BORDENTOWN CITY (BURLINGTON)– Firefighters extinguished a vehicle fire that broke out at a car wash this evening in Bordentown City.
Members of the Consolidated Fire Association, a fire department in Bordentown City, responded to the Valet Auto Wash in the 800 block of US-206 just after 5:00pm on a reported vehicle fire. Crews arrived and found a vehicle well involved in fire and stretched a 1 3/4 inch line from the bumper to extinguish the fire.
It is reported that the vehicle was inside of the car wash at the time of the fire, but luckily was able to pushed out by the owner and employees.
“Forensic previews conducted on those devices revealed a second-degree amount of child pornography depicting children as young as five years old. Additionally, detectives located several videos depicting Richtman performing sexual acts on a horse.”
January 31, 2022
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported today that an investigation into online child exploitation has resulted in the arrest of an East Windsor man.
Mitchell B. Richtman, 31, of East Windsor, NJ, is charged with second-degree possession of child pornography and fourth-degree animal cruelty. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain Richtman pending trial.
Detectives with the prosecutor’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit recently received information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that an individual in Mercer County was uploading child pornography. An investigation was initiated and Richtman was identified as a suspect. On Thursday, January 27, 2022, detectives with the ICAC unit executed a search warrant at Richtman’s residence in East Windsor. He was detained without incident and several electronic devices were seized. Forensic previews conducted on those devices revealed a second-degree amount of child pornography depicting children as young as five years old. Additionally, detectives located several videos depicting Richtman performing sexual acts on a horse.
Second-degree crimes carry a sentence of 5 to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000. Fourth-degree crimes carry a sentence of up to 18 months in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Prosecutor Onofri urges anyone with information about suspected improper contact by unknown persons communicating with children via the internet or possible exploitation or sexual abuse of children to please contact his Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit at 609-989-6568 or the New Jersey Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force tip line at 888-648-6007.
Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Mitchell B. Richtman, 31, of East Windsor, NJ Mitchell B. Richtman, 31, of East Windsor, NJ, is charged with second-degree possession of child pornography and fourth-degree animal cruelty. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain Richtman pending trial. Forensic previews conducted on those devices revealed a second-degree amount of child pornography depicting children as young as five years old. Additionally, detectives located several videos depicting Richtman performing sexual acts on a horse.
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Around 9:30 a.m. the Robbinsville Police and Fire Department were dispatched to the area of 1369 Route 130 for a traffic accident with wires down across the roadway.
Police and firefighters responded and the incident involved a tractor-trailer, tow truck and a boom truck. A utility pole was snapped on the south bound side and the support pole across the roadway was also broken off at the base. Fluids leaked out from a downed transformer.
The Mercer County Fire Police, NJ Department of Transportation and NJ State Police also assisted in traffic detours in the area.
Currently the south bound lane of Route 130 is closed between North Main Street-Voelbel and Windor Road-Church Street.
Power was out in the area and most customers have been resorted except those closest to the incident.
NJ DOT – TOC South: Crash and Downed pole and Downed wires and Transformer fire on US 130 southbound North of Church Rd (Robbinsville) All lanes closed and detoured follow detour. use caution
Note: This article will be updated as information comes in from the scene:
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Trenton Fire Department was dispatched to the 300 Block of Genesee Street near Beatty Street for a house fire at 10:17 p.m. Responding units reported smoke showing and an “all hands” was called at 10:19 p.m. Fire was reported on all floors of a 2 1/2 story middle of the row. Firefighters conducting a primary search found two victims, three BLS Trenton EMS units and two Capital Health Paramedic ALS units were called to the scene.
A 2nd Alarm was called at 10:43 p.m., command reported that there was heavy fire and four handlines were stretched and in operation. Two victims were transported to Captial Health Regional Medical Center. 10:50 p.m. Signal 22 Canteen Unit was activated.
10:52 p.m. the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office investigators and the Mercer County Fire Marshal was called to the scene.
10:59 p.m. Command reports fire on rear and right side of 345 and additional fire extending to 343.
11:10 p.m. reports of fire though the roof.
