HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Hamilton Township Mayor Jeff Martin welcomed European Wax Center with a Grand Opening Ceremony & Ribbon Cutting on May 14th, 2021.
“We are thrilled to see European Wax Center open in Hamilton Marketplace and are so happy we finally get to celebrate them,” said Mayor Martin. “They make a wonderful addition to Hamilton Marketplace and Hamilton Township as a whole.”
Owners Pat and Kerri McGeehan opened European Wax Center during the COVID-19 pandemic last year. This is their third location in New Jersey, having previously opened locations in Mercer Mall, Lawrence, NJ and Seagirt, NJ. They choose Hamilton Township for the central location. Located in the Hamilton Marketplace, European Wax Center offers various hair removal and waxing services for both men and women.
Visit https://www.hamiltonnj.com/EconomicDevelopmentto learn of the new businesses that have recently opened or have relocated to Hamilton and read up on why Hamilton is a great place for businesses to call home!
MILLSTONE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–New Jersey State Police Seeking Public’s Assistance with Locating Missing 13-year-old Girl The New Jersey State Police Missing Persons Unit and State Police Hamilton Station are seeking the public’s assistance with locating Natalee Perez, 13, of Millstone, N.J. Natalee is described as a light-skinned Hispanic female, 5’4”, 180 pounds with brown hair and green eyes. She was last seen wearing an orange shirt, blue jeans, black jacket, and a pair of black Adidas sneakers. Natalee was last seen on Saturday, May 22, at her residence and is believed to be in the North Philadelphia area. Anyone with information is asked to call the New Jersey State Police Missing Persons Unit at (609) 882-2000, ext. 2554 or NJSP Hamilton Station at 609-584-5000 ext. 5287.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP (MERCER)– One person is in serious condition after being struck by a vehicle while operating a moped-style bike Tuesday night.
The crash occurred just after 9:00 pm. Hamilton Police responded with Robert Wood Johnson EMS and Capital Health Paramedics to Route 33 and Whitehorse Mercerville Road in front of the Mercerville Shopping Center on reports of a vehicle vs motorcycle. EMS quickly arrived on the scene and transported the man who was operating the motorized bike to the trauma center in serious condition. Hamilton Township Fire Police were also detailed to the scene to assist with traffic control.
Police remained on the scene for a thorough investigation into the crash. Route 33 between Whitehorse Mercerville Road and Shady Lane remains shut down at the time of this report.
No other info is available at this time, please check back for updates.
Hamilton Police investigate crash that seriously injured one on Route 33, Tuesday night.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Around 7:20 p.m. the Trenton Fire Department was dispatched to the Lamberton Deli Grocery at the corner of Bridge Street and Lamberton Streets. Upon arrival firefighters had a heavy smoke condition coming from the building. One 2 1/2″ attack line and at least one 1 3/4″ backup line was placed in service as truck companies went to the roof to vent. Firefighters advanced though the front door and quickly knocked down the fire and were able to hold the fire at the 1st Alarm.
Trenton Fire Department fire investigators were still on scene at the time of this report and were also awaiting a State of New Jersey Fire Marshal. All units have returned except for 1 engine staying on scene for the investigation.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Around 7:50 p.m. the Hamilton Township Fire Department responded to the 2700 Block of Nottingham Way near Getz Avenue for a well involved gazebo fire with exposures. Numerous 9-1-1 calls were reporting heavy smoke and also a grill fire on initial dispatch.
When Hamilton firefighters arrived on scene they reported a fully involved gazebo fire in the rear of the property with exposures issues and possible extension to a garage. Firefighters stretched 1 3/4″ lines and quickly extinguished the fire before it could spread and severely damage other buildings on the property.
The Hamilton Township Fire Marshal’s Office was on scene investigating at the time of this report.
The Hamilton Township Police Department shut down Nottingham Way between Shady Lane and Berkley Street until firefighters could pick up the supply line and clear the street of apparatus.
No further information is available.
Firefighters clean up after a gazebo fire in the 2700 Block of Nottingham Way.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–A Mercer County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 84 months in prison for his role as a member of a drug trafficking conspiracy and his possession of multiple semiautomatic firearms in furtherance of his unlawful drug-trafficking activities, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Jubri West, 21, of Trenton, previously pleaded guilty by videoconference before Chief U.S. District Judge Freda L. Wolfson to a superseding information charging him with one count each of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin; possession with intent to distribute heroin; and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. Judge Wolfson imposed the sentence today in Trenton federal court.
