Month: December 2020

Monroe Township Mourns Passing Of Mayor Gerald W. Tamburro

December 31, 2020

MONROE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of the honorable Mayor, Gerald W. Tamburro.  Mayor Tamburro passed away surrounded by his family.    

Always service-oriented and loyal to his community, Tamburro was elected as second-ward councilman in November 2001. He went on to serve as Township Council President for eight years before being elected Mayor in 2015.  He was a tireless and passionate advocate for Monroe Township residents and served the township with love and pride.    

A National Guard veteran, Mayor Tamburro valued and honored all veterans and made it a point to personally meet each Monroe veteran when possible.     

In both his public and private life, he was an extraordinary family-man, mentor and leader. Monroe Township administration and all staff members express their deepest condolences to the Tamburro family.  

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Demarco Funeral Home please visit https://demarcofuneralhome.com/tribute/details/4490/Gerald-Tamburro/obituary.html#tribute-start for information on COVID-safe drive through visitation.  Township flags will be flown at half-staff for seven days to honor Mayor Tamburro and his decades of service. 

Rest in peace, Mayor.  You will be missed.

State Law provides that the current Council President, Miriam Cohen, assumes the role of Acting Mayor during the process of filling the vacancy in the office of the Mayor.  Over the course of the next 30 days the Township Council will complete the process of appointing an interim Mayor to serve until a special election to be held in November of 2021.


Statement by Governor Murphy on the Passing of Monroe Mayor Gerald Tamburro

“Mayor Gerald Tamburro was an example of the right person going into public service for the right reasons. Instead of spending his retirement from the private sector in quiet pursuits, Jerry dedicated his last two decades to the people of Monroe, his adopted hometown, which responded by electing him to township council and twice as their mayor.

Jerry’s legacy of service will be his tireless work to protect Monroe’s taxpayers and their quality of life, and the pride he took in never having let a developer pull a fast one against the township.

More than anything, however, Jerry was a friend to many and a loving family man. He lost his wife of 60 years, Carole, last year and I take some solace in knowing he and Carole are now reunited. He was a good and unwavering personal friend, even in those early days when he didn’t have to be, and his support was always truly meaningful. Tammy and I send our most heartfelt condolences to his and Carole’s six children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.”


Mayor Gerald W. Tamburro

Mayor Gerald W. Tamburro was elected in November 2015 and sworn-in as the Township’s new Mayor on January 1, 2016 for a term of four years. Tamburro resides in Greenbriar at Whittingham with his wife Carole with whom he shares six children and nine grandchildren.

A retired banker, he served as vice president of commercial lending for the National State Bank of Elizabeth and as president of a community bank in New Jersey. Tamburro earned his bachelor’s degree from Seton Hall University and is a graduate of the Stonier Graduate School of Banking at Rutgers University.

Prior to taking on the duties of Mayor, Tamburro had been elected in November 2001 as the second ward Council representative, serving as council president for eight years.  He is currently a member of the Monroe Township Planning Board and previously served as chairman of the Affordable Housing Board, chairman of the Master Plan Review Committee, Council representative to the Americans with Disabilities Act Committee, vice chairman of the Middlesex County Planning Board and a member New Jersey Training School Citizens Review Committee.

Three Men Arrested For Narcotics And Weapons Offences In Lakehurst

December 31, 2020

LAKEHURST, NJ (0CEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Lakehurst Police Department, and Manchester Township Police Department Narcotics Enforcement Team conducted a collaborative investigation into the distribution of heroin and cocaine in the Ocean County area.  This cooperative, multi-agency investigation ultimately identified a room at the Travel Inn and Suites in Lakehurst, New Jersey, as being utilized by three individuals to store and distribute quantities of heroin and cocaine.

On December 29, 2020, Detectives observed the subject individuals exit the motel room in question and enter a vehicle.  A motor vehicle stop was conducted by the Lakehurst Police Department, and all three individuals were placed under arrest for possessing quantities of heroin and cocaine.  Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Manchester Township Police Narcotics Enforcement Team, and Lakehurst Police Department executed a court-authorized search warrant on the motel room.  As a result, Detectives seized approximately five bricks of heroin, a small quantity of marijuana, and a large 9mm capacity 50 round drum style magazine with hollow point bullets.  Arrested were:





Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Asset Forfeiture Unit, Lakehurst Police Department Detective Bureau, Lakehurst Police Department Patrol Division, Manchester Township Police Department Narcotics Enforcement Team, and Manchester Township Police Department K-9 Unit, for their collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation.

