Day: August 2, 2021

Manchester, Ocean County

Cliffside Park Man Drowned In “Crystal Lake” On ASARCO Site

August 2, 2021

MANCHESTER, NJ (OCEAN)—A visit to a popular privately-owned 7000-acre tract of land in Manchester on Sunday afternoon ended tragically for a 22-year-old Cliffside Park man, Jimy Sadan Gomez-Estrada unlawfully visited the Heritage Mineral property on Sunday and attempted to swim in the lake with another individual around 6:30 pm. The two swimmers went into distress and the other individual was pulled from the water by a passerby, however, they were unable to reach Gomez-Estrada. Gomez-Estrada was subsequently pulled from the water by another passerby and lifesaving measures were initiated at the scene. Gomez-Estrada was transported to Community Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased. The preliminary investigation indicates the drowning to be accidental.

Assisting with this investigation is the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department Crime Scene Investigation Unit and the Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Anyone who may have been at “Crystal Lake” and witnessed this incident is asked to contact Detective Richard Conklin of the Manchester Township Police Department’s Investigations Bureau at 732-657-2009 ext. 4211.

Originally operated by ASARCO (American Smelting and Refining Company), Inc., the property was sold to and subsequently operated by Heritage Minerals until the cessation of mining operations in the early 1980’s. As a former mining site, the property consists of 7,000 acres that connect the eastern section of the township off of Route 37 to the western section, off of Route 70. During its years of operation, the land was mined so deeply that numerous bodies of water often referred to as ‘lakes’ formed. These ‘lakes’ which are actually groundwater aquifers, litter the landscape on the site. Seemingly unassuming, these bodies of water offer many dangers. Because the lakes were formed as a result of the mining operation, they do not have stable bottoms or shore lines, the way naturally occurring lakes do. The banks are very unpredictable and dangerously unstable. Those entering the water will quickly realize that after taking a few steps in the soft, unstable sand that the shoreline ‘shelf’ quickly drops off to depths that exceed 60 feet. Some estimates have the largest ‘lake’ on the property as being up to 300 feet deep.

Because these ‘lakes’ are not fed by any streams but rather by a deep underground source, the water is clear but very cold. These ‘lakes’ are filled with mineral-laden spring water from the underground aquifer and, as such, buoyancy is reduced. Additionally, the water is also much colder, which can result in a swimmer, even an accomplished one, tiring much faster. The characteristics of these ‘lakes’ to include unstable shoreline shelves and water composition have been attributed to several drownings which have occurred on the property.

The Manchester Township Police Department would like to remind the public that the Heritage Minerals or “ASARCO” site is private property. It is closed for recreational and/or other use and it is a criminal offense to enter or remain on the property. In the interest of public safety, the Manchester Township Police urges everyone to obey the “No Trespassing” signs posted at the site. Trespassers are subject to substantial fines and penalties up to and including incarceration for being on the property.

Other MidJersey.News stories on this property:

62 Year Old Drowns 25 Feet Of Water As UTV Crashes Into A Forming Mining Lake

Howell Man Charged With Vehicular Homicide

Manchester Township Police Department September 2, 2016 reminder of the dangers of the ASARCO site:

The Manchester Township Police Department would like to remind the public that the Heritage Minerals or “ASARCO” site is private property. It is closed for recreational and/or other use and it is a criminal offense to enter or remain on the property. In the interest of public safety, the Manchester Township Police urges everyone to obey the “No Trespassing” signs posted at the site. Trespassers are subject to hefty fines and penalties up to and including incarceration for being on the property.

Originally operated by ASARCO (American Smelting and Refining Company), Inc., the property was sold to and subsequently operated by Heritage Minerals until the cessation of mining operations in the early 1980’s. As a former mining site, the property consists of 7,000 acres that connect the eastern section of the township off of Route 37 to the western section, off of Route 70. During its years of operation, the land was mined so deeply that numerous bodies of water often referred to as ‘lakes’ formed. These ‘lakes’ which are actually groundwater aquifers, litter the landscape on the site. Seemingly unassuming, these bodies of water offer many dangers.

Because the lakes were formed as a result of the mining operation, they do not have stable bottoms or shore lines, the way naturally occurring lakes do. The banks are very unpredictable and dangerously unstable. Those entering the water will quickly realize that after taking a few steps in the soft, unstable sand that the shoreline ‘shelf’ quickly drops off to depths that exceed 60 feet. Some estimates have the largest ‘lake’ on the property as being up to 300 feet deep.

