Month: December 2021

Mercer County, Trenton

40th Trenton Murder of 2021 Ties Last Year’s All Time Record
Trenton Man Arrested for New Year’s Eve Homicide

The Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department are investigating a shooting homicide in Trenton.

December 31, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–At approximately 7 p.m. on Friday, December 31, 2021, police responded to a shooting that occurred in the first block of Beakes Street.  The adult male victim was shot multiple times and transported to the hospital unresponsive.  He was pronounced dead a short time later.

No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing.  Anyone with information is asked to contact the Mercer County Homicide Task Force at (609) 989-6406. Tips can also be emailed to mchtftips@mercercounty.org. 

As of 9:00 p.m. December 31, 2021

Photos and video by: Brian McCarthy, OnScene News

Photos by: Brian McCarthy, OnScene News

Names of 40* 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
  21. 8/27/2021 Ziare Jones, Shooting
  22. 8/30/2021  Fred Davis, 43, Trenton, Shooting
  23. 9/06/2021  Shamiem Young, 26, Trenton, Shooting
  24. 9/17/2021  Jeff Charles, 37, Trenton, Shooting
  25. 9/25/2021  Shemiah Davis, 15, Trenton, Shooting
  26. 10/2/2021  Omar Burgess, 49, of Trenton, Shooting
  27. 10/3/2021  Elias Juarez Lopez, 31, of Princeton, Shooting
  28. 10/4/2021  Candice Ruff, 19, of Trenton, Shooting On September 25
  29. 10/7/2021  Douglas Munn, 50, of Trenton. Shooting
  30. 10/13/2021 Melvin Williams 26, of Trenton, Shooting
  31. 10/29/2021 Edwin Obdulio Gomez Interiano, 41, Shooting
  32. 10/29/2021 Everth Barrera, 56, of Ewing, Shooting
  33. 10/30/2021 Dartanian Ames of Lawrence, 41, Shooting
  34. 11/1/2021  Hector Torres, 43, of Trenton, Shooting on 10/31
  35. 11/17/2021 David Johnson, 39, of Trenton
  36. 12/11/2021 Michael Degrass of Trenton
  37. 12/18/2021Unidentified male, shot Garfield Ave
  38. 12/25/2021 Selvin Lima, Arson
  39. 12/25/2021 Dilman Canpos, Arson
  40. 12/31/2021 Shooting Donnelly Homes

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

**As of 9:00 p.m. 12/31/ 2021

The names of the 40 Trenton homicide victims of 2020: 

  1. January 30, 2020, Starquasia Harris, 24, shooting
  2. February 16, 2020, Maurice London, 39, shooting
  3. March 23, 2020, Danavan Phillips, 37, shooting
  4. March 25, 2020, Yuell Moore, 29, shooting
  5. April 5, 2020 Quamiera Massey, 24, shooting
  6. April 5, 2020 Dabree Brannon, 30, shooting
  7. April 5, 2020 Frederick Mason, 20, shooting
  8. May 14, 2020, pronounced dead May 21, 2020 Terrence Horton, 53, shooting
  9. May 17, 2020, Robert Smith, 38, shooting
  10. May 18, 2020 Antwuan Bowens, 44, shooting
  11. May 18, 2020 Tayvion Jones, 18, shooting
  12. May 21, 2020 Raheen McKinnon 19, shooting
  13. May 23, 2020, Watson Cogdell, 58, shooting
  14.  May 30, 2020 Tyrone Campbell, 45, shooting
  15. June 2, 2020 Dontae Barnes, shooting
  16. June 21, 2020, Robert Neal, 34, stabbing
  17. July 1, 2020, Covvie Scott, 24, shooting
  18. July 8, 2020, Richard Guarderas, 18, shooting
  19. July 8, 2020, Malcom L. Bowser, 19, shooting 
  20. July 15, 2020, Jason Phillips, 23, shooting
  21. July 17, 2020, Luis Gonzalez, 37, shooting
  22. August 2, 2020 died August 5, 2020, Jolisa Marshall, 28, shooting (of Hamilton)
  23. August 9, 2020, William Irrizarry, 18, shooting
  24. August 9, 2020, Julius Vargas, 18, shooting
  25. August 17, 2020, Rahkeem Ortiz, 29, shooting
  26. August 21, 2020, pronounced dead August 22, Vernetta McCray, 39, drive by shooting
  27. August 25, 2020, Shamira Williams, 32, stabbing
  28. August 29, 2020, Tybree Washington, 24, shooting
  29. October 2, 2020, Hussain Abdullah, 35, shooting
  30. October 5, 2020, Derek Colley, 26, Shooting
  31. October 10, 2020, Ola Williams, 61, Shooting
  32. October 10, 2020, Jaquise Melvin, 26, Shooting
  33. October 16, 2020 from shooting on October 9, Rudy Alvira Jr.
  34. October 20, 2020, Johnny Perez, 8, Shooting
  35. October 20, 2020, Gustavo Perez, 16
  36. November 13, 2020, Sam Livingston III, age 41, stabbing
  37. November 17, 2020, Jeremy McTamney, 26, Shooting, Ties Trenton’s record of homicides in 2013.
  38. November 28, 2020, Daniel Alvaranga, 33, Stabbing
  39. November 29, 2020, Omar Billups, 37, Shooting
  40. December 8, 2020, Joel Alexander, 49, Shooting