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.

MidJersey.News 2020 Year In Review

December 31, 2020

A small sampling of the 1,705 articles and posts in 2020 by MidJersey.news in a review of 2020.

Photos and stories by: Dennis Symons, Publisher, Tyler Eckel, Editor, and Brian McCarthy, OnScene News

January 1, 2020

Hamilton Inauguration Ceremony for Mayor Jeffrey Martin and Council Members Nancy Phillips and Pat Papero, Jr.


3+ Alarm Mansion Fire In Millstone Township


Febuary 1, 2020

Mercer Generating Station Implosion


February 2, 2020

Hamilton Township Fire Department Change of Command Ceremony

Fire Chief Mark Antozzeski (Fire District 9) retired on January 31, 2020. Fire Captain Arron Heller was promoted to Fire Chief


March 17, 2020

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic most St. Patrick’s Day Parades were canceled. A few gathered on the steps of Hamilton Township Station 17 to play a couple of numbers socially distanced.

Lia Fail Pipes and Drums of Mercer County, St. Patrick’s Day 2020 Performance


March 30, 2020

USNS Comfort, Arrives In New York City


April 23, 2020

“Echoing Our Appreciation” to Healthcare Workers & The Front Porch Project


April 28, 2020

Thunderbirds and Blue Angels Fly Over In “Operation America Strong”


April 28, 2020

Windsor School Serving Robbinsville For Generations Demolished Making Way For Housing And A Park


May 17, 2020

Dennis Symons Jr., CPP., M. Photog., (PPA Certified Professional Photographer and Master Photographer) reviewed how angles and lens techniques were used to distort overcrowding stories used nationally.

“Fake News” Or Real Overcrowding Photos, Were Lenses And Techniques Used To Distort The Story? You Decide


May 22, 2020

Veterans saved the tradition organizing flags to be placed at BG Doyle Veterans Cemetery the event was originally canceled by Governor Murphy’s lock down orders but veterans groups saved the tradition.

Veterans Save A Time Honored Tradition For Memorial Day, American Flags Are Posted At BG Doyle Veterans Cemetery


May 22, 2020

Trenton Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association FMBA Locals 6 & 206 Food-A-Thon to help Residents and City Workers


May 25, 2020

1,000+ Turn Out To Open NJ Rally In Point Pleasant

A little over a 1,000 people turned out at a rally in Point Pleasant, NJ to protest Governor Murphy’s lock down orders.


May 31, 2020

MidJersey.news was in Trenton covering the Black Lives Matter protest at the State House and was also there when the protest turned violent around dark with looting, burning and violence in the City of Trenton.

BREAKING: Chaos In the City; Peaceful “Black Lives Matter” Protest Turns Violent After Dark

Trenton Burns As Rioters Torch Cars, Loot Stores And Clash With Police After “Peaceful Protest” Goes Violent At Dusk



June 7, 2020

MidJersey.news reported that an tragic early morning accident involving a horse transport truck ran off the roadway and caught fire killing 10 horses en route from Florida to NY on the NJ Turnpike. This unfortunate National story was also picked up by the NY Times and NY Post and shared Internationally.

BREAKING: Turnpike Horror, 10 Horses Died In Horse Trailer Fire, 1 Person Inhalation Burns, 1 Other Injured


June 22, 2020

A New Jersey State Trooper is lucky to be alive after a dump truck crashed a traffic scene on the NJ Turnpike, hit is police vehicle and a Porsche. The trooper, driver of the dump truck, and the driver of a Porsche all sustained moderate injuries and were transported to an area hospital. There were no other occupants in the three vehicles. The inner roadway was closed for approximately six hours.

SLOW DOWN MOVE OVER!!! It’s The Law!!!

