POINT PLEASANT BOROUGH, NJ (OCEAN)–At around 4:20 PM Point Pleasant Police Department received a 9-1-1 call for a smoke condition at 213 Ida Drive in Point Pleasant Borough and all Borough fire departments were dispatched.
When the fire chief arrived he noticed heavy but lazy smoke in the home. Initial reports were reporting a fire in the basement due to dyer issues.
Firefighters quickly stretched an 1 3/4″ attack line from the engine and headed in to find the fire. When the fire was was found crews quickly knocked down the flames. A second line backup line was stretched and assisted in the fire attack.
All of the Borough fire departments responded with Station 24 for the FAST TEAM.
The cause of the fire is unknown at this time and is under investigation by the Ocean County Fire Marshalls and the Point Pleasant Police Department.
TRENTON (MERCER)– Trenton Police hosted a “Coffee with Cops & Cars” event, Wednesday night. Residents made an appearance at the event to take in the view of some cars and enjoy a cup of coffee, all while getting to know some of the officers that patrol their community.
The event was held from 5:00 to 8:00 pm in the Police Department’s Auxiliary Lot located across the street from Trenton Police Headquarters. Trenton Police Department and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office brought in some of their cruisers, and set up stands with small toys for the kids. Trenton Starbucks, located on South Warren Street, also had a stand set up, handing out coffee to the visitors.
Miracle Autosports brought in a few exotic cars, and a car club also stopped in. Unfortunately, not as many cars showed up as originally planned because of the rain.
This event was great to get to know your neighborhood police, and participate in discussions about upcoming community events, summer initiatives, and other community related issues taking place in the City.
Photos brought to you by Tyler Eckel, Dennis Symons, and Brian McCarthy.
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NEWARK, NJ (ESSEX)–Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephen, II., and Newark Public Safety Director Brian O’Hara announced today that the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force, which includes detectives from the Newark Police Department, is investigating a fatal shooting.
On Monday, April 12 at approximately 4:23 pm Anthony M. McGriff, 34, of Lawrenceville was shot on the 100 Block of Prince Street in the City of Newark. He was transported to University Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 5:08 pm.
No arrests have been made at this time. The investigation is active and ongoing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432. Calls will be kept confidential.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mayor W. Reed Gusciora and Interim Superintendent Alfonso Q. Llano today toured Hedgepeth-Williams Middle School to view all the safety protocols put in place by Trenton Public Schools (TPS) as it prepares for the return of in-person instruction this spring.
“We eagerly await the time that our children can once again have access to the essential youth programming and mentorship that is only possible from in-person attendance,” said Mayor Gusciora. “TPS clearly made a great deal of progress improving the facilities and what we saw today gives us hope that both students and teachers can safely return to schools in the coming weeks.”
“The health and safety of our students and teachers remains our number one priority,” said Superintendent Llano. “We’re confident that the numerous safety investments we displayed today, along with ongoing efforts that have secured more than 1,000 vaccines for TPS staff, will put us in the best possible position to resume in-person instruction and give our students access to many of the critical services they lost during COVID-19.”
TPS has set a return date of April 19, 2021 for staff, with students returning in-person on May 3, 2021. This return date has been set for TPS to evaluate the new COVID-19 procedures in advance of in-person summer programs and the start of the 2021-2022 school year in September.
Several policy and facility changes have been implemented to secure the safety of both students and teachers, many of which were on display during today’s tour. These changes include a hybrid A/B schedule that limits the number of students in the school at any time and thermal monitoring stations placed at all school entrances that will screen students and teachers on their way into each building. Hand washing and sanitizing stations, as well as cleaning supplies, have been placed throughout each building. Student desks have also been fitted with plexiglass shields.
In addition, facility improvements, along with 1,500 air filters, have been added to ensure clean and proper airflow within the facilities. Additional custodial staff have also been hired to ensure schools remain sanitized at every opportunity.
Meanwhile, TPS has expanded vaccine access to all teachers and staff. Overall, TPS has secured 1,000 vaccines, including 700 from the Henry J. Austin Health Center and another 300 that were provided from Walgreen’s partnership with the N.J. Department of Education and TPS.
