TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Trenton Police report that on Monday, July 4, 2022 at approximately 12:30 a.m., in the area of West Front Street – the victim left his place of employment and began to walk to his residence. An unknown suspect, later identified as Raheem Biddle, armed with a knife, approached the victim from behind, grabbed him by his neck and forced him onto the ground. The suspect then threatened him while demanding that he hand over all of his money. The victim complied and turned over money from his wallet to the suspect. The suspect then forced the victim at knifepoint to walk to 2 nearby ATM’s and demanded that he withdraw funds from his account. After the victim withdrew money from both locations, the suspect fled on foot toward Peace Street and out of sight.
Detective Sergeant Nazario from the Major Crimes Robbery Unit was able to obtain video footage from the Santander Bank, which captured the incident. Detective Cincilla was in charge of the investigation and same was able to ascertain additional details that led to the arrest of Raheem Biddle.
On Friday, July 9, 2022, at approximately 9:50 p.m., while canvassing the area of Barrack Street and West State Street – Detective Cincilla observed Raheem Biddle, in the aforementioned area. Upon further investigation, Raheem Biddle was found to be in possession of a kitchen knife with a shiny metallic blade and black handle. Raheem Biddle was subsequently placed under arrest without incident and charged with Robbery, Kidnapping, and multiple weapons offenses.
All arrestees/suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in the court of law.
JACKSON TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–On July 10, 2022, Jackson Police Officers Parise and Scharff responded to the area of the Boardwalk at Six Flags Great Adventure for a report of a fight in progress. Officers were already working in a security capacity for the park as they routinely do during their operational hours.
Upon arrival to the area they located a teenaged subject who appeared to be highly agitated. As officers made contact with the teenaged subject he started to yell, advising officers that he was going to fight and did not care. Right after making that statement, the teenaged subject pushed Police Officer Parise and a brief physical interaction ensued. The teenaged subject was quickly subdued by Police Officer Scharff and was taken into custody following a brief struggle.
At the time of the incident, officers were unaware that the subject was a juvenile because he was uncooperative and did not wish to provide any information. After learning of such, the teenaged male was charged with the following:
1) Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer
2) Simple Assault
3) Obstruction
4) Resisting Arrest
Jackson First Aid Squad was requested for scrapes on the teenaged male which he received in the struggle to place him under arrest. PO Scharff sustained minor injuries as a result of the interaction.
The teenaged male was subsequently released to a family member who responded to headquarters.
• The media and the public are reminded that any persons arrested or charged with any offenses or crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
ALLENTOWN-UPPER FREEHOLD TWP., NJ (MONMOUTH)–The Allentown / Upper Freehold Baseball, 7U Redbirds are on the ride of their young lives this season. They are currently still undefeated with a combined record of 24-0 between the Travel and Allstar season that began in March. The 7U Redbird team has won four titles so far. Starting with a championship at the Homerun for Heroes Tournament in Vorhees on Memorial Day weekend. Next up was completing a perfect travel season and winning the West Division Championship. The redbirds followed that up by winning the Cinnaminson Summer Slam Tournament on June 26, 2022. The redbirds most recent title came this weekend in Delran vs 16 other teams in the Summer Slugfest Tournament.
The coaches are:
Chris Georges, Paul Bencivengo, Scott Noga and Jim Sapia.
The players are:
AJ Gualtieri, Austin Stover, Conor Mctamney, Jack Bencivengo, Jack Georges, Jax Lepoidevin, Jaxson Sapia, Joey Hope, Kaden Nisar, Luke Noga, Kris Smith, Luke Starace, Mike Clyne
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Around 8:22 p.m. the Hamilton Township Fire Department and RWJ EMS were dispatched to South Broad Street in the area of Harcourt Drive and Fetter Avenue for a motor vehicle crash with rollover and people trapped inside their vehicle. Firefighters arrived and extricated the trapped victims and transferred them to waiting EMS personnel. The injured were taken to a local hospital for treatment. Hamilton Township Police and New Jersey State Police were on scene for traffic control and the accident investigation. No further details are available at this time.
HAMILTON, NJ (Mercer County) – The driver of a Chevy Blazer was lucky to walk away with only minor injuries after the vehicle overturned shortly before 1:30 p.m. today (July 9) in the 1400 block of East State Street, near the intersection with Norway Avenue. Hamilton Fire Department Engine 14 and Robert Wood Johnson EMS responded and arrived to find the sport utility vehicle sitting on its roof, with the driver already having self-extricated. The cause of the crash was under investigation by Hamilton Township police.
