TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–According to the Mercer County Prosecutors Office, just after 9 p.m., Trenton police responded to a residence in the 100 block of Liberty Street on the report of a teenager shot. Upon arrival, they located a 16-year-old male suffering a gunshot wound to the face. He was pronounced dead at the scene. There were other teenagers present in the house and a gun was at the scene. Trenton Police and the Mercer County Homicide Task Force are investigating the circumstances surrounding the teen’s death.
This is a developing story check back for further details.
Names of the 2022 homicide victims in the City of Trenton:
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–In a prepared statement from Governor Phil Murphy’s Office:
“This afternoon, as part of a regularly-scheduled testing regime, Governor Murphy took a rapid antigen test that came back positive for COVID-19. He subsequently took a PCR test, which also came back positive. He is currently asymptomatic and feeling well.
“The contact tracing process has begun to notify everyone who may have come into contact with the Governor during the potential infection window. Per CDC guidance, the Governor will cancel in-person events, isolate for the next five days, and continue to monitor for symptoms before taking an additional PCR test.
“The Governor has diligently taken precautions to limit the spread of COVID-19 and encourages everyone eligible to get vaccinated and boosted, as he has done, to protect themselves and their loved ones from the virus.”
Governor Phil Murphy, File Photo, Murphy is currently asymptomatic and feeling well.
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ – On March 27, the Robbinsville Democratic Club purchased $1000 in medical supplies and donated an additional $1000 by check to support the humanitarian efforts of St. George Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Hamilton, NJ, which is gathering and shipping much-needed supplies directly to the people of Ukraine. The Club is collecting supplies locally and fundraising indefinitely, as Ukraine and its allies respond to the Russian invasion.
“We began this fundraising drive with the goal to raise $500 for supplies, but we had such an overwhelming response from our generous Club members, friends, and family that we decided to do even more,” says Kiran Agrahara, the Club’s president. “We decided to set a goal of raising $1000 for supplies and $1000 to offset shipping costs, as it costs thousands of dollars to send just one truck’s worth of supplies to Ukraine. We are thrilled to say we met that goal.”
The partnership between the Robbinsville Democratic Club and St. George began a little over a month ago, when Natalia Krupa, the church’s donation drive liaison, posted to a local Facebook group that she was seeking cardboard boxes to use for shipments abroad. Heidi Wolfinger, the Club’s philanthropy committee chair, reached out to determine how the Club could support the church in its efforts, and has since become a hub for residents in Robbinsville and surrounding towns who want to help. In addition to the $2000 raised via its GoFundMe campaign, the Club has also donated bags upon bags of clothing, personal hygiene products, and medical supplies collected from residents in Robbinsville and communities nearby.
“The support from Robbinsville and surrounding towns for the Ukrainian people has been inspiring,” says Wolfinger. “Sadly, the need for support is not over, as the war rages in Ukraine. As we watch the devastation, thousands of miles away, knowing that we are doing our best to support their efforts is some solace. Democracy is not guaranteed or free. It needs daily tending and the war in Ukraine is evidence of that. Thank you, to everyone who has donated so far.”
People interested in donating supplies should visit the Robbinsville Democratic Club’s Facebook page for drop-off locations as well as the most up-to-date list of humanitarian needs (it shifts as conditions on the ground change). Alternatively, people can donate to this fundraising link, where 100 percent of proceeds will be used each week to purchase high-priority donation items.
“We want to thank the Robbinsville Democratic Club for its generous donation and continued assistance to the St. George Ukrainian Orthodox Church,” says Krupa. “The Robbinsville Democratic Club has gone above and beyond to help and support people in crisis in Ukraine.”
In addition to this effort, the Robbinsville Democratic Club is raising money for a Robbinsville High School scholarship, coordinating a Pride event and LGBTQ forum in June, and spearheading a Juneteenth celebration. Prospective members and friends can contact the Robbinsville Democratic Club executive board at robbinsvilledemclub@gmail.com.
About the Robbinsville Democratic Club The Robbinsville Democratic Club was founded in 2019 to give Democrats in Robbinsville a place to discuss issues central to the Democratic platform and get involved to make positive change locally and beyond. Membership is open to students and adults in Robbinsville and surrounding communities. For more information, visit www.robbinsvilledemocraticclub.org
BRIELLE, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Yesterday March 30, 2022, Brielle Police and Fire Departments responded to a pickup truck on fire at a residence in the 400 Block of Riverview Lane. Residents and Police used extinguishers and a garden hose to keep the flames from extending into a nearby garage. Once firefighters arrived, they pulled a handline off the fire engine and extinguished the fire. There appeared to be some minor extension to the garage. No other information is available about the fire.
BORDENTOWN CITY, NJ (BURLINGTON)–Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina announced that a Superior Court jury deliberated less than two hours before convicting a 58-year-old Trenton man of robbing a Bordentown City bank of nearly $7,000 in January 2020.
George T. Rodgers, of Jarvis Place, was found guilty yesterday of one count of Robbery (Second Degree). The Hon. Gerard H. Breland, J.S.C., scheduled sentencing for May 27.
Rodgers has been lodged in the Burlington County Jail in Mount Holly since being taken into custody just hours after holding up the bank.