11:18 FM-1 on scene. (Fire Marshal)
11:29 p.m. A Fire Marshal from the NJ State Division of Fire Safety was requested to the scene.
11:30 p.m. Command reports that there is still fire in the original fire building and two exposures to the right of the main fire building. (Exposures D and D-1)
11:31 p.m. Requesting an additional Special Service Unit to refill air bottles. Hamilton Township Fire Department Special Service 18 was called.
11:53 p.m. Fire placed under control.
This is a preliminary Breaking News report from radio reports and reporters who are on scene. As additional details become available the story will be updated.
Video by: William Torres
Firefighters battle a house fire on Genesee Street photos by: Michael Ratcliffe Photos by: Tyler EckelPhotos by: William Torres
HILLSIDE, NJ (UNION)–A man was arrested Friday morning at his Trenton home after being criminally charged with running over and killing his girlfriend in Hillside in December, Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel and Hillside Police Chief Vincent Ricciardi jointly announced Sunday.
Daaim J. Boykins, 40, is charged with first-degree murder and second-degree possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes in connection with the death of Schwnaire Jones, 36 of Willingboro.
Shortly before 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 5, 2021, members of the Hillside Police Department responded to the area of 41 King Street and found Jones — who had sustained critical injuries as a result of being intentionally struck by a vehicle — laying on the sidewalk. She was subsequently pronounced dead, according to Union County Assistant Prosecutor Michael Cleaver, who is prosecuting the case.
An investigation led by the Union County Homicide Task Force and the Hillside Police Department, and with the assistance of the Union County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Unit, the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office and the Trenton Police Department, resulted in the identification of Boykins as the murder suspect and led to his eventual capture and arrest.
“We are grateful for the collaboration from the local law enforcement agencies who assisted our Office in locating and apprehending the suspect,” Prosecutor Daniel said. “And we hope that this arrest can bring some small measure of comfort to all those grieving Ms. Jones.”
Anyone with information about this matter is still urged to contact Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Task Force Sgt. Lamar Hartsfield at 908-451-1873, Homicide Task Force Officer Ariel Franjul at 908-347-2212 or Hillside Police Det. Jose Aguiar at 732-221-0910.
Convictions on crimes of this nature are commonly punishable by terms of up to life in state prison.
These criminal charges are mere accusations. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Winter weather has officially settled into New Jersey, and with the weather comes opportunities for winter fun. However, full layers of ice have not been able to form due to fluctuations in temperatures. That means ponds, rivers and lakes may not be as frozen as they look and are dangerous for ice skating, ice fishing and snowmobiling. Ice thickness, particularly in lower elevations and coastal areas, can be inconsistent and often unsafe. The best way to stay safe is by paying attention to warning signs and to STAY OFF THE ICE!
NOAA graphic for Minimum ice thickness guidelines for new clear ice only. If ice is not clear double the thickness. No ice is safe ice stay off.
Sign posted at the Mill Pond in Allentown, New Jersey on January 30, 2022Allentown Mill Pond January 30, 2022, Stay off the ice. Ice Conditions at Town Center Robbinsville, stay off the ice. 1/30/2022Ice Conditions at Peddie Lake in Hightstown, NJ 1/30/2022 stay off the ice. Ice conditions at Etra Lake, East Windsor, NJ on January 30, 2022. A brave fisherman sets up an ice fishing shelter on Etra Lake this morning. (Not recommended) Ice conditions at lake Assunpink in Upper Freehold Township, stay off the ice.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The National Westher Service confirmed Blizzard Conditions along the entire coastal strip of New Jersey from Cape May to Sandy Hook, NJ during the Nor’easter of January 28 and 29, 2022. A blizzard is defined as three or more hours of visibility reductions to one quarter mile or less due to falling or blowing snow, and sustained winds or frequent gusts of 35 mph or greater. Shore areas received 11 to 21 inches of snow reported.
Moving further west inland towards Trenton areas of Western Monmouth, Western Ocean, and Western Burlington and Mercer County received around 9 to 10 inches of snow. Further north in the areas north of our reporting area such as Hunterdon, Warren, Morris, Passaic and Sussex Counties received 2.1 to 5.6 inches of snow.
