Month: November 2020

Mercer County, Trenton November 30, 2020December 14, 2020

Trenton Man Identified As Victim Of Sunday’s Centre Street Shooting

November 30, 2020

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office has identified the victim of the shooting on Centre Street, November 29 as Omar Billups, 37, of Trenton.

At approximately 2:50 a.m. Sunday morning, November 29, police responded to a male shot in the 300 block of Centre Street. The victim, Omar Billups, 37, was located in a first-floor apartment suffering a gunshot wound to the head. He was pronounced at the scene.

This makes the 39th homicide of 2020 in the City of Trenton.

Read related MidJersey.News stories here:

Hamilton Man Arrested for the Murder of Omar Billups

UPDATE: The Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department are investigating two homicides that occurred in Trenton in the last 24 hours.

BREAKING: Chaos Continues In City, Shooting Murder Makes #39, And 2 Critical After Stabbing All This Morning

Continuing Coverage: Mayor Gusciora Statement on Trenton Homicide Record in 2020

The names of the Trenton dead of 2020:

Say their names:

Not in NJ but across the river in Falls Township, Pennsylvania May 24, 2020 Davon Frink, 25, shooting at a Holiday Inn Express at a Trenton party held there.

Trenton Murders Per Year Since 1989

NJ State Police Uniform Crime Report available here: https://www.njsp.org/ucr/uniform-crime-reports.shtml

1989 = 22

1990 = 21

1991 = 7

1992 = 16

1993 = 11

1994 = 9

1995 = 16

1996 = 14

1997 = 12

1998 = 15

1999 = 8

2000 = 14

2001 = 13

2002 = 19

2003 = 13

2004 = 18

2005 = 31

2006 = 18

2007 = 25

2008 = 19

2009 = 18

2010 = 15

2011 = 23

2012 = 24

2013 = 37

2014 = 32

2015 = 17

2016 = 21

2017 = 23

2018 = 16

2019 = 15

2020 = 39* current number as of November 29, 2020* (Not available yet from NJSP statistics)

* Prior to 1989 the known highest murder number was 1970 with 27

Mercer County, Trenton November 30, 2020November 30, 2020

Pedestrian Struck In Trenton Trauma Alert Called

November 30, 2020

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Around 10:15 pm in the 800 Block of S. Clinton Avenue between Hudson Street and Roebling Avenue a grey Ford Economy Van struck a pedestrian. Trenton Fire Department, Trenton EMS and Capital Health Paramedics responded to the scene. The person was transported to the Trauma Center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center and a “trauma alert” was called. Trenton Police are investigating so no other information will be available.

Manchester, Ocean County, Seaside Heights, Toms River November 30, 2020

Man Sentenced To 22 Years In NJ State Prison For Aggravated Manslaughter

November 30, 2020

TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on November 30, 2020, John T. Mullen, Jr., 51, of Seaside Heights, was sentenced to twenty-two years in New Jersey State Prison by the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, J.S.C., as a result of his previously entered guilty plea to Aggravated Manslaughter in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-4. This sentence is subject to the terms of the No Early Release Act, N.J.S.A. 2C:43-7.2., meaning that Mullen will be required to serve at least 85 percent of his prison sentence before he may be considered for parole eligibility. Mullen pled guilty to Aggravated Manslaughter before Judge Ryan on September 23, 2020.

On October 20, 2019, Manchester Township Police responded to the Surf and Stream Campground after receiving multiple 911 calls about a body lying in the entrance driveway to the campground. Upon arrival, Manchester patrol units found the body of Thomas J. Applegate, 34, of Manchester, lying in the driveway of the Surf and Stream Campground with a wound in his chest. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. A joint investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Manchester Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit determined that Mullen stabbed Mr. Applegate during the course of a drug deal, which ultimately resulted in his death.

“The law enforcement agencies involved in this investigation – through sheer hard work and resolve – swiftly identified Mullen as the individual responsible for Mr. Applegate’s death and quickly brought him into custody,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated. “The exceptional teamwork displayed by these law enforcement professionals has brought about a lengthy state prison sentence for Mullen, which may, as Judge Ryan pointed out, effectively result in a life sentence given this defendant’s age and longstanding history of substance abuse,” Prosecutor Billhimer continued. “We hope this sentence affords the family of Mr. Applegate some level of peace and closure,” Prosecutor Billhimer concluded.