BREAKING: NJ State Police Vehicle Destroyed By Dump Truck On NJ Turnpike


June 27, 2020

Rainbow ‘Trenton Makes’ Bridge for Pride Month

The Trenton Makes Bridge was lit in rainbow colors for Pride Month, many Pride events were canceled due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.


July 4, 2020

Salute To The Great Cities Of The American Revolution As Seen In Transit Though Mercer County


July 7, 2020

NJ Motor Vehicle Commission melts down with backlogs and long lines after being closed for COVID-19 for so long and many people needing to process documents in person.

NJ Motor Vehicle Commission Reopened causing large lines for people trying to process documents.

NJ MVC FAILURE: 1,000s Wait In Extreme Long Lines At NJ Motor Vehicle Commission Buildings, Complete Chaos as Fights Reported In Trenton and Edison

NJ Motor Vehicle Commission Disaster Day 2 After Reopening


August 18, 2020

MidJersey.news broke the story ahead of other media outlets about the ATM Santander Scam in the area.

BREAKING: Police and FBI Investigating Multi-State ATM Robberies, Many Subjects Are In Custody More Actively Being Arrested


September 6, 2020 and September 11, 2020

On September 6, 2020 MidJersey.news reported that the NJ Turnpike Authority removed American Flags on bridges and installed metal signs stating “Placement of signage or items of any nature on this structure is strictly prohibited.”  A peaceful protest was held in Sewaren, Woodbridge Township, NJ protesting the removal of American Flags from bridges on the New Jersey Turnpike.Governor Murphy directed the Turnpike Authority to stop removing the flags and the Robbinsville Police PBA #344 rehung the flags on area bridges on September 11, 2020

NJ Turnpike Authority Removes American Flags From Bridges, Flags Have Been In Place 19 Years Since Terrorist Attacks On The United States, September 11, 2001

American Flags Replaced On NJ Turnpike Overpasses In Robbinsville By Police Union



October 9, 2020

MidJersey.News publisher documents trip to NJMVC to renew a commercial drivers license that can only be done by an in person transaction.

Long Lines Continue To Plague NJ MVC Offices, And My MVC Experience Today


October 13, 2020

All 9 Hamilton Township Fire Districts were dissolved and consolidated under Hamilton Township and as of January 1, 2021 the departments will be administered by Hamilton Township. The department will be known as the Division of Fire, Hamilton Township, more commonly known as the Hamilton Township Fire Department.

Mayor Martin Signs Ordinances and Memorandum of Agreements to Consolidate the Hamilton Township Fire Division


October 20, 2020

Two children were murdered in ongoing violence in the City of Trenton. As of December 31, 2020 at the time of this report there have been an all time high of 40 murders in Trenton in 2020.

BREAKING: Two Trenton Children 8 yr. and 16 yr., Murdered As Suspect(s) Open Fire On Home


October 31, 2020

President Trump Touches Down At Trenton-Mercer County Airport For Campaign Rally In PA


October 31, 2020

BREAKING: Flash Mob Of +/- 2,000 Dispersed In Robbinsville, Similar Flash Mob Now In Hamilton


December 8, 2020

BREAKING: Trenton’s Homicide Rate Continues to Increase, Now at 40

A little over 3 weeks without a murder in the City of Trenton. As of 12:00 noon December 31, 2020 the number of murders in the City stands at 40 which is an all time high.


December 16 and 17, 2020

How Much Snowfall Did We Get?

Nor’easter Hits Area, Do Not Travel Tonight If Possible

BREAKING: Mercer County Plow Truck Hits Several Vehicles And Comes To Rest In Front Of Home On S. Broad Street


December 21, 2020

RWJ University Hospital Hamilton Administers First COVID-19 Vaccinations This Morning To Healthcare Workers


December 28, 2020

Mercer County Health Officer Association Distribution Of Moderna Vaccine To Health Care Workers

Female Arrested After Failing Field Sobriety Test During Traffic Stop

December 30, 2020

By: Tyler Eckel

HAMILTON (MERCER): Hamilton Police received a call around 10:10pm for a possibly intoxicated driver in a red vehicle with Pennsylvania plates traveling on South Broad Street. The vehicle reportedly struck a traffic light and continued down South Broad Street towards the Whitehorse Circle with a blown out rear passenger side tire.