Jersey Shore Fire Response Live Video from January 29, 2022Robbinsville-Allentown area received around 9 inches of snow. Robbinsville Town Center and Foxmoor Area on January 30, 2022Allentown Mill Pond on January 30, 2022Assunpink Lake in Upper Freehold Township, NJ on January 30, 2022Hamilton Township, NJ January 30, 2022East Windsor Township, NJ January 30, 2022Hightstown, NJ January 30, 2022
BRADLEY BEACH, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Around 11:11 p.m. last night January 27, 2022, Bradley Beach received a 9-1-1 call for a possible structure fire at 900 Ocean Avenue. When Police arrived, it was confirmed as a working fire. A full first alarm was called for sending additional resources to the scene. In a short period of time fire was upgraded to a 2nd Alarm. Firefighters had heavy fire on the rear of one house that extended to two other structures. Firefighters were able to make a quick knock down of the fire. Firefighters remained on scene for a couple of hours for overhaul before clearing. Around 5:00 a.m. this morning firefighters were sent back to the scene for reported fire on the second floor. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.
NEWARK – Acting Attorney General Andrew J. Bruck announced today that the Division of Consumer Affairs is taking action to address the sale of license plate frames and holders that violate New Jersey law and can result in drivers being pulled over.
In a letter to New Jersey motor vehicle dealers, the Division is putting merchants on notice that state law requires all markings on a license plate to be legible or identifiable. According to a recent New Jersey Supreme Court decision, a driver is in violation of the law if their license plate frame or holder conceals or obscures a marking on the plate – like the words “Garden State” or “New Jersey” – so that the marking cannot be reasonably identified.
The letter notes that merchants may be held accountable if they sell or advertise unlawful license plate frames or holders (or vehicles with such frames or holders) without adequately informing consumers that they may violate state law if they use the frame or holder.
“It should go without saying that drivers buying cars in New Jersey should not be sold products that violate state laws,” said Acting Attorney General Andrew Bruck. “With today’s common sense action, we are addressing unlawful license plate frames and holders at their source. By promoting compliance among motor vehicle dealers and other merchants, we hope to reduce the number of drivers who are violating the law unintentionally and getting pulled over as a result.”
The Division is issuing this letter to ensure merchants are aware that selling vehicles with—or advertising—license plate frames or identification marker holders that may conceal or obscure a marking on the license plate in a way that the marking cannot reasonably be identified or discerned may cause them to violate the Consumer Fraud Act. Specifically, businesses offering such frames or holders in New Jersey have a duty to inform consumers that driving with them may cause the consumer to violate New Jersey law.
Similarly, drivers should also be aware they may be ticketed for an obstructed plate violation, even if they didn’t put the holder or frame on their vehicle. Drivers are subject to a fine not exceeding $100 for the first violation or $200 for a subsequent violation, and may be subject to a term of imprisonment in the event of a default.
“Many license plate frames comply with the law, but both merchants and drivers should know exactly what the law prohibits,” said Sean P. Neafsey, Acting Director of the Division. “The purpose of the letter is to provide information to dealers and also to prompt consumers to check their vehicles and avoid potential violations by removing frames that obstruct the marking on their license plates.”
Consumers who believe they have been cheated or scammed by a business, or suspect any other form of consumer abuse, can file an online complaint with the State Division of Consumer Affairs by visiting its website or by calling 1-800-242-5846 to receive a complaint form by mail.
Systemwide Cross Honoring in Effect on Saturday, Regular Weekday and Weekend Service will Operate Friday and Saturday as Conditions Warrant
January 28, 2022
All NJ TRANSIT services will operate on a regular weekday schedule today, Friday, January 28, 2022 and on regular weekend schedules on Saturday, January 29, 2022 for as long as weather and road conditions safely permit. Customers may see the possibility of delays, detours and potential service cancellations if storm conditions intensify.
Beginning Saturday, January 29 for customers of Bus Route No. 197, NJ TRANSIT rail will cross-honor bus passes and tickets on the Port Jervis Line trains to/from Harriman, Tuxedo and Sloatsburg through the end of the service day on Sunday. Bus service to/from Warwick, N.Y., will originate/terminate at West Milford Park & Ride due to weather conditions.
