September 30, 2021
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–A candle light vigil was held at Waterfront Park tonight for 15-year-old shooting victim Shemiah Davis who was killed by senseless gun violence on September 25, 2021.
Photos by: Brian McCarthy OnScene News
Month: September 2021
September 30, 2021
WASHINGTON – Legislation supported by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) to provide more than $8.1 million in Community Disaster Loan (CDL) forgiveness for Jersey Shore towns in the Fourth Congressional District impacted by Superstorm Sandy passed the House of Representatives and was signed into law today as part of a stopgap measure to avoid a government shutdown.
“This long-awaited Community Disaster Loan forgiveness is greatly welcomed and much-needed relief for our local towns and communities that were devastated by Superstorm Sandy,” said Rep. Smith, who voted for the measure on the House Floor. “Nearly nine years after Sandy, our towns have finally received the reprieve they both need and deserve—and were originally assured—from these difficult payments.”
Mayors from Point Pleasant Beach and Manasquan, two of the towns in Smith’s district slated to receive CDL forgiveness, thanked Smith for his tireless efforts to secure the significant relief that will free up funds for critical municipal projects and other needed local improvements.
“Point Pleasant Beach is so grateful to have an attentive and hardworking member like Congressman Chris Smith representing us,” said Mayor Paul Kanitra. “He listened to our needs regarding CDL forgiveness, and he and his staff put in countless hours to make this a reality. We expect the effects of this to save the Borough close to $1 million dollars.
“This is a big deal,” said Manasquan Mayor Ed Donovan. “This represents hundreds of thousands of dollars that we would’ve had to repay, that we can now use for other needed projects and improvements in Manasquan. There is no lack of projects we need funding.”
In addition to securing relief for New Jersey towns, the legislation will also provide assistance to other eligible towns across the country with outstanding Community Disaster Loans.
Administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the CDL program provides operational funding for local governments to continue basic operations after substantial revenue loss caused by a major disaster, such as Superstorm Sandy, that adversely affects their ability to provide essential municipal services.
September 30, 2021–Update from yesterday’s accident
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)—New Jersey State Police stated that 14 occupants traveling in a Ford Econoline van traveling north in the area of mile post 59 yesterday were injured around 3:25 p.m. The van went off the road to the right, struck the guardrail, reentered the roadway and overturned. Of the 14 occupants, four were ejected and one sustained fatal injuries, two sustained serious injuries and the rest sustained minor injuries.
The driver, Silvestre Diaz, 33, of Camden, NJ sustained minor injuries. Passenger, Daniel Del Carmen Marmol Batista, 55, of Ridgewood, NY sustained fatal injuries. 47-year-old female passenger and 19-year-old male passenger sustained serious injuries.
The right and center lanes were closed for about 5 hours. The accident remains under investigation.
September 29, 2021
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–Mayor Janice S. Mironov and Council Members Peter Yeager, Marc Lippman, Alan Rosenberg and John Zoller joined owner Imtiyaz Ahmad for the Grand Opening of the new restaurant Spice Wok in Windsor Center at the intersection of Route 130 South and Route 571.
Mayor Mironov stated, “East Windsor is excited to welcome this new Asian Fusion restaurant Spice Wok to complement the many varied culinary choices offered in the Township. This new eatery offers a variety of Asian dishes in their spacious restaurant or convenient take-out service at their highly visible location in Windsor Center on Route 130 South”.
Family-owned Spice Wok offers a variety of popular Asian Fusion cuisine, such as chicken, beef, lamb, seafood, and vegetable entrees prepared in a variety of ways including traditional Mongolian, Manchurian, Szechuan and Thai styles. Spice Wok, which is occupying the corner space, joins other Windsor Center businesses including Aldi, Staples, Ross Dress for Less, and Retro Fitness. The restaurant offers dine-in and take-out service for customer convenience. Current hours of operation for Spice Wok are Tuesday through Sunday 11 A.M. to 10 P.M. Ordering is available via phone at (609) 308-2070 or on their website at www.spice-wok.com.
