Day: May 2, 2022

Mercer County, Trenton

Commanding Officer of USS New Jersey SSN-796, Receives a Proclamation as Trenton Navy Week Kicks Off May 2 to 8

May 2, 2022

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–This morning at the historic Eagle Tavern on Broad Street, Commanding Officer of the Virginia Class nuclear submarine, USS New Jersey, SSN-796, Jared Smith received a proclamation for Trenton Navy Week from Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora and Trenton North Ward Councilwoman Marge Caldwell-Wilson.

The Navy be sending roughly 100 sailors into the greater Trenton area for the week, who will be meeting with area students to talk about the importance of STEM education, volunteering at local non-profits, and holding community events to get sailors out into the community. All told, there will be upwards of 75 events held during Trenton Navy Week with sailors coming from commands based all over the country.

Trenton was chosen as one of 14 cities to host Navy Week across the country this year and takes place May 2-8, 2022. This year is set to be the first time a Navy Week has been held in the state of New Jersey in the history of the program. A planned Trenton Navy Week of 2020 which had to be scrapped due to COVID.

PCU New Jersey (SSN 796) is a Virginia-class attack submarine.

The Virginia-class, also known as the VA-class or 774-class, is a class of nuclear-powered fast attack submarines in service with the U.S. Navy. The submarines are designed for a broad spectrum of open-ocean and littoral missions. They were conceived as a less expensive alternative to the Seawolf-class attack submarines, designed during the Cold War era, and are replacing older Los Angeles-class submarines, 29 of which have already been decommissioned.

According to Wikipedia SSN 796, New Jersey was christened on November 13, 2021 and launched on April 14, 2022. The New Jersey is the first US Navy submarine designed for a mixed-gender crew.

(Left) Jared Smith, the Commanding Officer of the soon-to-be commissioned Virginia Class nuclear submarine, USS New Jersey receives a Proclamation for Trenton Navy Week from (Right) Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora and (Center) Trenton North Ward Councilwoman Marge Caldwell-Wilson. Photo by: Brian McCarthy, OnScene News

USS New Jersey SSN 796 Commissioning Committee, Photo
Mercer County, Trenton

25-Year-Old Victim Identified in Yesterday’s Mass Shooting in Trenton, NJ

May 2, 2022

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office has identified the deceased from yesterday’s mass shooting as Jamir McNeil, 25 of Trenton and is the city’s 10th homicide of 2022.

The Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department are investigating a shooting that occurred Sunday afternoon in Trenton, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported.

Yesterday at approximately 1:30 p.m. on May 1, 2022, the Shot Spotter activation system reported multiple rounds in the 800 block of Beatty Street. Moments later, several 911 calls were received reporting multiple people shot.

Police responded to the scene and located three adult male victims suffering gunshot wounds. Two victims were located in the 100 block of Randall Avenue and one was located on Beatty Street. The victim located on Beatty Street was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead a short time later. The two additional victims are being treated. Preliminary investigation indicates two of the three shooting victims, including the deceased, were targeted.

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

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Yesterday at 1:28 p.m. Trenton Police, Trenton EMS, Trenton Fire Department and Captial Health Paramedics responded to the area of 159 Randall for a person shot. When Trenton firefighters arrived on scene, they reported multiple people shot and requested additional ambulances, paramedics, and additional firefighters to the scene to help. There were reports of two victims on Randal between 140-160 and another victim in the 800 block of Beatty Street inside a bodega. CPR was being performed on the victim inside the bodega and a “Trauma Alert” “Trauma Arrest” was called during transportation to Captial Health’s Trauma Center. One of the victims on Randall reportedly had an upper extremity gun shot wound and a tourniquet was applied. In total three people were transported to the Trauma Center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center all with “Trauma Alerts” called.

Trenton Police were seen marking off areas with crime scene tape and it appeared that there were 12 to 13 markers for shell casings Randall Avenue. The Mercer County Homicide Task Force was on scene investigating.

Names of the 2022 homicide victims in the City of Trenton:

  1. 2/15/2022 Antwone Barnes, 37, of Trenton, Stabbing
  2. 2/23/2022 Leonardo Fernandez, 32, of Trenton, Stabbing
  3. 3/01/2022 Shimon Nesmith Jr., 19, of Trenton, Shooting
  4. 3/03/2022 Helen Nelson, 73, of Trenton, Physical Assault
  5. 3/15/2022 Albert L. Barnes, 46, of Trenton, Shooting
  6. 3/25/2022 Sequoya Bacon-Jones, 9, of Trenton, Shooting
  7. 3/31/2022 Tahaad Goss, 16, of Trenton, Shooting
  8. 4/07/2022 Jaquir Queen, 26, of Willingboro, Shooting
  9. 4/09/2022 Leroy Davis, 31, of Trenton, Shooting
  10. 5/01/2022 Jamir McNeil, 25 of Trenton, Shooting

As of May 1, 2022 there have been 10 homicides in the city of Trenton.

