Day: November 17, 2020

Amazon Evacuated Due To Small Box Fire, Fire Was Quickly Extinguished

November 17, 2020

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–The Robbinsville Township Fire Department and Police Department were dispatched to the Amazon Warehouse on New Canton Way at 9:36 pm tonight for a fire in the area of the loading dock. Hamilton Township Fire Department and Allentown were called for assistance.

When fire apparatus arrived fire crews were directed to inside the front East Entrance. Upon investigation there was a small box that slipped off the top of the conveyor belt and was caught in the belt catching fire and creating a smoke condition. Employees quickly shut down the operation and used fire extinguishers to extinguish the box. The building was evacuated as part of normal procedure of the emergency plan.

No injuries or damage other than the box was reported. No other information was available. Fire crews left the scene by 10:00 pm and workers returned to the building.

This is from radio and on scene reports.

Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order Waiving Statutory Minimum Number of Live Race Dates for 2020 Calendar Year

November 17, 2020

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Governor Phil Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 197, which waives the statutory minimum number of live race dates for the 2020 calendar year.  Racetracks must satisfy these statutory requirements as a prerequisite for obtaining the renewal of off-track and account wagering licenses.  These requirements largely could not be met in 2020 because racetracks were closed for several months at the beginning of the pandemic under Executive Order Nos. 104 and 107. For a copy of Executive Order No. 197, click here.

Updated Quarantine Advisory Issued for Individuals Traveling to New Jersey, Bringing New Total to 46 States and Territories

46 States and Territories Include Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Iowa, Idaho, Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Washington and Wyoming

New Jersey Highly Discourages, to the Extent Practical, Non-Essential Interstate Travel Given Increased Spread of the Virus Nationwide

November 17, 2020

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Governor Phil Murphy today advised individuals traveling to New Jersey from states or territories with significant community spread of COVID-19 to quarantine for a 14-day period from the time of last contact within the identified state or territory. The updated advisory includes the addition of  Vermont, bringing the total to 46 states and territories. The travel advisory applies to any person arriving from a state or territory with a positive test rate higher than 10 per 100,000 residents or a state with a 10 percent or higher positivity rate over a 7-day rolling average.

As of Tuesday, November 17, there are currently 46 states and territories that meet the criteria stated above: Alabama; Alaska; Arizona; Arkansas; California; Colorado; Florida; Georgia; Guam; Iowa; Idaho; Indiana; Illinois; Kansas; Kentucky; Louisiana; Maine; Maryland; Massachusetts; Michigan; Minnesota; Missouri; Mississippi; Montana; North Carolina; North Dakota; Nebraska; New Hampshire; New Mexico; Nevada; Ohio; Oklahoma; Oregon;  Puerto Rico; Rhode Island; South Carolina; South Dakota; Tennessee; Texas; Utah; Vermont; Virginia; Wisconsin; West Virginia; Washington; and Wyoming.  

Due to the interconnected nature of the region and mode of transport between New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, a 14-day quarantine is not reasonable in all instances. Non-essential travel to and from these states, however, is highly discouraged at this time. 

“As we face the second wave of this virus, we need to recommit ourselves to the mindset of personal responsibility that helped us flatten the curve earlier this year,” said Governor Murphy. “We are asking anyone arriving from these 46 states and territories to get tested for COVID-19 and self-quarantine for 14 days.” 

Travelers and those residents who are returning from impacted states should self-quarantine at their home, hotel, or other temporary lodging. Individuals should leave the place of self-quarantine only to seek medical care/treatment or to obtain food and other essential items. 

It is expected that individuals will follow the public health advisory to self-quarantine. The list of states will be updated on a rolling basis and is accessible here.

Man Charged With Attempted Murder In Berkeley Township


Related MidJersey.News stories here:

Berkeley Township Man Charged With Murder Now Has Additional Charges Of Child Porn Found On Phone

Berkeley Township Man Charged With Murder

Man Charged With Attempted Murder In Berkeley Township


November 17, 2020

TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Berkeley Township Chief of Police Karin DiMichele have announced that Angelo Grenci, 44, of Toms River, was arrested and charged with Attempted Murder in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-1a(1) and N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3a(1), relative to a stabbing incident which occurred in Berkeley Township on Saturday, November 14, 2020.