Hamilton Police intercepted the vehicle on Route 206 just past the Hamilton-Bordentown border and pulled the vehicle over. After conducting a field sobriety test, the driver was placed under arrest for driving under the influence.

**Keep this in mind for the upcoming holiday. Be smart when driving and use this advice previously issued by law enforcement agencies in NJ:

  • Take mass transit, a taxi cab, or ask a sober friend to drive you home.
  • Spend the night where the activity or party is held.
  • If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact law enforcement. Your actions may save someone’s life, and inaction could cost a life.
  • Always buckle up, every ride. It’s your best defense against an impaired driver.
  • If you are intoxicated and traveling on foot, the safest way to get home is to take a taxi cab or have a sober friend or family member drive or escort you to your doorstep.
  • Be responsible. If someone you know is drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel.

UPDATE: NJ Turnpike Crash, One Driver Arrested For Suspicion Of DUI And Possession Of Marijuana, 2 Others Extricated Taken To Hospital

December 30, 2020

UPDATE: NJ State Police Sgt. Philip Curry from the NJSP Public Information Bureau told MidJersey.news that the crash scene was still active but was able to give some details. The accident occurred at 5:45pm at MP 57.7 southbound on the outer roadway.  It appears that it was involving three vehicles.  Two occupants from one of the vehicles needed to be extricated and were transported to area hospitals with non-life threatening injuries. Another driver was arrested for suspicion of DUI and was found to be in possession of marijuana. That is all the information available at this time.


Earlier MidJersey.news story:

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Around 5:45 pm, the Robbinsville and Bordentown Township Fire Departments, Robbinsville FD EMS, Capital Health Paramedics, and RWJ EMS were dispatched to the NJ Turnpike for a serious crash at 57.7 South Bound. It appears that a tractor-trailer hit two vehicles, entrapping two in one of the vehicles in the outer lanes. Bordentown and Robbinsville firefighters arrived on scene and started extricating the trapped occupants. Mutual aid was called from Hamilton Township Fire Department for additional assistance. Once extricated, Robbinsville FD EMS and RWJ EMS transported the two patients to the Trauma Center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center. NJ State Police are investigating the crash.


WANTED: Roberto Alcazar-Sanchez, 27, Of Jackson For Charges In Involving Fatal Crash


“Alcazar-Sanchez has not yet been apprehended, and his whereabouts are currently unknown.  A warrant has been issued for his arrest, and his name has been placed in the National Crime Information Center database.  Anyone with information concerning Alcazar-Sanchez’s whereabouts – or any information at all regarding this investigation – is urged to contact Detective Anthony Carrington of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-929-2027, or Officer Tristan Bennett of the Jackson Township Police Department at 732-928-1111,”



December 30, 2020

JACKSON, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on December 30, 2020, Roberto Alcazar-Sanchez, 27, of Jackson, was charged with Knowingly Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Accident Resulting in Death in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-5.1, as well as Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended Driver’s License while being involved in a Motor Vehicle Accident Resulting in Death in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:40-22a, relative to a crash which occurred in Jackson Township during the evening hours of December 24, 2020.

On December 24, 2020, at approximately 6:00 p.m., Officers of the Jackson Township Police Department were summoned to the area of Cedar Swap Road and I-195 for a report of a motor vehicle crash with serious injuries. An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit and Jackson Township Police Department revealed that a 2010 Mercedes Benz, driven by Norman Shtab, 83, of Howell Township, was exiting I-195 at Exit 21.  His wife, Phyllis Shtab, 81, also of Howell, was a passenger in the vehicle.  As Mr. Shtab was attempting to make a left-hand turn onto Cedar Swap Road, his vehicle collided with a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado.

The driver of the Chevrolet Silverado subsequently fled the scene on foot.  Further investigation revealed the driver of the Chevrolet Silverado to be Roberto Alcazar-Sanchez.  The passenger in the Silverado, Jose Misael Pementel-Mendoza, 30, of Wrightstown, was transported to Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune Township, where he was treated for his injuries and released.