For an in-depth look at the TPS reopening plan, click here.
Defendant arrested in “Operation Nine Lives” targeting gun trafficking in Trenton
TRENTON (MERCER)– Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal announced that a Trenton man was sentenced to state prison today for illegally selling an assault rifle and a handgun during an investigation by the New Jersey State Police into illegal weapons trafficking in the capital city.
Barry Crudup, 29, of Trenton, N.J., was sentenced to 10 years in state prison, including six years of parole ineligibility, by Superior Court Judge Robert W. Bingham II in Mercer County. Crudup was found guilty on May 17, 2019 following a jury trial of the following charges:
Conspiracy (2nd Degree)
Unlawful Possession of an Assault Firearm (2nd Degree)
Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (Loaded Shotgun) (3rdDegree)
Unlawful Disposition of an Assault Firearm (3rd Degree)
Unlawful Possession of a Firearm (Semiautomatic Pistol) (2nd Degree)
Unlawful Disposition of a Firearm (Semiautomatic Pistol) (4th Degree)
Possession of a Prohibited Weapon, Defaced Firearm (4thDegree)
Disposition of a Prohibited Weapon, Defaced Firearm (4thDegree)
Deputy Attorneys General Cassandra Montalto and Jaclyn Poulton tried the case for the Division of Criminal Justice Gangs & Organized Crime Bureau. They were assisted by Detective Sgt. 1st Class Jeffery Gauthier of the New Jersey State Police, who was lead detective, under the supervision of Detective Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Gibson and former Capt. Eric Barlow, and Analyst Kimberly Namura-Benjamin. Crudup was charged in an investigation by the New Jersey State Police Weapons Trafficking South Unit into gun trafficking in Trenton called “Operation Nine Lives.”
The state presented testimony and evidence that Crudup and co-defendant Michael Gyampo sold a loaded Marlin .22-caliber assault rifle with scope to a cooperating witness for $400 on June 26, 2012, on Ward Avenue. On Sept. 12, 2012, Crudup sold a Glock .40-caliber semiautomatic handgun with a defaced serial number to the cooperating witness for $750 in the area of Ward Avenue and North Olden Avenue.
“Combating illegal weapons trafficking is one of our top priorities, because every single gun sold to a criminal on the street can lead to multiple lives lost to gun violence,” said Attorney General Grewal. “Crudup would sell a deadly assault rifle or defaced handgun to anyone willing to pay his price. This prison sentence reflects our determination to lock up the weapons traffickers responsible for the proliferation of deadly firepower on the streets of Trenton and our other communities.”
“Through this type of investigation and prosecution, we are taking illegal guns and gun traffickers off the street and making our communities safer,” said Director Veronica Allende of the Division of Criminal Justice. “I commend the trial team and all of the members of the New Jersey State Police who helped to secure the guilty verdict and this prison sentence. We will continue to work collaboratively to arrest gun traffickers and prosecute them using New Jersey’s tough gun laws.”
“Criminals like Crudup, who sell illegal and defaced firearms, are doing so knowing that the weapons could be used by people banned from possessing them and during the commission of crimes,” said Colonel Patrick Callahan of the New Jersey State Police. “We remain dedicated in our mission to fight violent crime and will continue to work with our partners to keep our streets safe by arresting and prosecuting the gun traffickers who seek to profit from arming criminals in our communities.”
A total of four men were convicted in connection with illegal weapons trafficking in Operation Nine Lives, including Crudup. In total, these men sold a Marlin assault rifle, an Uzi 9mm rifle with large-capacity magazine, two shotguns, including a sawed-off shotgun, and two semiautomatic pistols with defaced serial numbers. Crudup was the last to be convicted because he was a fugitive for more than five years after the indictment was returned in June 2013.
Michael Gyampo, 32, of Trenton, and Dwayne Haines, 33, of Trenton, were indicted with Crudup. Gyampo pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a handgun and was sentenced on May 13, 2014 to five years in prison, including three years of parole ineligibility. Haines conspired with Gyampo to sell a defaced 9mm Taurus semiautomatic pistol to the confidential witness for $300. He pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a handgun and was sentenced to five years in prison on Jan. 29, 2015.
