Day: September 2, 2021

Tropical Storm Ida Pounds Area, Tornados, Flash Floods, Rescues Made, Deaths Reported

Flash flooding from Tropical Storm Ida’s heavy rains flooded roadways and many homes as creeks and rivers overflowed. Many people were caught in their vehicles in the raging flood waters and 23 New Jerseyans have lost their life to this storm according to Governor Phil Murphy. The National Weather Service has confirmed 7 tornados, in NJ and PA so far.


Tropical Storm Ida Stories Here:

Tropical Storm Ida Floods Lawrence Township 100+ Displaced

2 Tropical Storm Ida Related Fatalities And 50 Rescues Made In Hopewell Township Floods

BREAKING: House Explodes In Manville, NJ

Tropical Storm Ida Pounds Area, Tornados, Flash Floods, Rescues Made, Deaths Reported

City of Trenton Continuing Evacuation Proceedings in High-Risk Flood Zones as Water Levels Rise Again

Trenton Evacuates “The Island” In Preparation Of Anticipated Flooding

BREAKING: “Miracle In Mercer County” As 3 Police Officers Rescued After Being Swept Away By Floods

Governor Murphy Declares State of Emergency in Response to Tropical Storm Ida

BREAKING: Reports of NJ Task Force 1 Activation For Tornado In South Jersey And Flooding

Tornado Emergency Take Cover!

City of Trenton to Start Voluntary Evacuation Proceedings in High-Risk Flood Zones

Tornado Warning


Video Hamilton Township Sweetbriar Avenue and Whitehead Road area:


Video by: Ryan Mack, Jersey Shore Fire Response



“As Mercer County begins to fully grasp and assess the destruction caused by the remnants of Hurricane Ida, I wish to thank the heroic first responders, the police, firefighters, EMTs, emergency workers and public works professionals, who worked throughout the day and night to save lives. The courage and commitment our first responders have displayed throughout this crisis is awe-inspiring and appreciated.

It is with great sadness that I report that despite the countless rescues that took place overnight, we know that at least two Mercer County souls have been lost.

To our residents who have been displaced from their homes or who have lost property, Mercer County is here to assist you. For those who made it through the storm without harm, I encourage you to check on the well-being of your friends and neighbors and to offer comfort in any way you can. 

Finally, I also wish to thank Gov. Phil Murphy for his quick action in declaring a State of Emergency in New Jersey, which will allow Mercer County to seek federal reimbursement for its disaster response and help us begin to pick up the pieces and recover.” — Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes


Princeton: Due to the heavy rainfall last night, Princeton experienced severe flooding and numerous roadways were closed as a result. At approximately 11:43 PM, PPD, PFARS and PFD were dispatched for a swift water rescue on Rosedale Rd. near the Johnson Park School. All responding personnel made efforts to rescue the stranded motorist, who was identified as a 58 year-old Princeton resident. While rescue efforts were attempted, the motorist climbed onto the roof of his vehicle as the water continued to rise at a rapid rate. Due to the unsafe water level and dangerous current rescue efforts were unsuccessful. As a result, requests were made for the NJSP aviation unit to respond and assist. At 4:08 AM the victim was successfully hoisted into the helicopter and flown to Trenton Mercer Airport for evaluation. Mutual aid was received by Lawrenceville Fire Co., Princeton Junction Fire Co., Hamilton Fire Dept., Trenton Fire Dept. and the Pennsauken FD High Water Truck.

During the aforementioned rescue, a second motorist became stranded with high rising waters on Rt. 206 in the area of Quaker Rd. The resident was identified at 30 year-old Montgomery resident. The PPD, PFARS and PFD all responded. The swift moving water flooded the roadway and began to flood the motorist’s vehicle, forcing the driver to escape onto the roof of the vehicle while emergency rescue efforts were made. The Trenton FD responded with a ladder truck, which drove into the flooded roadway and extended its 100 ft ladder, which was used to rescue the motorist.









...7 CONFIRMED TORNADOES SO FAR...
 ...DAMAGE SURVEYS CONTINUE...
 
 .Update...Update to include survey results for Harrisonville-Mullica Hill- 
 Deptford tornado. 
 
