Update: 6/25/2021 NJ Transit Public Information Office reports. NJ Transit Police received a call at 9:30 p.m. for a male pedestrian who made contact with the River Line at the Hamilton Avenue Crossing. The pedestrian suffered minor injuries. There were 25 people onboard the train at the time of impact and there no injuries to the passengers or crew on board the train. The River Line was shut down a short time then reopened after the investigation was competed.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Tonight around 9:20 p.m. Trenton EMS and Capital Health Paramedics were dispatched to Route 129 at Hamilton Avenue for a reported pedestrian hit by the NJ Transit River Line Train. Trenton Police and NJ Transit Police also responded. Trenton Fire Department was dispatched for a rescue of a person caught under the train but was canceled since the person was freed prior to arrival.
TEMS and Capital Paramedics transported the person to the Trauma Center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center.
River Line light rail service is suspended in both directions between Roebling and Trenton due to a pedestrian strike at Hamilton Ave.
River Line light rail service has resumed and is operating with up to 30-minute delays in both directions between Roebling and Trenton due to a pedestrian strike at Hamilton Ave.
MANASQUAN INLET – POINT PLESANT, NJ –The Coast Guard medevaced a mariner from a motor vessel approximately 23 miles east of Manasquan Inlet, Thursday afternoon.
Watchstanders at the Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay command center received a report of a 72-year-old male experiencing stroke-like symptoms while aboard the motor vessel Voyager and needed immediate medical attention.
Sector Delaware Bay dispatched an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City and a 47-foot Motor Lifeboat boatcrew from Coast Guard Station Manasquan Inlet to the scene.
Once on scene, the Dolphin aircrew hoisted the mariner and safely transported him to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune City for treatment.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on June 24, 2021, Michael Pillarella, 27, of Manahawkin, was indicted by a Grand Jury sitting in Ocean County on the charge of Aggravated Manslaughter in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-4a(1), in connection with a motor vehicle crash that occurred in Little Egg Harbor Township during the evening hours of January 30, 2021 – resulting in the death of a female juvenile victim. Pillarella was also indicted on charges of Vehicular Homicide in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-5a; Strict Liability Vehicular Homicide in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-5.3; Aggravated Assault in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1b(1); and Assault by Auto in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1c(2).
On January 30, 2021, at approximately 9:45 p.m., officers from the Little Egg Harbor Township Police Department responded to the area of Radio Road and Baltusrol Court for a report of a two-vehicle crash with serious injuries. An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit and Little Egg Harbor Police Department revealed that a 2017 Hyundai Elantra, operated by Pillarella, was traveling northbound on Radio Road when he failed to negotiate a curve in the roadway, crossed over the centerline, and struck an oncoming 2006 Toyota XB travelling southbound on Radio Road. The Toyota XB was operated by a juvenile, and there was also a juvenile passenger in the vehicle. As a result of the crash, both juveniles sustained serious injuries and were subsequently airlifted to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune.
Pillarella was airlifted to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center Trauma Center in Atlantic City for treatment of his injuries from the crash. A warrant was obtained for a draw of Pillarella’s blood. Pillarella was treated and released from the hospital, and was initially issued several motor vehicle summonses.
Further investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit and Little Egg Harbor Police Department resulted in the filing of additional charges against Pillarella on February 1, 2021 for Aggravated Assault in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1b(1) and Assault by Auto in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1c(2) — two counts as to each offense relating to both juvenile victims. Pillarella was taken into custody without incident on that date by officers from the Little Egg Harbor Police Department, and he has been lodged in the Ocean County Jail since his arrest. On February 9, 2021, the female juvenile passenger in the Toyota XB succumbed to the injuries she sustained as a result of the January 30, 2021 crash. She was pronounced deceased at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. As a consequence, the charges against Pillarella were upgraded to include Aggravated Manslaughter in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-4a(1) and Vehicular Homicide in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-5a relative to the female juvenile passenger. The charges of Aggravated Assault and Assault by Auto are in connection with the female juvenile driver – who continues to recover from her serious injuries – remained in force and effect.