September 29, 2021
PLAINSBORO-SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone, Chief Fred Tavener
of the Plainsboro Police Department, and Chief Raymond Hayducka of the South Brunswick Police Department announce authorities are investigating an aggravated sexual assault that occurred in the area of Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park on the border of Plainsboro and South Brunswick Townships.
A joint investigation has determined, on September 28, 2021, between 4:30 P.M. and 5:00 P.M., an adult woman was walking on a path adjacent to the canal where she was approached by a male armed with a weapon and moved to a secondary location on the Plainsboro-South Brunswick border where she was sexually assaulted.
The suspect is believed to be a Hispanic male, approximately 5’5”-5’6” tall, wearing dark-colored clothing and a dark baseball cap.
The investigation is active and continuing. Anyone with information
or surveillance footage of the area is asked to contact Detective Sue
Kowalski of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 745-3287, Detective Patrick Miller of the Plainsboro Police Department at (609)799- 2333, or Detective Dominick Delucia of the South Brunswick Police Department at (732)329-4646. Tips may also be submitted to http://www.middlesextips.com.
September 29, 2021
JACKSON, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on September 29, 2021, Michael Mahan, 38, of Ewing Township, pled guilty to Eluding in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:29-2b, Terroristic Threats in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-3b, Aggravated Assault in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1b(2), and Driving While Intoxicated in violation of N.J.S.A. 39:4-50, before the Honorable Michael T. Collins, J.S.C., in connection with a series of events that transpired in Jackson Township on May 8, 2021. At the time of his sentencing on November 19, 2021, the State will recommend a term of eight years New Jersey State Prison (NJSP) as to the Eluding charge, and five years NJSP as to the Terroristic Threats and Aggravated Assault charges. The sentences are to run concurrently.
On May 8, 2021, Jackson Township Police Officers responded to a 911 call for a report of a stabbing incident on Maria Street. Responding Officers discovered a female with a large slash across her face. An investigation conducted by the Jackson Township Police revealed that the female victim had been followed to her residence by Mahan. Mahan held a knife to the victim’s neck, threatened to kill her, and then punched her in the face while holding the knife, thereby causing a laceration to her face. As a neighbor intervened and called 911, Mahan fled the area. Mahan’s vehicle was observed by Officers traveling on Toms River Road. A pursuit was initiated, and Mahan fled at a high rate of speed. As Mahan was attempting to navigate a turn onto West Veterans Highway, he struck another vehicle. As he continued travelling at a high rate of speed on West Veterans Highway, Mahan’s vehicle collided with yet another vehicle – forcing it off the road. Mahan’s vehicle traveled approximately 500 more feet before it became disabled; he was subsequently taken into custody without incident.
Mahan was initially transported to Monmouth Medical Center, Southern Campus in Lakewood for the purpose of securing a blood sample to determine whether he was operating the motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs; laboratory results from the blood draw later confirmed that Mahan’s blood alcohol level was .14 – nearly twice the legal limit under New Jersey law. Mahan was transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he has been lodged since May 8, 2021.
The female victim was transported to an area hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. The occupants of the two vehicles struck by Mahan were treated at the scene for minor injuries. Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Assistant Prosecutor Victoria Veni who handled the case on behalf of the State, as well as Jackson Township Police Department, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation leading to Mahan’s apprehension, guilty plea, and soon his state prison sentence.
Update here:
September 29, 2021
By: Tyler Eckel
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP (MERCER)– Multiple Fire & EMS agencies are on the scene of a serious crash in the Northbound lanes of I-295.
Hamilton Fire Department was dispatched to the area of Mile Marker 59 around 3:25 this afternoon on a reported serious crash with entrapment. Preliminary reports indicate that at least 15 people were injured in the crash.
The Southbound lanes were temporarily shut down for medical helicopters to land, but were quickly reopened when all patients were taken by ground. Northbound lanes remain completely shut down at the time of this post.
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
Update here:
Additional Update here: BREAKING: Multiple injured in serious wreck on I-295
September 29, 2021 Update the south bound was reopened but heavy rubberneck delay south of the I-195/Route29 Interchange 1 Northbound will be closed for quite some time. This is in the area of Mile Marker 59
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Around 3:24 p.m. a serious accident occurred on I-295 in Hamilton Township in the area of the Scenic Overlook closing the highway in both directions. Multiple fire department responded to the scene and 9 ambulances and 2 paramedic units and 3 medical helicopters were called to the scene for reports of around 15 persons injured in the accident.
