Updated at 1:15 p.m. to include Lawrence Fire Company that was at the rescue scene and attempted the initial rescue and was able to get to the police officers. There is still a lot more to the story and MidJersey.News was back at the scene this morning and will have updates as it becomes available from Hopewell Township Police.
Listen to audio of the rescue being made here:
HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–As Tropical Storm Ida move though the area heavy rains created flash flooding conditions all thought the State and numerous water rescues were made as people were stranded in their cars or homes.
In Hopewell Township, sometime before 8:30 p.m. an officer on Route 518 Lambertville-Hopewell near Route 31 was swept away from high flood waters where the Stonybrook crosses County Road 518 and was reported missing. Lawrence Township and Hopewell firefighters in the area of Rambling Pines, heard a gun shot and then multiple gun shots fired and told Mercer County Central to call Hopewell Police immediately since they believed the shots were coming from the missing officer. Additional shots were heard and rescuers were able to pinpoint an area where the rescue needed to be made.
Multiple boats, high water rescue trucks, EMS units responded to the scene. TAC-23 from Lawrence Fire Company a high water rescue truck reported going though at least five feet of rushing flood waters to get to the area where the officer was. TAC-23 eventually lost power most likely due to the raging flood waters and another unit from Hamilton Township was called to the scene. NJTF-1 also arrived on location with their high water unit but it was unclear if that unit was used. Firefighters that were on TAC-23 Lawrence were able to make contact with the missing officers and assist in the rescue.
Three officers were eventually rescued just after 11:00 p.m. and were transferred to waiting ambulances.
The New Jersey State Police Benevolent Association tweeted “Miracle in Mercer County tonight. 3 officers swept away, all just rescued!”
This is a breaking news report from radio reports, once we receive official information the story will be updated and any corrections made.
Miracle in Mercer County tonight. 3 officers swept away, all just rescued!
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Today, Governor Phil Murphy declared that New Jersey will enter a State of Emergency effective immediately in response to Tropical Storm Ida. Executive Order No. 259 declares a State of Emergency across all 21 counties in New Jersey, allowing resources to be deployed throughout the state during the duration of the storm.
“Tropical Storm Ida is severely impacting all areas of our state,” said Governor Murphy. “The safety of our residents is our main priority, and we urge everyone to be informed of local weather conditions and to stay off the roads.” The Governor encourages New Jerseyans to visit ready.nj.gov for important weather updates and safety information. Residents should also pay attention to local forecasts, warnings, and watches.For those living in Central and Southern New Jersey, visit the U.S. National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly at http://www.weather.gov/phi/
Governor Murphy, State, County, and Local Officials tour Tropical Storm Henri damaged area in Monroe Township on Monday August 23rd, 2021(Edwin J. Torres/ NJ Governor’s Office).
NJ Governor’s Office file photo from last flooding in NJ on August 23
WALL TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–MidJersey.News has received unofficial word that NJ Taskforce 1 is assembling for tornado damage in Gloucester County and also flooding in North Jersey. This is a breaking story once we have more information we will let you know.
Pay close attention to the weather warnings tonight there have been several confirmed tornados on the ground and flash flooding.
MOUNT HOLLY, NJ (BURLINGTON)–The National Weather Service has issued a TORNADO EMERGENCY for the following areas:
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ
713 PM EDT Wed Sep 1 2021
NJC005-021-PAC017-012330-
/O.CON.KPHI.TO.W.0049.000000T0000Z-210901T2330Z/
Mercer NJ-Burlington NJ-Bucks PA-
713 PM EDT Wed Sep 1 2021
...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 730 PM EDT FOR CENTRAL
MERCER...NORTH CENTRAL BURLINGTON AND SOUTHEASTERN BUCKS COUNTIES...
At 712 PM EDT, a confirmed large and extremely dangerous tornado was
located over Tullytown, or near Trenton, moving northeast at 40 mph.
This is a PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. TAKE COVER NOW!
HAZARD...Damaging tornado.
SOURCE...NWS employee confirmed tornado.
IMPACT...You are in a life-threatening situation. Flying debris may
be deadly to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes
will be destroyed. Considerable damage to homes,
businesses, and vehicles is likely and complete destruction
is possible.
Locations impacted include...
Trenton, Ewing, Florence, Bristol, Bordentown, Pennington, Yardley,
Tullytown, Edinburg, White Horse, Windsor, Florence-Roebling,
Mercerville-Hamilton Square, Levittown, Lawrenceville, Woodside,
Morrisville, Penndel, Langhorne Manor and Hulmeville.
This includes the following highways...
New Jersey Turnpike near exit 6A.
Pennsylvania Turnpike between mile markers 356 and 359.
Interstate 195 in New Jersey between mile markers 0 and 5.
Interstate 295 in New Jersey between mile markers 58 and 76.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
To repeat, a large, extremely dangerous and potentially deadly
tornado is occurring. To protect your life, TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a
basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy
building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in
a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect
yourself from flying debris.