The investigation began around noon on January 14, 2020, after officers were dispatched to the Investor’s Bank in the 200 block of Route 130 for a report of a robbery. The investigation revealed that the suspect approached the bank on a bicycle, then entered wearing a ski mask and passed the teller a note that read, “Give me the money, no dye bags.”
The suspect received $6,779 in cash, which he placed inside a purple Crown Royal whiskey bag before fleeing on his bicycle. The investigation further revealed that the suspect then pedaled to a Hyundai Santa Fe parked at a nearby restaurant, placed the bicycle in the rear of the SUV, entered the vehicle and drove off on Route 130 North.
Investigators were able to locate the vehicle later that day and, upon making a traffic stop, discovered Rodgers behind the wheel. The bicycle, the Crown Royal bag, a ski mask and $4,700 in cash were discovered inside of his residence.
The case was investigated by the Bordentown City Police Department and the Bordentown Township Police Department. Rodgers is being prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Julian Harris.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Today in Trenton, local leaders from Amazon and the City of Trenton hosted a Women’s History Month program honoring two local advocacy organizations: Womanspace and Dress for Success of Central New Jersey.
“We’re here to celebrate Amazon’s partnership, not only with the city but with Womanspace and Dress for Success,” said Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora. “It was amazing to see two trucks pull up that fulfilled two organization’s wish lists so they can continue in their operations and continue to provide the programming that the women of Trenton and surrounding areas deserve.”
The program, which took place at Trenton City Hall, saw Amazon deliver two vans full of wish list items for Womanspace and Dress for Success of Central New Jersey. Both agencies are non-profits that serve women and families. Womanspace provides comprehensive services to those impacted by domestic and sexual violence. Dress for Success of Central New Jersey offers women a network of support, professional attire, and development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.
Donated items from Amazon included electronics like televisions, kitchen and home goods, toiletries, and children’s items.
“I am so grateful to work with the City of Trenton, Womanspace, and Dress for Success of Central New Jersey,” said Erin Hall, a leader of the Women@Amazon employee resource group in New Jersey. “To focus on Women’s History Month, we are so proud to tout everything Womanspace – which houses women who have gone through domestic violence situations and Dress for Success which helps women find jobs – do to help our community.”
Mayor Gusciora, who emceed today’s event, was joined by the city’s Health and Human Services Director Dr. Adela Ames Lopez, who called the partnerships Amazon has forged with Trenton, Womanspace, and Dress for Success of Central New Jersey “true win for the city of Trenton.”
For their parts, Womanspace and Dress for Success of Central New Jersey expressed their gratitude for Amazon’s donations and detailed the work they do to help women and families.
“Womanspace helps survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault,” said Nathalie Nelson, CEO and President of Womanspace. “We run three hotlines. We have different programs such as our emergency shelter. We have our transitional housing, as well as our counseling and support. We are so grateful for Amazon. They have helped us in so many ways. They help all of our clients.”
“Women come to our organization to empower themselves, to get the skills and clothes they need to become successful in the working world because economic empowerment is what we’re all about,” said Aileen Kornblatt of Dress for Success of Central New Jersey.
In addition to these donations, Amazon also detailed a volunteering agreement it has with both Womanspace and Dressed for Success. This will include resume assistance, interview training, outreach regarding job openings , and general efforts meant to help both organizations.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri announced that Isiah M. Roberts, 19 of the 1400 Block of South Clinton Ave., Trenton was arrested in connection with the murder of Sequoya Bacon-Jones age 9 of Kingsbury Square. Roberts has been charged with Murder, 2nd Degree Aggravated Assault, 4th Degree Aggravated Assault for pointing a weapon, 3 counts of Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in the 2nd Degree. At 7:27 p.m., On March 25, 2022 Trenton Police Officers were detailed to Kingsbury Square on reports of shots fired. Two Trenton Police Officers found Sequoya on the ground suffering from a gunshot wound with several citizens rendering aid and Sequoya’s mother was there too rendering aid. The two officers rushed to render aid and brought Sequoya to their police car for possible transport to Captial Health Trauma Center. Trenton EMS arrived on scene and transferred Sequoya to their ambulance one of the police officers along with EMS transported Sequoya to Capital Health Regional Medical Center Trauma Unit. Sequoya was taken into surgery where the surgeon was able to stabilize Sequoya. She sustained a single gunshot wound to the upper body and the gunshot wound was completely though. Sequoya was transferred to RWJ University Hospital in New Brunswick but passed away at 11:59 p.m.
The Mercer County Homicide Taskforce began their investigation and learned that Sequoya and her brother were playing with other children in the court yard area of the low rise are of Kingsbury. It was determined that two females were in a dispute over a Facebook post and went to the court yard to fight. As the fight was taking place an altercation ensued between Isiah M. Roberts, and another male in the immediate area of the fight. Roberts and the male separated but that altercation made its way into the courtyard where numerous shots were fired. Roberts then fled the area in an Accura which was described by numerous residents of Kingsbury who called 9-1-1.
Detectives conducted numerous interviews, reviewed countless hours of video, and spent hours canvasing the neighborhood for information. The detectives pieced the case together and at 11:45 a.m., yesterday morning March 29, 2022 located the Accura and stopped the vehicle on Deutz Avenue in Hamilton Township. As the vehicle pulled over and before it stopped Isiah M. Roberts jumped out and fled on foot. Detectives from the Homicide Task Force engaged in a long foot pursuit along Route 129 in Hamiton Township. It was later learned that Roberts was fleeing Trenton to East Brunswick, NJ to hide from the authorities. A dragnet was cast over Hamilton to find Roberts by the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, Trenton Police Department, Mercer County Sherriff Office, The NJ State Police, Hamilton Township Police, and the New Jersey Transit Police. At 12:45 p.m. yesterday March 29, 2022, Roberts was arrested as he entered the Delaware River on Lamberton Road.