During the evening hours of November 14, 2020, Officers from the Toms River Township Police Department and Berkeley Township Police Department responded to Community Medical Center in Toms River relative to a report of a male victim having been stabbed. Responding Officers found Carlton Williams, 50, of Seaside Heights, with an apparent stab wound to his neck. Mr. Williams was subsequently flown to Robert Wood Johnson Medical Center in New Brunswick where he remains listed in critical condition.

An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Berkeley Township Police Department Detective Bureau, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, determined that Grenci had stabbed Mr. Williams in the neck during an altercation that occurred in the area of Magnolia Avenue in the Manitou Park section of Berkeley Township at approximately 7:00 p.m. on November 14, 2020. On November 16, 2020, Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Ocean County Regional SWAT Team, and Berkeley Township Police Department Detective Bureau, executed a court-authorized search warrant at Grenci’s residence in Berkeley Township. Grenci was taken into custody and brought to Berkeley Township Police Headquarters for processing, and subsequently transported to the Ocean County Jail where he is currently lodged pending a detention hearing.

“Each and every officer and detective involved in this investigation acted quickly and professionally in solving this horrendous crime. Through their tenacity and dedication, a very dangerous individual is now off the streets. As I have stated many times before, senseless acts of violence are not acceptable in any civilized society, and will certainly not be tolerated here in Ocean County,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated.

Prosecutor Billhimer and Chief DiMichele acknowledge the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Ocean County Regional SWAT Team, Berkeley Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Toms River Township Police Department, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Ocean County Department of Corrections, State of New Jersey Department of Corrections, and New Jersey State Parole Board, for their collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation leading to Grenci’s swift apprehension.

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.

BREAKING: Trenton Fire Department Battles Fire On Spring Street

November 17, 2020

Check back soon for more photos and video once available.

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Just after 11:00 am, the Trenton Fire Department was dispatched to the 300 Block of Spring Street for a working fire with reports of people trapped. Upon with smoke in the air and reports of the entrapment an “all hands” was called sending the full first alarm to the scene. Upon arrival heavy fire was seen from the rear of the structure. Trenton Fire Department quickly knocked down the fire before it consumed the entire building.

Photos and video by: Brian McCarthy OnScene News



NJ State Police Arrest Two Men and Seize 10 Guns, High Capacity Magazines, Drugs and Cash

November 17, 2020

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The New Jersey State Police have arrested Henry Kidd, 50, of Hayesville, AL and Javar Kidd, 21, of Trenton, N.J for various drug and weapon offenses and seized 10 guns, high capacity magazines, drugs, paraphernalia, and more than $2,100 cash after a weapons trafficking investigation.

During the month-long investigation, detectives with the Crime Suppression Central Unit discovered that Henry Kidd and Javar Kidd were obtaining guns in South Carolina from straw purchasers and then selling them in the Trenton area. A straw purchase is when a person buys a gun on behalf of someone who is prohibited by law from owning or possessing a firearm or for someone who does not want their name associated with the weapon.

On Saturday, October 31, investigators were notified that Henry Kidd and Javar Kidd were traveling from South Carolina to Trenton in a Chevrolet Equinox. Detectives with the Crime Suppression Central Unit, along with members of the Trenton Police Department and Hamilton Township Police Department, located the Chevrolet at a residence on Ewing Street in Trenton. As detectives approached, Javar Kidd attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended immediately. Henry Kidd was arrested without incident.

Later in the day, detectives obtained and executed a search warrant on the Chevrolet, which resulted in the seizure of a .45 caliber handgun, a .40 caliber handgun, a .380 caliber handgun, 5 9mm handguns, 11 high capacity magazines, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and more than $2,100 cash. During the investigation, detectives previously seized a .40 caliber handgun, and a 9mm handgun.

Henry Kidd and Javar Kidd were charged with promotion of organized street crime, unlawful sale/transfer of firearms, unlawful possession of handguns, unlawful possession of high capacity magazines, and certain persons not to possess weapons. Javar Kidd was also charged with resisting arrest. Both defendants were lodged at the Mercer County Correction Center and were ordered detained pending trial at detention hearings held last week.