Prosecutor Billhimer commends the diligence of Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Michael Abatemarco and Assistant Prosecutor Alyssa Mandara who handled the case on behalf of the State, as well as the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Victim Witness Advocacy Unit, Manchester Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, who collectively did an outstanding job investigating and resolving this matter, ensuring that Mullen would be brought to justice.

John T. Mullen, Jr., 51, of Seaside Heights

Hamilton, Mercer County November 30, 2020November 30, 2020

Heavy Rain And Winds Knock More Power Lines Down In Hamilton

November 30, 2020

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Heavy rain and winds pounding the area this evening knocked down power lines on Nottingham Way near Donald Drive around 5:00 pm. Hamilton Township Fire Department responded to the scene along with Mercer County Fire Police and Hamilton Township Police Department. PSE&G arrived on scene and was making repairs. A detour was set up in the area until the lines could be made safe to move out of the roadway.

Earlier this morning high winds sent several utility poles crashing to the ground on Kuser Road. PSE&G outage map states that power in that area will not be restored until 7:00 am December 1, 2020. Read about that incident here: Update: Wind And Heavy Rain Snap Several Utility Poles On Kuser Road

Hopewell, Lawrence, Mercer County, Trenton November 30, 2020

Firefighters Rescue Several People From Vehicles Stuck In Flood Waters Around Mercer County

November 30, 2020

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Tornado watches, severe thunder storm warnings and flash flood and flood warnings were all issued by the National Weather Service this afternoon though this evening.

Several drivers around Mercer County decided to drive though floodwaters needed to be rescued from their vehicles when their vehicles became disabled and stuck in the floods.

Route 29 North Bound prior to Calhoun Street a vehicle drove though flood waters and became disabled. The Trenton Fire Department responded to the South Bound lanes and were able to remove the driver from the stalled vehicle.

In Lawrence Township a person was removed from their vehicle at Princeton Pike and Devon Avenue and another location.

Firefighters were sent to several locations in Hopewell Township to remove occupants of stalled vehicles.

Here is a public service message from the National Weather Service, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown”

Trenton Fire Department removes occupant from stalled vehicle in flood waters on Route 29 north bound this evening.

Hamilton, Hamilton, Mercer County November 30, 2020

Overturned Vehicle With Entrapment, S. Clinton Ave. at Rennie St.

November 30, 2020

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–The Hamilton Township Fire Department, RWJ EMS and Hamilton Township Police responded to an overturned vehicle with entrapment. The accident occurred around 5:35 pm at the intersection of Rennie Street and South Clinton Avenue.

When firefighters arrived they found a person still inside an overturned vehicle and began extrication of the trapped subject. Within minutes firefighters had the subject out of the vehicle and turned them over to RWJ EMS. It appears that the person refused medical advice and did not want transport to the hospital.

Hamilton Police shut down the roadway until the vehicle could be up righted and towed away.

No further information is available.

Basketball, Ice Hockey, Mercer County, Robbinsville, Robbinsville, Sports, State of NJ, Trenton, Wrestling November 30, 2020

Governor Phil Murphy Bans Indoor Youth And Adult Sports Until January 2, 2021

Exceptions: Collegiate level and professional teams.

November 30, 2020

TRENTON-ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Governor Phil Murphy announced in the COVID-19 Press Confrence and via Facebook that youth and adult sports are being place on full pause from December 5th to January 2, 2021. See below as we wait for further direction and a release from the Governor’s Office with an Executive Order that should be available later today. Those items will be added to this story when available. Also the NJSIAA headquartered in Robbinsville has released a statement via social media.

Governor Phil Murphy: “All indoor youth and adult sports are being placed on a full pause – effective 6:00 AM on December 5th through January 2nd, 2021.We’re seeing outbreaks related to indoor sports, and this will help slow the spread. Only exceptions: collegiate-level and professional teams.”

NJSIAA Statement – Governor's Pause of Indoor Sports pic.twitter.com/XGbGr1Wvmv
— NJSIAA (@NJSIAA) November 30, 2020

Baseball, Mercer County, Sports, Trenton November 30, 2020November 30, 2020

Trenton Thunder Continue Affiliation with Major League Baseball in New MLB Draft League

November 30, 2020

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Major League Baseball in conjunction with MLB’s partner, Prep Baseball Report (PBR), has announced the formation of the new MLB Draft League to complete MLB’s 21st Century vision for minor league player development. Set to launch in 2021, the MLB-affiliated league will be anchored in NJ by the top-rated Trenton Thunder organization, and will be recognized as the Premier League in the country focused on baseball’s top prospects eligible to be drafted by MLB Clubs each summer.