Making matters worse, a recent lack of rain has exposed a greater area of the shoreline shelf putting those near the water perilously close to the steep drop off. Furthermore, unsuspecting vehicle operators and other individuals, including bathers, and families with small children are faced with a higher risk of danger in this exposed area because of its potential to collapse without warning. Under no circumstance should anyone walk or drive on this exposed shelf or approach or enter these waters.

Because these ‘lakes’ are not fed by any streams but rather by a deep underground source, the water is clear but very cold. These ‘lakes’ are filled with mineral-laden spring water from the underground aquifer and as such buoyancy is reduced. Additionally, the water is also much colder, which can result in a swimmer, even an accomplished one, tiring much faster. The characteristics of these ‘lakes’ to include unstable shoreline shelves and water composition have been attributed to several drownings which have occurred on the property.

Enhanced patrols of the area will be in effect this Labor Day Weekend and a strict “no warning” enforcement policy remains in place. Additionally, further criminal charges may result from operating recreational vehicles or lighting bonfires on the property.

State of NJ

AG’s Office Releases Video Footage, 911 Call, and Identity of Decedent and Officers in Investigation of Fatal Police-Involved Shooting in Newton, N.J.

A .45-caliber Glock 21 firearm was recovered at the scene

August 2, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Attorney General’s Office today released a 911 call and video footage from body worn cameras and mobile video recorders (MVRs) related to a fatal police-involved shooting that occurred on July 4, 2021, in Newton, N.J. The decedent has been identified as Gulia Dale, III, 61, who lived at the address where the shooting occurred. The Newton Police Department officers who fired their service weapons at Mr. Dale are Officer Steven Kneidl and Officer Garrett Armstrong.

The fatal shooting remains under investigation by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA). The recordings are being released in response to an OPRA request and pursuant to policies established by the Attorney General in 2019 that are designed to promote the fair, impartial, and transparent investigation of fatal police encounters. On Friday, July 30, 2021, investigators met with the decedent’s family and attorney to review the video recordings.

According to the preliminary investigation, three uniformed officers of the Newton Police Department arrived at a residence on Clive Place in Newton, N.J., at approximately 9:30 p.m. in response to a 911 call from a family member who was concerned about Mr. Dale’s behavior and the fact that he had a gun. When police arrived, Mr. Dale was attempting to leave his residence in a vehicle. At this time, the officers’ body-worn cameras were activated and recording the events that transpired. 

The officers gave Mr. Dale verbal commands to get out the vehicle and Mr. Dale got out. Mr. Dale then opened the rear driver’s side door, briefly leaned inside, and then closed the door. Mr. Dale subsequently got in the driver’s seat, and officers continued to give verbal commands for Mr. Dale to exit the vehicle. Mr. Dale got out once again with an object in his hand. Officer Steven Kneidl and Officer Garrett Armstrong discharged their duty firearms, striking the vehicle and fatally wounding Mr. Dale. Investigators recovered a .45-caliber Glock 21 firearm near Mr. Dale. Officers and emergency medical personnel rendered medical aid to Mr. Dale at the scene. Mr. Dale was later pronounced deceased by medical personnel.

The recordings being released today include a recording of the 911 call, video recordings from the body worn cameras of Officers Kneidl and Armstrong, and video recordings from MVRs in three police vehicles.

This investigation is being conducted pursuant to a state law enacted in January 2019 (P.L. 2019, c.1), which requires that the Attorney General’s Office conduct all investigations of a person’s death that occurs during an encounter with a law enforcement officer acting in the officer’s official capacity or while the decedent is in custody. Separately, the Independent Prosecutor Directive, which was issued by then-Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal in December 2019, outlines a 10-step process for conducting these investigations. The Directive establishes clear procedures governing such investigations to ensure that they are conducted in a full, impartial and transparent manner. Under both state law and the Directive, when the entire investigation is complete, the case will be presented to a grand jury, typically consisting of 16 to 23 citizens, to make the ultimate decision regarding whether criminal charges will be filed.

A copy of the Directive is available at this link:

https://www.nj.gov/oag/excellence/docs/2019-4_Independent_Prosecutor_Directive.pdf

and a summary of that 10-step process is available at this link:

Click to access The-Independent-Prosecutor-Directive.pdf

Mercer County, Trenton

GoFundMe Set Up To Help Pay For Final Expenses; “For The Love Of Shaquil” A LGBTQ+ Advocate Who Was Killed Last Friday In Trenton, NJ

August 2, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–A GoFundMe has been set up for Shaquil Loftin (also known as Shai Vanderpump), an LGBTQ+ advocate, who was killed last Friday.

