caution the Governor and First Lady will be self quarantining though the weekend.
See statement from Governor’s Office below:
“A member of the Governor’s senior staff recently tested positive for COVID-19. Per guidance from public health officials, the individual is currently quarantining at home. We have begun the contact tracing process to notify everyone who may have come into contact with our colleague during the potential infection window.
“Out of an abundance of caution and in line with the highest levels of commitment to protecting public health, the Governor and First Lady will be canceling their in-person events and voluntarily quarantining through the end of the weekend, and each will take an additional COVID-19 test before they resume any in-person engagements. The Governor received a coronavirus test on Monday as part of his regularly-scheduled testing regime, which came back negative. The Governor and First Lady were also tested this afternoon, which came back negative.
“From the beginning, the Governor’s Office has taken every precaution to limit the spread of COVID-19. Today’s exceedingly cautious steps are part of that ongoing commitment.”
Press pool file photo by: Rich Hundley, III.
One of our colleagues in the Governor’s Office recently tested positive for #COVID19.
Out of an abundance of caution, @GovMurphy and @FirstLadyNJ will be canceling their in-person events and voluntarily quarantining through the end of the weekend.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri announced today that the Mercer County Homicide Task Force has arrested and charged three men for the August 9, 2020 double homicide on Centre Street in Trenton.
Darnell Davis, 19, of Willingboro, Tyzir Hamilton, 19, of Trenton, and Treizon Thompson, 20, of Trenton, are each charged with two counts of first-degree murder, one count of second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, one count of second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon and one count of first-degree conspiracy. The three men were all taken into custody on Tuesday in Trenton. The prosecutor’s office has filed motions to detain all three defendants.
The charges are the result of an investigation by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force. Prosecutor Onofri praised the investigative work of the HTF and thanked the public for the assistance provided during the investigation. “For weeks, detectives have methodically pieced the puzzle together, identifying the vehicle and all three suspects. But the help of the public in solving this double homicide was instrumental. It allowed us to follow leads from the very beginning, helping to point investigators in the right direction and allowing them to connect the dots.”
“Now more than ever, we need the community to work with us,” Prosecutor Onofri continued, referencing Tuesday night’s shooting that left an eight year old and a 16 year old dead. “This homicide case, along with recent sex assault cases, have been successfully solved by us all working together for justice, and I encourage the public to continue communication with law enforcement.”
On August 9, 2020, at approximately 7:30 a.m., patrol officers with the Trenton Police Department responded to the area of 300 Centre Street for a shooting in progress. Upon arrival, officers located the first victim, William Irizarry, 18, lying on the street in the area of 339 Centre Street. He had sustained multiple gunshot wounds throughout his body and was pronounced dead at the scene. The second victim, Julius Vargas, 18, was located inside a corner market with a gunshot wound. Vargas was transported to the hospital for treatment, however, succumbed to his injuries a short time later.
The Trenton Police Crime Scene Unit photographed and processed the scene. Approximately 24 9mm shell casings were located. The scene inside of the market was also photographed and processed, and blood and several individual bags of suspected heroin were discovered.
According to the affidavit, HTF detectives were able to locate a witness and numerous cameras in the area of the shooting. A suspect vehicle was identified as a black Chrysler 300 with PA plates, along with two shooters, described as two black males wearing all black clothing and black ski masks. The black Chrysler 300 is seen circling the area before the shooting, then parking and watching the victims for several minutes as they stood on the corner with others. When the suspect vehicle drives up to the corner and stops, two shooters, later identified as Hamilton and Thompson, exit. Both run toward the victims, firing multiple gunshots. The driver, later identified as Davis, remains in the car. Hamilton and Thompson then chase after Irizarry as he runs into the street, continuing to shoot at him. When Irizarry falls to ground after suffering a gunshot wound, they both continue to shoot at him as he lays on the ground. Afterward, Hamilton and Thompson return to the suspect vehicle, which flees.
Further investigation revealed that a black Chrysler 300 was stolen out of Bensalem, Pennsylvania, on August 3, 2020, and seen on an automated license plate reader camera in the area of Pennington Avenue and Reservoir Street in Trenton on August 4. Detectives were able to partially match the license plate of the suspect vehicle to that of the stolen vehicle out of Bensalem.
The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Computer Crimes Unit conducted a physical search and forensic examination of Irizarry’s cell phone, pursuant to a search warrant, and a photo was found that Irizarry posted on his Facebook page disrespecting the H-Block gang. Detectives continued to monitor multiple public social media posts throughout the month of August of numerous H-Block gang members talking about the murders of Irizarry and Vargas, taunting and threatening friends and family of the victims. They also referenced Irizarry disrespecting the H-Block gang prior to being murdered.
