Day: August 25, 2021

Update: Demolition Of NJ Department Of Health And Agriculture Buildings

August 25, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–August 25, 2021 photo gallery of demolition of the NJ Department of Health and Agriculture buildings.

Previous MidJersey.news coverage here:

Demolition Of NJ Department Of Health And Agriculture Buildings

Department of Health and Agriculture Demolition Update


Two Vehicle Crash In Hamilton Township

August 25, 2021

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Hamilton Township Police, Hamilton Fire Department, Capital Paramedics and RWJ EMS responded to the intersection of Klockner Road and Whitehorse Mercerville Road for an accident around 4:50 p.m. It appears that two people were transported to the hospital. Affordable Towing removed the two damaged vehicles and cleaned up the scene. The Hamilton Township Police Department is investigating the crash. No further information is available at this time.


18-Year-Old Killed In Trenton Shooting

August 25, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department are investigating a shooting homicide that occurred this afternoon in the City of Trenton.  Police responded to the 100 block of Passaic Street on a report of shots fired at approximately 2:20 p.m.  Shortly thereafter, police were notified that a male had arrived at Capital Health System-Fuld with gunshot wounds and was in surgery.  That victim, 18-year-old Daron Cheston, was pronounced deceased approximately one hour later.  No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing.  Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Karl Johnston at 609-989-6406. Tips can also be emailed to mchtftips@mercercounty.org.

Five people have been killed in the month of August and a total of 19 killed within this year but the official count is 20 because a person has died from a 2018 shooting this year.

Last year was Trenton’s most deadly year on record with 40 murders and on August 25 last year the count was at 27.


Names of 2021* homicide victims: 

  1. 2/18/2021 Jabree Saunders, 26, from shooting on May 14, 2018
  2. 2/22/2021 Khalil Gibbs, 25, of West Windsor, shooting
  3. 2/25/2021 Lovelle Laramore, 60, of Trenton shooting
  4. 4/15/2021 Kaheem Carter, 22, of Trenton, shooting
  5. 4/20/2021 Shaquan McNeil, 25, of Trenton, shooting
  6. 4/24/2021 Cheryl Jones, 65, of Trenton, shooting
  7. 4/29/2021 Ramire Harvey, 25, of Trenton, shooting
  8. 5/15/2021 David Williams 36, of Trenton, shooting
  9. 5/29/2021 Edgar Geovani Sis-Luis, 34, of Trenton, aggravated manslaughter
  10. 7/05/2021 Dion Ellis, 16, Trenton, Shooting
  11. 7/14/2021 Pablo Herrera Chun, 53, Trenton, Shooting
  12. 7/19/2021 William Mitchell, 33, Trenton, Shooting
  13. 7/19/2021 Jermel Carter, 38, Trenton, Shooting
  14. 7/29/2021 Leonard Pettigrew, 58, Trenton, Shooting
  15. 7/30/2021 Shaquil Loftin, 23, Shooting, Trenton
  16. 8/01/2021 Daquan Basnight, 30, of Ewing, Shooting
  17. 8/13/2021 Javier Chaj-Ajtun, 33, of Trenton, Shooting
  18. 8/19/2021 Herberth Ramirez Pimentel, 37, of Trenton, Shooting
  19. 8/23/2021 Yanquai Edwards, 25, of Rancocas, NJ, Shooting
  20. 8/25/2021 Daron Cheston, 18, Trenton, Shooting

*Updated to reflect the person who died in 2021 from complications from a shooting on May 14, 2018 as per medical examiner report.


NJ State Police Seeking Public’s Assistance with Identifying Theft Suspects In Millstone Car Burglaries

August 25, 2021

MILLSTONE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–The New Jersey State Police is seeking the public’s assistance with identifying four suspects who allegedly committed a series of car burglaries in Monmouth County.

On Tuesday, August 17, troopers from Troop “C” Hamilton Station began investigating several car burglaries that were reported between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 3:30 a.m. in Millstone Township.