“Stopping the flow of illegal guns into New Jersey is a top priority for all of us in New Jersey law enforcement,” said Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal. “Because four out of five crime guns recovered in New Jersey originate from states that do not have the same strong firearms laws as we do, we need to do all we can to shut down this iron pipeline. And each illegally trafficked gun that we prevent from reaching our streets represents a life or multiple lives saved, including law enforcement lives. Today’s announcement is a reflection of those ongoing efforts.”

“Many of the crime guns seized in New Jersey are purchased out of state, which are then sold to individuals prohibited from legally owning weapons. Henry and Javar Kidd were straw purchasers who knowingly put guns into the hands of violent criminals,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “We will continue to dismantle the trafficking supply lines by continuing to work with our partners to aggressively target buyers and sellers who seek to profit from the devastation caused by gun violence.”

“In Trenton, we’re all too familiar with the devastation that occurs when guns end up in the hands of those with no regard for human life,” said Trenton Police Director Sheilah A. Coley. “There’s no doubt that the hard work of the detectives and officers in this case will save lives. I hope these arrests send a clear message that Trenton is not a safe place to peddle illegally acquired firearms from out of state.”

The case is being prosecuted by the Division of Criminal Justice.

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

Update: Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Confirms Trenton’s 37 Murder Of Year

November 17, 2020

See early this morning’s MidJersey.News Breaking News report here: BREAKING: Trenton Ties All Time Murder Record Set In 2013

Update: The victim has been identified as Jeremy McTamney, 26, of Ewing Street, Trenton.

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Spokesperson Casey A. DeBlasio told MidJersey.News this morning:

The Mercer County Homicide Task Force is investigating a homicide that occurred in Trenton early Tuesday morning.  Trenton police responded to the 200 block of Pearl Street at approximately 2:30 a.m. after receiving calls for a male shot.  Responding officers located the victim, a male in this 20s, suffering from a gunshot wound.  He was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later.  The victim’s identity will be released after police notify his family.  This is Trenton’s 37th homicide this year.

Mayor W. Reed Gusciora told MidJersey.news in a statement, “I’ve been in constant contact with Police Director Coley since late last night concerning Trenton’s 37th homicide. I hope the Mercer County Homicide Task Force discovers who is responsible as quickly as possible.”

Meanwhile, the increased collaboration between the Trenton Police Department, the N.J. State Police and other law enforcement partners continues to bear fruit, including this morning’s announcement that state and local law enforcement had arrested two individuals who illegally trafficked firearms from South Carolina so they could be sold in Trenton. That’s 10 less guns, 11 high capacity magazines, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition that can be used against our residents, stated Mayor Gusciora.

“We’re optimistic that this strategic focus on getting illegal guns out of our communities – the Trenton Police Department has seized over 200 guns and 3,000 rounds of ammunition this year – will help slow the uptick in violent crime as we approach the end of 2020.” said Mayor W. Reed Gusciora

Trenton Ties All Time Murder Record Set In 2013

OnScene Photographer Brian McCarthy remembers that day in 2013 when Trenton hit an all time high murder record and said he never though this day would come since that year was so bad. He also remembers photographing a vigil at St. Francis Medical Center for the victim in 2013 as friends and family members waited for information of the victim’s condition at the time.

MidJersey.news has reached out to Trenton officials for comment check back on this developing story.


Photos and video by: Brian McCarthy OnScene News


Photos and video by: Brian McCarthy OnScene News


The names of the Trenton dead of 2020:

Say their names:

  1. January 30, 2020, Starquasia Harris, 24, shooting
  2. February 16, 2020, Maurice London, 39, shooting
  3. March 23, 2020, Danavan Phillips, 37, shooting
  4. March 25, 2020, Yuell Moore, 29, shooting
  5. April 5, 2020 Quamiera Massey, 24, shooting
  6. April 5, 2020 Dabree Brannon, 30, shooting
  7. April 5, 2020 Frederick Mason, 20, shooting
  8. May 14, 2020, pronounced dead May 21, 2020 Terrence Horton, 53, shooting
  9. May 17, 2020, Robert Smith, 38, shooting
  10. May 18, 2020 Antwuan Bowens, 44, shooting
  11. May 18, 2020 Tayvion Jones, 18, shooting
  12. May 21, 2020 Raheen McKinnon 19, shooting
  13. May 23, 2020, Watson Cogdell, 58, shooting
  14.  May 30, 2020 Tyrone Campbell, 45, shooting
  15. June 2, 2020 Dontae Barnes, shooting
  16. June 21, 2020, Robert Neal, 34, stabbing
  17. July 1, 2020, Covvie Scott, 24, shooting
  18. July 8, 2020, Richard Guarderas, 18, shooting
  19. July 8, 2020, Malcom L. Bowser, 19, shooting 
  20. July 15, 2020, Jason Phillips, 23, shooting
  21. July 17, 2020, Luis Gonzalez, 37, shooting
  22. August 2, 2020 died August 5, 2020, Jolisa Marshall, 28, shooting (of Hamilton)
  23. August 9, 2020, William Irrizarry, 18, shooting
  24. August 9, 2020, Julius Vargas, 18, shooting
  25. August 17, 2020, Rahkeem Ortiz, 29, shooting
  26. August 21, 2020, pronounced dead August 22, Vernetta McCray, 39, drive by shooting
  27. August 25, 2020, Shamira Williams, 32, stabbing
  28. August 29, 2020, Tybree Washington, 24, shooting
  29. October 2, 2020, Hussain Abdullah, 35, shooting
  30. October 5, 2020, Derek Colley, 26, Shooting
  31. October 10, 2020, Ola Williams, 61, Shooting
  32. October 10, 2020, Jaquise Melvin, 26, Shooting
  33. October 16, 2020 from shooting on October 9, Rudy Alvira Jr.
  34. October 20, 2020, Johnny Perez, 8, Shooting
  35. October 20, 2020, Gustavo Perez, 16
  36. November 13, 2020, Sam Livingston III, age 41, stabbing
  37. November 17, 2020, Jeremy McTamney, 26, Shooting, Ties Trenton’s record of homicides in 2013.
  38. x

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 = 37* current number as of November 17, 2020* (Not available yet from NJSP statistics)

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

Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order Lowering Limits on Indoor and Outdoor Gatherings

November 17, 2020

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Governor Phil Murphy last night signed Executive Order No. 196, which lowers indoor and outdoor gathering limits. Effective Tuesday, November 17 at 6:00 a.m., the indoor gathering limit will decrease from 25 to 10 peopleThe outdoor gathering limit will decrease from 500 people to 150 people, effective Monday, November 23 at 6:00 a.m.

“As we have been saying for weeks, this will not be a normal a holiday season, and it’s incumbent on all of us to avoid the type of gatherings that have proven to be particularly dangerous places for COVID-19 to spread,” said Governor Murphy. “With the alarming numbers we are seeing right now, we have to take these steps today to preserve and protect public health and to slow the spread of this virus.”

Indoor Gatherings 

The limit for weddings, funerals, memorial services and religious and political activities remain unchanged and will be limited to 25% of the capacity of the room in which the gathering takes place, up to a maximum of 150 individuals. 

Indoor sporting competitions and practices will be permitted to exceed the 10 person limit only for individuals necessary for the practice or competition, such as players, coaches, and referees, but may not exceed 150 individuals.  For most indoor sports, this will mean that there can be no spectators.

Legislative and judicial proceedings are not subject to the indoor gatherings limits. 

Outdoor Gatherings

Weddings, funerals, memorial services, and religious and political activities are not subject to the outdoor gatherings limit. All other types of gatherings, such as a high school football game or an outdoor concert, will be limited to 150 individuals.  Athletes, coaches, referees and other individuals necessary for a professional or collegiate sports competition are not counted towards the 150 person limit.  

Outdoor gatherings continue to be subject to strict social distancing restrictions, including the requirement to wear masks whenever it is not possible to social distance.

For a copy of Executive Order No. 196, please click here.


No Shave November To Benefit “Tyler’s Tribe”

November 17, 2020

ROBBINSVILLE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–This year “No Shave November” annual fundraiser held by Robbinsville Township Police PBA #344 will benefit “Tyler’s Tribe”

Robbinsville resident Tyler James Juhl was diagnosed with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and has rare stage 4 cancer called Hepatoblastoma and the Robbinsville Township Police Department hosted a “siren parade” on September 25, 2020 with Robbinsville Fire Department and other area police, fire and ems agencies.