&&
LAT...LON 4009 7480 4014 7492 4037 7482 4025 7454
4021 7461
TIME...MOT...LOC 2312Z 213DEG 35KT 4016 7481
TORNADO...OBSERVED
TORNADO DAMAGE THREAT...CONSIDERABLE
MAX HAIL SIZE...<.75 IN
Water Levels Expected to be Twice as High as Normal
UPDATED as of 11:15 p.m.
Updated: As of 11:15 p.m.
September 1, 2021
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mayor W. Reed Gusciora today announced that the City has Declared a State of Emergency effective at 6:00 p.m. and will recommend residents in high risk zones begin voluntary evacuation in advance of likely flooding that is expected over the next 24 to 36 hours.
Most of the rain will come between 9:00 p.m. Wednesday and 3:00 a.m. Thursday. Current projections show water levels will reach as high as 22.6 feet, more than twice as high as the usual level of just under 11 feet. Additional rainfall coming downstream from northern watershed regions could exacerbate the problem. The storm could also bring severe thunderstorms and tornadoes as it moves across New Jersey.
The Trenton Police Department (TPD) has set up a Command Post on Mount Vernon and Clearfield Avenue, which will be staffed 24 hours a day. Officers will begin going door to door this evening advising residents of the situation and providing relevant information, including shelters and evacuation procedures. Residents in the area with questions or concerns about the evacuation process can reach the Command Post directly at (609) 712-4831.
The TPD is focusing its evacuation efforts in the Island section of the city, including the following streets:
Clearfield Avenue
Columbia Avenue
Riverside Drive
Lipton Avenue
Newell Avenue
Laclede Avenue
Bloomfield Avenue
Westminster Avenue
Mt. Vernon Avenue
Rodgers Avenue
The power grid in this area will be turned off at 8:00 a.m. on Sept. 2, 2021, and all residents are strongly urged to evacuate by that time.
A shelter has been set up at Joyce Kilmer Elementary School on 1300 Stuyvesant Avenue. Food, water, and sleeping accommodations will be included. Anyone who needs transportation can call 609-989-4200.
Residents are strongly encouraged to sign up for the City’s Emergency Broadcast System to receive important updates on major road closures, evacuations, or other critical updates:
To receive text alerts, text ‘Trenton411’ to 99411.
The City also reminds residents to keep the following numbers nearby during the storm:
Downed trees, flooding, and other weather-related damage should be reported to the Office of Emergency Management at (609) 989-4200.
Residents that need emergency assistance should dial 911. Residents that need non-emergency assistance can reach the Trenton Police Department at (609) 989-4170.
Power outages should be reported to PSE&G at (800) 436-PSEG.
Employees from the Trenton Sewer and Public Works departments have been cleaning out storm drains since Monday. In addition, personnel from the Trenton Police Department, Trenton Streets Division, and Department of Recreation, Natural Resources and Culture will remain on standby to close streets in flooding locations and help address downed trees if necessary.
The Trenton Office of Emergency Management and Trenton Water Works are in contact with the N.J. Department of Environmental Protection and other municipalities for updates on water conditions in other regions that may impact Trenton. Generators at the water filtration plant, Trenton Police Headquarters, and other critical sites have already been tested in case of widespread power loss.
Mayor W. Reed Gusciora today announced that the City has Declared a State of Emergency effective at 6:00 p.m. and will recommend residents in high risk zones begin voluntary evacuation in advance of likely flooding that is expected over the next 24 to 36 hours.
Most of the rain will come between 9:00 p.m. Wednesday and 3:00 a.m. Thursday. Current projections show water levels will reach as high as 22.6 feet, more than twice as high as the usual level of just under 11 feet. Additional rainfall coming downstream from northern watershed regions could exacerbate the problem. The storm could also bring severe thunderstorms and tornadoes as it moves across New Jersey.
The Trenton Police Department (TPD) has set up a Command Post on Mount Vernon and Clearfield Avenue, which will be staffed 24 hours a day. Officers will begin going door to door this evening advising residents of the situation and providing relevant information, including shelters and evacuation procedures. Residents in the area with questions or concerns about the evacuation process can reach the Command Post directly at (609) 712-4831.
The TPD is focusing its evacuation efforts in the Island section of the city, including the following streets:
Clearfield Avenue
Columbia Avenue
Riverside Drive
Lipton Avenue
Newell Avenue
Laclede Avenue
Bloomfield Avenue
Westminster Avenue
Mt. Vernon Avenue
Rodgers Avenue
The power grid in this area will be turned off at 8:00 a.m. on Sept. 2, 2021, and all residents are strongly urged to evacuate by that time.
A shelter has been set up at Joyce Kilmer Elementary School on 1300 Stuyvesant Avenue. Food, water, and sleeping accommodations will be included. Anyone who needs transportation can call 609-989-4200.
