Day: December 8, 2021

80-Year-Old Woman from Lambertville Killed in East Amwell, Route 31, Crash when Tractor-Trailer Crosses into Her Lane

December 8, 2021

EAST AMWELL, NJ (HUNTERDON)–According to the New Jersey State Police, Troopers responded at 12:39 p.m. to a motor vehicle crash on State Highway 31 southbound milepost 15, East Amwell, Hunterdon County.

Based on a preliminary investigation a Freightliner was traveling north on State Highway 31. A Toyota was traveling south on State Highway 31. The Freightliner entered the southbound lanes and collided with the Toyota. Driver of the Toyota, Qaneta A. Zaafar, 80-year-old female of Lambertville, N.J. sustained fatal injuries.



Excavator Lands on Occupied Vehicle in Toms River

December 8, 2021

TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–On Wednesday, December 8, 2021, at approximately 5:40 PM police units were dispatched to the intersection of Whitesville Road and Route 70 for a reported motor vehicle accident. Christoph Caches, 56 of Toms River, stated that he was driving west on Route 70, towing a trailer loaded with an excavator, and made a right turn onto Whitesville Road. Once he made the turn, his trailer flipped over and the excavator landed on a vehicle that was stopped on Whitesville Road for a red signal.

Neither driver was injured in the accident. Mr. Caches was issued a summons for Careless Driving. The accident remains under investigation by the Toms River Police Safety Officer Ryan Fitzgerald.


Update: Loaded Handgun at Lawrence Township High School Causes Lockdown; Student Charged with Weapons Offences

December 8, 2021

LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–On Wednesday December 8, 2021, at approximately 0830hrs, the administration at Lawrence High School was informed that a student was possibly in possession of a weapon. They, along with Lawrence Township Police Department School Resource Officer Steven Austin located the student and recovered a loaded handgun. The student was immediately taken into custody without incident.

The Lawrence Township Police Department in conjunction with the Lawrence High School administration, Mercer County Prosecutors Office and Mercer County Sheriffs Department began conducting a detailed investigation. At this time, the school was placed in lockdown and a K-9 sniff of all student’s book bags was conducted. No other weapons were located during this investigation. The exterior of the school and the surrounding area were also searched by officers which yielded negative results.

The student who was taken into custody is being charged with the following offenses:

• Possession of a Weapon

• Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purposes

• Possession of a firearm on school grounds

• Possession of a defaced firearm

All other questions can be directed to Chief Brian Caloiaro at (609)844-7101 or PIO Lt. Christopher Longo at (609)844-7128


Photos by Brian McCarthy, OnScene News


This morning’s MidJersey.News story:


DEVELOPING: Lawrence High School Locked Down When Weapon Brought to School

December 8, 2021

LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Lawrence Township High School was locked down this morning when it was reported a student brought a weapon to school. Police responded immediately and searched for additional weapons.

Shortly after 11:00 a.m. the situation was reportedly under control and there was no imminent threat to students. The building has been cleared by police. The school is in the process of returning belongings to students that were searched.

This is a developing story check back for further information as it is released.


Just for everyone’s information, the police are at Lawrence High School and there is no imminent threat at this time. An active investigation is being conducted and further information will be released in the near future



On Behalf of Dr. Adam:

Hello Lawrence High School,

I would like to thank you all for your patience and cooperation. Lawrence High School is now clear. We received information that a student brought a weapon to school which caused us to lock down the building. Once it was determined that there was no imminent threat to our students, staff or the school, we moved to a shelter in place (Lockdown with instruction).

With the support of the Lawrence Township Police Department and the Mercer County Prosecutors office, we searched all backpacks and belongings, which verified that there are no additional weapons.

At this time the building has been cleared.

We understand that this situation has been concerning but we thank you for your patience, as our #1 priority is to ensure that our students are safe and our building is secure. For any students or staff that needs to speak with someone, the counselors will be available.

We are in the process of returning all belongings to the students. Please note that there was no administrative directive to take away students’ cell phones, but it is possible that some were left in backpacks during the search process.

Again, we thank you for your patience and cooperation this morning!






Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron Trains at Joint Base

December 8, 2021

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, NJ –Over the weekend the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 773 trained on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.

In photos below Marine Soldiers prepare for a Dive Fire Aerial Gunnery exercise on Range 85 on Fort Dix, NJ Ranges. The Aerial Gunner is to make sure all weapons systems are functioning properly and are properly secured for safety and usage reasons. The Special Duty Assignment position is responsible for operating the airborne weapon systems and equipment.