Mr. and Mrs. Shtab were likewise transported to Jersey Shore Medical Center.  Mr. Shtab was treated for his injuries and later released.  On December 26, 2020, Mrs. Shtab succumbed to the injuries she sustained as a result of the crash, and was pronounced deceased at Jersey Shore Medical Center on that date.

“Alcazar-Sanchez has not yet been apprehended, and his whereabouts are currently unknown.  A warrant has been issued for his arrest, and his name has been placed in the National Crime Information Center database.  Anyone with information concerning Alcazar-Sanchez’s whereabouts – or any information at all regarding this investigation – is urged to contact Detective Anthony Carrington of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-929-2027, or Officer Tristan Bennett of the Jackson Township Police Department at 732-928-1111,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated.

Additionally, during the course of this investigation, Alcazar-Sanchez’s girlfriend, Reyna Mendez, 27, of Jackson, was questioned by law enforcement in connection with this matter.  It was determined that Mendez provided false information to Detectives during the course of her questioning; as a consequence, she has been charged with Hindering Apprehension or Prosecution in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:29-3a(7).  Mendez was charged on a summons and released pending a future court date.

Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Victim Witness Advocacy Unit, Jackson Township Police Department, Jackson Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Jackson Township Police Department Special Emergency Response Team, Brick Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit for their collaborative assistance in connection with this investigation.

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.

WANTED:



Police Seeking Information in Hamilton Sex Assault Investigation

December 30, 2020

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)—On November 24, 2020, the Hamilton Township Police Division charged a Hamilton man identified as Jonathan Bascio, 30, with multiple accounts of first-degree aggravated sexual assault.  It is alleged that on October 25, 2020, Bascio committed an unlawful act of sexual penetration upon an adult Hamilton woman while she was asleep.  It is further alleged that Bascio committed multiple similar unlawful acts of sexual penetration upon a second adult Hamilton woman over the course of the last year.  

The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Special Victims Unit recently received information that Bascio may have committed similar unlawful acts on additional victims.  This investigation is ongoing.  Anyone with information relevant to this investigation is asked to contact Detective Jonathan White of the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit at (609) 989-6399 or Hamilton Police Detective Joseph Ialacci at (609) 581-4000.

Despite having been charged, all persons are presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

2 Serious Accidents On NJ Turnpike Just South Of Exit 7A

December 29, 2020

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Robbinsville Fire-EMS was detailed to the NJ Turnpike at 12:30 pm for an accident at Mile Marker 59.9 North Bound Outer Lanes just south of interchange 7A. Bordentown Fire and EMS was also detailed, but recalled due to the minor injuries involved. It appeared that a dump truck and a car collided where both went though a guard rail and came to rest in a ditch. Robbinsville Fire Department was also busy with a serious gas leak at the same time, so just the ambulance and Bordentown Township Fire Department responded to the crash.

Then again about 1:45 pm in another emergency call to the NJ Turnpike, this time in front of the Woodrow Wilson Service Area at Mile Marker 58.5 North Bound Outer Roadway. It appeared that a tractor-trailer with a shipping container rear ended a tractor-trailer bulk tank. It was reported the driver was thrown though the windshield and was lying on the roadway right in front of the truck. Since Robbinsville FD was still tied up with the serious gas leak, Bordentown Township Fire Department and Hamilton Township Fire Department responded to the scene. Bordentown EMS, Capital Health Paramedics, and RWJ EMS transported at least one person to the Trauma Center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton.

This breaking news report is from radio reports and on scene reporting, once official information is received from the NJ State Police Public Information Bureau the story will be updated and any corrections made.

Accident 1 at mile marker 59.9 North Bound Outer roadway:


Accident 2 at mile marker 58.5 North Bound Outer Roadway in front of the Woodrow Wilson Service Area:

NJ State Police Arrest Five, Seize Weapons, High-Capacity Magazines, Heroin, Cocaine, Ecstasy and Marijuana

Trenton, N.J. – The New Jersey State Police have arrested Bernard Porter, 46, Taevon Williams, 25, Kyet Horton, 42, Demetris Miner, 38, and Brandon Miner, 33, all of Trenton, N.J., for various drug and weapon offenses after a month-long investigation.