During the investigation, troopers discovered that four suspects committed the burglaries. The suspects were caught on video surveillance entering numerous cars, rummaging through interior compartments, and removing numerous items. It is believed the suspects arrived in a unknown dark-colored SUV with an unknown license plate. The suspects are also wanted in connection to three motor vehicle thefts in Millstone during the same time period.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Troop “C” Hamilton Station at 609-584-5000 ext 5297.

Anonymous tips are welcome.

We would like to remind the public to always lock your car doors, never leave valuables inside of your car, and never leave your keys in the car.


An email notice last week from Millstone Township about recent car thefts:

There have been a rash of auto thefts in Millstone Township and surrounding towns recently and practically every one of them had the keys or key fobs left in the car.

The New Jersey State Police offer simple tips to avoid auto theft:

1.    Always lock your car.

2.    Remove the keys and key fobs from your car.

3.    Never leave valuables in the car.

4.    Don’t leave your car running.

5.    Set the home location of your GPS to a nearby location, not your home.

6.    Activate the account for your factory installed tracking system.

7.    Know your license plate.

If your car is stolen, immediately call 911 and your insurance company.



U.S. Department Of Labor Finds Tinton Falls Transitional Housing Facility Exposed Workers To Coronavirus Hazards; 11 Workers Test Positive

Facility did not isolate infected residents, enforce mask use and social distancing

August 25, 2021

TINTON FALLS, NJ (MONMOUTH)–A federal workplace safety and health investigation found numerous violations at a Tinton Falls transitional housing facility where 11 employees and 28 residents tested positive for the coronavirus by late March.

In response to a complaint, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration discovered that while Seaside Guest Services’ continuity of operations plan required that residents with coronavirus be isolated and workers notified, neither happened. Additionally, OSHA inspectors determined the facility provided protective masks to its employees, but did not enforce their use. Seaside also failed to enforce social distancing despite posting signs in its four housing units.

OSHA cited the facility’s operator, AMA Health Holdings LLC, with two citations for failing to develop and implement effective measures to mitigate the spread of the virus and not recording each work-related illness. The agency proposed $10,923 in penalties.

“Seaside Guest Services’ failure to isolate workers from infected residents, and enforce its own mask and social distancing policies is difficult to comprehend,” said OSHA Area Director Paula Dixon-Roderick in Marlton. “Their neglect exposed workers and others to the coronavirus, and raised the possibility that 11 workers were infected as a result.”

Seaside Guest Services provides transitional housing for people attending area behavioral-health programs and those who have completed some level of addiction treatment.

Read more about feasible and acceptable means of abatement for this hazard.

The employer has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

OSHA issued an emergency temporary standard in June to protect healthcare workers from contracting coronavirus. In March, OSHA launched a national emphasis program focusing enforcement efforts on companies that put the largest number of workers at serious risk of contracting the coronavirus. The program also prioritizes employers who retaliate against workers for complaints about unsafe or unhealthy conditions, or for exercising other rights protected by federal law.


Trenton, NJ Woman Charged With Impersonating FBI Agent

August 25, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–A Mercer County, New Jersey, woman made her initial appearance today on a charge that she impersonated an FBI agent, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.

Nealeigh Glasper, 29, of Trenton, is charged by criminal complaint with one count of impersonating an officer of an agency of the United States. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lois H. Goodman in Trenton federal court and was released on $25,000 unsecured bond.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

Late in the evening on April 13, 2021, officers of the Trenton Police Department observed a vehicle with heavily tinted windows, in apparent violation of New Jersey state law, driving in a high-crime area of Trenton. The officers conducted a motor vehicle stop, during which they requested that the driver and passenger lower all four of the vehicle’s tinted windows for the officers’ visibility and safety. Upon lowering the vehicle’s front and rear passenger windows, Glasper immediately and repeatedly told the officers that she was an FBI special agent. She twice told the officers in a loud and clear voice, “I’m FBI,” and introduced herself as “Special Agent Glasper,” and stated that she “work[ed] cybersecurity in the Philly office.” Glasper continued to hold herself out as an FBI special agent, stated multiple times that she worked for the federal government, and offered to provide her badge to the officers. The officers issued the driver a motor vehicle citation and the motor vehicle stop concluded.

