Day: June 27, 2021

Burlington, Moorestown, Mount Laurel, State of NJ

Maryland Troopers Thank Jersey Troopers for Capturing Suspect Wanted for Injuring Maryland State Trooper, In Mount Laurel Twp.

Troopers seized an AR-15 rifle, two 9mm handguns, a high-capacity magazine, hollow point ammunition, $20,000 worth of marijuana, $2,500 worth of THC wax, $30,000 worth of fentanyl, $5,000 worth of xanax pills, $8,000 worth of oxycontin pills, $6,031 cash, and fraudulent medical marijuana labels.

Mount Laurel, NJ (BURLINGTON)–Last week, Maryland State Police Trooper First Class Jon Stoltzfus and Senior Trooper Michael Kemp visited New Jersey State Police Troop “D” Moorestown Station to thank NJSP troopers for arresting the suspect responsible for injuring TFC Stoltzfus during a motor vehicle pursuit in Maryland. Despite sustaining a leg injury, TFC Stolzfus made the trip to personally thank the Jersey troopers for their efforts during the arrest and subsequent investigation

On June 15, Moorestown Station troopers were alerted by dispatch of a box truck towing a passenger vehicle that was being pursued by Maryland State Troopers northbound on the New Jersey Turnpike. The driver of the vehicle, Benjamin Rivard, 26, of Orlando, FL, was wanted in connection to a drug investigation and assault on a Maryland State Trooper.

Within minutes, troopers located the vehicle traveling northbound near milepost 22.5. Using lights and sirens, troopers attempted to stop the vehicle, but Rivard refused to stop and continued driving erratically. In the area of milepost 38.4, troopers disabled the vehicle and Rivard fled on foot. After a brief foot pursuit, troopers located and arrested Rivard in a nearby business complex on Briggs Road in Mount Laurel Township, Burlington County.

Benjamin Rivard was charged with eluding and resisting arrest. He was lodged at the Burlington County Correctional Facility pending a detention hearing.

During the ongoing investigation, troopers determined that Rivard had been in possession of multiple firearms and narcotics. On June 17, troopers executed a search warrant on the box truck and passenger vehicle. As a result, troopers seized an AR-15 rifle, two 9mm handguns, a high-capacity magazine, hollow point ammunition, $20,000 worth of marijuana, $2,500 worth of THC wax, $30,000 worth of fentanyl, $5,000 worth of xanax pills, $8,000 worth of oxycontin pills, $6,031 cash, and fraudulent medical marijuana labels.

Benjamin Rivard was also charged with possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, possession of a weapon during a CDS offense, unlawful possession of a weapon, certain person not permitted to possess a firearm, possession of hollow point ammunition, possession of extended magazine, possession of CDS with intent to distribute, possession of CDS, possession of drug paraphernalia, receiving stolen property, and forgery.

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

An internet search has revealed that this is not the first time Mr. Rivard from Orlando, FL has been in trouble with the law. This is from a 2017 Orange County Sheriff’s Office press release posted on their website.

Mercer County, Trenton

UPDATE: Last Night’s Hamilton Avenue And Hudson Street Shooting, Victim At Capital Health In Stable Condition

June 27, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Trenton Police Department, Detective Lieutenant Peter Szpakowski told MidJersey.News that around 9:08 p.m. a victim was standing in front of 267 Hamilton Avenue when a suspect, who was standing across the street, started shooting at him and struck the victim in his thigh. The suspect fled on foot. A white Toyota Highlander was parked across the street and hit one time.  Numerous shell casings were recovered. The victim is at Capital Health Regional Medical Center and is in stable condition. Trenton Police Shooting Response Team is investigating.

Manchester, Ocean County

Careless Smoking Blamed In House Fire; Family Dog Killed, Homeowner Treated For Smoke Inhalation

June 27, 2021

MANCHESTER, NJ (OCEAN)–On Friday, June 25, 2021, at approximately 11:39 P.M., Manchester Township Police received a report of an active fire at a residence on Tern Court in the Pine Ridge section of Manchester Township.  Upon arrival, officers observed that the fire had engulfed a large portion of the home with visible flames emanating from the rear door.   The homeowner, who was the sole occupant, escaped from the residence and suffered from smoke inhalation.  However, the family dog was unable to escape and perished in the fire.  The homeowner, was treated on scene and subsequently transported by Manchester Emergency Medical Services to Southern Ocean County Hospital for treatment and evaluation of her injuries. 

The fire was quickly extinguished by members of the Whiting Fire Company, the Manchester Fire Company, the Ridgeway Fire Company, the Lakehurst Fire Company, Joint Base McGuire Fire Department, and the Pinewald Pioneer Fire Department.  The Ocean County Fire Marshall’s office conducted the investigation into the cause and origin of the fire.  It was subsequently determined that the fire was accidental in nature and the result of improperly discarded smoking material.