In November, detectives with the New Jersey State Police Crime Suppression Central Unit began investigating various crimes in the Trenton area. Through various investigative means, detectives determined that Porter, Williams, Horton, Demetris Miner, and Brandon Miner were distributing drugs from a residence on Hoffman Avenue.

On Thursday, December 24, detectives with the Crime Suppression Central Unit, along with members of the State Police K-9 Unit, Opioid Enforcement Task Force, and Trenton Police Department executed a search warrant at the residence and arrested Porter, Williams, Horton, and Demetris and Brandon Miner. As a result of the search, detectives seized a stolen carbine assault rifle, a 9mm handgun, 3 high-capacity magazines, 14 pounds of marijuana, more than 710 ecstasy pills, 5 bricks of heroin, 5 grams of cocaine, and paraphernalia consistent with the packaging and preparation of drugs.

The suspects were charged with the following:

Bernard Porter
•Unlawful possession of an assault rifle
•Certain persons not to possess weapons
•Possession of firearm during a CDS offense
•Receiving stolen property

Taevon Williams
•Unlawful possession of a handgun
•Certain persons not to possess weapons
•Possession of high-capacity magazines

Kyet Horton
•Unlawful possession of an assault rifle
•Certain persons not to possess a firearm
•Possession of firearm during a CDS offense
•Possession of ecstasy with intent to distribute
•Possession of heroin with intent to distribute
•Possession of cocaine with intent to distribute

Demetris Miner
•Unlawful possession of an assault rifle
•Certain persons not to possess a firearm
•Possession of firearm during a CDS offense
•Possession of ecstasy with intent to distribute
•Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute

Brandon Miner
•Possession of marijuana

All suspects were lodged at the Mercer County Correctional Center pending a detention hearing. The case is being prosecuted by the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office.

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

Isa Court In Sharon Mews Evacuated Due To Gas Main Struck

December 29, 2020

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–An electrical contractor working on an electrical service ruptured a 2″ gas line to a residence on Isa Court around 12:30 pm, causing a natural gas leak. Robbinsville Police and Robbinsville Fire Department responded and found a large quantity of gas coming from the contractor’s excavation. Homes were evacuated due to several gas readings in several houses on the street. Police and firefighters notified PSE&G of the seriousness of the gas leak and they responded with a large crew to shut the gas off and make repairs. The PSE&G gas crew wore supplied air lines and flame proof suits to enter the hole to shut the gas off. Robbinsville firefighters stood by wearing air packs until the gas was shut down. PSE&G was able to control the gas leak in about 15 minutes after arrival.

Prior to letting residents back into their homes PSE&G will have to check all the homes to make sure that any gas that did get in dissipated. Electric service was also shut down to several homes on the court until repairs were completed.


Fatal Accident Investigation On Tacony-Palmyra Bridge

December 29, 2020


PALMYRA, NJ (BURLINGTON)–Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina and Burlington County Bridge Commission Director of Public Safety Patrick J. Reilly, Jr. announced that the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office and Burlington County Bridge Commission Police Department are investigating a multi-car collision that occurred on the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge at 6:49 p.m. last night, killing one person. 

The crash occurred when two cars heading westbound towards Philadelphia appeared to be speeding and one car clipped the other sending it into the eastbound lane, where it struck a Honda Civic head-on.  The driver of the Civic was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, which ultimately involved five vehicles. 

Five individuals were taken to the hospital with various injuries, none of which appear to be life threatening. The name of the decedent is being withheld pending notification to their family.

The investigation is being led by BCPO Detective Jack Bowker and Det. Sgt. Brian Laudenslager of the Bridge Commission Police Department. Anyone with information pertaining to this crash is asked to call Burlington County Central Communications at 609-265-7113, or send an email to tips@co.burlington.nj.us.


Overturned Van With Children Trapped In Trenton

Story by: Dennis Symons, Photos by: Tyler Eckel and Brian McCarthy

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Around 2:30 pm, Trenton Fire Department, Trenton EMS, Capital Health Paramedics, and Trenton Police responded to the 1200 Block of Genesee Street for an overturned vehicle with children trapped. The children were extricated though the windshield of the vehicle prior to fire department arrival. At least two were transported by Trenton EMS to Capital Health Regional Medical Center. Trenton Police are investigating the crash. No further information is available about the crash.