 The National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, NJ continues 
 to conduct several storm surveys this afternoon. The surveys are 
 in relation to the severe thunderstorms that moved through the 
 area on September 1, 2021. 
 
 Some Preliminary Tornado Information...
 
 1) Mullica Hill, NJ area (Gloucester County): Confirmed EF-3 with
 estimated peak winds up to 150 mph tornado.
 
 2) Fort Washington/Upper Dublin Twp to Horsham Twp, PA
 (Montgomery County): Confirmed EF-2 with estimated peak winds up 
 to 130 mph. 
 
 3) Edgewater Park, NJ (Burlington County) to Bristol, PA (Bucks 
 County): Confirmed EF-1 with estimated peak winds up to 90 mph.
 
 4) Oxford, PA (Chester County): Confirmed tornado.
 
 5) Buckingham Twp, PA (Bucks County): Confirmed EF-1 with
 estimated peak winds up to 100 mph.
 
 6) Princeton, NJ (Mercer County): Confirmed EF-0 with estimated
 peak winds up to 75 mph.
 
 7) Upper Makefield Township, PA (Bucks County): Confirmed tornado.
 
 Additional information, as it becomes available, will be sent via
 Public Information Statements and also posted on our social media
 platforms.
 






SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–The remnants of Hurricane Ida created major flash flooding last evening and overnight. The heavy rain started around 5 PM and by 11:30 PM over 8 inches of rain had fallen in the Township. In the twelve hours after the heavy rain began to fall, there were 125 calls for police, fire, and EMS service. Two families who were trapped in vehicles were rescued by firefighters and briefly sheltered at police headquarters. There were no serious injuries as a result of the storm. As of 3 PM Thursday all roads have been cleared of floodwaters with the exception of Route 27 at the Princeton border. Here are some of the numbers from the storm –

TOTAL CALLS – 125

WATER RESCUES – 15 people

Between 8:30 PM and 11:45 PM Wednesday night, firefighters rescued 15 people from vehicles stuck in flash floodwaters around the Township. Here are the locations the rescues occurred at –

  • Kendall Park Fire Department – Route 1, Oakey Drive, Hawthorne Road, Shelly Road
  • Monmouth Junction Fire Department – Route 130, Major Road, Blackhorse Lane
  • Kingston Fire Department – Route 1, Mapleton Road, Raymond Road

MOTORIST ASSIST IN HIGH WATER CALLS – 51

TOTAL CARS TOWED FROM FLOODED ROADS – 33

ROADS STILL CLOSED – 1 (Route 27 / Princeton Border)

FLOODED BASEMENT CALLS – 11

South Brunswick Office of Emergency Management Director and Police Chief Raymond Hayducka said, “I want to thank all the police officers and firefighters who risked going into flooded waters to get people to safety. The flash flooding created life-threatening conditions in minutes. The conditions yesterday deteriorated rapidly last evening and too many people ventured out onto the roads. The property damage left behind will be cleaned up in the coming days, but we must all remember to stay off roads when flash flooding is present.”

Tropical Storm Ida Floods Lawrence Township 100+ Displaced

September 2, 2021

LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Heavy rains from Tropical Storm Ida flooded US-1, Bakers Basin Road, Franklin Corner Road and many other areas of the Township. Numerous homes and businesses were flooded. There were reports of firefighters, police and other rescue personnel making rescues thought the township. There are reports of over 100 people being displaced due to flooding of the Sleep-E-Hollow Motel and Mounts Motel, emergency personnel evacuated the residents to a neighboring WaWa store for safety. The Red Cross and other agencies were working on finding temporary shelter for the displaced.

ROADS CURRENTLY CLOSED: Carter Rd. from Van Kirk – Carson Princeton Pike NB @ Province Line Rd.206 North @ Province Line Rd. Whitehead Rd. from Sweetbriar – Freeway Rt. 1 NB @ Darrah Lane Franklin Corner Rd. from Rt. 1 – Princeton Pike Bakers Basin Rd. from Rt. 1 – Basin Rd. Rt. 1 SB from Kelly via duct – Franklin Corner Rd. Rosedale Rd. @ Province Line Rd. Anyone needing to travel to Princeton Hospital can use Princeton Pike North to Province Line Rd. to Rt. 1 North.