In October 2018, West and 25 other individuals were charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute heroin; West and others also were charged with firearms offenses relating to their drug trafficking. On Feb. 27, 2020, a grand jury returned a 10-count third superseding indictment charging West and six other defendants with conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and various other drug and firearms offenses. Of the 26 defendants originally charged in the criminal complaint, West is the 23rd defendant to have pleaded guilty. The charges in the third superseding indictment remain pending against three defendants.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From as early as October 2017 to October 2018, West and others engaged in a large drug trafficking conspiracy that operated in the areas of Martin Luther King Boulevard, Sanford Street, Middle Rose Street, Southard Street, Hoffman Avenue, Chambers Street, and Coolidge Avenue in Trenton, and which sought to profit from the distribution of heroin and numerous other controlled substances. Through the interception of telephone calls and text messages pursuant to court-authorized wiretap orders, controlled purchases of heroin, the use of confidential sources of information, law enforcement learned that Jakir Taylor and Jerome Roberts obtained regular supplies of hundreds of “bricks” of heroin from David Antonio, whom they referred to as “Pop” and “Papi,” and that they distributed those supplies of heroin to other dealers and end users in and around Trenton.
During the investigation of the conspiracy, on Sept. 6, 2018, law enforcement officers stopped a green 2002 Volkswagen Passat driven by, and registered to, Timothy Wimbush, a/k/a “Young Money,” and occupied by West, Taquan Williams, a/k/a Trip,” and a juvenile. Law enforcement officers recovered from West’s pocket a quantity of heroin, and during a subsequent search of the vehicle, law enforcement recovered from a secret trap compartment under the rear passenger’s seat approximately 57 bricks of heroin, four semiautomatic firearms – including a .223 caliber assault rifle linked with a shooting in Trenton four days earlier – and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. Law enforcement officers identified the heroin as having been supplied by other members of the conspiracy. The charges against Wimbush and Williams remain pending.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Wolfson sentenced West to three years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, Newark Division, Trenton Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr.; special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Newark Division, Trenton Field Office, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Craig B. Kailimai; officers of the Trenton Police Department, under the direction of Police Director Sheilah Coley; officers of the Princeton Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Nicholas Sutter; officers of the Ewing Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police John P. Stemler III; officers of the Burlington Township Police Department, under the direction of Police Director Bruce Painter; and detectives of the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Scott A. Coffina, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. He also thanked officers of the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Superintendent Col. Patrick J. Callahan; detectives of the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Angelo Onofri; officers of the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John A. Kemler; and members of the New Jersey State Board of Parole for their assistance in the investigation and prosecution of the case.
The government is represented by Attorney-in-Charge J. Brendan Day and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Ramey of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton.
This case was conducted under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) and the FBI’s Greater Trenton Safe Streets Task Force, a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to enhance the identification, apprehension, and prosecution of individuals involved in gang-related activities, violent crime, and drug distribution in and around the greater Trenton area. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
The charges and allegations pending in the third superseding indictment against the remaining defendants are merely accusations and those defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
21-232
Defense Counsel: Anthony G. Simonetti Esq., Hightstown, New Jersey
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Trenton Police Director Sheilah A. Coley today announced that a TPD-led sweep targeting illegal ATV activity resulted in one arrest, 33 motor vehicle summonses, and the confiscation of three ATVs.
Shemar Corbett, 25, of Trenton, is charged with one count of obstructing traffic.
After numerous complaints about ATVs and dirt bikes throughout Trenton, the TPD, along with its partners at the N.J. State Police, planned an ATV interdiction sweep. Most recently, TPD had received complaints showing video of dirt bikes and ATV’s riding recklessly near the marina and park on the 1100 block area of Lamberton Street.
The sweep used valuable intel from concerned citizen groups and increased surveillance – including a drone – to survey all known areas throughout the city where ATV and dirt bikes gather and refuel.
In addition, the City of Trenton Division of Traffic and Transportation worked with the Mercer County Park Commission to place barricades on the bottom of the park’s foot bridge to restrict access to foot traffic and bicyclists only.
Director Coley credited detectives with the TPD Violent Crimes Rapid Response Unit (VCRR), under the direction of Captain Darren Zappley, with the investigation. She also thanked detectives of the N.J. State Police Crime Suppression Unit, under the direction of Sergeant Blair Astbury, for their critical assistance.