UPDATE: West Windsor Police report that at 8:56 p.m. the roadway has been reopened.
WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–Just after 10:00 a.m. a tree fell on Old Trenton Road between Robbinsville-Edinburgh and Windsor-Edinburgh Road completely closing the roadway. As of 3:00 p.m. Mercer County DOT has still not removed the tree and the road remains closed.
UPDATE: West Windsor Police report that at 8:56 p.m. the roadway has been reopened.
GOOGLE Traffic image
*** ROADWAY OPEN ***
UPDATE: West Windsor Police report that at 8:56 p.m. the roadway has been reopened.
UPPER FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Around 7:13 p.m. on July 8, 2022 a vehicle lost control overturned and damaged a utility pole on County Road 539 South of Winchester Boulevard about 1/2 mile from Allentown High School. Hope Fire Company of Allentown and Allentown – Capital Health EMS were dispatched for reported entrapment and possible injuries. It appears that the person was able to make it out of the vehicle without extrication and was able to walk from the scene after being checked by EMS personnel. Jersey Central Power and Light was on scene making repairs and Route 539 was expected to be closed for an extended period of time for repairs to the utility poles damaged. New Jersey State Police is investigating the crash. No further information is available at this time.
Judge Ryan also ordered Hoffman to register as a Megan’s Law Offender, and that he be subject to Parole Supervision for Life.
July 8, 2022
TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on July 8, 2022, Richard Hoffman, 27, of Mays Landing, was sentenced by the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, P.J.Cr.P, to five years New Jersey State Prison as a result of his previously entered guilty plea to Luring in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:13-6, in connection with a series of events that occurred in Toms River between September 4, 2018 and September 5, 2018. Judge Ryan also ordered Hoffman to register as a Megan’s Law Offender, and that he be subject to Parole Supervision for Life. Hoffman pled guilty before Judge Ryan on February 14, 2022.
Hoffman was arrested on September 5, 2018 as part of Operation Open House – a multi-agency undercover operation led by the New Jersey Department of Criminal Justice, New Jersey Regional Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office. This operation targeted men who were using the social media applications, Whisper and Kik, to attempt to lure underage females and males for sexual activity. Hoffman, who believed he was chatting with a fourteen year-old female, arranged to meet the female at a residence in Toms River for purposes of engaging in sexual activity. In reality, Hoffman was chatting with an undercover detective from the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office. On September 5, 2018, Hoffman arrived at the prearranged location in Toms River, and was taken into custody. He was transported to the Ocean County Jail, and later released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Kristin Pressman who handled the case on behalf of the State, and commends the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice, New Jersey Regional Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, New Jersey State Police, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office, Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office, Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office, Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office, Warren County Prosecutor’s Office, United States Homeland Security Investigations, United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations, New Jersey State Parole Board, Bayonne Police Department, Gloucester Township Police Department, Hazlet Township Police Department, Keyport Police Department, Monroe Township Police Department, Red Bank Police Department, Spring Lake Police Department, Toms River Township Police Department, and Voorhees Township Police Department, for their collective and collaborative assistance in connection with the Operation Open House investigation, leading to Hoffman’s apprehension, guilty plea, and now his state prison sentence.
BORDENTOWN TOWNSHIP, NJ (BURLINGTON)–Police say that on July 2, 2022, at approximately 5:25 p.m. when Detective Sergeant Pavlov stopped a Toyota Scion on Rt. 206. Following a K9 alert a search was conducted of the vehicle which led to the seizure of a 9mm Smith and Wesson handgun loaded with two (2) hollow point bullets. The vehicle passenger was additionally found to possess ten (10) wax folds of suspected heroin and a small black digital scale.
Both vehicle occupants were arrested and are identified as:
Najee Dormevil, age – 24, Olive St. Trenton NJ 08610 (Vehicle Driver).
Both subjects were charged with possession of a firearm during the commission of a drug offense, unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a prohibited weapon or device, possession with the intent to distribute CDS, possession of CDS and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Nelson was released on summons complaints and Dormevil was lodged in the Burlington County Jail.
Ptl. Foglia and his K9 “Hollywood” of the Lumberton Township Police Department assisted in this incident.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–Mayor Janice S. Mironov administered the oaths of office to promoted police officers, new Police Lieutenant Thomas Meyer and new Police Sergeant Joseph Carabelli, to fill existing openings in the police department, in front of Township officials and police at a recent ceremony.
Mayor Mironov stated, “This is an exciting evening for East Windsor Township and our Police Department, where we promote two experienced officers who have worked for these opportunities and achieved positive scores in the testing process. Tonight is a tremendous celebration for the Police Department, where we all congratulate the promoted officers, recognize their achievements and welcome working as a team as they continue to progress and demonstrate their abilities in their new positions.”