Mercer County Prosecutor, Angelo J. Onofri thanked numbers residents for calling 9-1-1, caring for Sequoya and providing assistance with information that led to the capture of Isiah M. Roberts.
Isiah M. Roberts, 19, has been arrested and charged in connection to the death of a 9-year-old girl fatally shot in Trenton.A Facebook profile photograph believed to be Isiah Roberts can be located here It shows a younger Isiah Roberts with a gun on the waist band and holding a large amount of money in a kitchen. It has not been confirmed that this is Isiah Roberts but appears to be him with similar features.
Names of the 2022 homicide victims in the City of Trenton:
Angelo J. Onofri Mercer County prosecutor file photo by Brian McCarthyAngelo J. Onofri Mercer County prosecutor file photosMayor W. Reed Gusciora, file photoKingsbury Twin Towers in Trenton, NJ file photoFile photos of other crime scenes at Kingsbury Towers crime scenes by Brian McCarthy
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri announced today that an investigation into a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred in Trenton in August 2021 has resulted in criminal charges being filed against a Bordentown man.
Lemark Norwood, 44, is charged with second-degree leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death and third-degree endangering an injured victim. He was processed and released pending future court proceedings.
On Sunday, August 29, 2021, at approximately 5:15 a.m., Trenton police responded to the intersection of Route 129 and Lalor Street for a hit-and-run motor vehicle collision. Responding officers found Celso Rivera, 35, in the roadway and rendered aid, but Rivera was pronounced dead at the scene.
Trenton Police Detective Nicholas Morgante and Detective Ryan Minnick of the prosecutor’s Serious Collision Response Team worked for months reviewing automated license plate reader data, combing through surveillance camera footage from the area, and identifying and speaking to witnesses who passed through the intersection in the same approximate time frame of the crash. The investigation revealed that, on the morning of the fatal collision, Norwood was operating a blue 2017 Mercedes Benz E400 in the area. When detectives made contact with Norwood at his residence in Bordentown, the Mercedes Benz was parked in the driveway. The vehicle had visible damage to the front hood, including a dent on the driver’s side with a paint chip missing.
Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
JACKSON, NJ (OCEAN)–Jackson Township Police say that on Tuesday March 29, 2022 at 12:21 a.m., multiple officers responded to the area of North New Prospect and Larsen Roads after a passerby reported that a building under construction at a work site on the corner was on fire. There is currently a new apartment complex named The Paragon being built at the location. Responding officers reported that a building at the corner of the property was on fire, with visible flames coming from all three floors of the building. Jackson Stations 54, 55, 56 and 57, along with Southward and Freewood Acres Fire Departments from Howell responded and extinguished the fire. The Ocean County Fire Marshal responded to the scene and the investigation is currently ongoing and is being conducted by Jackson Police Detective Anthony Riso and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office. Anyone with any additional information about this incident is asked to contact Det. Riso at 732-928-1111.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–A Mercer County grand jury recently returned a four-count indictment charging Dwayne Capers with the June 2020 shooting death of 37-year-old Dontae Barnes in Trenton, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported.
Capers, 28, of Trenton, is charged with first-degree murder, second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, second-degree unlawful possession of a handgun and second-degree certain persons not to possess a firearm. He is being held in the Mercer County Correction Center pending trial.
The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department. At approximately 5:20 p.m. on June 2, 2020, police responded to a Shot Spotter activation in the area of Oakland Street and Hoffman Avenue. Upon arrival, police located Barnes on the sidewalk suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
An initial canvas of the scene produced several shell casings and some clothing articles. Area video surveillance was reviewed and footage was obtained capturing the entire incident. An investigative detention order was obtained requiring Capers to provide a DNA sample. Results of a DNA analysis indicated Capers’ DNA profile was found on a tank top shirt recovered after Barnes’ shooting. Capers was arrested on December 23, 2021.
Assistant Prosecutor Rachel Cook presented the case to the grand jury.
Despite having been indicted, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Three New Jersey Lottery tickets matched four of the five white balls and the Powerball drawn for the Saturday, March 26, drawing winning the $50,000 third-tier prize. Those tickets were sold at the following locations:
Mercer County: Foley’s Family Market, 1080 Whitehorse Mercerville Rd., Hamilton.
The winning numbers for the Saturday, March 26, drawing were: 02, 10, 50, 59, and 61. The Red Power Ball number was 06. The Power Playwas 3X. There were 27,520 other New Jersey players who took home an estimated $159,935 in prizes ranging from $4 to $300. The Powerball jackpot rolls to $195,000,000 for the Monday, March 28, drawing.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Homicide Task Force is investigating a gun-related death last night in the Kingsbury Square courtyard, near Cooper Street. The victim is a 9-year-old female Trenton resident.
At 7:30 pm, police responded to a report of a fistfight in a large crowd, as well as an alert from the ShotSpotter system. Private security officers were on the premises at the time of the shooting.