On February 15, 2020, Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office received the laboratory results relative to Pillarella’s blood draw; those results revealed that Pillarella was under the influence of Alprazolam, Methadone, and Fentanyl at the time of the crash, and that he was unfit to safely operate a motor vehicle on the roadways of the State of New Jersey. Additionally, further investigation revealed that Pillarella was operating his motor vehicle at an excessive rate of speed – approximately 74 miles per hour at the time of the crash – for which he was charged with Speeding in violation of N.J.S.A. 39:4-98.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Robert Cassidy and Assistant Prosecutor Alyssa Mandara who are handling the case on behalf of the State, as well as the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Victim Witness Advocacy Unit, Little Egg Harbor Township Police Department, New Jersey State Police, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their collaborative assistance in connection with this investigation resulting in today’s indictment.
The charges referenced above are merely accusations and 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.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on June 24, 2021, Jamal Preston, 26, of Egg Harbor Township, was indicted by a Grand Jury sitting in Ocean County on a charge of Attempted Murder in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-1 and N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3a(1), in connection with a fire he intentionally set to a residential home in Lakewood on August 22, 2020. Preston was also indicted on four counts of Aggravated Arson in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:17-1a.
On August 22, 2020, the Lakewood Township Police Department responded to a report of a fire at a residence in Lakewood. An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Arson Squad, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Ocean County Fire Marshals Office, and New Jersey State Fire Marshals K-9 Unit, determined that the fire had been intentionally set utilizing an ignitable liquid and an open flame. Further investigation determined that Preston did, in fact, intentionally set the fire while the residence was occupied by three individuals. Preston fled the scene, but was arrested at a motel in Absecon by the United States Marshals Service on August 31, 2020. He has been lodged in the Ocean County Jail since his apprehension.
Prosecutor Billhimer commends the diligent efforts of Senior Assistant Prosecutor Meghan O’Neill who is handling the case on behalf of the State, as well as the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Arson Squad, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Lakewood Township Police Department, Lakewood Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Ocean County Fire Marshals Office, New Jersey State Fire Marshals K-9 Unit, United States Marshals Service, Egg Harbor Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Berkeley Township Police Department Detective Bureau, and South Toms River Police Department, for their collaborative assistance in connection with this investigation resulting in today’s indictment.
The charges referenced above are merely accusations and 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.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)—–Hamilton Township held their yearly flag retirement ceremony yesterday in Veterans Park. This service is to respectfully retire American flags in the proper absolute way. County Executive Brian M. Hughes and the Mercer County Office of Veteran Services invited the public to the official flag decommissioning ceremony Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m. in Veterans Park.
Each year, the Mercer County Office of Veteran Services partners with American Legion Post 31 and the Hamilton Township Patriotic Committee to host the time honored decommissioning of the American flags also commonly known as “Flag Retirement”. American flags that should be retired respectfully consist of, American flags that have become tattered, spoiled or are otherwise no longer fit for display will be burned in a dignified manner in a large pit during a ceremony.
The Fire was watched over by the Hamilton Township Fire Department Engine Company 18 and the Fire Marshall, to make sure all areas surrounding the pit were kept safe. The flags are not allowed to be put out; they must burn out on their own.
Veteran Services have collected thousands of flags eligible for retirement from American Legion Post 31, private homes, the veterans section of Greenwood Cemetery in Hamilton and Government offices. Since last year’s services were canceled due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Veteran Services had more flags to retire than usual. “The flag of the United States symbolizes the values we hold dear and seek to defend, such as liberty, equality, opportunity, democracy and inclusion,” Mr. Hughes said. “It deserves a special sendoff, and on June 23 we will demonstrate a proper way to retire an American flag.”
This year’s service has guests from the Robbinsville JROTC, Mercer County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard, and Hamilton troop 7275.
Hamilton’s Mayor Jeff Martin, Mercer County Executive Brian M Hughes, and Medina Wilson, spoke about the flag and the flag’s meaning, and why we should honor the flag. Mayor Martin said “It is great to see so many young people here to see the proper way to retire the flag and to understand the flag’s true meaning”.