Shortly thereafter, the officers returned to the area because Glasper had reported that the driver of the vehicle could not find his driver’s license and believed that the officers had not returned it at the conclusion of the motor vehicle stop. During that follow-up encounter with the same officers, Glasper was wearing an empty gun holster on her right hip and ultimately advised the officers that she would call her “superior” to advise him or her of the misplaced license. Glasper is not, and never has been, an FBI special agent.

The false impersonation charge is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of three years in prison and a maximum fine of up to $250,000.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark, and the Trenton Police Department, under the direction of Interim Police Director, Steve E. Wilson, with the investigation.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Super Pitts of the Criminal Division in Trenton.

The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

21-383

Defense counsel: Lisa Van Hoeck Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Trenton


UPDATE: Princeton Police Have Identified Victim Of Pedestrian Motor Vehicle Crash

*****We were able to identify the victim. Thank you for your help*****

August 25, 2021

PRINCETON, NJ (MERCER)—The Princeton Police Department in currently investigating a serious motor vehicle crash involving a pedestrian that occurred this morning at 8:03 a.m. on Rosedale Road. The victim had no identification on his person and we are unable to identify him. He is described as a 70 year old male, possibly of Asian descent, small build, wearing a navy blue shirt, khaki pants and loafers. Inside both of the victims socks were two stress balls tied together with rope. If you have any tips that would help us identify the victim please call D/Sgt. Gering at 609-921-2100 X1840 or Det. Travis Allie X2123. Thank you for any assistance.


2 Bronx, NY Men Busted Stealing From USPS Mailboxes In Princeton

August 25, 2021

PRINCETON, NJ (MERCER)–On Saturday 08/21/2021 at 1:56am, Corporal Craig Humble was conducting surveillance of the U.S. Post Office mailbox located on Palmer Square West. This surveillance operation was conducted as a result of the recent thefts of mail from mailboxes around Princeton. During the surveillance operation, a male, later identified as Antonio Urena Rosario was observed walking slowly in the area of the mailboxes. Urena Rosario eventually walked over to both mailboxes and quickly pulled on each door handle without placing mail in the mailbox. A pedestrian stop was conducted at which point it was learned he had an accomplice, later identified as Eric Martinez-Jimenez, seated in a parked vehicle on Palmer Square East. During the investigation, a small plastic bag containing mail that did not belong to either of the males was discovered. Also in their possession were tools used to fish mail from mailboxes. Martinez-Jimenez and Urena Roasario were placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters.

Martinez Jimenez was charged with Theft of Identity, Receiving Stolen Property and Possession of Burglar Tools. Urena Rosario was charged with Theft of Identity, Receiving Stolen Property, Possession of Burglar Tools and Hindering Apprehension. They were transported to the Mercer County Corrections Center pending a detention hearing. The United States Postal Inspectors were notified of the arrest and continue to assist in the ongoing investigations.

Arrested:

1. Eric Martinez-Jimenez 27-year-old male Bronx, NY

2. Antonio Urena Rosario 26-year-old male Bronx, NY


Monmouth Medical Center ‘COVID Unit’ Nurse Honored with Nursing Excellence Award

August 25, 2021

LONG BRANCH, NJ (MONMOUTH)–A Monmouth Medical Center medical-surgical nurse who is praised as a natural leader has been honored with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses®. In nominating Yve Massre, BSN, RN-BC a bedside nurse on Monmouth’s Greenwall 5 inpatient unit, the hospital’s first COVID-19-designated unit, her colleagues praised her as “a bright light amidst the darkness of the pandemic.”

“During the pandemic, Yve acknowledged the basic human connection rooted in sight and how the pandemic’s necessary PPE robbed patients of that experience,” her colleagues shared. “To circumvent this issue and provide that mind and body connection, she brought in a photo of herself, so that her patients could see her face. It was a humanizing action—something that seemed so simple, but provided the patients comfort, amidst a sea of faceless faces under masks.”