Not in NJ but across the river in Falls Township, Pennsylvania May 24, 2020 Davon Frink, 25, shooting at a Holiday Inn Express at a Trenton party held there.

Trenton Murders Per Year Since 1989

NJ State Police Uniform Crime Report available here: https://www.njsp.org/ucr/uniform-crime-reports.shtml

1989 = 22

1990 = 21

1991 = 7

1992 = 16

1993 = 11

1994 = 9

1995 = 16

1996 = 14

1997 = 12

1998 = 15

1999 = 8

2000 = 14

2001 = 13

2002 = 19

2003 = 13

2004 = 18

2005 = 31

2006 = 18

2007 = 25

2008 = 19

2009 = 18

2010 = 15

2011 = 23

2012 = 24

2013 = 37

2014 = 32

2015 = 17

2016 = 21

2017 = 23

2018 = 16

2019 = 15

2020 = 40

2021 = 40** As of 12/31/2021 at 9:00 p.m.

* Prior to 1989 the known highest murder number was 1970 with 27

Hopewell, Mercer County

Mercer County To Use “Professional Culling Firm” To Shoot Deer in Addition to Standard Hunting

December 20, 2021

HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP – The Mercer County Park Commission has been approved for a Community Based Deer management permit from the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife. The Community Based Deer Management (CBDM) permit allows for additional opportunities to improve forest understory and the overall ecological condition of natural areas through deer reductions beyond standard state hunting regulations.  Reducing deer overpopulation also improves public safety by reducing deer-vehicle collisions.  

The additional measures permitted in the CBDM program will allow a professional culling firm to perform management activities during an extended season through March 31 at Baldpate Mountain and select regions of Mercer Meadows in Hopewell Township.  Management activities approved in the Park Commission’s permit include: deer harvest by crossbow and firearm, culling during evening hours, and periodic closures for culling outside of the traditional State hunting season through March 31,2022.  

At Mercer Meadows, only the Curlis Woods region and the Ecological District are included in the permit. Beginning in January, these areas will allow for bow culling 7 days a week, through 9 p.m. each day until March 31. These regions will remain open to the public during this period. Park users are advised to remain on trails and wear bright colored clothing. All culling activity will take place from an elevated tree stand and a 75-foot safety buffer is in place on either side of all County-recognized trails.  

The Curlis Woods region will BE CLOSED to the public for shotgun culling on:  

  • Wednesday, January 19 through Friday, January 21 
  • Wednesday, January 26 through Friday, January 28 
  • Thursday, March 3 through Friday, March 4 
  • Thursday, March 10 through Friday, March 11 
  • Saturday, March 5 and 12, from sunset to 9 p.m. 

At Baldpate Mountain, including Belle Mountain and Fiddler’s Creek Preserve, the permit allows for extended evening culling (sunset through 9 p.m.)  February 1 through February 18, when the state hunting season ends. Beginning on Monday, February 21, bow culling may take place Monday through Friday, from sunrise to 9 p.m. until March 31. Shotgun culling may take place beginning on Monday, February 21 through March 31, 7 days a week from sunset to 9 p.m. when the park is closed to the public.   