New Police Lieutenant Thomas Meyer, hired in August 2006, has served in Uniform Services including as a Field Training Officer and Secondary Officer-in-Charge, and in May 2013, was assigned as a Detective to Investigative Services. In August 2017, Officer Meyer was promoted to Sergeant serving as a Platoon Supervisor and Field Training Program Coordinator, then in January 2019, was assigned as Detective Sergeant serving as the Investigative Services Supervisor. Lieutenant Meyer also has served as a Public Information Officer, Humane Law Enforcement Officer, Municipal Counter Terrorism Coordinator, Internal Affairs Unit member, and part-time Instructor at the Mercer County Police Academy. During his career, Lieutenant Meyer has received several awards and recognitions. Lieutenant Meyer earned a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University and a Juris Doctor Degree from Seton Hall University School of Law. Lieutenant Meyer is assigned as the interim Commander of Administrative Services.
New Police Sergeant Joseph Carabelli, hired in May 2011, has served in Uniform Services including as a Field Training Officer, Secondary Officer in Charge and Primary Officer in Charge. In February 2020, Officer Carabelli was assigned as a Detective to Investigative Services, and also has served as a part-time instructor at the Mercer County Police Academy. During his career, Sergeant Carabelli has received several recognitions and awards. Sergeant Carabelli earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Seton Hall University and a Master’s Degree in Administrative Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Sergeant Carabelli is assigned as a platoon supervisor in Uniform Services.
East Windsor Township Mayor Janice S. Mironov administered the oath of office to new Police Sergeant Joseph Carabelli (center left) and new Police Lieutenant Thomas Meyer (center right) in a ceremony attended by Chief of Police James Geary (right), elected officials and other police officers.
City Sought to Utilize Federal American Recovery Plan Funds
July 8, 2022
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mayor W. Reed Gusciora questioned the wisdom of City Council leadership after they failed to approve resolutions to replace protective equipment for the Trenton Fire Department (TFD).
“This is reckless behavior that places our public safety employees at risk. Three members of this Council have hijacked City business,” said Mayor Gusciora. “This equipment is used to protect firefighters and save lives.”
Prior to discarding the protective equipment measure, Council President Kathy McBride ruled “out of order” an attempt to fill a vacant seventh Council seat – a vote in which the mayor is granted a tie-breaking vote himself. Instead, McBride disallowed the motion, and her decision was upheld in a 3-3 tie even as Gusciora attempted to have his vote counted.
The fire safety equipment, namely self-contained breathing apparatus that include a harness, tank, and facemask, is used by firefighters to protect against smoke inhalation and other noxious chemicals while putting out fires. It is essential fire safety gear that is overdue for replacement.
The Administration’s plan was to use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), federal funding that has been granted to the City, in the amount of $446,771 for the equipment. Rules drafted to guide ARPA spending specifically cite funding of “Emergency operations centers & emergency response equipment (e.g., emergency response radio systems)” as an eligible use.
The purchase was rejected by Council last night. Council Members Kathy McBride, Sonya Wilkins, and Robin Vaughn voted against the proposal; Council Members Joe Harrison, George Muschal, and Marge Caldwell-Wilson voted in the affirmative.
Much of the current protective equipment is outdated. Of the 151 harnesses on hand, 94 of those are now beyond their life cycle as per the professional fire standards. The stock of air tanks, which should be as high as 350, currently has 128 operational tanks. Just last year, 70 below-standard tanks were retired.
“The ARPA funding is a godsend to help us update fire safety apparatus,” said Department of Fire and Emergency Services Director Kenneth M. Douglas. “My firefighters are wondering right now why we would turn down this opportunity, but I’ve assured them that we will keep at it until we have the protective equipment we need.”
“We cannot grind the business of the City to a halt, or someone is going to get hurt,” Gusciora said. “It’s one thing not to pay your bills, but it’s another to turn down federal money being used to protect our public safety workers.”
City operations are currently being funding through executive order of the Mayor, due to the fact that Council leadership delayed budget hearings for months and declined passage of temporary emergency appropriations.
Outdated Self Contained Breathing Apparatus or SCBA – Photo City of Trenton
File Photos above by: Brian McCarthy, Dennis Symons and Michael Ratcliffe
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Chief Raymond Hayducka of the South Brunswick Police Department announced today that a woman was charged in connection with a fatal crash that occurred on June 15, 2022, on Georges Road in South Brunswick Township.