On July 30, 2021, Shaquil Loftin was murdered protecting his loved one. Shaquil was affectionately known for his Smile, his Style, his love of family, and most importantly, BEING HIMSELF! Shai as he was affectionately called had a heart of GOLD & He will give you his last no matter what he had. He loved to see everyone happy & smile. He loved life, He protected everyone he loved & left here being a Super Hero!

Shaquil loved to Dress, smile, and see everyone happy & smiling. He was murdered doing what he was taught to do! He loved family. 

Unfortunately, Shai’s death has shocked us all. We love our beloved Shai and we are asking for any donations to help with the funeral expenses to help bury our beloved loved one, Shai Vanderpump!

To view the GoFundMe, please visit: https://gf.me/v/c/vnkt/for-the-love-of-shaquil

Ocean County, Toms River

Toms River Police Search For Female Armed With Handgun, Residents Asked To Shelter In Place

UPDATE: August 3, 2021 * UPDATE 1:00 AM 8/3/2021* The female has been safely located and transported to the hospital for treatment. The shelter in place is now lifted.

August 2, 2021

TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Police are actively searching for a suicidal female armed with a handgun in the wooded area behind Edgewood apartments, and the access road that runs along the power lines behind the Silver Ridge Apartment complex.

We are asking the residents in that area to please shelter in place for the time being. There is nothing further at this time.

  • UPDATE: August 3, 2021 * UPDATE 1:00 AM 8/3/2021* The female has been safely located and transported to the hospital for treatment. The shelter in place is now lifted.
UPDATE: August 3, 2021 * UPDATE 1:00 AM 8/3/2021* The female has been safely located and transported to the hospital for treatment. The shelter in place is now lifted.
Jackson, Ocean County

Update: Jackson Woman Charged With Murder

August 2, 2021

JACKSON, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Jackson Township Police Chief Matthew Kunz announced that on August 2, 2021, Antonia Ashford, 44, of Jackson, was charged with Murder in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3a(1), relative to the shooting death of her husband, Roderick Ashford, at their home in Jackson Township.  Antonia Ashford was also charged with Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4a(1).

On August 2, 2021, at approximately 2:15 a.m., Officers of the Jackson Township Police Department responded to a residence in reference to a 911 call indicating that a male victim had been shot.  Responding Officers found the body of Roderick Ashford, 47, lying unresponsive on the floor with a gunshot wound to the face. Attempts were made to revive Mr. Ashford, but he ultimately succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Jackson Township Police Department Detective Bureau, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, determined that Antonia Ashford pointed a handgun at Mr. Ashford and discharged the weapon, thereby causing his death.  Antonia Ashford was arrested and transported to the Ocean County Jail, where she is presently lodged pending a detention hearing.

Prosecutor Billhimer and Chief Kunz acknowledge the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Jackson Township Police Department Detective Bureau and Patrol Division, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their cooperative assistance in connection with this investigation.

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.

 R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).

  • Antonia Ashford, 44, of Jackson
Antonia Ashford, 44, of Jackson, was charged with Murder in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3a(1), relative to the shooting death of her husband, Roderick Ashford, at their home in Jackson Township.  Antonia Ashford was also charged with Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4a(1).
Jackson, Ocean County

Developing: Shooting Investigation In Jackson Township

August 2, 2021

JACKSON TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Jackson Township Police Chief Matthew Kunz announced that the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Jackson Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, are currently investigating a shooting incident that occurred at a residence in Jackson Township on August 2, 2021, at approximately 2:15 a.m.

Prosecutor Billhimer and Chief Kunz wish to stress that there is no danger to the public at this time.  More information will be released as it becomes available.

File photo
Ewing, Ewing, Hamilton, Hamilton, Mercer County

Ewing Township Man Creates False Public Alarm, Threatens Better Business Bureau With Bomb Threat In Hamilton Township

August 2, 2021

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–On July 29,2021, Hamilton Police were dispatched to the Better Business Bureau located in Hamilton, New Jersey, on a threatening telephone call.  Responding officers were advised that a male, later identified as Litin Su, a 56 year old Ewing resident, contacted the business regarding a complaint filed about his business which is located in Pennington, New Jersey. Mr. Su was concerned about the rating his business would receive because of the complaint against the business. During the conversation, Mr. Su allegedly told the call taker that he would have someone bring a “bomb” to the Better Business Bureau if his business rating was affected by the complaint.