Tropical Storm Ida Stories Here:

Tropical Storm Ida Floods Lawrence Township 100+ Displaced

2 Tropical Storm Ida Related Fatalities And 50 Rescues Made In Hopewell Township Floods

BREAKING: House Explodes In Manville, NJ

Tropical Storm Ida Pounds Area, Tornados, Flash Floods, Rescues Made, Deaths Reported

City of Trenton Continuing Evacuation Proceedings in High-Risk Flood Zones as Water Levels Rise Again

Trenton Evacuates “The Island” In Preparation Of Anticipated Flooding

BREAKING: “Miracle In Mercer County” As 3 Police Officers Rescued After Being Swept Away By Floods

Governor Murphy Declares State of Emergency in Response to Tropical Storm Ida

BREAKING: Reports of NJ Task Force 1 Activation For Tornado In South Jersey And Flooding

Tornado Emergency Take Cover!

City of Trenton to Start Voluntary Evacuation Proceedings in High-Risk Flood Zones

Tornado Warning










2 Tropical Storm Ida Related Fatalities And 50 Rescues Made In Hopewell Township Floods

Police attempting rescue become trapped and had to be rescued, officers held onto trees for 2 hours.

September 2, 2021

Listen to Police Officers being rescued here:

HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Last night Hopewell Township was hit hard by Hurricane Ida. Major roadways and many secondary roads were impassable throughout Hopewell Valley. There were many stranded motorists and residents in homes, requiring 50 overnight water rescues and resulting in two fatalities. The names of the deceased are not being released at this time.

A call was received from a stranded motorist on from Route 518, east of Route 31, and Officer James Hoffman responded to attempt a rescue. While struggling to reach the person in need, his vehicle was swept sideways and was rapidly lifted by the rising water of Stony Brook. Very quickly he realized he needed to get out of the car, but the door would not open due to the pressure of the water. He removed the gear he was wearing and was able to escape the vehicle through the window. Finding himself in deep, flowing water, Officer Hoffman traveled about 100 yards and was finally able to grab onto a tree. He held on while the powerful water continued to rise. In response to Officer Hoffman’s distress, Officers Michael Makwinski and Robert Voorhees attempted to reach him, and quickly found themselves in a similar perilous position. With all three officers in the water, holding on to trees for approximately 2 hours, rescue units from all over the area and the state arrived to provide aid. The three officers were rescued by the efforts of the swift water rescue teams from the Union Titusville Fire Company, the Lawrenceville Fire Company and the Hamilton Fire Department. Two officers were transported to the hospital, examined and released. They were wet and exhausted, but otherwise unharmed. Police Director Bob Karmazin said, “We easily could have lost three officers last night.”

The Director expresses his deepest appreciation to the many search and rescue organizations who responded when needed, and then continued on with recovery efforts. These organizations included Hopewell Fire and EMS, Hamilton Fire Department, Lawrenceville Fire and Police, West Windsor Police and EMS, Robbinsville Police and EMS, New Jersey Task Force 1, Camden County High Water Rescue, Mercer County Sheriff, Mercer County Rapid Response Task Force, Mercer County Prosecutors, and the NJ State Police.

You can read last night’s breaking news story here: BREAKING: “Miracle In Mercer County” As 3 Police Officers Rescued After Being Swept Away By Floods



Tropical Storm Ida Stories Here:

Tropical Storm Ida Floods Lawrence Township 100+ Displaced

2 Tropical Storm Ida Related Fatalities And 50 Rescues Made In Hopewell Township Floods

BREAKING: House Explodes In Manville, NJ

Tropical Storm Ida Pounds Area, Tornados, Flash Floods, Rescues Made, Deaths Reported

City of Trenton Continuing Evacuation Proceedings in High-Risk Flood Zones as Water Levels Rise Again

Trenton Evacuates “The Island” In Preparation Of Anticipated Flooding

BREAKING: “Miracle In Mercer County” As 3 Police Officers Rescued After Being Swept Away By Floods

Governor Murphy Declares State of Emergency in Response to Tropical Storm Ida

BREAKING: Reports of NJ Task Force 1 Activation For Tornado In South Jersey And Flooding

Tornado Emergency Take Cover!