This is a preliminary report, NJSP has been contacted for official information, please avoid the area.
https://6abc.com/video/embed/?pid=11061543
September 29, 2021
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–At today’s meeting of the State Investment Council, Treasury’s Division of Investment reported that New Jersey’s Pension Fund generated a final, unaudited return of 28.63 percent for the 12-month period ending June 30, 2021, far surpassing any annual return on record for the last 20 years, as well as the 7.3 percent statutory assumed rate of return for Fiscal Year 2021 (FY 2021).
The fund also outperformed its benchmark of 26.28 percent by 235 basis points.
“This has been a historic year for New Jersey’s pension fund, both in reaching the milestone of making the first 100 percent actuarially determined contribution in 25 years, and now, with today’s news regarding our returns for the year,” said State Treasurer Elizabeth Maher Muoio. “Taking a look at the 20 year snapshot, this year’s returns dwarfed any annual performance over the last two decades, far surpassing the next highest return, which was 17.97 percent in 2011. On behalf of the hundreds of thousands of employees and retirees who depend upon the success and strength of the Pension Fund, I’d like to thank the Division of Investment and the State Investment Council for their hard work, stewardship, and commitment, which helped lead to this highly successful outcome.”
The FY 2021 return boosted the total unaudited market value of the Pension Fund to an estimated $94.4 billion as of June 30, 2021. This strong performance, coupled with the State’s record pension payment of $6.9 billion for FY 2022, will further strengthen New Jersey’s Pension Fund.
“We are pleased with the Fiscal Year 2021 returns, both in absolute and relative terms, as well as the broad participation and contributions across asset classes,” said Shoaib Khan, Acting Director of the Division of Investment. “The fund was well positioned to benefit from a constructive market environment, albeit a volatile one. The guidance, contributions, and effort by the State Investment Council and division staff were invaluable in making these returns possible.”
Most asset classes produced exceptionally strong contributions, led by private equity, public equity, real assets, private credit, and real estate.
The Division of Investment noted that the numbers reported today are unaudited and there is the possibility of final audit adjustments.
Photo by John Guccione http://www.advergroup.com on Pexels.com
September 29, 2021
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–A Mercer County grand jury returned a four-count indictment this week charging Daniel L. Smith with the July shooting death of Shaquil Loftin in Trenton, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported.
Smith, 37, of Trenton, is charged with first-degree murder, second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, second-degree unlawful possession of a handgun and second-degree certain persons not to possess a firearm. He is being held in the Mercer County Correction Center pending trial.
The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department. 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 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 at (609) 989-6406. Tips can also be emailed to mchtftips@mercercounty.org.
Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Heather Hadley presented the case to the grand jury.
Despite having been indicted, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Previous MidJersey.News stories here:
Daniel L. Smith, 37, Trenton
September 29, 2021
MANCHESTER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on September 28, 2021, Ralph Downey, Jr., 21, of Manchester, was arrested and charged with Failure to Register as a Sex Offender in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:7-2a(3). Downey was taken into custody without incident by officers of the Manchester Township Police Department and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Megan’s Law Unit. “Since 1994, Megan’s Law requires certain sex offenders to register with their local police departments whenever they move and/or change their residential address or place of employment. Failure to comply with this obligation is a third degree crime,” noted Prosecutor Billhimer. In this instance, Downey failed to meet his annual registration requirement with any law enforcement agencies. Downey is currently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
Anyone with relevant information regarding this case – or others violating Megan’s Law requirements – should contact Sergeant John Argento of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 929-2027, extension 2903. The information may be provided anonymously. For further information, please visit the State Police Sex Offender Internet Registry at:
http://www.njsp.org/sex-offender-registry/index.shtml
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).