Davon Williams, 33, of Trenton, was indicted separately from Crudup, Gyampo, and Haines. He sold an Uzi 9mm rifle with a large-capacity magazine and a 20-gauge shotgun to the confidential witness for $1,000 in one transaction, and a sawed off 12-gauge shotgun for $600 in a second transaction. He pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a shotgun and unlawful disposition of a weapon. He was sentenced on June 5, 2015 to five years in prison with three years of parole ineligibility, consecutive to a drug sentence secured by the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office of five years in prison with 3 ½ years of parole ineligibility, for a total sentence of 10 years in prison with 6 ½ years of parole ineligibility.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Governor Phil Murphy today announced his nomination of Shawn LaTourette as the next Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. LaTourette has served as Acting Commissioner of the Department since Catherine R. McCabe announced her retirement in January 2021.
“The decisions made by the Department of Environmental Protection are not just important for today, but will have far reaching impacts across generations,” said Governor Murphy. “The work we do now for cleaner air and water, to meaningfully combat climate change, to ensure that every community is treated with dignity and respect and that the principles of environmental justice serve us every day, will far outlive us all. Shawn’s passion for environmental protection, coupled with his extensive knowledge on climate, energy, and infrastructure, will help build an environmental legacy that exemplifies these principles. I am confident that with Shawn’s leadership, we will create a cleaner, more sustainable New Jersey that we are proud to leave for future generations.”
“To serve the people of New Jersey as Commissioner of Environmental Protection is an honor beyond any I could have imagined, and I am grateful to Governor Murphy for his outstanding environmental leadership, and his confidence in mine,” said Acting Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette. “New Jersey has no shortage of environmental challenges—from confronting the climate crisis to modernizing our water infrastructure—challenges that also present us with an incredible opportunity to grow our economy, lift our people, and further the promise of environmental justice. NJDEP is charting a new course for the future in our great state, with a stronger, more just environment at its center. I am eager to lead the Department in supporting Governor Murphy in his vision to make New Jersey a national model for its commitment to a more resilient, fairer, greener future for everyone.”
With twenty years of environmental experience, LaTourette began his career partnering with the Erin Brockovich law firm to organize and defend New Jersey communities whose drinking water was contaminated by petrochemicals. Born and raised in New Jersey, LaTourette graduated magna cum laude from Rutgers University and earned his law degree summa cum laude from Rutgers Law School, where he was the class salutatorian and the recipient of multiple environmental and governance awards, and published scholarship on environmental law, natural resource damage, and climate issues. Before entering public service, LaTourette specialized in protecting the rights of victims of toxic injuries while also advising infrastructure, transportation, energy, and other industries on compliance with state and federal environmental laws and policies. Prior to joining the Murphy Administration, he was most recently a Director of the Environmental Law Department at Gibbons PC, where he focused on brownfields redevelopment projects and litigated environmental cases in state and federal court.
LaTourette first joined DEP as chief legal and regulatory policy advisor to Commissioner McCabe in 2018, becoming DEP’s Chief of Staff in 2019 and, in 2020, the Deputy Commissioner responsible for running the operations of DEP while notably leading efforts to craft the reforms necessary to advance the Administration’s climate change and environmental justice priorities.
A devoted advocate for equality of all people, LaTourette was elected to serve as Chair of the LGBTQ Rights Section of the New Jersey State Bar Association, completing his term in 2020, and will be the first openly gay Commissioner of Environmental Protection in the nation. A Middlesex County native, LaTourette resides in Highland Park with his partner and twin daughters.
“New Jersey has taken a leading role in the legal fight for environmental justice, and that’s because of the close working relationship between our office and Shawn’s team at DEP,” saidAttorney General Gurbir Grewal. “We share a total commitment to holding polluters accountable and making them pay for the destruction they caused. As we continue this fight for clean air and clean water, I couldn’t ask for a better partner than Shawn.”