City of Trenton to Start Voluntary Evacuation Proceedings in High-Risk Flood Zones

Tornado Warning


BREAKING: House Explodes In Manville, NJ

September 2, 2021

MANVILLE, NJ (SOMERSET)–Around 3:00 p.m. there was a reported house explosion 4th Avenue & Knopf Street in the Lost Valley section of Manville. Due to severe flooding from Tropical Storm Ida the fire department has not been able to make access to the fire to combat the flames. Mercer County, Ewing Township, West Trenton Station 33 was on their way with a fire boat with a pump to help assist Manville combat the house fire.

There were reports of the initial house explosion with fire spreading to nearby exposures.







Tropical Storm Ida Stories Here:

Tropical Storm Ida Floods Lawrence Township 100+ Displaced

2 Tropical Storm Ida Related Fatalities And 50 Rescues Made In Hopewell Township Floods

BREAKING: House Explodes In Manville, NJ

Tropical Storm Ida Pounds Area, Tornados, Flash Floods, Rescues Made, Deaths Reported

City of Trenton Continuing Evacuation Proceedings in High-Risk Flood Zones as Water Levels Rise Again

Trenton Evacuates “The Island” In Preparation Of Anticipated Flooding

BREAKING: “Miracle In Mercer County” As 3 Police Officers Rescued After Being Swept Away By Floods

Governor Murphy Declares State of Emergency in Response to Tropical Storm Ida

BREAKING: Reports of NJ Task Force 1 Activation For Tornado In South Jersey And Flooding

Tornado Emergency Take Cover!

City of Trenton to Start Voluntary Evacuation Proceedings in High-Risk Flood Zones

Tornado Warning


City of Trenton Continuing Evacuation Proceedings in High-Risk Flood Zones as Water Levels Rise Again

Water Levels Still Expected to be Nearly Twice as Normal Despite Improved Weather Conditions

September 2, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mayor W. Reed Gusciora today encouraged remaining residents in neighborhoods with a high risk of flooding to heed City warnings and begin evacuation despite improved weather conditions over the last 24 hours. 

Mayor Gusciora declared a State of Emergency effective 6:00 p.m. yesterday and encouraged residents in flood-prone areas along the Delaware River, such as the Island neighborhood, to begin making arrangements to evacuate. Since then, the Trenton Police Department has been going door to door advising residents of the situation and providing relevant information, including shelter and evacuation procedures.

So far, the TPD has evacuated a majority of residents living in the Island neighborhood.

“We don’t want the improved weather conditions to detract from the sense of urgency about moving to higher ground,” said Mayor Gusciora. “As we have said all along, the threat from this storm was not just the flash flooding from last night, but also water coming into the Delaware from other regions impacted by Ida. The water is rising at this moment. Again, if you live on a high-risk street, we strongly encourage you to evacuate as soon as you can.”

Current projections still show water levels will reach as high as 21.3 feet – nearly twice the normal level. Water has already begun rising again after dipping slightly overnight as the intense rain from Tropical Depression Ida subsided.

Olden Avenue has already been closed again from E. State Street to North Clinton Avenue as conditions at Assunpink Creek and other water sources worsen. Sections of Mulberry Street, Route 1 and Route 29 are closed as well. 

Trenton has not yet had to shut down electricity in high-risk regions as was initially planned this morning. However, the City will evaluate neighborhood-wide power shutdowns later this evening.

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. Residents in the area with questions or concerns about the evacuation process can reach the Command Post directly at (609) 712-4831. All other reports of downed trees, flooding, and other weather-related damage should be reported to the Office of Emergency Management at (609) 989-4200.

All storm related information including instructions for evacuating residents can be found at https://www.trentonnj.org/flood.

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

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.
  • To receive voice message alerts, sign up at www.trentonnj.org/reverse911.
  • All relevant updates will also be posted on https://www.trentonnj.org/flood and the City’s Facebook and Twitter page
  • 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.