“We get it: ATVs can be a fun summer activity for many of our city residents,” said Director Coley. “But their use inside the city is illegal for a reason, and one person’s recreation cannot come at the expense of the safety and well-being of other residents. TPD, along with its state partners, will step up enforcement to deter this reckless behavior before anyone else is seriously injured. Fines, forfeiture, and possible criminal charges await those individuals who do not comply.”
On May 21, 2020, Trenton City Council unanimously passed Ordinance 20-39, “Off-Road Vehicle Regulations,” which was then signed by Mayor W. Reed Gusciora. ATVs are prohibited by both state and municipal law on or within any City-owned or operated road, park, or other public space. State law designating these vehicles as contraband authorizes TPD Officers to investigate any person suspected of engaging in the unlawful operation of an ATV and to seize that vehicle. In addition to the penalties set forth by the state, violations shall be punishable by a municipal fine of up to $1,000 as well as confiscation, forfeiture and destruction of the vehicle.
Anyone with information about illegal ATV use should contact the TPD anonymous tip line at (609) 989-3784.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported today that an investigation by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force has led to the arrest of a Ewing man for last week’s murder of Katherine Montenegro at a Hamilton Township 7-Eleven.
Joshua Lopez, 23, was taken into custody in Ewing Township late Monday evening by members of U.S. Marshals NY/NJ Regional Fugitive Task Force with assistance from the Mercer County Tactical Response Team, Mercer County Homicide Task Force and Mercer County Narcotics Task Force. He is charged with one count of first-degree murder, one count of second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, one count of second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon and one count of second-degree certain persons not to possess a firearm. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain Lopez pending trial.
On Tuesday, May 18, 2021, at approximately 1:50 a.m., Hamilton Police Division Patrol Units responded to a shooting in progress in the parking lot of the 7-Eleven on Lalor Street. Officers arrived on scene and located the victim, identified as 23-year-old Katherine Montenegro of Trenton, lying in the parking lot near the storefront curb suffering a gunshot wound to the abdomen. She was transported to the hospital where she was pronounced dead a short time later.
As part of the investigation conducted by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force, area video surveillance was reviewed, and witnesses were interviewed. Detectives established that Lopez and the victim were acquaintances, and Lopez was identified as the suspected shooter.
The murder remains under investigation and anyone with information is asked to call HTF Detective Ahmad Mansur at (609) 989-6406. Information can also be emailed to mchtftips@mercercounty.org.
Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Joshua Lopez, 23, was taken into custody in Ewing Township late Monday evening by members of U.S. Marshals NY/NJ Regional Fugitive Task Force with assistance from the Mercer County Tactical Response Team, Mercer County Homicide Task Force and Mercer County Narcotics Task Force. He is charged with one count of first-degree murder, one count of second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, one count of second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon and one count of second-degree certain persons not to possess a firearm. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain Lopez pending trial.
With Key COVID-19 Benchmarks Achieved, Governor Murphy Lifts Indoor Mask Mandate, Removes Social Distancing Requirements and Gathering Limits Among Others
Changes Effective in Two Phases – On Friday, May 28 and Friday, June 4
May 24, 2021
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Governor Phil Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 242, lifting major COVID-19 restrictions and moving forward with the state’s most significant reopening steps to date. Effective on Friday, May 28, the indoor mask mandate in public spaces will be lifted, as well as the six-foot social distancing requirement in both indoor and outdoor spaces, the prohibition on dance floors at bars and restaurants, and the prohibition on ordering and eating/drinking while standing at bars and restaurants. Additionally, effective Friday, June 4, indoor gathering and capacity limits will be lifted.
Over the last two weeks, key COVID-19 benchmarks have been achieved across New Jersey, including a dramatic increase in vaccinations, and significant decreases in new COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, spot positivity rates, and rates of transmission, solidifying the foundation for the state’s sweeping reopening steps. Per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance, individuals who are not fully vaccinated — defined as two weeks after receiving the second shot of a two-dose vaccination (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) or two weeks after receiving a single-dose vaccination (Johnson & Johnson) – are strongly encouraged to continue masking and social distancing.
“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, my administration has been guided by science, data, and facts to put New Jersey on the road to recovery with the public health and safety of all New Jerseyans as our highest priority,” said Governor Murphy. “Together, we have made tremendous progress in crushing this virus, and the last two weeks have shown significant decreases in key areas of our data, including new COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, spot positivity rates, and rates of transmission. These data points, coupled with a dramatic increase in our vaccination efforts resulting in over 4.7 million New Jerseyans with their first shot, allow us to lift major restrictions and move forward with our most significant reopening steps to date.”