Hey Thunder fans, here's a message from Trenton Thunder GM Jeff Hurley!

🔗 https://t.co/AYpteIi3JS pic.twitter.com/5zAOQJLSxW
— Trenton Thunder (@TrentonThunder) November 30, 2020

“We are thrilled to share with our fans and sponsor partners the exciting news that your Trenton Thunder will be a founding member of the new MLB Draft League for the 2021 season and continue to bring family fun to ARM & HAMMER Park,” said Thunder GM/COO Jeff Hurley. “We are dedicated to delivering our Power of Fun brand to our fans as the Thunder Entertainment Experience they have enjoyed for the last 27 years, featuring the antics of our beloved mascot Boomer having a blast in the crowd. Fans will continue to enjoy our World Famous Bat Dogs retrieving bats, with Dash making his debut this summer. The new MLB Draft League will showcase the best prospects in baseball eligible for the MLB draft. Thunder fans will get to know these players as they begin their path as future stars of Major League Baseball.”

“For legions of Trenton Thunder fans, the development of a new league showcasing up and coming talent will be a real thrill. Major League Baseball’s success is built on a thriving minor league system, and for 27 years Thunder supporters have visited our Capital City, warmly welcoming new players and proudly cheering others on to the big leagues. Mercer County has made wise investments into the ballpark – benefitting both the fans and players – and the new Trenton Thunder team will be developed in a first-class facility. This news is a win for everyone – The Thunder, Mercer County, the City of Trenton, and especially baseball fans, and we look forward to a great season.”
— Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes

“This is great news for the Thunder and proves the resiliency of the city of Trenton and Mercer County. The Thunder has a rich history as a winning franchise which provides family entertainment at an affordable price in a great location for baseball fans throughout the region. Trenton’s rich industrial heritage proved Trenton Makes, the World Takes. This tradition continues with the creation of the MLB Draft League as The Thunder Makes, MLB Takes.”
— Greater Trenton Chief Executive Officer George Sowa

The Trenton Thunder, presented by NJM Insurance Group, continues its award-winning Entertainment Experience as the action packed summer place to be and will be joined by the Williamsport Crosscutters, Mahoning Valley Scrappers, State College Spikes and West Virginia Black Bears, also all MLB-affiliated teams, as hand-selected founding members of the MLB Draft League. MLB is in advanced negotiations with more teams to be announced in the coming weeks.

The MLB Draft will be simulcasted in a closed-circuit telecast live from ARM & HAMMER Park as part of MLB All-Star Week in mid-July. The MLB Draft League’s rosters are filled with draft-eligible players who will have a unique opportunity to showcase their abilities and gain exposure to other MLB clubs and crowds of Thunder fans each year.

The MLB Draft League will feature an exciting jammed packed 68-game regular season, scheduled to run from late May to mid-August with an annual All-Star Break centered around the MLB Draft and featuring our Thunder players. Players will receive unprecedented visibility to MLB scouts through in-person observation and state-of-the-art scouting technology, as well as instruction from former MLB players on the Thunder staff. Our professional baseball coaching staff will develop the skills of Thunder players, with the dream of one day adding their names to the nearly 400 Thunder players who have made it to the Big Leagues.

Mayor Gusciora Statement on Trenton Thunder Joining MLB Draft League

On behalf of the residents of our great city, we welcome MLB’s new Draft League, which will have our very own Trenton Thunder as a founding member.

We’re sure our community will enjoy the chance to watch a new generation of major league prospects at our waterfront stadium. It will be exciting to see top college players showcase their skills as they ready themselves for MLB. Their successes will be a wonderful inspiration to our youth. Plus, keeping the Thunder in business is good for our local economy and provides badly needed jobs for our residents.

We thank MLB for stepping up to the plate and making sure baseball still has a home in the Capital City.