Tropical Storm Ida Stories Here:

Tropical Storm Ida Floods Lawrence Township 100+ Displaced

2 Tropical Storm Ida Related Fatalities And 50 Rescues Made In Hopewell Township Floods

BREAKING: House Explodes In Manville, NJ

Tropical Storm Ida Pounds Area, Tornados, Flash Floods, Rescues Made, Deaths Reported

City of Trenton Continuing Evacuation Proceedings in High-Risk Flood Zones as Water Levels Rise Again

Trenton Evacuates “The Island” In Preparation Of Anticipated Flooding

BREAKING: “Miracle In Mercer County” As 3 Police Officers Rescued After Being Swept Away By Floods

Governor Murphy Declares State of Emergency in Response to Tropical Storm Ida

BREAKING: Reports of NJ Task Force 1 Activation For Tornado In South Jersey And Flooding

Tornado Emergency Take Cover!

City of Trenton to Start Voluntary Evacuation Proceedings in High-Risk Flood Zones

Tornado Warning


Trenton Evacuates “The Island” In Preparation Of Anticipated Flooding

September 2, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The City of Trenton has prepared for the area known as “The Island” for flooding and has ordered an evacuation of all residents from the area. PSE&G has turned off gas to numerous houses for safety. The electrical power is on for now to allow sump pumps to run in the homes that have been evacuated.

Route 29 was open this morning and is expected to be closed this afternoon at the river crests overnight at 22.2 feet as predicted in the chart below.

See below for important information released by the City of Trenton and links to follow about flooding.




Yesterday, Mayor Gusciora Declared a State of Emergency effective at 6:00 p.m. and began voluntary evacuation proceedings for residents in high risk zones as flood conditions intensify from Tropical Depression Ida.

Current projections still show water levels will reach over 22 feet, about twice as high as the usual level of just under 11 feet. Additional rainfall coming downstream from northern watershed regions could exacerbate the problem even though heavy rain has subsided.

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 have already gone door to door in high risk areas like the Island neighborhood, 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.

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.

All city-related storm information including instructions for evacuating residents, including high-risk streets, can be found at https://www.trentonnj.org/flood.


Mayor W. Reed Gusciora yesterday 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.

All storm related information including instructions for evacuating residents can be found at https://www.trentonnj.org/flood.

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:

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.






Tropical Storm Ida Stories Here:

Tropical Storm Ida Floods Lawrence Township 100+ Displaced

2 Tropical Storm Ida Related Fatalities And 50 Rescues Made In Hopewell Township Floods

BREAKING: House Explodes In Manville, NJ

Tropical Storm Ida Pounds Area, Tornados, Flash Floods, Rescues Made, Deaths Reported

City of Trenton Continuing Evacuation Proceedings in High-Risk Flood Zones as Water Levels Rise Again

Trenton Evacuates “The Island” In Preparation Of Anticipated Flooding

BREAKING: “Miracle In Mercer County” As 3 Police Officers Rescued After Being Swept Away By Floods

Governor Murphy Declares State of Emergency in Response to Tropical Storm Ida

BREAKING: Reports of NJ Task Force 1 Activation For Tornado In South Jersey And Flooding

Tornado Emergency Take Cover!

City of Trenton to Start Voluntary Evacuation Proceedings in High-Risk Flood Zones

Tornado Warning


East Windsor Police Blotter For Week Ending September 1, 2021

September 2, 2021

EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–The East Windsor Township Police Department initiated the following police reports through Wednesday, September 1, 2021.

1) Hindering/Obstructing Location: Windsor Crossing Time/Date: 9:10 PM, 8/26/2021

The officer conducted a motor vehicle stop after observing a vehicle parked in a fire lane and leave the area going the wrong way down a one-way street. During the motor vehicle stop the individual provided a false name to the officer. The individual was placed under arrest and later released pending couti action.

Defendant: Deion McQueen Hamilton, NJ 20 Years of Age

Charges: Hindering Obstructing Unregistered Vehicle Fictitious Plate
Driving While Suspended Unlicensed Driver
Wrong Way on a One-Way Street Parking in a Fire Zone

Arresting Officer: Patrol Officer Nicholas Enea

2) Shoplifting
Location: Shop Rite (319 Route 130 North) Time/Date: 5:05 PM, 8/27/2021

The officer responded to Shop Rite for a repo1ied shoplifting incident. The officer located the individual in the parking lot. Investigation revealed that the individual left the store without

paying for $250.43 worth of merchandise. The individual was arrested and later released pending court action.