An investigation by Officer Jesse Blake of the South Brunswick Police Department and Detective Jonathan Berman of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office determined that on June 15, 2022, at approximately 10:31 A.M., authorities responded to the southbound lane of Georges Road near Crossroads North Middle School following the report of a crash. Upon their arrival, authorities determined a vehicle driven by Shamantha Bolla, 18, of Monmouth Junction, struck Dean Battaglia, 53, of South Brunswick. Battaglia succumbed to his injuries and was ultimately pronounced dead on scene.
On July 7, 2022, Bolla was arrested and charged with one count of second-degree reckless death by auto.
The investigation is active and continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Officer Blake of the South Brunswick Police Department at (732) 329-4000 X 7474 or Detective Berman of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 745-4328.
As is the case with all criminal defendants, the charges against Bolla are merely accusations and she is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
HOWELL TOWNSHIP, NJ–Following the June 30 incident that occurred when a worker fell into a trench and it collapsed on him at a house construction site in Howell, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration is reminding all New Jersey employers to take the necessary steps to protect workers from trench-related fatalities and accidents. The Howell trench was 40 inches x 40 inches, approximately seven-and-a-half-feet-deep, located in the rear of the basement wall of the house.
“A trench can quickly become an early grave if the proper protection is not utilized.” said OSHA Area Director Paula Dixon-Roderick in Marlton, New Jersey. “Friday’s rescue should be a strong reminder for employers to take the proper precautions. OSHAs message to employers is simple: Slope it, Shore it, and Shield it.”
In 2020-2021, OSHA documented 20 deaths and injuries related to trenching and excavation. The leading cause for these fatalities was inadequate cave-in protection. These tragic worker deaths have long-lasting impacts on the workers’ families, co-workers, and communities.
Just 7 days prior there was another trench rescue in Hamilton Township Mercer County:
OSHA offers free app to help calculate worksite heat index, display risks
July 7, 2022
NEW YORK, NY– As temperatures and humidity rise in New Jersey, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration reminds employers and workers not to ignore the dangers of working in hot weather – indoors and out – and remember, “Water. Rest. Shade.” can be the difference between ending the workday safely or suffering serious conditions or worse.
“Our goal is to ensure workers are protected in hot indoor and outdoor environments,” said OSHA Regional Administrator Michael Rivera in Philadelphia. “For the past several years, OSHA’s heat safety campaign has focused intently on raising awareness of the related dangers. A big part of our recent national emphasis program is reaching out to unions, employers, and other organizations in target industries to increase protection for workers most often exposed to heat illness and injuries.”
Encourage workers to drink water every 15 minutes.
Ensure workers take frequent rest breaks in the shade to cool down.
Have an emergency plan ready to respond when a worker shows signs of heat-related illness.
Train workers on the hazards of heat exposure, and how to prevent illness.
Allow workers to build a tolerance for working in heat.
The OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool is a free, downloadable app that calculates a worksite’s heat index and displays the associated risk levels. Users can receive precautionary recommendations specific to heat index risk levels to help protect employees from heat-related illness. The tool is available in English and Spanish.
OSHA’s Occupational Heat Exposure page explains the symptoms of heat illness, first aid measures to provide while waiting for help, engineering controls and work practices to reduce workers’ exposure to heat, and training.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)– The New Jersey State Police have arrested eight suspects for allegedly operating a human trafficking network in Central New Jersey. During a four-month investigation, detectives discovered that the suspects smuggled female victims into the country and forced them into prostitution.
On Friday, January 21, 2022 detectives from the State Police Missing Persons & Human Trafficking Unit obtained information that a juvenile was being trafficked out of a residence on Hudson Street, in Trenton, Mercer County. Later in the day, detectives along with members of the State Police T.E.A.M.S. Unit, K-9 Unit, Crime Suppression Central Unit, Trenton Police Department, and United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) executed a search warrant at the residence. As a result, detectives located two female victims inside the residence and arrested Daniel Bonito Camara, 55, of Trenton and Edy Villeda Estrada, 39, of Trenton.
During the investigation, detectives discovered that one of the female victims was smuggled from Mexico to Texas under the belief that she would be working in a restaurant. However, she was involuntarily forced into a human sex trafficking operation. The juvenile was then trafficked into New Jersey where she continued to be forced into prostitution in Asbury Park before being moved to Trenton.
Through various investigative means, detectives identified Paulino Macolas-Aguirre, 43, of Trenton, N.J. as the ringleader of the human trafficking operation and determined that he was operating out of multiple residences in Trenton.