Photos from the scene yesterday by: Dennis Symons, MidJersey.News and Brian McCarthy, OnScene News

Mercer County, Trenton

Request for Proposals Sought for Eagle Tavern on South Broad Street in Trenton, NJ

May 2, 2022

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora said the city is looking for Request for Proposals for the Eagle Tavern as announced at a press conference this morning in front of the old tavern. The historic tavern is located at 429-431 South Broad Street near the CURE Insurance Arena. A PDF file of the RFP is below.

Some history of the Tavern provided by the mayor’s offices stated that researchers haven’t been able to substantiate the various tales of George Washington visiting this tavern, but we know it overlooked the American Revolution.

When Robert Waln purchased the surrounding Trenton Mills property in 1765, detaching from William Trent House estate, Waln became a big-shot mill owner without a swank home. So, he built the first version of this place. He operated it as a tavern and hotel intermittently until 1900, and it was likely used in the withdrawal of British and Hessian forces in the First Battle of Trenton.

Mayor Gusciora stated that the Eagle Tavern is one of the city’s oldest buildings, and we want to make it new again. We’re hoping to find something that’s befitting of the property and that contributes to the City’s revitalization.

We released this RFP and sent it directly to some of the sectors we hope to find interest in, like:

NJ Brewers Association
Restaurant & Hospitality Association
American Institute of Architects
Brewers Guild of New Jersey
New Jersey Builders Association
Minority & Women Contractors & Developers Association


Gusciora stated we are building on our past — not only the colonial roots – but the rich history of the industrialized powerhouse of Trenton, and the work of predecessors to restore those economic engines.

Overall, we are building partnerships and working with those who want what’s best for Trenton. There are difficulties dealing with some City partners, and some opportunities are being lost. But on every front, we are fighting to uplift neighborhoods and turn vacant eyesores into vibrant new hotspots.

eagle-tavern-rfp-with-eda-commentsDownload

Roebling Block III

We’re still bringing new tenants into Roebling Block III, like Princeton Hydro, a 40-member engineering firm expanding and moving here from Somerset County. They are the first recipients of our Job Creation Loan run out of the Division of Economic Development.  They are using the loan to purchase furniture and equipment.  A portion of the loan may be forgiven if they have Trentonians on the payroll once they ramp up—either hiring current Trentonians or having staff move to Trenton. Their office is across from Roebling Lofts and is part of the commercial mixed-use development. 

This entire project was a large collaboration between the City, Mercer County, the NJ Department of Environmental Protection, and the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Roebling Block II

Now, we’re up and running for redevelopment at Robeling Block II, with our RFP already bringing in fabulous visions for the famous industrial complex, dating back to 1849. This is part of the historic Roebling Wire Works, founded in 1849. By World War I, the factory was the largest wire rope plant in the world. The buildings on this property were built between 1885 and 1957, are currently zoned for mixed-use, and have existing open floor plans ranging from 6,000 to 52,000 square feet.

Van Sciver Building

Last year, we had groundbreaking ceremony at the historic Van Sciver Building, a project that’s part of the New Jersey State Capital Partnership and financed by the New Jersey Housing & Mortgage Finance Agency. We’re talking about a state-of-the art mixed-use building with underground parking, more than 100 residential rental units, and over 7,500 square feet of retail space opening onto a plaza overlooking the creek. In the early 1930s, this was a furniture business by the Historic Mill Hill District. And 40 percent of these are affordable housing units.

Taxation Building

And finally, we’re making huge strides on the sale of the downtown Taxation Building. We’re going to revitalize the 10-story, 230,000-square-foot office building in downtown Trenton that was the longtime home of New Jersey’s Division of Taxation.

Photos and video by: Brian McCarty, OnScene News

Hamilton, Hamilton, Mercer County

Hamilton Township Police Announce Passing of Beloved Police Lieutenant

May 2, 2022

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Hamilton Township Police in a statement said, It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of Hamilton Police Lieutenant Mark Horan who died unexpectedly at his residence on Saturday afternoon April 30, 2022. He was a devoted husband and father of five. Lieutenant Horan was appointed by the Hamilton Police Division in August of 1998 and was assigned to the Patrol Division. In March of 2009 Lieutenant Horan was assigned to the Hamilton Police Anit-Crime Unit. In March of 2010 he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and served in both the Patrol Division and the Anti-Crime Unit. In August of 2017 he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant serving in the Patrol Division, Criminal Investigations Section and the Patrol Administration Bureau. He received numerous valor awards throughout his career.

Lieutenant Mark Horan was an exemplary Police Officer throughout his career. He was well-liked and respected by all. He will be greatly missed. On behalf of the entire Police Division, our thoughts and prayers are with Lieutenant Horan’s family.

The family requests privacy during this difficult time. I would like to thank all of the outside agencies that have given us assistance through this difficult time.

Hamilton Police Lieutenant Mark Horan
Mercer County, Trenton

Juvenile Arrested for March Death of Tahaad Goss; 14-Year-Old Charged

May 2, 2022

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Prosecutors office states that a Trenton teenager has been arrested and charged for the March shooting death of a 16-year-old that occurred on Liberty Street, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported.