“At a time when the New Jersey legislature is empty from any representation for the LGBTQ community, this appointment is welcomed and appreciated. It speaks to Governor Murphy’s commitment to diverse inclusion in our government and also positions New Jersey as the only state in the nation with more than one LGBTQ cabinet member,” said Christian Fuscarino, Executive Director of Garden State Equality. “Highly qualified LGBTQ people like Shawn are ready to step up and serve in leadership positions in the Garden State. We are confident that Shawn will lead with professionalism based on his impressive record while at DEP.”
“When Shawn LaTourette puts his mind to something, he gets it done,” saidKim Gaddy, Clean Water Action NJ and National Environmental Justice Director. “We’ve seen it happen with the passage of the 2020 EJ law. Now we need the most aggressive EJ and climate pollutant policies implemented as if our life depends on it, because it does. We need to make sure no more burdens come to Black, Brown and lower income communities like mine and we look forward to working with the new NJDEP commissioner to make it so!”
“New Jersey Future congratulates Shawn LaTourette on his nomination for Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection,” said Peter Kasabach, Executive Director, New Jersey Future. “His strong focus and support for climate change adaptation, combined with his understanding of the importance of water infrastructure will enable the department to accelerate its work in making New Jersey a more resilient and healthier state for all of our residents, especially those in historically overburdened communities, while also encouraging economic development in our urban areas and in the coastal and riverine places that are out of harm’s way.”
“Congratulations to Mr. LaTourette on his “new” role. He has had his sleeves rolled up over the past four years with bold actions like the development of the Energy Master Plan and other pro-conservation initiatives,” said Ed Potosnak, Executive Director, New Jersey LCV. “We look forward to working with Commissioner LaTourette to accomplish the Murphy administration’s goals of 100% clean energy by 2050, creating a post-COVID green jobs recovery, and fulfilling our commitment to environmental justice and helping overburdened communities of color.”
“New Jersey Audubon congratulates Acting-Commissioner LaTourette and looks forward to collaborating on the advancement of science-based wildlife and habitat conservation and environmental protection,” said Eric Stiles, President, New Jersey Audubon. “We are committed to supporting the Acting-Commissioner’s vision to address the existential threat of climate change and secure the right of all people to enjoy a high quality, accessible and welcoming experience in our state’s natural and recreation areas.”
Today, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy announced the appointment of Shawn LaTourette to the position of Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection. LaTourette is the first openly gay man to serve in the New Jersey cabinet and the first openly LGBTQ person in the nation to lead a state environmental protection agency.
His appointment also makes New Jersey the first state to have more than one openly LGBTQ cabinet member, in addition to Sue Fulton, who was appointed Chair and Chief Administrator of the state’s Motor Vehicle Commission in 2018.
“At a time when the New Jersey legislature is empty from any representation for the LGBTQ community, this appointment is welcomed and appreciated,” said Christian Fuscarino, Executive Director of Garden State Equality. “It speaks to Governor Murphy’s commitment to diverse inclusion in our government. Highly qualified LGBTQ people like Shawn are ready to step up and serve in leadership positions in the Garden State. We are confident that Shawn will lead with professionalism based on his impressive record while at DEP.”
“Governor Murphy chose Shawn because of his extraordinary experience and qualifications, yet the importance of his appointment extends well-beyond the state’s environmental protection efforts alone,” said Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Institute. “The governor’s cabinet has tremendous influence over the policies and direction of New Jersey and having two out LGBTQ members ensures our community is considered when the most important decisions are made. Shawn’s appointment is a groundbreaking moment for the state and will inspire other LGBTQ New Jerseyans to pursue careers in public service.”
April 14, 2021–Updated with Official Information from MCPO
EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–At approximately 8 a.m. Wednesday morning, April 14, Ewing police responded to the parking lot of Capitol Plaza, 1500 N. Olden Avenue, for an unresponsive male. The victim, an adult black male, possibly in his 50s – 60s, was found on the sidewalk in front of 1531 N. Olden Avenue. No identification was found on his person and there were no injuries observed that would have caused his death. The Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Middlesex County Medical Examiner’s Office responded to the scene, which was processed by Ewing police. Investigation into the cause of death is ongoing.
The Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Ewing Police Department continue to investigate the death and authorities are working to identify the victim. Anyone with information is asked to call (609) 989-6406. Information can also be emailed to mchtftips@mercercounty.org.
Witnesses at the scene said a man was running from a home and was gunned down, that is in conflict of what is reported in official police information and the story has been updated to reflect that current information.
Suspicious death investigation on April 14, 2021 in Ewing Township, NJ on North Olden Avenue. Photos by Brian McCarthy, OnScene News witnesses at the scene said they seen a man running from a house and was found in front of this building. As always the story has been updated to reflect official police information. The information obtained by witnesses at the scene is in conflict and the story has been updated official information.
“Viewer discretion advised“ of active suspicious death investigation in Ewing Township Mercer County, NJ on April 14, 2021 witnesses can be heard on the video describing the scene. What witnesses said and what official information has been released is in conflict, the story has been updated to reflect official police information.
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EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–A 1:08 pm the Hightstown and Robbinsville Township Fire Departments were dispatched to a vehicle fire on the NJ Turnpike at Mile Marker 66 South Bound just south of Exit 8 Hightstown/East Windsor.
When the first firefighters arrived they found a car carrier fire carrying several cars on fire on the shoulder. Heavy black smoke could be seen for miles as the vehicles burned and flames were about 20 feet in the air at times above the well involved vehicle.
Water tankers were called from East Windsor Fire Company, Plainsboro Fire Company and Monroe Township for additional water to fight the fire. The firefighters had the flames under control within about a half hour.
Fire units were on scene until 2:34 pm as they mopped up hot spots.
There was a significant south bound traffic delay of 3 miles according to Google Maps at the time of this report.
No further information is available at this time and no word on the cause of the fire.
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HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Hamilton Township Mayor Jeff Martin, Where Angels Play Foundation Founder Bill Lavin and Joey’s Little Angels founders James and Nicole Angiolino jointly announced a public-private partnership to create “Joey’s Place” playground at Limewood Park in Hamilton, NJ. This playground will be built at no-cost to Hamilton taxpayers with money raised by Where Angels Play with a goal of $100,000.
“I want to thank Where Angels Play and Joey’s Little Angels for their dedication to community service – more specifically to always helping kids be kids”, said Mayor Martin. “James, Nicole and their legions of supports have contributed so much to Hamilton and our greater community that it is a fitting tribute that their son Joey have a permanent home here in Hamilton. Moreover, this is a win for our community to have a new playground all at no cost to the taxpayer.”
Where Angels Play Foundation was founded by former NJFMBA President Bill Lavin after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, CT. Bill’s idea was to build 26 playgrounds in Hurricane Sandy destroyed communities – one to honor the memory of each teacher or student lost that day in Newtown, CT.
“Where Angels Play Foundation has had the privilege of working with amazing families and communities across the US and around the world. Our mission began in 2003 in Sea Bright, New Jersey. 55 playgrounds and each one special in its own way. To be able to partner with Joey’s Little Angels in our home State with an organization and a little boy who has already changed so many lives and a family that has given so much to honor their son, is just another level of inspiration for us! Especially after such a difficult year, our organization like so many, are in need of an uplifting positive healing project like Joey’s playground. I am grateful for the trust James and Nicole have placed with the Angels Army and the great community of Hamilton Township.”
Joey’s Little Angels was founded by James and Nicole Angiolino of Hamilton, NJ, after the passing of their son Joseph Thomas Angiolino. He passed away after a courageous battle with Hurler’s Syndrome at 15 months of age. James, Nicole and their family, friends, and supporters have raised over $150,000 in donations and collected over 30,000 toys to be donated to over 30 pediatric hospitals nationwide to children battling various illnesses.
“We have had tremendous support from our family, friends and the Hamilton community. We are looking forward to working with Where Angels Play and Hamilton Township to give back to the people that have supported the mission of Joey’s Little Angels. We are looking forward to seeing the children of Hamilton playing, smiling and creating memories with friends and family at Joey’s Place! We could not think of a better way to honor him!”