On Wednesday, May 11, 2022 detectives from the New Jersey State Police Missing Persons & Human Trafficking Unit, Trenton Police Department, Asbury Park Police Department, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Fugitive Unit and the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice executed search warrants at various residences in Trenton. As a result, nine additional female victims were located. Detectives also obtained evidence that they were smuggled into the United States under the pretense they would be provided legitimate employment.
Due to this investigation the following suspects have been charged:
Paulino Macola- Aguirre, 43, of Trenton, N.J
• Two counts of 1st Degree Human Trafficking
• 1st Degree Promoting Organized Street Crime
• 1st Degree Promoting Child Prostitution
• 2nd Degree Facilitating Human Trafficking
• 2nd Degree Sexual Assault
• 3rd Degree Money Laundering
• 3rd Degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child
• 3rd Degree Maintaining a House of Prostitution
• Conspiracy
Daniel Bonito Camara, 55, of Trenton, N.J.
• 1st Degree Human Trafficking
• 1st Degree Promoting Child Prostitution
• 1st Degree Promoting Organized Street Crime
• 2nd Degree Facilitating Human Trafficking
• 2nd Degree Hindering Apprehension
• 2nd Degree Conspiracy to Commit Witness Tampering
• 2nd Degree Conspiracy to Commit Hindering Apprehension
• 2nd Degree Hindering Apprehension
• 3rd Degree Hindering Apprehension
• 3rd Degree Witness Tampering
• 3rd Degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child
• 3rd Degree Maintaining a House of Prostitution
Edy Villeda Estrada, 39, of Trenton, N.J.
• 1st Degree Human Trafficking
• 1st Degree Promoting Child Prostitution
• 1st Degree Promoting Organized Street Crime
• 2nd Degree Facilitating Human Trafficking
• 3rd Degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child
• 3rd Degree Maintaining a House of Prostitution
Efran Melocastillo, 30, of Trenton, N.J.
• Conspiracy
• 2nd Degree Promoting Organized Street Crime
• 3rd Degree Money Laundering
• 3rd Degree Maintaining a House of Prostitution
Jose Gabriel Camara Perico, 30 of Trenton, N.J.
• Conspiracy
• 2nd Degree Promoting Organized Street Crime
• 3rd Degree Money Laundering
• 3rd Degree Maintaining a House of Prostitution
Laura Macolas Aguirre, 44 of Asbury Park, N.J.
• Conspiracy
• 1st Degree Human Trafficking
• 2nd Degree Facilitating Human Trafficking
• 2nd Degree Promoting Organized Street Crime
• 3rd Degree Money Laundering
• 3rd Degree Maintaining a House of Prostitution
Daniel Handerson Camara Perico, 31 of Trenton, N.J.
• Conspiracy
• 2nd Degree Promoting Organized Street Crime
• 3rd Degree Money Laundering
• 3rd Degree Maintaining a House of Prostitution
• 2nd Conspiracy to commit Tampering with Witness
Daniela Penco-Camara, 28 of Trenton, N.J.
• Conspiracy
• 2nd Degree Promoting Organized Street Crime
• 3rd Degree Money Laundering
• 3rd Degree Maintaining a House of Prostitution
• 2nd Conspiracy to commit Tampering with Witness
“The trafficking of human beings is horrific, particularly when it involves the sexual exploitation of vulnerable women and girls lured to this country under the promise of a better life,” said Acting Attorney General Platkin. “We are committed to working with the State Police and our law enforcement partners to arrest human traffickers and rescue their victims from the shadows, where these crimes occur.”
“Human trafficking victims are subjected to irreprehensible physical and emotional abuse because of the manipulation and fear-based tactics used by their perpetrators,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “This investigation shows our dedication to use every resource at our disposal to bring these criminals to justice and dismantle operations that create life-long, damage to victims. We remain committed to working with our partners to aggressively target these offenders but remind everyone to remain vigilant and report these heinous crimes to law enforcement.”
Daniel Handerson Camara Perico and Daniela Penco-Camara remain at large. All other suspects were lodged in Mercer County Jail pending detention hearings.
If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, please call 855-END-NJ-HT. All tips remain anonymous.
This case is being prosecuted by the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice. All victims recovered were provided victim services.
Charges are mere accusations, and the accused are considered innocent until proven guilty.
West Trenton – Colonel Patrick J. Callahan announced the opening of the New Jersey State Police application process for the position of State Trooper. Applications will be accepted online starting, July 5, 2022, to Sunday, August 2, 2022. All eligible men and women are encouraged to apply. Those interested should visit www.NJTrooper.com to complete the online application.