Baldpate Mountain, Belle Mountain and Fiddler’s Creek Preserve will BE CLOSED to the public for shotgun culling on:  

  • Thursday, March 17 through Friday, March 18 
  • Thursday, March 24 through Friday, March 25 
  • Saturday, March 19 and 26, from sunset to 9 p.m. 

The above dates do not include closures as part of the Park Commission’s existing deer management program. The deer management program complies with all of the hunting regulations set by the State; in addition, the Park Commission has adopted County rules for the program. All hunting must be done from an elevated tree stand; hunters are not permitted to hunt from the ground. There is no shooting across park trails. Please visit www.mercercountyparks.org for details on all closures for deer management. 

Ocean County, Toms River

Serious Motor Vehicle Accident in Toms River

December 28, 2021

TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–On Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at approximately 9:16 a.m. police were dispatched to the intersection of Whitty Road and North Bay Avenue for a serious motor vehicle accident. The initial investigation revealed Baila Gross, 38 of Lakewood, was travelling east on Whitty Road when she failed to stop at the stop sign at the intersection of N. Bay Avenue. Ms. Gross continued through the intersection and collided head-on into a tree.

Toms River CSOs and Silverton EMS responded to the scene and immediately rendered aid to occupants. They began CPR on one of the passengers, a minor, and continued during transport to Community Medical Center where she was subsequently pronounced.

There was no indication of driver impairment, and all four occupants were restrained at the time of the collision. The accident remains under investigation by Toms River Traffic Safety Officer Ryan Fitzgerald and Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.  Summons pending at this time.

Hamilton, Hamilton, Mercer County

$3.8 Million Pick-6 Winner Sold at Yardville Acme, Hamilton Township, NJ

TRENTON (Dec. 28, 2021) – One lucky ticket matched all six numbers drawn for the Monday, December 27, Pick-6 drawing winning the $3.8 million annuity jackpot. The cash value of the ticket is more than $3 million. The winning ticket was sold at Acme #2914, 4400 South Broad St., Yardville in Mercer County. The lucky retailer will receive a bonus of $10,000 for selling that winning ticket.

Executive Director James Carey announced, “We are excited to meet the winner of this $3.8 million jackpot prize and learn how it will impact their life!”

In addition to the jackpot winner, 17 ticketholders won $1,568 for correctly matching five out of the six white balls drawn. Three of those tickets were purchased with XTRA, multiplying the prize to $4,704.

The winning numbers for the Monday, December 27, drawing were: 09, 17, 19, 24, 42 and 46. The XTRA Multiplier was: 03. The jackpot for the Pick-6 game has reset to $2 million.  The next drawing will be held Thursday, December 29.

Hightstown, Hightstown, Hightstown-East Windsor, Mercer County, Robbinsville, Robbinsville

Accident Reported on NJ Turnpike in Robbinsville

December 28, 2021

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Around 11:00 a.m. the Robbinsville Township Fire Department, Hightstown Fire Company, RWJ EMS and Robbinsville EMS were dispatched to mile post 64.4 south bound outer roadway for an accident with reported entrapment. RWJ EMS and Hightstown Fire Company Rescue 41 arrived and treated the occupants of the vehicle. It appeared that there were non-lifethreating injuries and it was unclear if anyone was transported from the scene to a local hospital. No further details are available at this time. NJ State Police was on scene investigating the accident. There were no traffic delays due to the crash.

Bordentown Twp, Burlington, Hamilton, Hamilton, Mercer County, Robbinsville, Robbinsville

Car Fire Quickly Extinguished on NJ Turnpike

December 27, 2021

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Around 6:00 p.m. the Robbinsville Township and Bordentown Township Fire Departments were dispatched to the area of mile post 58 south bound for a car fire. Robbinsville firefighters found the car on fire on the right shoulder of the outer lanes at mile post 57.5 on the Crosswicks-Hamilton Square Road Bridge. Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire with a 1 3/4″ hose line. Firefighters were on scene for a short time until the vehicle was towed from the scene. No further information is available at this time.