Detective Lawrence MacArthur conducted the investigation regarding this incident and charged Litin Su, with False Public Alarm and Terroristic Threats. Mr. Su was arrested on August 2, 2021, and is awaiting arraignment for these charges. 

Anyone with additional information regarding this incident, is asked to contact Detective Lawrence MacArthur of the Hamilton Police Criminal Investigations Section at (609) 689-5827 or via email at lmacarthur@hamiltonpd.org. 

Every defendant is presumed innocent until being found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. 

  • Litin Su, 56, Ewing
Litin Su, a 56 year old Ewing resident, contacted the business regarding a complaint filed about his business which is located in Pennington, New Jersey. Mr. Su was concerned about the rating his business would receive because of the complaint against the business. During the conversation, Mr. Su allegedly told the call taker that he would have someone bring a “bomb” to the Better Business Bureau if his business rating was affected by the complaint. Litin Su, is charged with False Public Alarm and Terroristic Threats. Mr. Su was arrested on August 2, 2021, and is awaiting arraignment for these charges. 

State of NJ

Governor Murphy Announces Vaccine Requirement for Workers in Health Care Facilities and High-Risk Congregate Settings

Vaccinations or Regular Testing Will be Required to Curb the Risk of COVID-19

August 2, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Governor Phil Murphy today announced that all workers in certain state and private health care facilities and high-risk congregate settings will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or be subject to COVID-19 testing at minimum one to two times per week. This requirement will help increase protection against the spread of COVID-19, including the highly transmissible Delta variant, to vulnerable populations who have been hardest hit during the pandemic.

“While reaching our statewide vaccination goal has so far dampened the impact of the Delta variant in New Jersey, some of our most vulnerable populations remain at risk of serious illness or death from COVID-19 primarily due to exposure to unvaccinated individuals,” said Governor Murphy. “We are taking this step today because it has been proven time and time again that vaccines save lives and are our way out of this pandemic. Individuals in health care facilities should have confidence in their caretakers, and this measure will help ensure peace of mind for those in higher-risk settings. And we are prepared to consider additional measures if we do not see a satisfactory increase in vaccination uptake in those settings as this new requirement is put into effect.”

“Vaccination is the best tool we have to end this pandemic,” said New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. “None of us would want our vulnerable loved ones put at further risk due to their caregiver or healthcare provider. Ensuring these individuals are fully vaccinated or have been tested will help protect those who live in these congregate settings or need hospital care.”

Health care facilities and other settings covered by the requirement will have until September 7, 2021 for all employees to come into full compliance with the vaccine mandate. At that time, if workers in the facility/setting have not demonstrated that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, the entity will be required to have a plan in place to begin a testing program for those workers.

This requirement will not alter any entity’s existing stated policy requiring employees to be fully vaccinated as a condition of employment without a testing alternative. The Administration will work in collaboration with union and labor partners ahead of the vaccine-requirement deadline and private sector employers are encouraged to similarly work with labor partners as they implement their own vaccination and testing policies.

The State will pursue an aggressive testing cadence for settings of particular concern under its purview, including the Veteran’s Homes overseen by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs are committed to testing unvaccinated workers three times per week. Private facilities are strongly encouraged to consider instituting requirements above and beyond the baseline that will be required by the State.

Impacted state settings include:

  • Ancora Psychiatric Hospital
  • Ann Klein Forensic Center
  • Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital
  • Trenton Psychiatric Hospital
  • Paramus Veterans Memorial Home
  • Menlo Park Veterans Memorial Home
  • Vineland Veterans Memorial Home
  • Developmental Centers
  • University Hospital
  • State correctional facilities
  • Juvenile Justice Commission Facilities

Impacted private facility settings include, but are not limited to:

  • Long-term care and assisted-living facilities
  • County jails
  • Acute-care hospitals and specialty hospitals
  • Short-term and post-acute in-patient rehabs
  • Licensed behavioral health facilities
  • Home health agencies
File Photo / Gov. Office
Mercer County, Robbinsville, Robbinsville

Police Appreciation Week

August 2, 2021

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–For the sixth consecutive year, Robbinsville Township Mayor Mayor Dave Fried signed an Executive Order July 28 declaring August 1-7, 2021 “Police Appreciation Week” throughout the Township.