Ralph Downey, Jr., 21, of Manchester
September 29, 2021
HILLSBOROUGH, NJ (SOMERSET)–The Attorney General’s Office is conducting an investigation of a police-involved shooting that occurred yesterday, Sept. 28, in Hillsborough, N.J. One male civilian sustained fatal injuries. His identity is not being released at this time. No one else was injured.
According to the preliminary investigation, the shooting occurred at approximately 4:16 p.m. yesterday inside a residence on Piedmont Path in Hillsborough. Officers of the Hillsborough Police Department responded shortly after 4 p.m. to a 911 call reporting an emergency at the residence. After officers arrived, they encountered a male resident inside the house. During the encounter, one officer discharged his service weapon, fatally wounding the resident. Officers and emergency medical personnel rendered first aid to the resident and he was transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, where he was pronounced deceased at 5:28 p.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.
September 29, 2021
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Details are still sketchy but around 9:30 a.m. Trenton Police responded to a Shot Spotter activation in the area of Southard at New Willow Streets. A few minutes later Trenton Police, Trenton Fire Department, TEMS, and Capital Health Paramedics were dispatched for a vehicle crash with one overturned and entrapment in the area of Brunswick and Heil Avenues in front of Capital Health Primary Care one block away from the Trauma Center. A victim from the shooting in the area of Southard Street was located in one of the vehicles, extricated and transported to the Trauma Center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center.
Trenton Police were able to confirm that there was a shooting with one victim struck and was being cared for at Capital Health Regional Medical Center.
No further information is available at this time.
Photos and video by: Brian McCarthy OnScene News
September 29, 2021
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–A Mercer County grand jury returned a nine-count indictment this week charging Keith N. Jordan with the July shooting death of 16-year-old Dion Ellis in Trenton, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported.
Jordan, 30, of Trenton, is charged with first-degree murder, first-degree attempted murder, second-degree aggravated assault, two counts of second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, second-degree unlawful possession of a handgun, fourth-degree possession of a large capacity ammunition magazine, fourth-degree possession if a defaced firearm and third-degree hindering apprehension or prosecution. He is being held in the Mercer County Correction Center pending trial.
The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department. On Monday, July 5, 2021, at approximately 12:45 a.m., police responded to the area of Prospect Street and Stuyvesant Avenue on the report of a shooting. One victim, later identified as 16-year-old Ellis, was found shot in the head and pronounced dead at the scene. A second 16-year-old male was transported to the hospital and treated for a gunshot wound to the leg.
An initial canvas of the scene produced eight shell casings. Area video surveillance was reviewed and a suspect vehicle was identified, which was traced back to Jordan.
As a result of a search warrant being executed on Jordan’s 2016 Toyota Camry, he is also charged with obstruction and multiple weapons offenses. Detectives recovered a 9mm handgun with a 33-round extended magazine, hollow-point bullets, and an empty 10-round magazine.
Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Heather Hadley presented the case to the grand jury.
Despite having been indicted, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Keith N. Jordan, 30, Trenton
September 27, 2021
BRICK TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–On Monday afternoon, at 3:30 p.m., Emergency Responders answered a call of a house fire at 31 Bay Way in the Bay Harbor section of Brick. Upon arrival a heavy smoke and fire condition was observed. Strong winds helped to spread the fire quickly. The resident of 31 Bay Way, who was home at the time, was uninjured, but the home was completely destroyed.
The wind driven fire caused extensive damage to the upper portion of the house next door at 29 Bay Way. In addition spot fires on at least one area property were extinguished. The only injury was that of one of the fire fighters who suffered a minor burn that was treated by EMS on the scene.
The fire quickly reached a third alarm bringing Brick Township fire companies, Pioneer Hose, Breton Woods, Laurelton, and Herbertsville. In addition, the Point Pleasant Boro, Point Pleasant Beach, Silverton and East Dover fire companies also responded, along with the Police and the Brick Police EMS. Jackson and Lakewood covered the township’s fire houses while Brick Township’s fire and mutual aid companies worked to extinguish the fire.
The fire is being investigated by Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, the Brick Police Detective Bureau and the Brick Fire Safety Bureau.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Brick Fire Safety Bureau Chief Kevin Batzel at 732-458-4100. No further information is being released at this time.
You must be logged in to post a comment.