Firefighters mop up at an extinguished car fire as traffic passes on the NJ Turnpike.
State of NJ

CDC Updates and Shortens Recommended Isolation and Quarantine Period for General Population

December 27, 2021

Given what we currently know about COVID-19 and the Omicron variant, CDC is shortening the recommended time for isolation from 10 days for people with COVID-19 to 5 days, if asymptomatic, followed by 5 days of wearing a mask when around others. The change is motivated by science demonstrating that the majority of SARS-CoV-2 transmission occurs early in the course of illness, generally in the 1-2 days prior to onset of symptoms and the 2-3 days after. Therefore, people who test positive should isolate for 5 days and, if asymptomatic at that time, they may leave isolation if they can continue to mask for 5 days to minimize the risk of infecting others.

Additionally, CDC is updating the recommended quarantine period for those exposed to COVID-19. For people who are unvaccinated or are more than six months out from their second mRNA dose (or more than 2 months after the J&J vaccine) and not yet boosted, CDC now recommends quarantine for 5 days followed by strict mask use for an additional 5 days. Alternatively, if a 5-day quarantine is not feasible, it is imperative that an exposed person wear a well-fitting mask at all times when around others for 10 days after exposure. Individuals who have received their booster shot do not need to quarantine following an exposure, but should wear a mask for 10 days after the exposure.  For all those exposed, best practice would also include a test for SARS-CoV-2 at day 5 after exposure. If symptoms occur, individuals should immediately quarantine until a negative test confirms symptoms are not attributable to COVID-19.

Isolation relates to behavior after a confirmed infection. Isolation for 5 days followed by wearing a well-fitting mask will minimize the risk of spreading the virus to others. Quarantine refers to the time following exposure to the virus or close contact with someone known to have COVID-19. Both updates come as the Omicron variant continues to spread throughout the U.S. and reflects the current science on when and for how long a person is maximally infectious.

Data from South Africa and the United Kingdom demonstrate that vaccine effectiveness against infection for two doses of an mRNA vaccine is approximately 35%. A COVID-19 vaccine booster dose restores vaccine effectiveness against infection to 75%. COVID-19 vaccination decreases the risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. CDC strongly encourages COVID-19 vaccination for everyone 5 and older and boosters for everyone 16 and older. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and reduce the impact of COVID-19 on our communities.

“The Omicron variant is spreading quickly and has the potential to impact all facets of our society. CDC’s updated recommendations for isolation and quarantine balance what we know about the spread of the virus and the protection provided by vaccination and booster doses. These updates ensure people can safely continue their daily lives. Prevention is our best option: get vaccinated, get boosted, wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial and high community transmission, and take a test before you gather.” CDC Director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky

If You Test Positive for COVID-19 (Isolate):

Everyone, regardless of vaccination status.

  • Stay home for 5 days.
  • If you have no symptoms or your symptoms are resolving after 5 days, you can leave your house.
  • Continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.

If you have a fever, continue to stay home until your fever resolves.

If You Were Exposed to Someone with COVID-19 (Quarantine):

If you:

Have been boosted
OR
Completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine within the last 6 months
OR
Completed the primary series of J&J vaccine within the last 2 months

  • Wear a mask around others for 10 days.
  • Test on day 5, if possible.

If you develop symptoms get a test and stay home.

If you:

Completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine over 6 months ago and are not boosted
OR
Completed the primary series of J&J over 2 months ago and are not boosted
OR
Are unvaccinated

  • Stay home for 5 days. After that continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.
  • If you can’t quarantine you must wear a mask for 10 days.
  • Test on day 5 if possible.

If you develop symptoms get a test and stay home

Photo by CDC on Pexels.com
Atlantic City, Little Egg Harbor, Ocean County

Coast Guard Rescues 3 Mariners from Grounded Pleasure Craft Near the Entrance of Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey

December 27, 2021

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. – The Coast Guard rescued three mariners from a grounded pleasure craft near the entrance of Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey, on Sunday December 26, 2021.