Defendant:

Charges:

Melissa Ubl
East Windsor, NJ 38 Years of Age

Shoplifting

Arresting Officer: Patrol Officer Christopher McDermott

3) Shoplifting
Location: Walmart (839 Route 130 North) Time/Date: 11:05 AM, 8/28/2021

The officer responded to Walmart for a reported shoplifting incident. Loss prevention personnel stopped the individual near the exit as he was attempting leave the store without paying for
$154.23 worth of merchandise. The individual was arrested and later released pending court action.

Defendant:

Charges:

Jose Dominguez Hightstown, NJ 36 Years of Age

Shoplifting

Arresting Officer: Patrol Officer Brian Rust

4) DUI/Assault by Auto Location : Windsor Regency
Time/Date: 8:40 PM, 9/1/2021

The officer responded to Windsor Regency for a reported motor vehicle accident. Investigation revealed that the driver drove the wrong way down the entrance to the apartment complex and collided with another vehicle. A passenger in the victim vehicle suffered a minor arm injury.
The individual displayed signs of impairment and was placed under arrest after failing field sobriety tests. The individual was later released pending court action.

Defendant:

Charges:

Gabino Vargascruz East Windsor, NJ 22 Years of Age

Assault by Auto DUI
Careless Driving

Reckless Driving Unlicensed Driver

Arresting Officer: Patrol Officer Nicholas Enea


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.


Robbinsville Monthly Police Blotter For August 2021

September 2, 2021

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Robbinsville Township Police Department Blotter for August 2021:

  1. DWI
    Date: August 1, 2021
    Time: 0016
    Location: Route # 130
    Reporting Officer: Patrolman Ryan Meehan

Accused: Kevin Guns Age 23
Yardville, NJ
Charged: Driving While Intoxicated
Reckless Driving
Careless Driving
Failure to Maintain Lane
Charged and released pending Court.

  1. Narcotics
    Date: August 4, 2021
    Time: 1508
    Location: Route # 526
    Reporting Officer: Sergeant Scott Kivet

Accused: Sanine Brosseau Age 43
Cream Ridge, NJ
Charged: Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Suspended Driver
Charged and released pending Court.

  1. Narcotics/Eluding
    Date: August 11, 2021
    Time: 0935
    Location: Union Street
    Reporting Officer: Patrolman Justin McLaughlin

Accused: Jonathan Holm Age 41
Roanoke, VA
Charged: Eluding
Obstructing Administration of Justice
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Reckless Driving
Suspended Driver
Improper Passing
Charged and released pending Court.

  1. Narcotics
    Date: August 12, 2021
    Time: 1356
    Location: Route # 130
    Reporting Officer: Patrolman Justin McLaughlin

Accused: Jamison Parker Age 36
Roosevelt, NJ
Charged: Unlawful Possession of CDS
Possession of Hypodermic Needle
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Charged and released pending Court.

  1. Theft
    Date: August 15, 2021
    Time: 1440
    Location: 1100 Block of Route # 130
    Reporting Officer: Detective Sergeant Adrian Markowski

Victim reported Catalytic Converter removed from the vehicle during overnight hours. Value of $500

  1. Narcotics
    Date: August 17, 2021
    Time: 1406
    Location: Old York Road
    Reporting Officer: Sergeant Scott Kivet

Accused: Arnaldo Vargas Age 43
Toms River, NJ
Charged: Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Charged and released pending Court.

  1. Theft
    Date: August 18, 2021
    Time: 1223
    Location: 300 Block of Gordon Road
    Reporting Officer: Patrolman Michael Slininger

Victim reports that $600 worth of copper was removed from his property.

  1. Narcotics
    Date: August 18, 2021
    Time: 1245
    Location: I-195
    Reporting Officer: Sergeant Scott Kivet

Accused: Nicole Dekker Age 33
Forked River, NJ
Charged: Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Accused: Dale Kessler Age 31
Levittown, PA
Charged: Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Charged and released pending Court.