The Trenton Police Department, along with the task force, are asking anyone with information regarding the early evening incident to please contact investigators. The tipline is (609) 989-6406. Information can also be emailed to mchtftips@mercercounty.org.
Mayor Reed Gusciora issued the following statement:
“This horrific incident has taken the life of a child. There were many eyewitnesses to the shooting who can help hold this individual accountable. Please, we must step up together. I’m grieving for the family and friends whose hearts are absolutely broken on this morning. I know investigators are doing everything they can to bring about justice. But they need help from our residents.”
The Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department are investigating a Friday evening shooting in Trenton that claimed the life of a nine-year-old girl, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported.
At approximately 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 25, 2022, Trenton patrol units responded to Kingsbury Square for a Shot Spotter activation and the report of fights breaking out amongst a large group of individuals. Upon arrival, officers located a large crowd outside in a low-rise courtyard and a nine-year old girl suffering a gunshot wound. She was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center, then to Robert Wood Johnson New Brunswick Hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly before midnight. No other shooting injuries were reported.
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. Information can also be emailed to mchtftips@mercercounty.org.
File photos by: Brian McCarthy
Names of the 2022 homicide victims in the City of Trenton:
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Yesterday afternoon around 1:15 p.m. a stabbing was reported at West State Street and North Overbrook Avenue. Trenton Police, Trenton EMS, Capital Health Paramedics and Trenton Fire responded to the scene. The victim was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center it was reported that a Trauma Alert was called. No further information is available at this time.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Union County Prosecutor’s Office has released body camera videos from the police involved shooting on February 12, 2022.
Video below is age restricted 18+ please follow the link to view the video since it contains language and images that may be unacceptable or troubling to viewers.
The case has been handed to the Union County Prosecutor’s Office as per the NJ Attorney General’s guidelines. It was done to prevent any conflicts of interest.
Trenton Body Worn Camera Footage
Disclaimer
The body worn camera footage from this incident is being provided by the Union County Prosecutor’s Office under the authority of N.J.S.A. 40A:14-118.5 and Attorney General Directives 2019-4 and 2022-1.
This footage contains language and images that may be unacceptable or troubling to viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.
PLAINSBORO, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–The Attorney General’s Office today released video footage from four body-worn cameras, two mobile video recorders (MVRs) in law enforcement vehicles, and two Taser cameras related to a fatal police-involved shooting that occurred on Feb. 16, 2022, in Plainsboro, N.J. The decedent has been identified as Atiba Lewis, 45, of Plainsboro. The officer who fired at Mr. Lewis has been identified as Officer Phillip Nguyen of the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office.
The fatal shooting remains under investigation by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA). The recordings are being released pursuant to policies established by the Attorney General’s Office in 2019 that are designed to promote the fair, impartial, and transparent investigation of fatal police encounters. Investigators met today with Mr. Lewis’ family to review the recordings.
According to the preliminary investigation, the shooting occurred shortly after 11:30 a.m. on Feb. 16. A civil order for possession (eviction/ejection) had been authorized to remove Mr. Lewis from an apartment on Ravens Crest Drive in Plainsboro. The Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office executed the order with assistance from other law enforcement agencies on the morning of Feb. 16. Later that same morning, law enforcement officers sought and executed a search warrant for an unlawful firearm at Mr. Lewis’ residence.
Law enforcement executed the order and search warrant while Mr. Lewis was out of the apartment.
At approximately 11:30 a.m., after Mr. Lewis had arrived back at the apartment complex, law enforcement officers attempted to arrest him for unlawful possession of the firearm.
When the officers approached Mr. Lewis, he pulled out a knife and ran away from them. He continued to threaten the officers with the knife. Four officers deployed Tasers in an attempt to disarm Mr. Lewis, but the Tasers were ineffective. Mr. Lewis was agitated and lunged at officers several times. At approximately 11:35 a.m., with a knife in his hand, Mr. Lewis advanced directly toward Officer Nguyen, who then fired his weapon, fatally wounding Mr. Lewis.
Officers and emergency medical personnel rendered first aid to Mr. Lewis, who was transported to Princeton Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased at 12:10 p.m.
The investigation is ongoing and no further information is being released at this time.
This investigation is being conducted pursuant to a state law enacted in January 2019 (P.L. 2019, c.1), which requires that the Attorney General’s Office conduct all investigations of a person’s death that occurs during an encounter with a law enforcement officer acting in the officer’s official capacity or while the decedent is in custody. Separately, the Independent Prosecutor Directive, which was issued in December 2019, outlines a 10-step process for conducting these investigations. The Directive establishes clear procedures governing such investigations to ensure that they are conducted in a full, impartial and transparent manner. Under both state law and the Directive, when the entire investigation is complete, the case will be presented to a grand jury, typically consisting of 16 to 23 citizens, to make the ultimate decision regarding whether criminal charges will be filed.