Boom! Thunder Baseball in 2021!
⬇️
Trenton Thunder Continue Affiliation with Major League Baseball in New MLB Draft League
🔗 https://t.co/AYpteIi3JS pic.twitter.com/c2jIoL0Qgv
— Trenton Thunder (@TrentonThunder) November 30, 2020

Mercer County, Trenton November 30, 2020November 30, 2020

House Fire Extinguished In Trenton

November 30, 2020

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–At 11:29 am the Trenton Fire Department was dispatched to 30 Cumberland Avenue for a house fire. A neighbor called 9-1-1 smelling smoke and also another call from a high rise saying they could see smoke in the area were both reporting the fire.

Trenton Fire Department arrived on scene and reported a large 3 story attached home with smoke and fire on the 3rd floor. Firefighters stretched lines and battled back the flames on the 3rd floor that was also extending the the neighbor’s house. TFD had the main body of fire knocked down within 15 minutes and reported they had a few hot spots to extinguish.

No further information is available at this time.

Photos and video by: Brian McCarthy OnScene News

Hamilton, Mercer County November 30, 2020November 30, 2020

Update: Wind And Heavy Rain Snap Several Utility Poles On Kuser Road

Kuser Road will be closed for hours between Michael McCorristin Road and Klockner Road.

November 30, 2020

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–As heavy rain and winds move though the area, around 10:00 am a resident reported a large flash and bang sounding like thunder just prior to several utility poles crashing to the ground on Kuser Road in front of Crockett Middle School. The Hamilton Township Fire Department and Hamilton Police Department responded to the scene to block off the area and check to make sure everyone was safe.

From photos there appears to be four utility poles severed at their bases and wires laying in the street. There also appears to be damage to an additional 3 poles for a total of at least 7 poles that will need replacement. PSE&G was on scene and a supervisor was calling in additional teams, supplies, and equipment to make repairs. This will be an extended operation.

The Hamilton Township Fire Police were on scene directing traffic and the Hamilton Township Public Works Department were setting up barricades for the extended road closure.

Kuser Road is closed between Michael McCorristin Road and Klockner Road. A detour is set up around the area.

The National Weather Service Philadelphia-Mount Holly reports: “Showers will continue this afternoon with heavy rainfall possible, along with a chance of thunderstorms later this afternoon. The main threat is damaging winds, but there is a small chance of tornadoes. The main timing for thunderstorms is 3 pm-6 pm”

Earlier MidJersey.News story here: Road Closed, Poles And Wires Down On Kuser Road In Hamilton

Hamilton, Mercer County November 30, 2020November 30, 2020

Road Closed, Poles And Wires Down On Kuser Road In Hamilton

November 30, 2020

Update Here: Update: Wind And Heavy Rain Snap Several Utility Poles On Kuser Road

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Hamilton Township Fire Department and Hamilton Police Department are on scene of wires down on the roadway on Kuser Road in the area Crockett Middle School between Michael McCorristin Drive and Klockner Road. It is reported that 3 poles are down and wires across the roadway. The road is expected to be closed for an extended period. PSE&G has arrived and assessing the situation. Hamilton Township Fire Police will be directing traffic in the area and the Hamilton Township Public Works department was en route with barricades. Check back for more photos from the scene.

Mercer County, Trenton November 30, 2020

Another Stabbing In Trenton

November 30, 2020

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Sources say that around 4:30 am a stabbing occurred in the 600 block of Lamberton Street. Trenton EMS and paramedics from Capital Health responded to the scene for a male with two stab wounds to the chest. A “trauma alert” was called when the victim was transported to the Trauma Center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center. MCPO confirms that the Trenton Police Department is investigating the incident, so most likely no other information will be available.

There were two murders over the weekend in the city one was a stabbing, also two others were on stabbed on Beatty Street yesterday all in what appears to be unrelated incidents.

Millstone, Millstone, Monmouth County November 29, 2020

Vehicle Crashes Into Pool In Millstone Township

November 29, 2020

MILLSTONE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–The Millstone Township Fire Department responded to Seasonal World on Route 537 this afternoon around 3:50 pm for a car in a pool. Upon arrival the driver of the vehicle was out out the vehicle and out of the water. No further information was available.

Hamilton, Hamilton, Mercer County, Trenton November 29, 2020November 29, 2020

Update: Trenton and Philadelphia Woman Sustain Serious Injuries In Highway 29 Crash

Preliminary information indicates that a Toyota operated by Sharon Shelton, 57 of Trenton, N.J., was traveling south in the northbound lanes.