On September 1, 2020, while on surveillance during another investigation, HTF detectives observed the black Chrysler 300 with Pennsylvania plates driving in the area of Perry and Southard streets in Trenton. While detectives were attempting to identify the occupants, the vehicle took off at a high rate of speed and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit came to an end on Reservoir Street near Frazier Street, where the vehicle crashed into a telephone pole and the occupants subsequently escaped on foot. Area surveillance footage shows the vehicle crash into the pole. Two black males exited the vehicle through the front passenger door, both wearing all black with their hoods up. The black males fled on Reservoir Street toward Frazier Street and subsequently made a right onto Frazier Street toward Pennington Avenue, then out of sight. One of the black males had what appeared to be a black handgun in his right hand.
A search warrant was obtained for the vehicle and detectives located a fully-loaded, 9mm Taurus handgun under the driver’s seat. The handgun was submitted to the New Jersey State Police Laboratory and identified as one of the guns used in the murders of Irizarry and Vargas. Further investigation revealed another witness who was able to identify Davis, Hamilton and Thompson as being responsible for the deaths of Irizarry and Vargas.
During Tuesday’s arrests of the three suspects, additional search warrants were executed in relation to the investigation and two more guns were located. Prosecutor Onofri thanked the Mercer County Homicide Task Force, his Special Investigations Unit, the U.S. Marshals NY/NJ Regional Fugitive Task Force, and the Mercer County Tactical Response Team, under the leadership of Mercer County Sheriff Jack Kemler, for their assistance.
Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Treizon Thompson, 20, of Trenton
Tyzir Hamilton, 19, of Trenton
Darnell Davis, 19, of Willingboro
Darnell Davis, 19, of Willingboro, Tyzir Hamilton, 19, of Trenton, and Treizon Thompson, 20, of Trenton, are each charged with two counts of first-degree murder, one count of second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, one count of second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon and one count of first-degree conspiracy.
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Chief Raymond J. Hayducka of the South Brunswick Police Department announced today that three men have been charged in connection to the stabbing and attempted murder of two people. The case began when police received a 911 call at 7:35 pm on October 4th of two people stabbed in a motor vehicle at the corner of White Oak Court and Bard Drive North. Arriving officers discovered a grey Audi with heavy front end damage and two males age 18 and 20 outside of it suffering stab wounds to the chest and arms. Officers immediately began medical treatment. Both victims were taken by South Brunswick EMS and Monmouth Junction First Aid Squad to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. One victim suffered a collapsed lung.
An investigation by Detective Rick Delucia determined that the two victims and the three suspects had a dispute originating in East Brunswick in mid-September. On October 4th the men met up in the Southridge Woods Apartment Complex in South Brunswick. The dispute escalated and the victims fled in their car. The victims became lost on Bard Drive as they fled trying to get back to East Brunswick. Moments later the suspects, in a black Acura, caught up to the victims, and the two vehicles collided. The suspects exited their vehicle, smashed the window on the Acura, and began to assault the victims. After assaulting the victim, the suspect fled the scene.
Detectives and crime scene technicians combed over the scene to piece together the incident. Police recovered latent prints, physical evidence, and a nearby Ring doorbell video that captured the assault. Several hours later Officer Andre Civil located the suspect’s Acura parked unoccupied approximately a half mile away. Detectives conducted several interviews which combined with the physical evidence led to the charges.
Charged in the case –
Anthony Blakey age 21 of Dayton. He is alleged to have stabbed the victims. He is facing charges of attempted murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and aggravated assault.
Ishmael Arrington age 19 of Monmouth Junction. He is alleged to have smashed the window and assaulted the victims. He is charged with aggravated assault and conspiracy to commit aggravated assault.
Jaylon Drake age 19 of Dayton. He is alleged to have driven the suspect vehicle and assaulted the victims. He is charged with assault and luring.
Chief Hayducka said, “Violent crime is uncommon in our community, but when it occurs we will use all the resources to track down those responsible.” He thanked the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office and New Jersey State Police for their assistance on the case. He also recognized the outstanding teamwork of Detective Rick Delucia, Sergeant Mike Pellino, Officer Brian Luck, Officer Andre Civil, and Officer Gagan Chopra for solving the case.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–See Mayor Gusciora’s statement below:
Statement from Mayor Gusciora:
Late last night, two brothers- one 16, the other just 8 – were murdered in their home.
I’m stunned by this act of cowardice and complete disregard for human life. I’m outraged. God only knows how the family must feel. My heart breaks for their loss, and I’m sorry that this city’s reckless violence has claimed the lives of those so young.
Earlier this year we reached out to our community when two children playing in a park were injured in a shooting. We asked for more unity against violent crime. We asked for more witnesses to come forward. We asked for more parents to get involved.
We’re still asking. We are going to ask and ask and keep asking until more of us stand up against the violence. Until more of us refuse to ignore what’s going on in our neighborhoods.
It’s time for this city to treat an assault on one of our residents – on one of our children – as an assault on us all, so that any person who recklessly endangers the life of another will find no shelter or support within Trenton.
We want a city where it’s not just our cameras or patrols that criminals should worry about, but the watchful eye of every resident that wants a neighborhood where their children can play safety.
And we won’t rest until we have it. We are going to do everything we can to make this right.
MidJersey.News 
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