A copy of the Directive is available at this link:
When the officers approached Mr. Lewis, he pulled out a knife and ran away from them. He continued to threaten the officers with the knife. Four officers deployed Tasers in an attempt to disarm Mr. Lewis, but the Tasers were ineffective. Mr. Lewis was agitated and lunged at officers several times. At approximately 11:35 a.m., with a knife in his hand, Mr. Lewis advanced directly toward Officer Nguyen, who then fired his weapon, fatally wounding Mr. Lewis.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)-On March 1, 2022 an elderly resident received a phone call from a party pretending to be her nephew stating he was arrested for drunk driving striking a pregnant woman. The imposter added he needed money to get out of jail. Another man got on the phone claiming to be his attorney with the Legal Aid Society out of Manchester, NY. The “Attorney” advised the victim would need $9,800.00 in cash to represent her nephew. The victim was able to gather up the funds and contacted the “Attorney” again who stated he would be sending someone over to pick up the cash. Approximately 2 hours later the cash was picked up. The victim soon realized, she was scammed out of the money and reported this incident to Hamilton Police Division. An investigation was conducted by Detective Nicholas Schulte which proved fruitful in identifying Raul Santos-Marte, 39 years of age from Bronx, NY and Karina De Los Santos-Polanco 34 years of age from Bronx, NY as suspects picking up the money.
On March 21, 2022, both of the suspects came to Hamilton Police Division Headquarters and turned themselves in on their active criminal warrants. Both Santos-Marte and Santos-Polanco were arrested, processed and transported to the Mercer County Corrections Center charged with Theft by Deception.
If anyone has any additional information on Santos-Marte and Santos-Polanco, please contact Detective Nicholas Schulte, phone: (609) 581-4030 or by email: nschulte@hamiltonpd.org.
The Hamilton Police Division would like to warn the public that if a phone call is received from persons posing as officials demanding cash money and arranging for pickup, please keep in mind, these calls have been found to be scams.
Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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 two arrests and the seizure of $55,000 in cocaine, PCP and a loaded 9mm handgun.
On Monday, March 21, 2022, as part of an ongoing investigation, members of the Mercer County Narcotics Task Force (MCNTF) received information that an individual identified as Christopher Seabrook would be traveling from Philadelphia to Trenton with a large quantity of narcotics.
With assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations, MCNTF detectives initiated surveillance on Seabrook’s residence in Philadephia, Pennsylvania, and at approximately 6:30 p.m., Seabrook was observed exiting his home and entering a gold Chevrolet Tahoe. The vehicle departed the area and subsequently picked up an individual identified as Jorge Mercado-Torres in the area of Russell Street in Philadelphia. The Tahoe proceeded to leave the Philadelphia area and drove directly to the area of Route 1 northbound and the Route 29 exit ramp in Trenton. Once on the exit ramp, detectives initiated a motor vehicle stop.
A search warrant was obtained and detectives discovered 550 grams of cocaine, six ounces of PCP and a Luger 9mm handgun loaded with seven hollow-point bullets all hidden in a space underneath the steering wheel column. A search of Seabrook’s person revealed $819 in cash and a search of Mercado-Torres person revealed $353 in cash.
Seabrook, 47, and Mercado-Torres, 28, of Philadelphia, were taken into custody without incident and charged with first-degree narcotic offenses and second-degree weapons offenses. The prosecutor’s office has filed motions to detain both men pending trial.
According to Prosecutor Onofri, the total street value of the confiscated cocaine is $55,000 and the approximate value of the PCP is $2,400.
Despite having been charged, all persons are presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
A search warrant was obtained and detectives discovered 550 grams of cocaine, six ounces of PCP and a Luger 9mm handgun loaded with seven hollow-point bullets all hidden in a space underneath the steering wheel column. A search of Seabrook’s person revealed $819 in cash and a search of Mercado-Torres person revealed $353 in cash. Seabrook, 47, and Mercado-Torres, 28, of Philadelphia, were taken into custody without incident and charged with first-degree narcotic offenses and second-degree weapons offenses. The prosecutor’s office has filed motions to detain both men pending trial. According to Prosecutor Onofri, the total street value of the confiscated cocaine is $55,000 and the approximate value of the PCP is $2,400.
TRENTON (March 24, 2022) – Two New Jersey Lottery tickets matched four of the five white balls and the Powerball drawn for the Wednesday, March 23, drawing winning the $50,000 third-tier prize. Those tickets were sold at the following locations:
Monmouth County: Millstone Liquors, 514 Route 33 W., Millstone Township; and
The winning numbers for the Wednesday, March 23, drawing were: 31, 32, 37, 38, and 48. The Red Power Ball number was 24. The Power Playwas 2X. There were 19,843 other New Jersey players who took home an estimated $104,447 in prizes ranging from $4 to $200. The Powerball jackpot rolls to $181,000,000 for the Saturday, March 26, drawing.
Double Play Results
The Double Play drawing is an additional drawing for players who opted-in to the Double Play feature on their tickets. The Double Play drawing results for the Wednesday, March 23, drawing were: 15, 18, 24, 26, and 62. The red Double Play Power Ball number was 01.
TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)-Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer has announced that the structure fire that occurred on Mount Everest Lane in Toms River on March 20, 2022, has been ruled accidental.
On March 20, 2022, at approximately 9:45 p.m., Officers from the Toms River Township Police Department and Toms River Township Fire Department were dispatched to a reported structure fire on Mount Everest Lane. During the primary search of the residence, two occupants, later identified as Linda Summerton, 73, and Ricky McMurry, 73, were discovered. Due to the extent of their injuries, both occupants were airlifted to the Burn Center at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, New Jersey. Mr. McMurry remains listed in critical condition, while Ms. Summerton is listed in stable condition.