This morning’s MidJersey.News breaking news story here: BREAKING: Serious Accident On Rt 29, All North Bound Lanes Closed For Accident Investigation

November 29, 2020

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–NJ State Police Sgt. Philip Curry of the Public Information Bureau told MidJersey.News, the crash occurred at 6:10 am on State Highway 29 northbound mile post 1 in Hamilton Township.

Sgt. Curry stated, preliminary information indicates that a Toyota operated by Sharon Shelton, 57 of Trenton, N.J., was traveling south in the northbound lanes. The Shelton Toyota impacted the front of a northbound travelling Ford operated by Priscila Martins, 33, of Philadelphia, PA. As a result of the crash, the Martins Ford ran off the road to the right, struck guardrail, overturned, and struck a tree. Both drivers sustained serious injuries.

State Highway 29 north was closed at mile post 1 for approximately 5 hours resulting in minimal traffic congestion. According to NJ State Police, this crash is still under investigation and there is no further information at this time.

Mercer County, Trenton November 29, 2020

Continuing Coverage: Mayor Gusciora Statement on Trenton Homicide Record in 2020

November 29, 2020

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Last night’s unfortunate deaths mark our 38th and 39th homicides for the year and now eclipse the previous record set in 2013. When we set out to lift Trenton together, this was not the milestone we wanted to see. In fact, overall crime was trending downward the previous two years, with 16 homicides in 2018 and 15 homicides in 2019.

2020 is a year of many challenges, but none looms larger than COVID-19. Of all the factors that separate the previous years from this one, this virus clearly stands out, not just here but in so many places across the country.

Economic uncertainty is higher than it has ever been in recent memory. School was for some children the only safe space they had. Youth engagement and recreational activities have grinded to a halt. Every police officer who has to quarantine for 14 days is one less guardian on the street, a heavy blow for a police department that is already much smaller than it was just a few years ago.

I understand this provides little comfort to the family and friends that lost loved ones to the violence. I’ve sat with the families. I’ve visited the hospitals. They don’t want excuses. They want a city that is safe for their children.

But safety will never be possible if we don’t stop the ready supply of weapons that are used in these crimes. Thankfully, the Trenton Police Department (TPD) has already seized more than 200 guns and 3,000 rounds of ammunition this year alone. God only knows how much worse things would be if these weapons were still on the street.

Also, our law enforcement partners at the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office and the N.J. State Police continue to help the capital city at a time when they are needed the most. Just a few weeks ago the N.J. State Police and the TPD arrested two-gun traffickers who were peddling firearms from South Carolina into Trenton streets. They also arrested 24 individuals and recovered more than a dozen weapons after a raid on Tyrell Street last week.

This critical partnership will continue in our real-time crime center that will make it even easier to collaborate on gunfire detection and hotspot surveillance when it goes live early next year.

While the police department works to dismantle crime in our streets, my administration is working to address the very environment in which it festers. We established a new re-entry program to break the recidivism that traps so many of our residents in an endless cycle of crime. We’re building new safe and affordable housing for residents and improving community centers all around the city. We’re also making loans available for businesses who are affected by COVID-19 to help keep Trentonians employed.

We can’t do it alone. When Gustavo and Johnny Perez were tragically murdered in October and we pleaded with the community to cooperate with the police, many of you responded. Thankfully, tips to the TPD have gone up since then, and we hope we can count on this trend in the future.

Please, continue to get involved. If you are a business, register your cameras with Trenton Crime Eye. If you are a resident, ask the TPD about participating in its new Block Watch Program. As always, if you see something, say something on the TPD’s anonymous tip line at 609-989-3663.

We can never make up for the losses our city suffered this year. We are carefully evaluating Trenton law enforcement leadership and strategy at this moment. We owe it to our residents to explore every possible avenue to ensure 2021 is not a repeat of 2020.

Related MidJersey.News stories here:

UPDATE: The Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department are investigating two homicides that occurred in Trenton in the last 24 hours.

BREAKING: Chaos Continues In City, Shooting Murder Makes #39, And 2 Critical After Stabbing All This Morning

BREAKING: Tonight’s Fatal Stabbing Makes 38th Murder Of 2020, Passing 2013 Record Of 37