Watchstanders at the Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay command center received a report via VHF channel 16 from the 36-foot pleasure craft Phyllis II stating that the vessel ran aground near the entrance to Little Egg Harbor.

Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay dispatched a 29-foot Response Boat Small –II boatcrew from Coast Guard Station Atlantic City to the scene. The boatcrew was unable to approach the Phyllis II due to low tide.

An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City was launched to the scene. The aircrew hoisted the three mariners and transported them to Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City.

“Situations like this emphasize the importance of using Channel 16 as an effective way to seek help in times of distress,” said Chief Petty Officer Charles Osenbach, the command duty officer in the Sector Delaware Bay command center, “We encourage mariners to be prepared at all times when on the water.”

Plans to salvage the vessel are in progress.

USCG photo and video
Mercer County, Trenton

Investigation Leads to Arrest of Trenton Man for Christmas Day Arson That Killed Two People and Left Multiple People Homeless

There have been 39 Homicides recorded so far in Trenton for 2021, in 2020 there were a record 40 homicides listed.

December 27, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported today that an investigation by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force, the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Arson Unit and the Trenton Police Department has led to the arrest of a Trenton man responsible for the Christmas Day fire on Rusling Street that killed two people.

Ronal Ordonez-Lima, 28, is charged with two counts of murder, two counts of felony murder, two counts of attempted murder, one count of aggravated arson and five counts of arson.  He was charged on Monday and transported to the Mercer County Correction Center.  The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain Ordonez-Lima pending trial.

At approximately 3:30 a.m. on December 25, 2021, Trenton Communications received a 911 call for a fire at 221 Rusling Avenue with people trapped inside.  The Trenton Fire Department arrived on scene and began efforts to extinguish the fire, which spread to five additional houses and multiple vehicles in the immediate vicinity.

There were six occupants of 221 Rusling Street at the time of the fire, four of whom escaped the residence.  Firefighters located two deceased adults on the second floor.  The victims have been identified as Selvin Lima and Dilman Canpos, both adult males.

After reviewing surveillance footage from the area and speaking to witnesses, detectives determined that Ordonez-Lima set fire to the front porch of 221 Rusling Street.

The New Jersey State Fire Marshal and the New Jersey State Police assisted with the investigation.  The Red Cross and the Trenton Department of Community Affairs responded to assist the victims that were displaced.

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

Ronal Ordonez-Lima, 28
Ronal Ordonez-Lima, 28, is charged with two counts of murder, two counts of felony murder, two counts of attempted murder, one count of aggravated arson and five counts of arson.  He was charged on Monday and transported to the Mercer County Correction Center.  The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain Ordonez-Lima pending trial.

Previous MidJersey.News story here:

Fatal Three Alarm Fire Burns 6 Row Homes in Trenton, Several Families Left Homeless on Christmas Morning

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
  21. 8/27/2021 Ziare Jones, Shooting
  22. 8/30/2021  Fred Davis, 43, Trenton, Shooting
  23. 9/06/2021  Shamiem Young, 26, Trenton, Shooting
  24. 9/17/2021  Jeff Charles, 37, Trenton, Shooting
  25. 9/25/2021  Shemiah Davis, 15, Trenton, Shooting
  26. 10/2/2021  Omar Burgess, 49, of Trenton, Shooting
  27. 10/3/2021  Elias Juarez Lopez, 31, of Princeton, Shooting
  28. 10/4/2021  Candice Ruff, 19, of Trenton, Shooting On September 25
  29. 10/7/2021  Douglas Munn, 50, of Trenton. Shooting
  30. 10/13/2021 Melvin Williams 26, of Trenton, Shooting
  31. 10/29/2021 Edwin Obdulio Gomez Interiano, 41, Shooting
  32. 10/29/2021 Everth Barrera, 56, of Ewing, Shooting
  33. 10/30/2021 Dartanian Ames of Lawrence, 41, Shooting
  34. 11/1/2021  Hector Torres, 43, of Trenton, Shooting on 10/31
  35. 11/17/2021 David Johnson, 39, of Trenton
  36. 12/11/2021 Michael Degrass of Trenton
  37. 12/18/2021Unidentified male, shot Garfield Ave
  38. 12/25/2021 Selvin Lima, Arson
  39. 12/25/2021 Dilman Canpos, Arson