During the suppression of the fire, three firefighters received minor injuries and were treated at the scene.
An extensive investigation conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Arson Squad, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and Toms River Township Bureau of Fire Prevention, determined that the fire was caused by careless smoking while oxygen was in use.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Arson Unit, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Toms River Township Police Department Detective Bureau, and Toms River Township Bureau of Fire Prevention, for their combined and cooperative efforts in connection with this investigation.
LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)—The New Jersey State Park Police are investigating a fatal crash involving a dirt bike that occurred yesterday on the D&R Canal Path between White Head Road and Carnegie Road after 3:00 p.m. New Jersey State Park Police identified the victim as 40-year-old Oliver Harris of Trenton, NJ. Emergency responders pulled him from the canal and transported him to Capital Health Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
Yesterday’s MidJersey.News story here:
March 21, 2022
LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Around 3:15 p.m. a 9-1-1 call was received reporting a vehicle crashed into the Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park, canal and was under water. Initial reports for the crash were for several locations including in the Whitehead Road area and Route 1, and behind WaWa near Bakers Basin Road. Lawrence Police, Lawrence Fire Departments, EMS and Capital Health Paramedics entered the trail from several points to try and find the exact location of the crash.
Lawrence Fire Department (Tower 20 crew) found a person on Route 1 waving the fire truck down near Mile Post 4.4 on the North Bound Side of the highway. It was the 9-1-1 caller; a companion who witnessed the motorcycle crash into the canal and pointed to the location of the accident.
The fire crew ran down the embankment toward the reported location and found a person in the water suffering from severe trauma and pulled the person out of water and began CPR. Police, EMS, along with Paramedics were directed to the proper location. The person was rushed to Capital Health Regional Medical Center in critical condition.
A dirt bike type motorcycle was found in the water. Lawrence Township Police had the D&R Canal path blocked off from Whitehead Road to Carnagie Road for the investigation.
MidJersey.News has not been able to officially confirm this was a fatal accident, but all indications are that the person was pronounced at the hospital. Lawrence Police Department and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office referred press information to the New Jersey State Park Police, were a reporter was told that the public information officer was not available. Information contained in this report is from radio reports and on scene reporting, once official information becomes available the story will be updated.
According to the D&R Canal website: The historic towpath along the main canal from Bakers Basin Road (Trenton) to New Brunswick has a natural surface for hiking, jogging, horseback riding, and biking. From Mulberry Street to Bakers Basin Road, the trail is crushed stone. Horse trailers may be parked in some of the parking areas located along the main canal. The trail along the feeder canal is made of fine textured crushed stone and is for hiking, jogging and biking. No horses are permitted on the feeder canal trail. Motorized vehicles or ATV’s are not permitted on trails in the park.
UPDATE: As of 6:00 p.m. the traffic has returned to normal for this time of day.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–At 4:30 p.m. two cars collided in the left lane on I-195 East Bound in the area mile post 3.8 sending both vehicles crashing into the guardrail in the center median. It was unclear if there were any injuries in the crash. New Jersey State Police is on scene investigating.
The accident is at 195 East Bound between Yardville-Hamilton Square Road and the Klockner Road Overpass
According to Google Traffic the backup is over 3.25 miles in the east bound direction from I-295 to the Klockner Road over pass. In the west direction traffic is backed up from 1.5 miles from the area of the Route 130 accident to the accident scene.
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)-MONROE TOWNSHIP (MIDDLESEX)–Firefighters were dispatched to a brush fire behind the 700 block of Twin Rivers Drive North around 4:48 p.m. near the East Windsor and Monroe Township border. East Windsor Fire Company called for Monroe Township Fire Departments and the New Jersey Forrest Fire Service for additional manpower. Additional apparatus from other departments were also dispatched to the scene including East Windsor 42 and Hightstown 41. It appears that the fire extended from Twin Rivers Drive in an easterly direction across 500 feet of woodland behind Krackerjacks Farm Market. A truck refil site was established on Twin Rivers Drive North. Firefighters remained on scene for an extended time mopping up deep seated hot spots. No further information is available at this time.
Asks state investigators to make public all body-worn, dashboard, and surveillance cameras
March 21, 2022
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mayor W. Reed Gusciora today called for the full release of all video footage related to the February police shooting of Jajuan Henderson.
“We stand ready to take action when, procedurally, we have a full understanding of the situation,” Gusciora said. “Today, we are voicing our support for the full public release of any body-camera footage of the incident once the investigation is completed. That includes all body-worn cameras, police dashboard cameras, and surveillance cameras, which should be made public as soon as possible.”
In 2021, the state Attorney General’s Office issued a standing directive requiring video be released once the investigation is “substantially” complete. As per legal procedure, the four Trenton police officers involved in the incident have been placed on administrative leave while the incident is under investigation.
The Attorney General’s Office investigation is being conducted by the Union County Prosecutors Office, not the Mercer County Prosecutors Office, to avoid any appearance of or actual conflict.
“We as a community need to know the truth about this incident,” Gusciora said, “but we have been examining and adjusting the way we provide public safety and law enforcement in this city since the day I took office.”
Police Director Steve Wilson, who was hired in June 2021, has been working alongside Gusciora to reform and improve police activity. Wilson formed a task force to combat violence in the city; met with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to discuss charging gun offenders with federal crimes; and brought in a grant to establish a team of outreach workers to intervene in neighborhood conflicts, prevent retaliation, and provide victim services.