New, hybrid color first responders flags are being flown at the Municipal Building, Police Department and Fire Department, while blue lights will be prominently featured at all municipal buildings.

Residents and businesses are invited to show their support and appreciation for our law enforcement officers with blue ribbons and/or Navy blue lights adorning their properties beginning Sunday, August 1 through Saturday, August 7. Local businesses wishing to show their support with window signs can pick them up at the Township municipal building at 2298 Route 33, or at Police Headquarters at 1117 Route 130 North.

“Showing our appreciation to police officers in Robbinsville and across the country, men and women who put their lives on the line for us every day, is something we are very passionate about,’’ Mayor Fried said.

National Night Out (NNO) will be held tomorrow, August 3 in coordination with “Police Appreciation Week” after being cancelled last year due to the pandemic.

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, better places to live.

“Police Appreciation Week” was first instituted by Mayor Fried via Executive Order in 2016.

Since that time, Robbinsville Township has invested in the only training facility in New Jersey teaching shoot/don’t shoot de-escalation techniques because we want the best-trained officers in order to avoid worst-case outcomes. RTPD community policing efforts, “Coffee With a Cop” sessions, the C.A.R.E. program, rewarding kids with ice cream citations for wearing bicycle helmets and the implementation of the S.A.F.E. (Secure Awareness for First Encounters) registry to help officers interact with members of the community who have autism or other communication disabilities, are considered a model any department can be proud to emulate. 

Lakewood, Ocean County

Lakewood Man Indicted For Attempted Murder

August 2, 2021

LAKEWOOD, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on July 28, 2021, Stanley Williams, 25, of Lakewood, was indicted by a Grand Jury sitting in Ocean County on two counts of Attempted Murder in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-1 and N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3; Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4a(1); Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1b(5)(a); Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4d; Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5b(2); and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5d, relative to an incident that occurred in Lakewood Township during the evening hours of April 17, 2021, into the early morning hours of April 18, 2021.

On April 17, 2021, at approximately 7:00 p.m., Lakewood Township Police Officers responded to a residence on Lisa Robyn Circle in reference to an alleged disturbance. As responding Officers were attempting to make contact with Williams at the residence, he attacked the Officers with a knife, wounding both Officers about the head and face. Williams then barricaded himself in the residence. After all efforts to effectuate Williams’ peaceful surrender were exhausted, the Lakewood Township Police Department Special Response Team – with assistance from the Ocean County Regional SWAT team – made a tactical entry into the residence at approximately 2:30 a.m. on April 18, 2021. As Officers made entry into the residence, Williams discharged a BB gun in the Officers’ direction, striking one of the Officers. The Officers in question were treated for their injuries, which were determined to be non-life-threatening.

Williams was ultimately taken into custody, and has been lodged in the Ocean County Jail since his arrest on April 18, 2021.

Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Michael Abatemarco, Assistant Prosecutor Genna Moscato, and Assistant Prosecutor Victoria Esler, who are handling the case on behalf of the State, and commends the Lakewood Township Police Department, Lakewood Township Police Department Special Response Team, and the Ocean County Regional SWAT Team, for their collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation leading to William’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. R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).

  • Stanley Williams, 25
Stanley Williams, 25, of Lakewood, was indicted by a Grand Jury sitting in Ocean County on two counts of Attempted Murder
East Brunswick, Middlesex County

Attorney General’s Office Investigating Fatal Accident in Which Police Vehicle Struck Pedestrian in East Brunswick

August 2, 2021

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–The Attorney General’s Office is conducting an investigation of a fatal motor vehicle accident on August 1, 2021, in East Brunswick in which an East Brunswick Police Department vehicle struck and fatally injured an adult male. The identity of the decedent is not being released at this time.    

According to the preliminary investigation, the officer was on-duty and in uniform, was operating a marked patrol vehicle northbound on State Route 18 in East Brunswick at approximately 3:35 a.m., when he struck a man who was in the roadway in front of 260 State Route 18. The man was pronounced deceased at the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital at approximately 4:13 a.m. 

This investigation is being conducted pursuant to Attorney General Directive 2019-4, which implements the statutory requirement that the Attorney General’s Office conduct the investigation of any death that occurs during an encounter with a law enforcement officer acting in the officer’s official capacity or while the decedent is in custody, and which establishes clear standards and procedures for conducting such investigations.

The investigation is ongoing and no further information is being released at this time.