The 14-year-old Trenton male is charged with second-degree reckless manslaughter and second-degree providing false information to law enforcement. The juvenile was arrested without incident on Friday. He was released on an electronic monitoring bracelet to a shelter with 24-hour supervision.

The charges are the result of an investigation by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department. Just after 9 p.m. on March 31, 2022, Trenton police responded to a residence in the 100 block of Liberty Street on the report of a teenager shot. Upon arrival, officers located 16-year-old Tahaad Goss lying on the basement stairs 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 found in the basement.

Another Child Shot and Killed in Trenton

Names of the 2022 homicide victims in the City of Trenton:

  1. 2/15/2022 Antwone Barnes, 37, of Trenton, Stabbing
  2. 2/23/2022 Leonardo Fernandez, 32, of Trenton, Stabbing
  3. 3/01/2022 Shimon Nesmith Jr., 19, of Trenton, Shooting
  4. 3/03/2022 Helen Nelson, 73, of Trenton, Physical Assault
  5. 3/15/2022 Albert L. Barnes, 46, of Trenton, Shooting
  6. 3/25/2022 Sequoya Bacon-Jones, 9, of Trenton, Shooting
  7. 3/31/2022 Tahaad Goss, 16, of Trenton, Shooting
  8. 4/07/2022 Jaquir Queen, 26, of Willingboro, Shooting
  9. 4/09/2022 Leroy Davis, 31, of Trenton, Shooting
  10. 5/01/2022 Shooting
Burlington, Pemberton

17 Busted in Pemberton Township on Drug Charges

May 2, 2022

PEMBERTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (BURLINGTON)–Pemberton Township Police report that this morning, May 2nd, 2022, at 5:31 a.m. the Pemberton Township Police Department assisted by the New Jersey State Police TEAMS Unit executed a residential search warrant on the 600 block of Herbert Road pertaining to a narcotics investigation. The execution led to 17 arrests and the seizure of a quantity of Heroin, Methamphetamine and Cocaine consistent with distribution, specifically from Nicole Vida and Nicole Lihou. Cody Smires, who had an active warrant for his arrest, was located in the area and a pedestrian stop was conducted leading to him being arrested. He was found to be in possession of a quantity of Methamphetamine consistent with distribution. Additional suspects were charged with various crimes including Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Heroin and Methamphetamine). Talarick, Vida, Blankenship and Smires were all charged and lodged at the Burlington County Jail pending court appearances. All other subjects were released on summons for their charges.
This is the second time in a month that this address has been the target of a narcotics investigation by the Pemberton Township Police Department. A search warrant was executed on April 1st, 2022 where nine people were arrested including Vida who was charged with Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance in that incident.

Jeffrey Pastore, 67, of Browns Mills was arrested and charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Maintaining a Nuisance.

Jacob Talarick, 56, of Browns Mills was arrested on an active warrant and charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Cody Smires, 29, of Browns Mills was arrested on an active warrant and charged with Possession of Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) (Methamphetamine), Distribution of CDS (Methamphetamine) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Brandy Lawton, 31, of Browns Mills was arrested and charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Nicole Vida, 40, of Browns Mills was arrested and charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Distribution of a CDS (Heroin), Distribution of CDS (Cocaine) and Distribution of CDS (Methamphetamine).

Nicole Lihou, 31, of Browns Mills was arrested and charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Distribution of a CDS (Heroin), Distribution of CDS (Cocaine) and Distribution of CDS (Methamphetamine).

Emerson Midgette, 41, of Browns Mills was arrested and charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

David Roberts, 44, of Browns Mills was arrested and charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Garriett Bullock, 60, of Browns Mills was arrested and charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Michelle Lucas, 44, of Browns Mills was arrested and charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Michael Gilliland, 44, of Browns Mills was arrested on an active warrant and charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Latanya Jones, 52, of Browns Mills was arrested and charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Alexus Jones, 26, of Browns Mills was arrested and charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Desiree Blankenship, 30, of Browns Mills was arrested on an active warrant and charged with Possession of CDS (Methamphetamine) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Michael Guerra, 37, of Browns Mills was arrested charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Eric Linzmayer, 41, of Browns Mills was arrested and charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Lisa Acevedo, 49, of Browns Mills was arrested and charged with Possession of CDS (Heroin) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

As a reminder all suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Anyone with information about this incident or other crimes occurring in Pemberton Township is asked to contact the Pemberton Township Police Department Detective Division at 609-894-3310 or the Confidential Tip-Line at 609-894-3352.

Mercer County, Trenton

Stabbing Reported in Trenton

May 2, 2022

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–City officials report that at 8:40 p.m. Sunday, May 1, 2022, Trenton Police Department responded to reports of a stabbing at 836 S. Broad Street outside Broadway Bar. Officers found a male victim bleeding from the leg. Witnesses stated that the victim had a verbal altercation with a female bartender when another customer intervened and asked the victim to go outside with him. Police arrived after an altercation, and transported the victim for treatment. He was given staples and released from care. Trenton Police Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB) is investigating the incident.