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

Photos by: Brian McCarthy and Michael Ratcliffe
Mercer County, Robbinsville, Robbinsville

Update: Philadelphia Man, 53, Suffers Fatal Injuries in Crash on New Jersey Turnpike

December 27, 2021

UPDATE from New Jersey State Police:

New Jersey State Police Sgt. Philip Curry told MidJersey.news that the crash occurred at 5:29 a.m. on the NJ Turnpike northbound on the outer roadway Mile Post 62.2 in Robbinsville.  Preliminary investigation revealed that a Peterbilt tractor operated by Anthony Davenport, 53, of Philadelphia, PA, traveled off the right side of the road, a drainage ditch, and traveled up an embankment.  Davenport sustained fatal injuries.  The cause of the crash remains under investigation and there is no further information available.

Earlier MidJersey.news story here:

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)—Around 5:43 a.m. a Peterbilt tractor-trailer traveling north bound in the outer roadway of the New Jersey Turnpike left the roadway near mile post 62.2 just prior to the Gordon Road overpass. The NJ State Police, Robbinsville Township Fire Department and EMS along with Capital Health Paramedics responded to the scene. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment by Robbinsville EMS and Capital Health Paramedics. There were no traffic delays from the accident. The New Jersey State Police are currently on scene and actively investigating the accident.

Hopewell, Mercer County

Washington Crossing Reenactment Held Christmas Day

December 25, 2021

HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–On December 25, 1776, General George Washington and more than 2,000 troops crossed the Delaware River under the cover of night, amid a Nor’easter. After crossing to New Jersey, the battles that took place over the next ten days turned the tide of the Revolution. Each year, Washington Crossing Historic Park (PA) hosts a reenactment of Washington’s crossing on Christmas Day.

Today’s reenactment was held at 1:00 p.m. Photos below by: Brian McCarthy, OnScene News

For more information see the Friends of Washington Crossing Park YouTube page here:

Washington Crossing Historic Park Facebook Page Here

Washington Crossing Park

washingtoncrossingpark

Mercer County, Trenton

Fatal Three Alarm Fire Burns 6 Row Homes in Trenton, Several Families Left Homeless on Christmas Morning

UPDATE:

Investigation Leads to Arrest of Trenton Man for Christmas Day Arson That Killed Two People and Left Multiple People Homeless

Update: 2 people succumbed to injuries in the fire as reported Mayor Reed Gusciora

December 25, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Christmas was ruined for several families when flames raced through a row of homes in the 200 block of Rusling Street, near Anderson Street, before dawn today (Dec. 25). The three-alarm blaze was fought by city firefighters, with mutual aid at the scene from Hamilton and Bordentown City, and it came just hours after the Trenton Fire Department tackled a two-alarm warehouse fire on South Clinton Avenue. It was about 3:30 a.m. when multiple 911 calls were received reporting a fire at 221 Rusling Street. Firefighters arrived to find the home engulfed in flames, with fire having already spread to several adjacent homes. The second and third alarms were sounded in quick succession as firefighters put multiple hoselines in service and tapped multiple hydrants in the neighborhood to supply water for the firefighting effort. It appeared that at least five homes were affected by the blaze.

Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora stated in a Facebook post from the scene this morning, “6 house fire in Chambersburg in the early morning. Families displaced on Christmas. Fire under investigation but a reminder to not overload circuits, watch space heaters carefully, have a fire escape plan. We pray for the families and any persons so far unaccounted for. 2 people succumbed to injuries in the fire. God bless the families in their time of need. Thanks to Trenton Ladder Companies coming out to scene, EMS, Trenton PD, and County Fire officials. The Red Cross is being called out to assist the families.”

Photos by: Brian McCarthy, OnScene News
Mercer County, Trenton

Two Alarm Warehouse Fire on Christmas Eve in Trenton

December 25, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–City firefighters spent Christmas Eve battling a two-alarm warehouse blaze that sent one of their own to the hospital. The fire occurred in a vacant structure at 650 South Clinton Avenue, at the corner of Mott Street, which was once part of the John A. Roebling’s Sons Company. The building is well known to city firefighters as it has been the scene of numerous fires, including several earlier this year. As firefighters were tackling the blaze, a “Mayday” was called over fire department radios, signally a firefighter had become trapped or injured in the building.