77 Members Appointed on 73rd Israeli Independence Day
April 14, 2021
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Governor Phil Murphy today announced the appointments of 77 public members to the New Jersey – Israel Commission. The appointments to the Commission are being announced on Israel’s 73rd Independence Day, in celebration of the friendship and longstanding relationship between New Jersey and Israel.
“I am proud to announce these appointments to the New Jersey-Israel Commission,” said Governor Murphy. “New Jersey has had a special relationship with Israel dating back decades, one that Tammy and I were honored to continue with an official visit to Israel in 2018. I am confident that Mark, Karin, Andrew, and the members of the Commission will continue to strengthen our friendship with the Israeli people and provide further opportunities for collaboration on economic, educational, and cultural initiatives.”
“In December of 2019 I had the incredible opportunity to visit Israel and see the richness of its land and people up close. Israel remains one of New Jersey’s most important friends and partners, and I am truly proud to join Governor Murphy in welcoming the new members of the New Jersey-Israel Commission,” said New Jersey Secretary of State Tahesha Way. “I look forward to interacting with all of them as they bring our two states ever closer together.”
I am enthused with the announcement and release today by the Governor of the names of the incoming members of our New Jersey Israel Commission. The breadth of talent, expertise and individual commitment to Israel, our state of New Jersey and the New Jersey Israel relationship of each and every one of our new Commission members is truly beyond compare,” said Co-Chair Mark Levenson. I am also especially delighted with the naming of my incoming co-chair Karin Elkis whom I have known for over twenty years. Karin has had a long and distinguished career in both government service and the private sector as well as significant community involvement and I couldn’t be more pleased to have her join me in working with our tremendously effective and energetic executive director Andrew Gross in carrying out the inspirational, important and needed work of the Commission.
“I am honored to serve as Co-Chair of the New Jersey-Israel Commission,” said Co-Chair Karin Elkis. “New Jersey’s relationship with Israel is truly special and I thank the Governor for nominating me to serve as a steward of this tremendous effort to strengthen our ties and promote economic and cultural exchange. I look forward to working with the Governor, Secretary of State Way, my Co-Chair Mark Levenson, and our Executive Director Andrew Gross on efforts to grow and continue our friendship with the Israeli people.”
“New Jersey and Israel stand together in countless ways, and today’s announcement on Israel’s Independence Day reflects that incredibly special relationship as we usher in a new era with these outstanding Commission Members,” said New Jersey-Israel Commission Executive Director Andrew Gross. “Together with Mark, Karin, and all our members, I look forward to advancing opportunities across business, culture, academia, and beyond that captures the remarkable ingenuity of the State of Israel and pairs it with our state’s exceptional innovative ecosystem.”
“The State of Israel’s friendship with our friends in New Jersey becomes more of a meaningful partnership year after year. But this year, this has been especially true with the establishment of the new dual degree programs from the New Jersey Institute of Technology and Ben Gurion University,” said Acting Consul General of Israel in New York, Israel Nitzan. “On behalf of the Consulate General of Israel, we thank Governor Murphy for making this relationship a priority and we offer the new and veteran members of the New Jersey-Israel Commission our congratulations as you work to enhance our friendship in ways that can only make Israel and New Jersey stronger in every way.”
The New Jersey-Israel Commission was established in 1989 to promote the development of trade, culture and educational exchanges; encourage the development of capital investment and joint business ventures; and foster a spirit of cooperation between the citizens of the State of Israel and the State of New Jersey. The Commission is under the purview of the Secretary of State and its Executive Director, with members appointed directly by the Governor. The members include leaders in business, journalism, music, diplomacy, civics, religion, technology, medicine, academia, and other sectors, representing the true spirit of the Commission’s mission. Additionally, Senators Loretta Weinberg, James Beach, Tom Kean, Jr., Robert Singer, and Assembly Members Gary Schaer, Valerie Vainieri Huttle, Jon Bramnick, and John DiMaio serve as legislative representatives to the Commission.