Mercer County Health Officer Association Distribution Of Moderna Vaccine To Health Care Workers

The first Mercer County COVID-19 vaccine clinic was held in Hamilton today at Station 17

December 28, 2020

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Hamilton Township in collaboration with the Mercer County Health Officer Association (MCHOA) held the first COVID-19 vaccine clinic earlier today to Phase 1A healthcare workers.

In order to maximize COVID vaccination efforts, the Mercer County Health Officers Association has joined together to serve all communities within Mercer County throughout the four phases of the COVID-19 vaccination distribution. Under CDC and State health guidelines, the Moderna doses will first be distributed to healthcare workers who qualify under Phase 1A and who have not been vaccinated for COVID-19 through their employer or the federal Pharmacy Partnership for Long Term Care (LTC) Program administered through CVS and Walgreens.

This MCHOA is currently planning a series of COVID-19 vaccination clinics to support ongoing efforts to vaccinate healthcare workers which include emergency medical services. The MCHOA will administer the Moderna COVID-19 vaccinations at clinics throughout Mercer County municipalities point of dispensing (POD) locations.  The clinics will be held twice a week on a rotating schedule and have the capacity to handle 500 vaccines per week.. The COVID-19 vaccine clinics will be by appointment only and subject to the availability of vaccine doses on hand or accessible within the supply chain.

“Hamilton Township is proud to partner with the Mercer County Health Officer Association in order to ensure that those on the frontlines in our fight against this virus receive the vaccine as quickly as possible,” said Mayor Jeff Martin. “The arrival of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is a continued step forward to provide protection to more of our community’s critical healthcare workforce and eventually the general adult population.”

“Vaccination is a critical component to protecting our residents,” stated Hamilton Township Health Officer Christopher Hellwig. “Working together to safeguard the citizens of Mercer County is exactly what the founding members of the MCHOA had in mind when they formed in 1972. Our vaccination clinics will continue that ideal and work to protect the public’s health particularly those that have been most impacted by COVID-19, while giving us a clear end to this pandemic.”

Local Health Departments are one piece of the puzzle to vaccinate the State goal of 70% of the adult population in 6 months. This collective effort will ensure that our residents are provided with the opportunity to receive their vaccination in a timely manner and in a safe medical setting.  COVID-19 vaccines will continue to be rolled out in phases determined by the State. The Mercer County Health Officers Association collaboration will continue to work closely with federal, state, and local partners.

Beachwood Residents Charged With Narcotics Distribution

December 28, 2020

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer has announced the culmination of a two-month, multi-agency cooperative investigation into illegal drug activity in the Ocean County area.  Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force and the Beachwood Police Department Detective Bureau identified a residence in Beachwood as being utilized to store and distribute quantities of Heroin.

On December 18, 2020, Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force along with members of the Beachwood Detective Bureau and Patrol Division executed a search warrant at the Beachwood residence. Just prior to the execution of the search warrant, John Vaughn and Jennifer Vuono left the residence and were subsequently detained. As a result of the investigation and the execution of the search warrant, Detectives seized approximately 48 Bricks or 2,400 dosage units of Heroin, along with approximately $4,000 in cash.

John Vaughn, 47, of Beachwood, was arrested and charged with Possession of Heroin in a quantity of more than One Half Ounce but less than Five Ounces with the Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(2); Possession of Heroin in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1); and Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe without a Valid Prescription in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:36-6a.  Jennifer Vuono, 38, of Beachwood, was arrested and charged with Distribution of Heroin in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(3); Possession of Heroin in a quantity of more than One Half Ounce but less than Five Ounces with the Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(2);two counts of Possession of Heroin in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1); and Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe without a Valid Prescription in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:36-6a.  Both Vaughn and Vuono were transported to the Ocean County Jail and released pending a future court date.

Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Asset Forfeiture Unit, Beachwood Police Department Detective Bureau and Patrol Division and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit, for their collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation.

The press and public are reminded that all defendants are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.