Residents are strongly encouraged to sign up for the City’s Emergency Broadcast System to receive important updates on major road closures, evacuations, or other critical updates:
To receive text alerts, text ‘Trenton411’ to 99411.
The City also reminds residents to keep the following numbers nearby during the storm:
Downed trees, flooding, and other weather-related damage should be reported to the Office of Emergency Management at (609) 989-4200.
Residents that need emergency assistance should dial 911. Residents that need non-emergency assistance can reach the Trenton Police Department at (609) 989-4170.
Power outages should be reported to PSE&G at (800) 436-PSEG.
Employees from the Trenton Sewer and Public Works departments have been cleaning out storm drains since Monday. In addition, personnel from the Trenton Police Department, Trenton Streets Division, and Department of Recreation, Natural Resources and Culture will remain on standby to close streets in flooding locations and help address downed trees if necessary.
The Trenton Office of Emergency Management and Trenton Water Works are in contact with the N.J. Department of Environmental Protection and other municipalities for updates on water conditions in other regions that may impact Trenton. Generators at the water filtration plant, Trenton Police Headquarters, and other critical sites have already been tested in case of widespread power loss.
The National Weather Service in Mount Holly NJ has issued a
* Tornado Warning for...
Southeastern Hunterdon County in northwestern New Jersey...
Northwestern Mercer County in central New Jersey...
Southwestern Somerset County in northern New Jersey...
Central Bucks County in southeastern Pennsylvania...
* Until 630 PM EDT.
* At 557 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located over Ivyland, or 16 miles west of Trenton, moving
northeast at 50 mph.
HAZARD...Tornado.
SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation. This storm has a history of
produicing a tornado.
IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed.
Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree
damage is likely.
* Locations impacted include...
Ewing, Princeton, Doylestown, Byram, Flemington, Chalfont,
Pennington, New Hope, Hopewell, Ivyland, Rocky Hill, Stockton,
Washington Crossing, Skillman, Lumberville, Sergeantsville,
Cloverhill, Gardenville, Sand Brook and Richboro.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest
floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a
mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter
and protect yourself from flying debris.
Heavy rainfall may hide this tornado. Do not wait to see or hear the
tornado. TAKE COVER NOW!
Tornado Warning including Doylestown PA, Flemington NJ, Lambertville NJ until 6:30 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/p2yNLXPiB9
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Governor Phil Murphy today ordered that the U.S. and New Jersey flags be flown at half-staff at all state buildings and facilities on Friday, September 3, 2021 to honor Berkeley Township Beach Patrol Lifeguard Keith Pinto, who was fatally injured by a lightning strike while on-duty at White Sands Beach.
“I was devastated to learn of Keith’s passing in a tragic incident earlier this week,” said Governor Murphy. “He took on the selfless and great responsibility of protecting beachgoers at White Sands Beach. We mourn his loss and we will never forget his service to Berkeley Township and the many families that he kept safe. Our prayers are with Keith’s family, friends, and his fellow lifeguards.”
FREEHOLD, NJ (MONMOUTH)–An Aberdeen police officer has been arrested and charged with two counts of second-degree official misconduct and related crimes for separate actions he took while on duty earlier this year, acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey announced Wednesday. The defendant, 34-year-old Philip M. Santiago, lives in Keyport.
Santiago is additionally charged with second-degree engaging in a pattern of official misconduct and two counts of fourth-degree tampering with physical evidence.
An investigation by the Prosecutor’s Office’s Professional Responsibility and Bias Crime Unit revealed that in January 2021, Santiago intentionally tampered with a law enforcement drug test he had been ordered to take, rendering it unable to be processed.
The investigation further revealed that in May 2021, while on duty, Santiago deleted a video from a cell phone belonging to a suspect who was in custody, having just been arrested by members of the Aberdeen Police Department. The video had depicted the interaction between the suspect and the officers, leading up to his arrest.
Santiago was sworn in as a police officer in 2018, after previously serving as an emergency dispatcher in Aberdeen. If convicted on the charge of official misconduct, he could face a state prison term of 5 to 10 years, with a minimum of five full years to be served before the possibility of parole.
Santiago turned himself in to authorities on Tuesday, pending a first appearance scheduled to take place in Monmouth County Superior Court. He has been suspended by the Aberdeen Police Department due to these charges.He is being represented by Tracy Riley, Esq., with an office in Marlton.
The case is assigned to Assistant Prosecutor Melanie Falco, Director of the Office’s Professional Responsibility and Bias Crimes Unit.
“The charges being announced today go beyond the mere breaking of laws – they constitute clear and repeated violations of the solemn oath this officer swore to uphold the interests of justice and serve the public good,” Acting Prosecutor Linskey said. “Such conduct is patently and unequivocally unacceptable among our ranks in law enforcement, and does not represent the majority who serve with honor and integrity.”
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.
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