It was 10:31 p.m. on Dec. 24 when fire companies were dispatched to the 600 block of South Clinton Avenue following a report of smoke issuing from a vacant structure opposite the Roebling Market shopping center. Firefighters assigned to Engine 3 quickly arrived and confirmed there was heavy smoke pouring from the old Roebling building. The “All Hands” radio signal for a working fire was transmitted and additional fire companies were dispatched. Firefighters encountered heavy smoke and fire conditions inside the building and a second alarm was requested at 10:50 p.m.

The ”Mayday” was called about 11:32 p.m. and it was reported that a firefighter was injured on the first floor. Other firefighters quickly carried their injured comrade outside and passed him to waiting EMTs from Trenton Emergency Medical Service and Lawrence Township Emergency Medical Service. The firefighter, who appeared conscious and alert at the scene, was rushed by ambulance to a city hospital. The exact nature and extent of his injuries was not immediately known.

The blaze was officially placed under control at 12:05 a.m. Christmas morning, and firefighters remained on the scene for several more hours dousing hot spots and assisting investigators from Trenton Police and the Mercer County Prosecutors Office.

Signal 22, the city’s volunteer police and fire canteen service, responded to provide weary firefighters with drinks and other refreshments.

Mercer County, Trenton

Trenton Fire Department Hosts “Santa’s Last Call Toy Give Away”

December 25, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Yesterday December 24, 2021 the Trenton Fire Department along with Mayor Reed Gusciora and Fire Director Kenneth Douglas presented several thousand toys at Trenton Fire Headquarters between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. The toys were distributed on a first come, first served basis.

Photos by: Brian McCarthy, OnScene News

State of NJ

TSA officer jumps into action to perform Heimlich maneuver on infant who stopped breathing at Newark Liberty International Airport

Newly hired TSA officer hailed as a hero for saving infant’s life

December 23, 2021

NEWARK, NJ –When Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officer Cecilia Morales heard people screaming for help, she knew if she didn’t act quickly, the outcome was going to be grim.

A young mother picked up her two-month old son from his car carrier seat to carry him through the security checkpoint at a Newark Liberty International Airport, but when the mom lifted him up, she saw that the boy wasn’t breathing. She immediately sought help from her co-travelers and shouted for help when she realized her attempts at rousing her son were unsuccessful.

Morales, a trained emergency medical technician (EMT) with 10 years of experience serving in several Northern New Jersey towns, shouted instructions over to the mother “but she was so nervous and I knew if I didn’t get over there, it wasn’t going to be a good outcome. I jumped over the checkpoint conveyor belt rollers and she gave me the baby. I performed the infant Heimlich maneuver on him.” She held the infant carefully to keep his airway open. Then she placed him face down on her arm and patted him on the back. No response. She tried again, and the second time he started to breathe again.

“The mother was too nervous and in shock to hold her son, so I carried the infant through the walk through metal detector” and waited for the pediatric EMT to arrive to give the baby some oxygen a short time later.

Morales, a Newark resident who joined TSA in late October, previously performed the Heimlich on adults and children as an EMT, but this was the first time she had performed the life-saving technique on an infant.

“Two months on the job and she’s literally a life-saver,” said Thomas Carter, TSA’s Federal Security Director for New Jersey. “Officer Morales’s quick reaction and actions helped ensure that this family will have a happy holiday season. Her actions were inspiring.”

“I saw the video afterward,” Morales said. “It was the first time I’ve ever seen myself in action, saving a life. It was mind-blowing to watch. I felt that my training and experience just took over.”

“If Officer Morales did not utilize her critical thinking, knowledge and quick response, perhaps we could have had a terrible outcome,” said TSA Manager Ayrana Frazier. “In the moment Officer Morales was selfless, and her priority was to save a life. We are proud to call her one of our own.”

TSA Officer Cecilia Morales. (TSA photo)
TSA Officer Cecilia Morales. (TSA photo)