Troopers can pursue one of the more than 120 diverse career paths that the State Police offers based on personal interests and specialized skills, while also working to ensure the public’s safety. The New Jersey State Police has embarked on an intensive recruiting campaign with assistance from Governor Phil Murphy, Acting Attorney General Matthew Platkin, members of the Governor’s cabinet, and members of the New Jersey legislature.
“The men and women in our State Police force come from many different backgrounds but they all have one thing in common, to protect and serve those in our state,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “I have had the pleasure of working and interacting with many of our State Police officers in my time as Governor and I look forward to welcoming the next class of brave Troopers joining this great organization,”
“Now more than ever, we need individuals with a diversity of skills, backgrounds, and experiences who are committed to public service so that our State Police is reflective of the communities they are sworn to protect,” said Acting Attorney General Platkin. “We’re calling on talented, dedicated applicants to step up and join us as we rise to meet the challenges of the future.”
“The New Jersey State Police is committed to finding the finest candidates to serve as Troopers who not only reflect the great diversity of our state, but our core values of honor, duty, and fidelity. We want the best men and women out there who will advance our public safety mission for the next one hundred years,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “I would like to thank Governor Murphy, his cabinet members, Acting Attorney General Platkin and the New Jersey legislature for greatly assisting the State Police with our recruiting campaign.”
Here are the minimum requirements to apply:
An applicant must have a bachelor’s degree, signifying completion of the undergraduate curriculum and graduation from an accredited college or university. To meet the bachelor’s degree requirement, an applicant must have completed all academic, financial, and administrative obligations to be conferred a bachelor’s degree by June 30, 2022.
OR
An applicant must have an associate’s degree or 60 college credits from an accredited college or university AND at least 24 months of satisfactory employment and/or military experience by June 30, 2022. Work experience must equate to 104 weeks of employment, including military experience, with a minimum of 20 hours of work per week. The 104 weeks are not required to be consecutive.
OR
An applicant must have 30 college credits from an accredited college or university AND at least 24 months of active duty military service by June 30, 2022.
If an applicant does not meet any of the above minimum qualifications, they may still meet the following:
An applicant must have 80 college credits from an accredited college or university by June 30, 2022, AND to enter the background portion of the Selection Process, with successful completion of all other phases, an applicant must have a bachelor’s degree by June 30, 2023, signifying completion of the undergraduate curriculum and graduation from an accredited college or university.
However, if this option is chosen as the minimum qualification during the online application open enrollment process, the applicant will NOT be considered for the current selection process but moved to the following selection process based on the date their degree will be conferred.
Applicants must be at least 21 years old as of the date of the application and must not reach their 35th birthday prior to the graduation of their State Police class.
Applicants must be a U.S. citizen and must have a current driver’s license at the time of application.
Tax removed by Jake Honig’s Law effective July 1, 2022
July 7, 2022
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER) – As of Saturday, July 1, 2022 New Jersey residents enrolled in the state’s Medicinal Cannabis Program will not pay state sales tax on cannabis and cannabis products purchased at a permitted medicinal dispensary. The three-phase elimination of the sales tax was delineated in the Jake Honig Compassionate Use Medical Cannabis Act signed into law by Governor Murphy in 2019.
“Removing state sales tax on medicinal cannabis is consistent with Governor Murphy and the Legislature’s intent to prioritize patients and improve affordability,” said Jeff Brown, executive director of the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission. “As the sales tax has been phased out from 4% to 2% and now to 0% patients have been able to spend less on their medicine, further ensuring patients are prioritized over recreational consumers.”
The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission establishes and enforces the rules and regulations governing the licensing, cultivation, testing, selling, and purchasing of cannabis in the state.
Process for federal funding available for applicants
July 7, 2022
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)– Mayor W. Reed Gusciora today announced the City’s next phase of its American Rescue Plan program – two funds of $2,000,000 each – one for not-for-profit projects and one for small, for-profit businesses.
“On March 11, 2021, the White House announced that President Biden had signed into law the historic American Rescue Plan (ARP) — a $ 1.9 trillion economic stimulus and aid package aimed at addressing the impact of COVID-19,” Mayor Gusciora said. “We were thrilled when we learned that the City of Trenton had been awarded almost $73 million in direct ARP funds – $36.5 million was distributed to the City in May 2021, and another $36.5 million was received in early June 2022.”
Gusciora continued, “While the receipt of the ARP funds is without doubt a ‘good problem’ to have, determining the most appropriate uses has been formidable.”