The new appointments reflect an incredible cross-section of individuals who have shown leadership in New Jersey’s special connection with Israel and a dedication to deepening this relationship across the Jewish community and other communities. This major reform of the Commission will move it to a Co-Chair model, with current Chairman Mark Levenson serving as Co-Chair alongside Karin Elkis. The appointments to the Commission set the bar higher for the future and usher in a new era of bilateral cooperation focusing on future technologies and the needs of the state.
The Commission has seen many recent achievements. In March, the Governor announced the Institute for Future Technologies with the Presidents of the New Jersey Institute of Technology and Ben Gurion University, which will focus on cyber security and environmental engineering in Newark and Jersey City. In April, the Commission facilitated a relationship bringing Israel Aerospace Industries, the Israel’s largest aviation company, to demonstrate new technologies at Atlantic City Airport designed to keep air travel safe from viruses like COVID-19.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on April 13, 2021, Kevin Noonan, 62, of Manchester, 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 pedestrian having been struck and killed by a vehicle in Whiting during the afternoon hours of April 13, 2021.
On April 13, 2021, at approximately 3:45 p.m., the Manchester Township Police Department responded to a residence on Yorktowne Parkway in Whiting for a report of a pedestrian having been struck by a motor vehicle. Responding Officers found Jack Gotfried, 69, of Whiting, laying in the roadway with traumatic injuries to his lower extremities. Mr. Gotfried was flown to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.
An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit and Manchester Township Police Department Detective Bureau revealed that Noonan had stopped at Mr. Gotfried’s residence to pick up of furniture that Mr. Gotfried was giving away. In the course of loading the furniture onto Noonan’s vehicle, Noonan allegedly backed his vehicle up at a high rate of speed and struck Mr. Gotfried – pinning him between the rear of the vehicle and a truck parked in front of the residence. Noonan then allegedly fled the scene, leaving Mr. Gotfried injured in the roadway. A short time later, Noonan was found walking in the area of Western Boulevard in Lacey Township, where he was apprehended by a Detective from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office. Noonan was transported to Manchester Township Police Headquarters, where he was processed and consented to a draw of his blood; the blood draw was subsequently taken at Community Medical Center in Toms River. Noonan is currently lodged in the Ocean County Jail, pending a detention hearing.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit, Manchester Township Police Department Patrol Division, Manchester Township Police Department Detective Bureau, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their cooperative 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.
Kevin Noonan, 62, of Manchester Kevin Noonan, 62, of Manchester, was charged with Knowingly Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Accident Resulting in Death
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EAST WINDSOR TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Mayor Janice S. Mironov is encouraging residents and groups to honor Arbor Day celebrated on Friday, April 30, 2021, by planting a tree under the Township Memorial Tree Grove Program.
According to Mayor Mironov, “this Memorial Tree Program offers Township residents a unique opportunity to provide a living memorial to a deceased relative or friend or in remembrance or commemoration of a special person, group or event. The planting of a tree provides a special means to provide a living memorial to a deceased person or in honor of a special event while enhancing the environment of our community.”
The Township Memorial Tree Grove is located on the grounds of the East Windsor Municipal Building along Lanning Boulevard. A granite marker with the name of the deceased person or event to be remembered is provided with each tree. Residents or groups can order a tree under the Memorial Tree Program through the Township Public Works Department. The cost includes the granite marker and tree planting.
Memorial trees will be planted during a planting season, either Spring or Fall. Donors can indicate their preference for the type of tree they would like planted. Brochures describing the program and costs, which include an order form, are available on-line at the Township website east-windsor.nj.us, or call the Department of Public Works for program information and forms at (609) 443-4000 ext. 215.
Mayor Janice S. Mironov and Council Members accepted the National Arbor Day Foundation 2020 Tree City USA community designation and Tree City Growth Award. Pictured (from left to right) are: Mayor Janice S. Mironov; Council Member John Zoller; Deputy Mayor Peter Yeager; Council Member Alan Rosenberg; Council Member Perry Shapiro, and Council Member Marc Lippman. Photo East Windsor Township
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