  1. Hindering Apprehension
    Date: August 19, 2021
    Time: 1252
    Location: Route #130
    Reporting Officer: Patrolman Thomas Septak

Accused: Carlton Andrean Age 47
Trenton, NJ
Charged: False Identity
Hindering Apprehension
Suspended License
Failure to Maintain Lane
Charged and released pending Court.

  1. Theft
    Date: August 29, 2021
    Time: 0828
    Location: Stark Drive
    Reporting Officer: Patrolman Michael Slininger

Victim reported 2021 Mercedes SW was stolen from the driveway. Value is $76,000.


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.


Garden State Equality and ACLU-NJ to County Jails: Follow the Law and House Transgender People According to Gender Identity

Advocates remind facilities of obligations under Law Against Discrimination and urge adoption of new policy

September 2, 2021

ASBURY PARK, NJ (MONMOUTH)–On August 26, the ACLU of New Jersey and Garden State Equality (GSE) sent letters to every county jail in New Jersey reminding them of their legal responsibility to respect the rights of transgender people and urging them to adopt new policies and practices to ensure that people can be housed in line with their gender identity, and not sex assigned at birth. 

Earlier this summer, the New Jersey Department of Corrections enacted a new state prison policy that implements protections for people in state custody who are transgender, intersex, and non-binary. This policy was adopted in June as a result of a lawsuit brought by Sonia Doe (a pseudonym), who was represented by the ACLU of New Jersey and attorney Robyn Gigl of GluckWalrath LLP. During her time in custody, Sonia Doe was forced to live as a man while being housed in four different men’s prisons despite the Department of Corrections’ knowledge that she is a woman.  

Sonia Doe is not the only transgender person who faced extraordinary risk of emotional and physical harm in New Jersey prisons. In a national survey, 21 percent of transgender women confined in men’s facilities reported suffering physical abuse while in prison, and 20 percent reported sexual violence.

“The Department of Corrections’ new policy was a significant step forward in the effort to ensure that transgender, intersex, and non-binary people in state custody are treated fairly and with dignity,” said Jeanne LoCicero, Legal Director at the ACLU of New Jersey. “With thousands of other people in custody in county jails, it is also urgent for jail leaders to act and adopt similar policies and practices that respect gender identity.”

“Too many transgender, intersex, and non-binary people have faced disrespect, discrimination, and danger while in custody,” said Christian Fuscarino, Executive Director of Garden State Equality. “Notifying county jails of their legal obligation to respect transgender, intersex, and non-binary people in their custody is a crucial step towards ending such discrimination in New Jersey.”

After receiving the letter from the ACLU of New Jersey and GSE, the New Jersey Association of Counties told the New Jersey Monitor that county jail wardens would adopt the protections the Department of Corrections had undertaken, saying, “all [wardens] will make sure to comply with the new protocols to ensure that ‘transgender people in custody are respected in housing decisions, interactions with correctional staff, and other aspects of their lives in jail,’ as noted in the letter.”

The full letter can be found here.


The Nottingham Tavern Burglarized

September 2, 2021

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–On August 31,2021, Hamilton Police were detailed to The Nottingham Tavern at 9 Mercer Street on a burglary to the business.  Responding officers were advised by the owner of the business that some unknown person broke into the business at approximately 12:30 AM August 30,2021.  Entry was gained through a forced open rear door to the business. Once inside the suspect removed several bottles of alcohol and two laptop I-Pads.  The suspect left the scene in what appears to be a light color Cadillac SUV with no visible front license plate. The approximate value of the theft is $2,000 dollars. 

The above pictured suspect is described as a white male, in his late 20’s and has distinct tattoos on his right and left forearms.  The male was wearing gloves and a headband.

Hamilton Police Detectives are asking for assistance with any information regarding the identity of the suspect.  Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Lawrence MacArthur of the Hamilton Police Division Criminal Investigations Section at (609) 689-5827 or via email at lmacarthur@hamiltonpd.org, or the Hamilton Police Crime Tip Hotline a (609) 581-4008.