Although the specific projects have evolved, we are consistently focused on 3 primary goals – (i) building youth and neighborhood resilience; (ii) transforming aging infrastructure; and (iii) investing in local jobs and businesses. With an eye towards these goals, Phase 1 of Trenton’s ARP Plan focused on solutions that will have long term implications towards the revival of the City, including:
New first responder radio equipment and 911 emergency dispatch center Parks upgrade Water infrastructure Expansion of the City animal shelter The City’s Phase I ARP Expenditure Plan consisted exclusively of direct expenditures by City agencies. These projects were reviewed and evaluated by members of the Mayor’s Administration and ultimately approved by City Council for funding. In Phase II of the ARP Expenditure Plan, Mayor Gusciora announced that two (2) funds have been established to extend the opportunity for ARP funding to external organizations (subrecipients): (i) one fund totaling $2,000,000 will be available to not-for-profit entities; and (ii) a second fund totaling $2,000,000 will be available for small (defined below), for-profit businesses that operate in Trenton, particularly among the City’s low-income communities and people of color.
Funding will be available to support projects with a minimum request of $25,000 up to a maximum amount of $100,000. The Program covers costs incurred no earlier than March 3, 2021, and no later than December 31, 2024. Follow the links below to access the necessary documents:
PRINCETON, NJ (MERCER)–On Wednesday, July 6, 2022 at 3:19 p.m., the Princeton Police Department responded to TD Bank, 883 State Road, on the report of an armed robbery. Investigation revealed a male entered TD Bank and approached the teller counter. There was no teller present at the counter and the suspect attempted to jump over the counter but was unsuccessful. The male suspect tried to jump over the counter a second time and was again unsuccessful. The suspect then exited TD Bank and fled on a black motorcycle towards Princeton Avenue. He was last seen stopped at the intersection of Princeton Avenue and Route 206. The suspect did not brandish a weapon, did not make any threats and nothing was stolen from the bank. The suspect was described as a male, approximately 5’4” – 5’5” in height, wearing green pants, a black shirt, black gloves, grey New Balance sneakers, a chest harness with a GoPro style camera attached to it, a black half shell motorcycle helmet and a gas mask. We are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has additional information, to contact Det. Robert Allie at (609) 921-2100 extension 2123.
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–On Tuesday, July 5, 2022, at 8:44 a.m., the Monmouth Junction Fire Department and South Brunswick Police were dispatched to 404 Samuel Court in Dayton Center for a report of smoke coming from a barbecue on a balcony. Police officers arrived within minutes and observed smoke coming from the roof line of a one-story section of the 4-unit building and immediately started evacuating the residents. Chief Scott Smith of the Monmouth Junction Fire Department arrived and immediately requested the first alarm, bringing the Kingston and Kendall Park Fire Departments to the scene to assist. Firefighters were able to bring the fire under control in approximately 20 minutes but remained on location until 10:30 a.m. extinguishing hot spots.
“This was a challenging fire as we had to use saws and hand tools to open the decking of the second-floor balcony, as well as the walls and ceiling of the unit below the balcony in order to expose and extinguish the fire, which must have been smoldering unnoticed for some time. We are fortunate that the fire was relatively contained and discovered during the day, and not when residents were sleeping,” said Chief Smith.
Six fire trucks and 30 firefighters responded to the fire. South Brunswick EMS responded, and there were no injuries.
Preliminary indications are the fire was caused by old charcoals from a barbecue the night before. The fire is under investigation by the South Brunswick Township Fire Safety Bureau.
BORDENTOWN TOWNSHIP, NJ (BURLINGTON)–A tanker truck overturned on Route 206 South Bound turning onto Connector Road spilling its load of 8,000 gallons of asphalt emulsifying agent around 6:10 p.m. Bordentown Township Fire Department and EMS responded for an overturned truck with a reported male lying in the middle of the roadway with unknown injuries. Burlington County Hazardous Materials Team and a request for Joint Base McGuire Hazardous Materials Team was made. Bordentown Township Police, NJ State Police were on scene. A Burlington County Fire Police Strike Team was called to direct traffic for an extended period while the cleanup was being made. NJ Department of Transportation sent several sand trucks to the scene and other equipment. Haines Towing Inc. of Bordentown was on scene with several heavy duty trucks to upright the vehicle. Route 206 South in Bordentown was closed for an extended period of time and has since reopened.
Rt 206 southbound all lanes closed South of New Jersey Turnpike in Bordentown due to an overturned tractor trailer and fuel spill. Follow detour or plan alternate route
Be advised that Connector Rd. is currently closed due to an overturned tractor trailer. Expect delays on Rt. 206 in this area as a result and if possible plan an alternate route.