“Our first and last thoughts should be of the residents we are sworn to protect,” Wilson said. “We are using every tool available to us to reshape the tactics and strategies of the Trenton Police Department.”
During his administration, Gusciora has called for the release of police disciplinary information and integrated state training for de-escalation efforts to help take suspects into custody without anyone being harmed.
“Our approach to public safety must address all of the contributing factors that lead to criminal activity, in addition to police reforms,” Gusciora said. “It takes improvements to our schools, fighting blight in our neighborhoods, and creating job opportunities for our residents. This is a ground-up approach.”
LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Around 3:15 p.m. a 9-1-1 call was received reporting a vehicle crashed into the Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park, canal and was under water. Initial reports for the crash were for several locations including in the Whitehead Road area and Route 1, and behind WaWa near Bakers Basin Road. Lawrence Police, Lawrence Fire Departments, EMS and Capital Health Paramedics entered the trail from several points to try and find the exact location of the crash.
Lawrence Fire Department (Tower 20 crew) found a person on Route 1 waving the fire truck down near Mile Post 4.4 on the North Bound Side of the highway. It was the 9-1-1 caller; a companion who witnessed the motorcycle crash into the canal and pointed to the location of the accident.
The fire crew ran down the embankment toward the reported location and found a person in the water suffering from severe trauma and pulled the person out of water and began CPR. Police, EMS, along with Paramedics were directed to the proper location. The person was rushed to Capital Health Regional Medical Center in critical condition.
A dirt bike type motorcycle was found in the water. Lawrence Township Police had the D&R Canal path blocked off from Whitehead Road to Carnagie Road for the investigation.
MidJersey.News has not been able to officially confirm this was a fatal accident, but all indications are that the person was pronounced at the hospital. Lawrence Police Department and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office referred press information to the New Jersey State Park Police, were a reporter was told that the public information officer was not available. Information contained in this report is from radio reports and on scene reporting, once official information becomes available the story will be updated.
According to the D&R Canal website: The historic towpath along the main canal from Bakers Basin Road (Trenton) to New Brunswick has a natural surface for hiking, jogging, horseback riding, and biking. From Mulberry Street to Bakers Basin Road, the trail is crushed stone. Horse trailers may be parked in some of the parking areas located along the main canal. The trail along the feeder canal is made of fine textured crushed stone and is for hiking, jogging and biking. No horses are permitted on the feeder canal trail. Motorized vehicles or ATV’s are not permitted on trails in the park.
An aerial view of the scene shows a dirt bike type of motorcycle under water.
EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has given Mercer County the green light to move forward with the design and construction of a new passenger terminal at Trenton-Mercer Airport, County Executive Brian M. Hughes announced.
“This is great news for Trenton-Mercer Airport and the many thousands of travelers who pass through our passenger facility,” Mr. Hughes said. “We appreciate the FAA’s diligence in its review of the Environmental Assessment for the proposed new airport terminal, and we’re pleased that we have the go-ahead to advance this important project.”
The agency issued the Finding of No Significant Impacts and Record of Decision (FONSI/ROD) for the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the proposed new passenger facility at the nearly century-old airport in Ewing Township.
A FONSI documents the FAA determination that a proposed action does not have the potential for significant environmental impacts. A FONSI does not represent the FAA’s decision to implement the proposed action. A ROD is issued prior to a proposed action to explain why the FAA approved or did not approve it.
Mercer County proposes replacing the old terminal, which was built in the 1970s, with a modern four-aircraft-gate terminal to be located adjacent to the existing terminal. The purpose of a new terminal is to better accommodate current airport users and to meet forecasted demands to the year 2035. A new terminal would address the needs of all aspects of airport functions such as baggage handling, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint and baggage screening, airline operations, and improved customer comforts such as concessions, waiting areas and restrooms. There is no plan or proposal for new or longer runways, and the airport size would remain exactly as it is today.
“The existing terminal at Trenton-Mercer Airport is about one-third the size it should be for the number of travelers currently using it,” Mr. Hughes said. “As we emerge from the coronavirus crisis, we expect an increasing demand for leisure travel, and nationwide and at Trenton-Mercer, we are seeing airlines adding new flights and reviving old ones.”
The EA process, governed by the FAA, included data collection, development and analysis of alternatives, identification and analysis of environmental impacts of the proposed terminal, and a public participation. The purpose of the EA is to evaluate the potential direct, indirect and cumulative impacts of the terminal project, and to look for ways to minimize or avoid potential environmental impacts. The development of the proposed new terminal was arrived at by analyzing several terminal building alternatives along with a no-action alternative as they relate to environmental, social and economic impacts.
The FONSI/ROD notification will be made public along with copies of the EA. The posting of the notification and EA documents upon receipt by the FAA will be posted on the terminal project website, www.TTNTerminal.com The FONSI/ROD notification will be advertised in local newspapers, and will be posted on social media and the Mercer County website, www.mercercounty.org
TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–On Sunday, March 20, 2022, at approximately 9:45 PM multiple police units, fire companies, and EMTs were dispatched to Mt. Everest Lane for a reported structure fire. First responders located two victims unconscious inside the residence. Both victims suffered severe burns and were flown to Barnabas Burn Center in Livingston for treatment.