Public donations for this year’s No Shave November can be sent to: PBA #344, PO Box 10099, Trenton, NJ 08650

Follow Robbinsville Township PBA #344 Facebook Page for more information and to vote later this month on your favorite officer’s creation.



BREAKING: Trenton Ties All Time Murder Record Set In 2013

November 17, 2020


See update to this story here: Update: Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Confirms Trenton’s 37 Murder Of Year


TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Reliable sources tell MidJersey.News allegedly a homicide occurred in the early morning hours overnight bringing the current murder total to 37 in the City of Trenton. Last night’s murder was only 2 blocks from the 2013, #37 murder.

OnScene Photographer Brian McCarthy remembers that day in 2013 when Trenton hit an all time high murder record and said he never though this day would come since that year was so bad. He also remembers photographing a vigil at St. Francis Medical Center for the victim in 2013 as friends and family members waited for information of the victim’s condition at the time.

An email was sent to the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Public Information Office for comment and official information. Once official information is available the story will be updated with additions and corrections if needed. This is breaking news from MidJersey.News sources is all we have to go on for now and will bring you the rest of information when available. Remember this is breaking news and not all details are available yet.

The last murder in the City was November 13, when NJ Weedman found a body at a bus stop on West State Street.


The names of the Trenton dead of 2020:

Say their names:

  1. January 30, 2020, Starquasia Harris, 24, shooting
  2. February 16, 2020, Maurice London, 39, shooting
  3. March 23, 2020, Danavan Phillips, 37, shooting
  4. March 25, 2020, Yuell Moore, 29, shooting
  5. April 5, 2020 Quamiera Massey, 24, shooting
  6. April 5, 2020 Dabree Brannon, 30, shooting
  7. April 5, 2020 Frederick Mason, 20, shooting
  8. May 14, 2020, pronounced dead May 21, 2020 Terrence Horton, 53, shooting
  9. May 17, 2020, Robert Smith, 38, shooting
  10. May 18, 2020 Antwuan Bowens, 44, shooting
  11. May 18, 2020 Tayvion Jones, 18, shooting
  12. May 21, 2020 Raheen McKinnon 19, shooting
  13. May 23, 2020, Watson Cogdell, 58, shooting
  14.  May 30, 2020 Tyrone Campbell, 45, shooting
  15. June 2, 2020 Dontae Barnes, shooting
  16. June 21, 2020, Robert Neal, 34, stabbing
  17. July 1, 2020, Covvie Scott, 24, shooting
  18. July 8, 2020, Richard Guarderas, 18, shooting
  19. July 8, 2020, Malcom L. Bowser, 19, shooting 
  20. July 15, 2020, Jason Phillips, 23, shooting
  21. July 17, 2020, Luis Gonzalez, 37, shooting
  22. August 2, 2020 died August 5, 2020, Jolisa Marshall, 28, shooting (of Hamilton)
  23. August 9, 2020, William Irrizarry, 18, shooting
  24. August 9, 2020, Julius Vargas, 18, shooting
  25. August 17, 2020, Rahkeem Ortiz, 29, shooting
  26. August 21, 2020, pronounced dead August 22, Vernetta McCray, 39, drive by shooting
  27. August 25, 2020, Shamira Williams, 32, stabbing
  28. August 29, 2020, Tybree Washington, 24, shooting
  29. October 2, 2020, Hussain Abdullah, 35, shooting
  30. October 5, 2020, Derek Colley, 26, Shooting
  31. October 10, 2020, Ola Williams, 61, Shooting
  32. October 10, 2020, Jaquise Melvin, 26, Shooting
  33. October 16, 2020 from shooting on October 9, Rudy Alvira Jr.
  34. October 20, 2020, Johnny Perez, 8, Shooting
  35. October 20, 2020, Gustavo Perez, 16
  36. November 13, 2020, Sam Livingston III, age 41, stabbing
  37. November 17, 2020, Jeremy McTamney, 26, Shooting, Ties Trenton’s record of homicides in 2013.
  38. x

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 = 37* current number as of November 17, 2020* (Not available yet from NJSP statistics)

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