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–East Windsor, Monroe and Hightstown Fire Companies responded to Wayne’s Wash World in the 600 Block of Abbington Drive for a smoke condition. When firefighters arrived they found a smoke condition in the business from a dryer that had clothes inside that were smoking. The fire was contained to the dryer. The clothes were removed and wet down and the dryer was placed out of service. All fire companies returned when completed. No damage to the structure and the business was able to reopen quickly thanks to the early 9-1-1 call and quick response by local fire departments.
Firefighters checking for extension to surrounding business but fire was contained to dryer and was quickly extinguished.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mayor W. Reed Gusciora released the first version of the Trenton American Rescue Plan (ARP) proposal, which allocates more than $70.82 million in direct federal aid to combat the lingering economic effects of COVID-19 by building youth and neighborhood resilience, transforming outdated infrastructure and making critical investments in local jobs and businesses.
“This plan incorporates much of the feedback we’ve received from City Council, concerned community stakeholders, and numerous employee organizations that were impacted greatly by the pandemic,” said Mayor Gusciora. “This plan is focused on addressing many of the long-term symptoms of COVID-19, including spikes in violent crime, shrinking job and business opportunities, and a workforce that endured hundreds of COVID-19 cases while continuing to provide critical services. We expect this plan to evolve as we reach out to more residents, receive additional U.S. Treasury guidance and continue our ongoing discussions with City Council.”
The plan outlines 38 spending items across three major themes that highlight U.S. Treasury guidance concerning negative COVID-19 economic impacts, public health support, and replacing lost public sector revenue:
Building youth and neighborhood resilience: $32.47 million to improve the health and wellbeing of Trenton residents, students, and employees, including $15 million in direct support to Trenton households, $8 million in hazard pay for city workers who were active throughout the pandemic, $2 million to expand mental health services, $500,000 in youth neighborhood counseling to combat violent crime, and more than $6 million in arts and recreation programming.
Transforming aging infrastructure: $21.72 million to counter municipal COVID-19 budget shortfalls that have prevented much-needed investments in city infrastructure, including $14.5 million for facility repairs and HVAC improvements at the TWW Filtration Plant, Animal Shelter, Municipal Court, Trenton Free Public Library, Trenton Police Headquarters, and multiple historic sites.
Investing in local jobs and businesses: $16.63 million to improve job training and business support programs, including a $5 million local venture capital fund, $4 million in expanded Urban Enterprise Zone support for local businesses, and more than $6.5 million in new internship and job training programs.
The $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan contains $360 billion in state and local aid to help employ essential workers, assist struggling families and small businesses, and make critical infrastructure investments. Trenton will receive $72,913,998 across two payments, the first $36.5 million of which was received on May 19, 2021. City Council voted to adopt a Resolution to accept this first round of funding on May 27, 2021.
The funds received must be appropriated by the City no later than Dec. 31, 2024 and expended by Dec. 31, 2026.
Eligible expenses include supporting public health costs, addressing negative economic impacts related to COVID-19, replacing lost public sector revenue, providing premium pay for essential workers, and investing in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure. Generally, municipalities must assess whether and how the proposed use would respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency and identify the connection between the negative impact and how the assistance alleviates that impact.
The interim U.S. Treasury guidance offers wide latitude to support public health initiatives and resources, including COVID-19 mitigation and containment, medical expenses, and behavioral and mental health services. This also includes capital investments in public facilities to meet operational requirements related to the pandemic. Municipalities are also empowered to address negative economic impacts for individuals, households, small businesses, and non-profits, especially in low-income and socially vulnerable communities.
The Gusciora Administration and City Council are currently considering options based on the updated guidance. Following the passage of the American Rescue Plan, the Office of the Mayor also assembled an advisory committee of city officials, policy experts, and community leaders to help evaluate upcoming projects.
BAY HEAD, NJ (OCEAN)–A vehicle crashed into a home at Main Avenue/Route 35 and Bridge Avenue around 9:56 p.m. the local fire departments responded to the scene to shore up the house before the car could be towed away.
MidJersey.News 
You must be logged in to post a comment.