Three firemen and one police officer received treatment for minor injuries sustained during the fire. The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Officer and Ocean County Sheriff CSI also assisted at the scene. When leaving the house fire on Mt. Everest Lane, Officer Manolio was driving in the area and observed heavy smoke, he circled the neighborhood and observed a fire on Mt. Juliano Lane. At the same time dispatch had received a 9-1-1 call regarding the second fire. Upon arrival, officers were advised that all occupants of the home were outside and safe. Due to strong winds, surrounding homes were evacuated as a precaution. The fire department arrived and extinguished the fire without it spreading to surrounding homes. The exterior of a neighboring home sustained some damage, and three vehicles in the homeowner’s driveway were destroyed in the fire. There were no reported injuries at the fire on Mt. Juliano Lane. The fires remain under investigation by Detective Ryan Parente and Toms River Fire Inspector Kevin Britton.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on March 20, 2022, at approximately 9:45 p.m., Officers from the Toms River Township Police Department and Toms River Township Fire Department were dispatched to a reported structure fire on Mount Everest Lane. During the primary search of the residence, two occupants, one male and one female, were discovered. Due to the extent of their injuries, both occupants were airlifted to the Burn Center at Cooper Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, New Jersey, and are presently listed in critical condition. During the suppression of the fire, three firefighters received minor injuries and were treated at the scene.
The origin and cause of the fire are currently under investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Arson Unit, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Toms River Township Police Department Detective Bureau, and Toms River Township Bureau of Fire Prevention.
Additional information will be released to the public as it becomes available.
MILLSTONE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Around 11:00 a.m. multiple 9-1-1 calls were received about a garage fire in the 1st Block of Hamton Hollow Drive. Fire Officers also reported seeing a large column of smoke in the sky at the same time and called for 2nd alarm on arrival. First arriving firefighters found a 2-story home with a garage fully involved that was extending to the rest of the home. Firefighters quickly pulled a 2 1/2″ hand line as well as several 1 3/4″ handlines and quickly went to work knocking down the fire in minutes keeping fire from consuming the entire home. The fire went to 3-Alarms before being brought under control, about a 1/2 hour after initial dispatch. Investigation crews from the Monmouth County Fire Marshal’s Office are still on scene investigating the cause of the fire.
Fire Departments responding were: Millstone Township, Monroe Township, Robbinsville, Hightstown, Hope Fire Company of Allentown-Upper Freehold, Manalapan, Plumsted Township-New Egypt, Freehold Township and others. Capital Health Allentown EMS responded to the scene for EMS and monitoring. New Jersey State Police were also on scene.
The investigation is still active and crews are still on scene at the time of this report.
No further information is available at this time.
Fire conditions found at the scene. Quick actions by the fire departments brought this fire under control in about a half hour.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–The Hamilton Township 2022 Saint Patrick’s Day Parade brought thousands of people out to see the parade for the first time since 2019 due to the pandemic. Hamilton Township’s Saint Patrick’s Day parade committee chose Gerard Sheridan as the Grand Marshal of today’s parade as well as Nicole Brown, a senior at Steinert High School East as Miss St. Patrick. Today’s parade was filled with colorful floats from different businesses and organizations around the area. People of all ages came to enjoy the parade including a wide aged grandmother and her granddaughter of an age gap of 90 years, as well as Randy Jarvie dressed in a very festive suit and tie. Hamilton’s very own Irish pub Killarney’s Publick House brought out a show with their float and energetic group of people to the parade today. The parade committee thanks the sponsors, business, and community members who came out today to watch the parade, as well as the Hamilton Police Division, and Hamilton Dept. of Public works for making sure everything ran smoothly and was safe.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–NJ State Police told Midjersey.News that an accident was reported at 12:44 a.m. on State Highway 29 South at Mile Post 0.6 in Hamilton.
A Freightliner M2 traveling south struck the left rear of a Chevrolet GMT-400 pickup truck that was stopped on the right shoulder. After the collision, the Chevrolet caught fire and became fully engulfed. As a result, the driver of the Chevrolet sustained fatal injuries.
The 50-year-old male driver of the M2 was not injured. The driver of the Chevrolet is pending ID.
The right two lanes of 29 were closed for approximately 7 hours.
OCEAN GATE, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on March 18, 2022, Paul Kennedy, 66, of Ocean Gate, was charged with Official Misconduct in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:30-2a, and Theft in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-3a. Kennedy serves as the Mayor of Ocean Gate.
These charges are the result of an extensive investigation conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Professional Standards/Corruption Unit and Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad. The investigation revealed that Kennedy, in his capacity as Mayor of the Borough of Ocean Gate, failed to turn over proceeds from the sale of borough assets – sold by way of the government auction website GovDeals.com – and instead took possession of those proceeds for his own personal benefit. The investigation further revealed that Kennedy failed to deposit borough parking meter funds in the borough’s bank account, and that he sold borough office furniture through a private Facebook Marketplace account, attempting to keep the proceeds for his personal benefit.
Kennedy was processed at the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, and released on a summons pending a future court date.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Professional Standards/Corruption Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crimes Squad, Ocean Gate Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, for their collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation.
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.
R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).
Paul Kennedy, 66, of Ocean Gate, was charged with Official Misconduct in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:30-2a, and Theft in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-3a. Kennedy serves as the Mayor of Ocean Gate.
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