Cross-honoring will be in effect for rail, light rail, NJ TRANSIT bus and private carrier bus service on Saturday, January 29. Customers should check njtransit.com for updates.
For example, customers who normally take the bus from Rutherford to the Port Authority Bus Terminal may use their bus pass or ticket on the train from Rutherford to New York Penn Station. Customers using their tickets or passes to travel to a destination other than the destination printed on their original ticket will be subject to the appropriate additional fare if applicable.
For the safety of our customers and employees, weather conditions may require temporary service suspensions. Should that occur, NJ TRANSIT will make every effort to provide customers with up to four hours’ notice to allow for sufficient time to make return travel arrangements. Customers are encouraged to continuously monitor njtransit.com or the NJ TRANSIT mobile app for the latest service information.
NJ TRANSIT’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will be open and closely monitoring weather forecasts and conditions as the storm develops. Key personnel will monitor any impacts to the system throughout the duration of the storm.
Customers are advised to use extreme caution around bus stops, stations and facilities as slippery conditions may exist. Customers should also build extra travel time into their schedules as delays and cancellations are possible as a result of the storm’s impact.
Rail cars and locomotives have been “winterized,” a process that includes checking onboard heating systems, ventilation, thermostats, weather stripping and electronic components, as well as changing locomotive filters and fuel from a summer blend to a winter blend.
NJ TRANSIT’s preventative maintenance program also includes the inspection and winter maintenance of more than 750 switches and switch heaters, overhead wire systems, 12 moveable bridges and wayside power at storage yards and terminals.
Two jet-engine-powered snow blowers are available to remove ice and snow from tracks and critical switching areas. In addition, all locomotives are equipped with snowplows to clear snow from the rails.
NJ TRANSIT Rail Operations has approximately 20,000 pounds of salt on hand with the ability to obtain an additional 100,000 pounds, if needed.
In addition, our year-round tree trimming program proactively minimizes downed trees or limbs along the right-of-way and on our overhead electrical system, personnel are on standby to quickly respond to reports of trees or limbs that could damage overhead wires or prevent safe passage of trains. Our year-round tree trimming program is part of our preventative maintenance program.
Bus Operations
Bus maintenance personnel have checked the heating systems, engine fluids, tires, windshield wipers, doors and airbrake systems on NJ TRANSIT’s 2,200 buses.
Bus snow-fighting equipment has been readied and ice/snow-inhibiting supplies have been restocked for winter to keep 52 bus loops, terminals and lots cleared throughout the state.
Light Rail Operations
Snowplows are ready to clear station platforms and park/ride lots.
Switch heaters have been tested throughout NJ TRANSIT’s three light rail systems.
Necessary supplies such as calcium chloride, snow shovels, and scrapers are available and strategically located on the system.
Snow blowers and backup generators have been checked to ensure they are in working order.
Subcontractors are under contract to assist work crews in clearing all light rail stations, walkways, and park/ride facilities.
Management staff for all three lines will be coordinating with local municipalities to discuss snow removal in the light rail’s downtown ‘street running’ territory.
Access Link
Access Link anticipates offering regular weekday service, but modifications may be made if severe weather conditions warrant. Customers should continue to monitor the weather as modifications or delays may occur.
Stations and Terminals
All rail stations equipped with heaters have been inspected to ensure that they are in proper working order.
Staff will monitor platform conditions to ensure safe walking conditions.
Travel Advice:
Before starting your trip, visit njtransit.com for up-to-the-minute service information.
Customers are encouraged to download or update the NJ TRANSIT mobile app to set up and receive customized service alert information via push notifications. Visit the You Tube video for easy instructions on setting up custom push notifications.
Stay connected to NJ TRANSIT social media during your commute. Find and follow your rail, bus or light rail-specific Twitter accounts for the best information:
Sign up for the My Transit alert system on njtransit.com, which delivers travel advisories for your specific trip to your cell phone via email or text.
Allow extra time getting to and from your destination. Use extreme caution when walking on exposed sidewalks or station platforms and when boarding trains and buses.
Listen closely to public address announcements at stations for late-breaking service information.
