BERKLEY TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit are currently investigating a non-fatal officer involved shooting that occurred in Berkeley Township on August 1, 2021 at approximately 11:30 a.m. No further information may be released at this time pursuant to New Jersey Attorney General Directive No. 2006-5; a public statement will be released upon completion of the investigation, with the approval of the Attorney General.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–A 36-year-old Ewing man has been arrested in this week’s shooting death of Shaquil Loftin, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported.
Daniel L. Smith was taken into custody late Saturday evening during a motor vehicle stop in Ewing by members of the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Special Investigations Unit. He is charged with one count of murder and multiple weapons offenses. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain Smith pending trial.
The charges are the result of an investigation by the MCHTF. On Friday, July 30, 2021, at approximately 4:40 a.m., Trenton police responded to a report of a shooting at a residence in the first block of Kelsey Avenue. Upon arrival, officers found the victim, identified as 23-year-old Shaquil Loftin, shot in the face. Loftin was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center and pronounced dead a short time later.
A search warrant was executed at the Kelsey Avenue residence. Witnesses were interviewed and area surveillance footage was reviewed. As a result, Smith was identified as the individual who shot and killed Loftin.
Detectives continue to investigate what prompted the attack. The case remains under investigation for potential bias charges as Loftin is transgender and identified as female. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Dave Petelle 609-989-6406. Tips 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.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department are investigating a shooting homicide that occurred early this morning in Trenton. At approximately 12:20 a.m. on Sunday, August 1, the ShotSpotter gunshot detection system activated for multiple rounds in the 800 block of Stuyvesant Avenue. Police responded and located the victim shot in the head. The victim has been identified as Daquan Basnight, 30, of Ewing. No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing. At this point in the investigation, there is no evidence to suggest this homicide is related to Thursday’s homicide of Leonard Pettigrew on Stuyvesant Avenue. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Shawn Bruton at 609-989-6406. Tips can also be emailed to mchtftips@mercercounty.org.
This brings the 2021 murder count to 16 that includes a person shot in 2018 that died this current year from complications from that prior shooting, 15 of the homicides have happened from incidents in 2021.
Last year there were 40 homicides in the City of Trenton and this time last year there were 21 at the start of August.
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–Around 11:55 p.m. last night (July 31), a car and tractor trailer collided in the north bound outer lanes near mile marker 66 of the New Jersey Turnpike. The Robbinsville Township Fire Department – EMS and Hightstown First Aid Squad responded to the scene. There were reports of multiple minor injuries that did not require transportation to the hospital. The NJ State Police are investigating. No further information is available at this time.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department are investigating a shooting homicide that occurred early this morning in Trenton. At approximately 12:20 a.m. on Sunday, August 1, the ShotSpotter gunshot detection system activated for multiple rounds in the 800 block of Stuyvesant Avenue. Police responded and located the victim shot in the head. The victim has been identified as Daquan Basnight, 30, of Ewing. No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing. At this point in the investigation, there is no evidence to suggest this homicide is related to Thursday’s homicide of Leonard Pettigrew on Stuyvesant Avenue. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Shawn Bruton at 609-989-6406. Tips can also be emailed to mchtftips@mercercounty.org.
This brings the 2021 murder count to 16 that includes a person shot in 2018 that died this current year from complications from that prior shooting, 15 of the homicides have happened from incidents in 2021.
Last year there were 40 homicides in the City of Trenton and this time last year there were 21 at the start of August.
This morning’s breaking news story here:
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–MidJerse.news has received reports of a shooting around 12:15 a.m. at Stuyvesant Avenue near Hoffman Avenue. Trenton EMS and Capital Health Paramedics responded to the scene. About 15 minutes later EMS went available. Police are on scene investigating.
One witness stated they heard 12 shots. Another witness said a young man was killed.
This is a breaking news report from unofficial sources. MidJersey.news has emails into Mercer County Prosecutors Office and Trenton Police for official information. When official information becomes available the story will be updated and any corrections made.
MidJersey.News 
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