For her nomination, Yve was additionally recognized for the following:

Yve consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty, making everyone around her feel special and safe, through her genuine and caring nature. This attribute was highlighted during the first wave of COVID-19 in March 2020. At the crest of the first wave, despite the enormity and uncertainty of what they were facing, Yve was the anchor of Greenwall 5—the solid ground where the team found sturdy footing. The positivity and confidence that she bestowed upon each staff member was striking—a bright light amid the darkness of the pandemic. In addition to offering a kind word and refuge to the team, Yve would also ease the stress on the unit by gracing the team with cheerfully decorated baked goods that she would make herself, even after a long and stressful workday. She is always thinking of others’ happiness above her own.

This past year had been so challenging for everyone, especially during the holidays. In true form, however, Yve brought in a handmade, personalized gift for each member of the Greenwall 5 team. This gesture was in addition to the personalized “COVID-19” badges that she bought all the staff members to signify the end of the first wave and their official transition from team to family—a mark of solidarity, survival, and strength to wear proudly next to their hearts.

Yve shows the same care and compassion to all her patients, as she does to the Greenwall 5 staff. She brought in games and cards for the unit’s very lonely and scared COVID-19 patients. She also brought in presents for her patients when she voluntary worked on Christmas, as well as a meal and dessert for her co-workers who were also working on the holiday. She went as far as to ask a family member what a particular patient’s favorite meal might be, and on her day off, she brought in a steak dinner for that very patient whom she recognized was struggling.

Yve is very astute in recognizing the needs of others. Her patients have expressed true gratitude for her excellent and exemplary nursing care. She has excellent clinical skills and achievement. Staff looks to her when she is in a leadership role, as she leads by example and is always available to offer assistance and education when needed. She is always taking on the role of a nurse champion by constantly implementing new initiatives and projects, educating staff on the processes, and following through with operationalization. As a true role model, she champions safe practices through Monmouth Medical Center’s High Reliability Organization (HRO) culture and encourages others with her positive standards.

“Yve always makes others feel exceptional,” said Regional Chief Nursing Officer Diann Johnston, MSN, RN, NEA-BC. “A DAISY Nurse is a very special nurse —it is about more than just being recognized for a good deed, or for being nice. A DAISY Nurse operates on a different level, day in and day out, and Yve exemplifies this level of nursing; she is undeniably a nurse of true character and kindness.”

DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System. The DAISY Foundation was formed by the family of Patrick Barnes who died at age 33 of complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), an auto-immune disease. His widow, Tena, (a DAISY Co-founder) created the acronym, and the Foundation and established the DAISY Recognition Program to honor the super-human work nurses do every day at the bedside.


Suspect Arrested In Marketplace Blvd. Screwdriver Stabbing Behind AT&T Store

On August 23, 2021 Jmaurie Tucker was arrested by Hamilton Township Police.

August 25, 2021

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–On August 15, 2021 at approximately 3:17 PM, Hamilton Police were dispatched to the area of the AT&T store located on the 600 block of Marketplace Boulevard on a report of a disturbance.  Upon arrival Officers spoke to the victim who stated he went to the area to talk to the suspect regarding a verbal altercation that was started online.  The victim was behind the AT&T store when the suspect came out and got into a fighting stance.  He was also holding a screwdriver.  The victim swung at the suspect and missed.  He then took the suspect to the ground and felt himself being stabbed several times.  The victim was stabbed on his left side of his chest, back of his neck, and left arm with the screwdriver.  He was transported to Capital Health at Fuld for further treatment and is in stable condition.

The suspect who fled the scene was identified as Jmaurie Tucker, 24, of Chesterfield.  He was charged with Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon.  A warrant was issued for his arrest and arrested on August 23, 2021 by Hamilton Township Police.

Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Joe Ialacci of the Hamilton Police Division’s Criminal Investigations Section at 609-689-5822 or the Hamilton Police Crime Tip Hotline at 609-581-4008.

Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


Previous MidJersey.News story here:

Man Stabbed With Screwdriver Several Times At Marketplace Blvd. In Hamilton


Governor Murphy Meets With Helmetta Residents Affected By Tropical Storm Henri

August 25, 2021

HELMETTA, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Governor Phil Murphy met with affected Helmetta residents yesterday that were flooded out by floods from Tropical Storm Henri.

91 Charges Against Atlantic City Teens In String Of Motor Vehicle Burglaries In Stafford Township

August 25, 2021

STAFFORD TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–The Stafford Township Detective Bureau has charged four individuals for a string of motor vehicle burglaries and motor vehicle thefts that occurred on the 24th and 28th of July 2021. There was a total of 91 charges signed ranging from 3rd Degree Theft, 3rd Degree Burglary, 3rd Degree Receiving Stolen Property in addition to numerous counts of conspiracy and criminal attempts to commit those offenses.

The following individuals were charged for crimes occurring on July 24, 2021:

Henry Alvarez, 18, of Beach Avenue in Atlantic City received a total of 13 charges ranging from 3rd Degree Theft, 3rd Degree Burglary, and conspiracy and criminal attempts to commit those offenses.

A 15-year-old from Monroe Avenue in Atlantic City received a total of 13 charges ranging from 3rd Degree Theft, 3rd Degree Burglary, and conspiracy and criminal attempts to commit those offenses.

The following individuals were charged for crimes occurring on July 28, 2021:

Henry Alvarez, 18, of Beach Avenue in Atlantic City received a total of 21 charges ranging from 3rd Degree Theft, 3rd Degree Burglary, 3rd Degree Receiving Stolen Property, and conspiracy and criminal attempts to commit those offenses.

A 15-year-old from Monroe Avenue in Atlantic City received a total of 16 charges ranging from 3rd Degree Theft, 3rd Degree Burglary, and conspiracy and criminal attempts to commit those offenses.

A 16-year-old from Hamilton Avenue in Atlantic City received a total of 13 charges ranging from 3rd Degree Theft, 3rd Degree Burglary, and conspiracy and criminal attempts to commit those offenses.

A 14-year-old from Brooklyn Avenue in Atlantic City received a total of 15 charges ranging from 3rd Degree Theft, 3rd Degree Burglary, and conspiracy and criminal attempts to commit those offenses.

We would like to thank members from the Barnegat Township Police Department, the Atlantic City Police Department, and the Hammonton Township Police Department for their assistance with this investigation.

The Stafford Township Police Department does not release photos of arrested subjects, and the public and the press are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


Manalapan Man Charged In Fatal Shooting In Freehold Borough

August 25, 2021

FREEHOLD, NJ (MONMOUTH)–A Manalapan man has been charged in Monday night’s fatal shooting in Freehold Borough that took the life of an 18-year old man. Lamin Conteh, 23, has been taken into custody on charges of first degree Murder, first degree Attempted Murder, second degree Possession of a Firearm for an Unlawful Purpose and second degree Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, announced Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey. 

 On August 23, 2021 at approximately 5:00 pm, the Freehold Borough Police Department received a 911 call of a reported shooting outside a Lloyd Avenue residence. Responding officers located Reashaun Billingsley, 18, as well as a second male victim inside the home. Billingsley was unconscious and had suffered multiple gunshot wounds.  He received emergency medical treatment and was transferred to Centra State Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased at 6:04 pm. The second male victim suffered a small graze wound to his leg.

An investigation conducted by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office and the Freehold Borough Police Department revealed that Billingsley and the second  male victim had been sitting on the front porch outside the Lloyd Avenue home when a sedan approached them. At that time, the rear seat passenger, later identified as the defendant, started shooting at the two men, causing them to flee into the home after inflicting the fatal wounds to the victim.

Conteh was apprehended at approximately 2:10 pm this afternoon in Manalapan, and remains incarcerated pending a detention hearing to be scheduled in Superior Court. He faces a life sentence on these charges.

Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.