A blizzard warning has been issued for Monmouth, Ocean, Atlantic, and Cape May Counties in NJ and coastal Sussex County DE.
NWS Graphics
Blizzard Warning
...BLIZZARD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO 7 PM EST
SATURDAY...
* WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations of
8 to 15 inches. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph.
* WHERE...The coastal counties of New Jersey, and coastal sections
of Sussex County in Delaware.
* WHEN...From 7 PM this evening to 7 PM EST Saturday.
* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Areas
of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. Gusty
winds could bring down tree branches.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow is expected to begin on Friday
evening, with snow becoming heavy after midnight. The most
likely time for blizzard conditions is late Friday night through
midday Saturday. Blizzard conditions are primarily expected at
or within a few miles from the coast. Snow will wind down
Saturday afternoon.
By definition, a blizzard includes 35+ mph winds that cause blowing snow, reducing visibility to 1/4 mile or less for at least 3 hours. Whether or not the snow falls during the time of the blizzard, dangerous conditions can result.
RIVERSIDE, NJ (BURLINGTON)–Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina announced that a New York developer who purchased a historic Riverside commercial building to create luxury apartments in the seven-story landmark has pled guilty to using the credentials of a potential subcontractor to fraudulently gain approval for electrical permits from the township construction office.
Under an agreement with the Prosecutor’s Office, Raphael S. Weiss, 61, of Brooklyn, pled guilty to Computer Related Activity (Second Degree) and Forgery (Third Degree) in exchange for a suspended five-year sentence.
The plea was entered yesterday in Superior Court before the Hon. Philip E. Haines, J.S.C., who scheduled sentencing for March 23. Leading up to that proceeding, Weiss’s attorney and Riverside officials have agreed to work together for Weiss to surrender the property to another developer, and to ensure all liens have been satisfied.
“We are pleased that the defendant has accepted responsibility for his crimes and more importantly, that Riverside soon will be able to move forward with this project with a responsible developer,” Prosecutor Coffina said. “We know how important the Keystone Watch Case Co. is to Riverside’s past, present and future, and look forward to seeing this beautiful building brought back to life, and the positive impact it will have on this community.”
The investigation began in 2020 after a contractor who was negotiating with Weiss to be the electrician of record on the Keystone Watch Case Co. building redevelopment project noticed that electrical work had begun at the North Pavilion Avenue site, even though no formal agreement had been finalized and he had not applied for any permits.
After being denied access to the construction site by Weiss, the electrician went to the Township construction office and was told that 36 permits had already been issued in his name and in the name of his business for work to be done at the property.
Further examination revealed that the electrician’s signature had been forged on the permits, which were applied for by Weiss, and a counterfeit version of the contractor’s state-issued embossing seal had been used to make an imprint.
The investigation revealed that Weiss initiated the scheme as a way to reduce construction costs by fraudulently utilizing the credentials of the licensed electrician to obtain the necessary permits, then hiring unlicensed, unqualified laborers to complete the work at a much less expensive rate.
Not only was the action illegal, but it also jeopardized the safety of the project, as demonstrated by the fact that the electrical work completed after the fraudulent permits were obtained failed to pass inspection.
The Keystone Watch Case Co. building was constructed in 1908 and manufactured gold cases for watches. The company employed more than 1,000 employees in 1918, making it the largest watch case manufacturer in the world. The business was treasured as a strong engine in the local economy, with many employees living close enough to walk to work.
The company closed in 1956, and the building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. It was purchased in 2016 by Brooklyn-based SimShabs Capital Partners LTD, of which Weiss is owner and president.
The plans submitted by Weiss to Riverside Township indicated that the iconic landmark, which has a prominent, highly visible clock tower rising above the roofline, would be converted into 64 luxury apartments.
Weiss is being prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Joseph Remy, supervisor of the BCPO Financial Crimes Unit, and Assistant Prosecutor Andrew McDonnell, supervisor of the BCPO Insurance Fraud Unit.
The investigation was conducted by detectives from the BCPO Financial Crimes Unit and the Riverside Township Police Department. The lead investigators are BCPO Detective Nicholas Schieber and Riverside Lt. Louis Fisher.