The following changes will go into effect on Friday, May 28:
Lifting the mask mandate in indoor public spaces.
Businesses and entities overseeing indoor spaces will continue to have the ability to require masking for employees, customers, and/or guests.
Per CDC guidance, masks will continue to be required in health care settings, including long-term care facilities and office-based settings, correctional facilities, homeless shelters, and on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation, as well as transportation hubs such as airports and stations.
Additionally, also per CDC guidance, child care centers and facilities, youth summer camps, and public, private, and parochial preschool program premises and elementary and secondary schools, including charter and renaissance schools, are not affected by this announcement and continue to be governed by existing requirements.
Indoor worksites that are not open to the public remain governed by existing health and safety protocols that employers must follow.
Masks will continue to be required in public-facing state offices, such as Motor Vehicle Commission agencies.
Lifting the six-foot social distancing requirement.
The requirement will be lifted in businesses, including retail stores, personal care services, gyms, recreational and entertainment businesses, and casinos, and indoor gatherings, including religious services, political activities, weddings, funerals, memorial services, commercial gatherings, catered events, sports competitions, and performances.
Businesses and entities overseeing indoor spaces can continue to require social distancing should they choose.
Lifting prohibition on dance floors at bars and restaurants. The prohibition on ordering and eating/drinking while standing at bars and restaurants will also be lifted.
The following changes will go into effect Friday, June 4:
Removing the general indoor gathering limit, which is currently at 50 people.
Removing the indoor gathering limit for political gatherings, weddings, funerals, memorial services, performances, and other catered and commercial events, which is currently at 250 people.
Removing 30 percent capacity limitation for indoor large venues with a fixed-seating capacity over 1,000.
For the full text of Executive Order No. 242, click here.
WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–Last night at 8:37 p.m. (May 23, 2021), a Grey colored Nissan Maxima operated by a 29-year-old resident of Trenton, NJ was traveling north on Clarksville Road approaching the curve at the Meadow Road intersection. The Nissan crossed over the double yellow line and side swiped a red Ford Escape that was traveling south on Clarksville Road.
The driver of the Ford, of Holland, PA pulled over after her vehicle was struck. After striking the Ford, the Nissan continued north on Clarksville Road with both the front and rear driver side tires over the double yellow line in the southbound lane of travel.
At the intersection with Meadow Road, the Nissan collided head on with a white Chevrolet that was traveling south.
Upon the arrival of patrol officers, the driver of the Nissan was unconscious and had no pulse. Lifesaving efforts were performed, and Driver #1 was transported to UPPMC. However, he was pronounced dead at 9:23 pm. All four occupants of the Chevrolet were also transported UPPMC with numerous non-life-threatening moderate/serious injuries. The driver of the Ford sustained no injuries.
Investigation on scene indicated that the Nissan was traveling at a high rate of speed and was unable to negotiate the curve on Clarksville Road which caused the Nissan to strike both vehicles.
The roadway was closed for just over three hours. The ongoing investigation is being led by Traffic Officer Brown under the direction of Traffic Sgt. Bal. If you have any pertinent information into the incident, please contact Traffic Officer Brown or Traffic Sgt. Bal at our main line (609) 799-1222, our Anonymous Tip Line (609) 799-0452, email at Brown@westwindsorpolice.com or Bal@westwindsorpolice.com.
No Identities are being released at this time of any of the involved parties as this Investigation is ongoing and in respect to the deceased’s family.
Responding to the scene were: West Windsor Police Department, West Windsor Division of Fire and Emergency Services, Princeton Junction Fire Company Station 44, West Windsor Volunteer Fire Company Station 43, Princeton First Aid Squad, Mercer County Prosecutors Office Serious Collision Response Team.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–On May 24, 2021, at approximately 2:53 a.m., a single motor vehicle crash occurred on South Broad Street near the intersection of Lalor Street. The driver Christopher Garcia of Trenton, NJ was operating a 2014 Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle east on Lalor Street Mr. Garcia failed to negotiate the turn from Lalor Street onto South Broad Street and struck the concrete center median. Mr Garcia and his passenger Joel Yanes of Medford, NJ were ejected from the motorcycle into the north east side of South Broad Street Mr. Garcia was unresponsive at the scene of the crash and was pronounced deceased at the scene by Paramedics from Capital Health System at Fuld. Passenger Yanes was alert at the scene, and transported by ambulance to Capital Health System at Fuld with serious injuries.
The crash is being investigated by Officer K. McDonald and Officer J. Anaya. Any witnesses are asked to contact the Hamilton Police Traffic Unit at (609)581-4000.