Raphael S. Weiss, 61, of Brooklyn Under an agreement with the Prosecutor’s Office, Raphael S. Weiss, 61, of Brooklyn, pled guilty to Computer Related Activity (Second Degree) and Forgery (Third Degree) in exchange for a suspended five-year sentence.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri today announced that a month-long investigation into narcotics distribution in the Trenton area has culminated with the arrest of a Jersey City man and the seizure of approximately $100,000 in cocaine.
On Tuesday, January 25, 2022, as part of an ongoing investigation, members of the Mercer County Narcotics Task Force, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration were conducting surveillance in the city. As a result of the investigation and surveillance, detectives conducted a motor vehicle stop of a silver BMW in the area of Parkway Avenue. MCPO Detective Tom Paglione subsequently utilized his narcotic canine, Indy, to conduct an exterior and interior sniff of the vehicle. Indy alerted to the scent of a narcotic odor inside the BMW and a search revealed a plastic bag containing a kilogram of powder cocaine on the rear floor next to the rear center console.
Hector Perez-Suarez, 31, of Jersey City, was detained without incident. A search of his person revealed $2,100 in cash. Perez-Suarez was charged with first-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession with the intent to distribute. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain him pending trial.
According to Prosecutor Onofri, the total street value of the confiscated cocaine is $100,000.
Despite having been charged, all persons are presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–MidJersey.News was alerted this afternoon about the clickbait website Daily Voice using MidJersey.News copyrighted material in one of their online stories that was shared on Facebook. The clearly marked copyrighted work was taken from the fire department’s website and shared on their website.
MidJersey.news has reached out by emailing the Daily Voice at 3:44 p.m. to remove the copyrighted work. As of 4:34 p.m. MidJersey.news has not received a reply why the clearly marked material was stolen and used on their site.
25 Grant Recipients of $8.2 Million in Community-Based Violence Intervention Funding, the Largest Such Program in State History
January 27, 2022
Governor Phil Murphy and Acting Attorney General Andrew J. Bruck today announced a $7 million investment in gunshot detection technology and other law enforcement equipment to reduce gun violence using federal American Rescue Plan funds. In addition, Governor Murphy and Acting Attorney General Bruck announced that 25 non-profit organizations will receive $8.2 million in grant funding for community-based violence intervention (CBVI) programming, the largest such investment in New Jersey’s history.
“Combating gun violence is a multi-faceted problem that requires a multi-faceted approach,” said Governor Murphy. “The funding announced today will provide resources to both law enforcement agencies and community partners, equipping them with much-needed resources as we continue to fight the epidemic of gun violence. Today’s announcement allows us to make our communities safer while we continue advocating for commonsense gun safety measures.”
“Today’s historic investment in gun violence prevention reflects the Murphy Administration’s commitment to protecting the safety of all New Jersey residents,” said Acting Attorney General Bruck. “I applaud Governor Murphy for recognizing that we cannot reduce gun violence unless we invest in both law enforcement and the community, and for demonstrating that one of the best ways to strengthen public trust is by ensuring public safety.”
New Jersey is investing $7 million in technology-driven violence reduction to allow communities across New Jersey to acquire and enhance gunshot detection technology and related infrastructure improvements, making it easier for first responders and law enforcement to more effectively respond to—and reduce—gun violence in New Jersey’s communities. This funding comes amid a national spike in gun violence.
The funding will allow recipients to acquire a fully integrated network of three distinct systems, including an acoustic detection system, a video management system, and a system of automatic license plate readers. When combined, these systems allow first responders to more quickly render lifesaving medical aid to victims of gun violence and assist law enforcement in identifying shooters, leading to faster apprehension and reduced instances of retaliatory violence.
Through this investment, agencies like the Paterson Police Department will be able to direct resources to areas where they are most necessary and at the exact time when such service means the difference between life and death. The technology will also help prosecutors obtain the kind of evidence necessary to meet their burden of proof and uphold community faith in the justice system.