Information may also be left anonymously on the Hamilton Police Crime Tip Hotline at 609-581-4008.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–A verbal dispute between a boyfriend and girlfriend turned violent last night, when the female stabbed the male in the 200 Block of Coolidge Avenue.
The victim is a 28 year old black male and the suspect is a 36 year old black female. The woman was placed under arrest for aggravated assault with weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. She also had four outstanding warrants for her arrest, Trenton Police Detective Sergeant Cynthia Hargis told MidJersey.news
FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP, NJ (CUMBERLAND)–The New Jersey State Police have arrested Kevin Dawkins, 36, of Bridgeton, N.J. in connection to the mass shooting in Fairfield Township, Cumberland County on May 23. He was charged with unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a large-capacity magazine, certain persons not to have weapons, and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. He is currently lodged at the Cumberland County jail pending a bail detention hearing.
Asia Hester, 25, and Kevin L. Elliott, 30, both of Bridgeton, have been identified as the two victims that were killed in the shooting.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the New Jersey State Police Bridgeton Station at 856-451-0101 or submit a tip via the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office tipline at www.njccpo.org/tips. Anonymous tips are welcome.
Kevin Dawkins, 36, of Bridgeton
2C:39-3J
PROHIBITED WEAPONS AND DEVICES – LARGE CAPACITY AMMO
PEND CJP COURT
W2021-610-0601
05/23/2021
2C:39-4A(1)
POSS OF WEAPON FOR UNLAWFUL PURPOSE-FIREARM-ANYONE
PEND CJP COURT
W2021-610-0601
05/23/2021
2C:39-5B(1)
UNLAWFUL POSS WEAPON-HANDGUNS WITHOUT PERMIT
PEND CJP COURT
W2021-610-0601
05/23/2021
2C:39-7A
CERTAIN PERSONS NOT TO HAVE WEAP-CONVICTED CRIME
PEND CJP COURT
W2021-610-0601
05/23/2021
Governor Phil Murphy said at a press conference today on the mass shooting, “Our hearts are shattered by the mass shooting that occurred in Fairfield Township on Saturday night. We will not normalize this senseless gun violence. We will continue to lead the nation in gun safety and be a model for others.
Press Conference held on mass shooting at the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office . NJ Governor’s Office Photos
UPDATE: Roadway was reopened just before midnight.
**REOPENED Clarksville Road/Meadow Road due to Serious Motor Vehicle Collision with Multiple Injuries.–Det. Lt. Lee
May 23, 2021
WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–Around 9:00 p.m. the West Windsor Police Department received a 9-1-1 call for a serious Crash at the intersection of Clarksville Road and Meadow Road. Police, West Windsor Emergency Services and Capital Health Paramedics responded to the scene. The accident resulted in several injuries that were transported to the local hospital.
Fire Police from Princeton Junction Fire Company and West Windsor Fire Company were at several intersections for traffic control.
West Windsor Police Department is on scene conducting a serious traffic investigation. West Windsor Police sent out the NIXLE Alert below to avoid the area:
**REOPENED Clarksville Road/Meadow Road due to Serious Motor Vehicle Collision with Multiple Injuries.–Det. Lt. Lee
**AVOID Clarksville Road at Meadow Road due to Serious Motor Vehicle Collision with Multiple Injuries. Unknown duration for Road Closure. AVOID AREA–FIRST RESPONDERS IN ROADWAY.–Det. Lt. Lee
Instructions:
AVOID CLARKSVILLE ROAD AT MEADOW ROAD–FIRST RESPONDERS IN ROADWAY
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Around 8:30 p.m. a Hispanic male who was walking to a store on Whittaker Avenue was approached by two Hispanic males, who demanded money. The victim stated that after refusing to give the suspects money, a physical altercation began. During the fight, the victim was stabbed four times in the abdomen, back and both arms. The victim was not able to provide any additional information before going into surgery at the Trauma Center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center.
Trenton Police are searching for the two Hispanic males, and also checking for witnesses and video surveillance cameras in the area.
Trenton Emergency Medical Services, Trenton Fire Department and Capital Health paramedics responded to the scene. A “trauma alert” was called by TEMS prior to transport.
Trenton Police Detective Sergeant Cynthia Hargis stated the investigation is still active at this time. If anyone has information about the stabbing they are asked to contact Trenton Police Department at 609-989-4155 or the TPD anonymous tip line at 609-989-DRUG (3784).
You must be logged in to post a comment.