“The $7 million we announced today for New Jersey police departments will help provide state-of-the-art technologies to combat the scourge of gun violence in our communities,” said U.S. Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. “This funding comes directly from President Biden’s American Rescue Plan, which I proudly helped pass last year. With it, our communities’ Finest will have the tools and resources they need to prevent and respond to gun violence. As we continue to mourn the tragic loss of Robert Cuadra, let us redouble our efforts to stomp-out gun violence in our streets. Enough is enough.”
“Gun violence has impacted far too many precious lives in Paterson and across our state,” said Assembly members Shavonda Sumter and Benjie Wimberly, whose district includes Paterson. “This senseless violence is upending the lives of families and our communities. The funding announced today by Governor Murphy and Acting Attorney General Bruck will help us combat the violence on our streets by both empowering law enforcement and community-based organizations that do critical groundwork. We must continue to work to create secure and healthy environments for all. We look forward to working with the administration to continue making Paterson safe.”
“Public safety is a high priority in Paterson,” said Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh. “We are combating gun violence in Paterson and this initiative will enhance our efforts. We appreciate the Governor’s leadership in making Paterson a safer city.”
Also announced today are the recipients of $8.2 million in state grant dollars for violence intervention programs, including 25 community organizations in 15 municipalities covering every region of the state. This historic investment will support intervention strategies that provide alternatives to violence and embody a community-based public safety model.
Among the recipients are two non-profit organizations that serve the Paterson area: Reimagining Justice, Inc. and the Juvenile Education and Awareness Project, both of which work to build community support for violence reduction. In 2021, law enforcement reported 110 shooting incidents in Paterson, resulting in 18 homicides by gunfire.
“The NJVIP community advocates have worked tirelessly to advocate for investment for community based public safety organizations to get meaningful investment for the lifesaving boot-on-the-ground work we have been doing in our communities to end gun violence,” said Dr. Liza Chowdhury of Reimagining Justice. “This investment today will help our organizations address the pain people face in communities most impacted by violence, provide desperately needed resources that help communities thrive and do the important prevention work that is needed so we don’t have to wait for someone to be the next gunshot victim. We thank the Governor’s office and leaders around the state who continue to support our work and honor their commitment by their investment.”
The complete list of grant recipients receiving funding under the CBVI program is as follows:
1. Juvenile Education and Awareness Project, Passaic ($47,087) 2. Reimagining Justice, Inc., Paterson ($500,000) 3. Newark Community Street Team, Inc., Newark ($499,996) 4. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Coastal & Northern NJ, Asbury Park ($93,416) 5. Mighty Writers, Camden ($500,000) 6. Advocacy Foundation, Inc., Atlantic County ($365,758) 7. HMH Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune ($499,957) 8. Hope and Future, Inc., West New York ($250,000) 9. James R Halsey Foundation of the Arts, Trenton ($50,000) 10. After School All Stars New Jersey, Newark ($118,950) 11. Salvation and Social Justice, Trenton ($500,000) 12. Center For Family Services, Inc., Camden ($245,008) 13. United Community Corporation, Newark ($500,000) 14. Life Worth Living, Inc., Bridgeton ($430,885) 15. Elizabeth Youth Theatre Ensemble, Elizabeth ($380,240) 16. Prevention Education, Inc. T/A PEI Kids, Lawrence ($348,990) 17. United Advocacy Group, Inc., Bridgeton ($261,310) 18. The Alcove Center for Grieving Children and Families, Inc., Galloway ($52,545) 19. Anti-Violence Coalition of Hudson County, Jersey City ($500,000) 20. Nicholas Luciano Safe Way Out A NJ Nonprofit, Mount Laurel ($200,000) 21. Inside Outside Circle Foundation, Newark ($181,153) 22. The HUBB Arts & Trauma Center (FP YouthOutCry Foundation, Inc.), Newark ($487,343) 23. Hear My Cries A NJ Nonprofit Organization, Newark ($498,000) 24. REFAL, INC., Newark ($500,000) 25. Weequahic Park Environmental Authority, Newark ($227,000)
These violence intervention and reduction announcements are part of the Murphy Administration’s ongoing efforts to prevent gun violence by addressing the root causes of violence, supporting innovative policing initiatives, building the technological infrastructure to improve response times, and engaging and empowering traditionally underserved communities to cope with the trauma gun violence leaves in its wake.
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