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–Mayor Janice S. Mironov and Council Members remind all area residents to join with Township officials on Saturday, July 9, 2022, for the rescheduled East Windsor Township Independence Day Celebration, at Etra Lake Park. The Independence Day Celebration was postponed from its original date of July 2 due to anticipated weather conditions.
The Independence Day celebration free entertainment begins at 6 P.M. with Jerry Rife’s Rhythm Kings Dixieland Jazz Band, a 6-piece band from the Delaware Valley area, best known for its traditional jazz sound. They will be followed at 7:45 P.M. by the Trenton Brass Quintet Plus One, a 6-piece ensemble from Central Jersey performing Americana and a variety of popular melodies. The spectacular fireworks display will commence immediately following the musical presentations, at approximately 9:30 P.M.
Mayor Mironov stated that, “Our Nation’s Independence Day is a great occasion for our residents to join together in celebration and recognition of our blessings of liberty and freedom.” She urged everyone to, “bring your blankets and chairs, and use the barbecue grills for a night of free fun at beautiful Etra Lake Park.” There also will be vendors present for purchase of refreshments. This free event is made possible through the generous contributions of many area businesses.
East Windsor Township thanks the following community businesses whose generous contributions have underwritten and made this summer entertainment possible: Platinum Sponsors – Aurobindo, Novitium Pharma and QTS Data Centers; Diamond Supporters – Hovione; Gold Sponsors – The Woods at East Windsor, Comcast and One Mile Storage; Silver Sponsors – Continental Auto Repair, LLC, Fordoz Pharma, IXP Corporation, McCaffrey’s Market, John Mayorek and Taco Bell; Bronze Sponsors – Centrastate Healthcare Systems and Moe’s Southwest Grill.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–It was unclear if a homeless person fell or jumped from the Route 1 Bridge onto Route 29 North before being run over and killed by a vehicle sometime before 6:00 a.m. this morning according to City Officials. The vehicle after running the person over left the scene in a “hit and run” The roadway was closed and detoured for over 4 hours during this mornings rush hour. City Officials did not release the name of the person killed.
Trenton Police, Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Fatal Accident Investigation Team and New Jersey State Police were at the scene investigating the crash. New Jersey Department of Transportation assisted with traffic control and detours during the investigation.
Rt 29 northbound all lanes closed and detoured at South Warren St in Trenton due to a pedestrian accident. Follow detour or plan alternate route.
UPDATE: Rt 29 northbound ALL LANES REMAIN CLOSED AND DETOURED at South Warren St in Trenton due to a pedestrian accident. Follow detour or plan alternate route. Expect delays on Rt 29 northbound and Route 129 northbound. https://t.co/JiKBT9B93b
UPDATE: Rt 29 northbound ALL LANES REOPENED at South Warren St in Trenton. Expect residual delays on Rt 29 northbound and Route 129 northbound. https://t.co/mR3dSIpHxa
Victim is listed in critical condition at Capital Health Fuld Campus, according to officials.
July 5, 2022
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Trenton Officials report that a shooting occurred at 1:14 a.m. at 64 Sweets Avenue. A victim Davone White, was shot in the neck, shoulder and hand. The victim is listed in critical condition at Capital Health Fuld Campus, according to officials. Trenton Police Shooting Response Team is investigating the shooting.
According to Wikipedia on the Art All Night Shooting on June 17, 2018, Nearly 1,000 people were at the Art All Night event located at Roebling Wire Works Building, when multiple people began to shoot at one another, with one individual killed and 22 injured. A wounded suspect named Davone White (26-years-old) was charged with firearms-related offenses.
According to the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, Davone White pleaded guilty in June 2019 to second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. He was sentenced in September 2019 to six years in prison and would have been eligible for parole after three years and six months.
In a prior MidJersey.News story on the event, in a Mercer County Prosecutor’s Press on use of force that night:
“Detective 2 took a few steps into the building when he heard multiple gunshots. He drew his police-issued firearm and began scanning for the threat as he moved backward into Dye Street. Detective 2’s attention was drawn to a black male running from inside of the building toward Dye Street with a handgun in a low ready position. This individual was later identified as Davone White. Detective 2 observed Officer 1 discharge his weapon at Mr. Wells as Mr. Wells continued running toward Dye Street and stumbled to the ground. As this occurred, Mr. White turned around, raised his handgun and pointed it in Detective 2’s direction. Detective 2 fired his weapon until Mr. White fell to the ground and was no longer a threat. Detective 2 then approached Mr. White. A handgun and an extended magazine that Detective 2 observed in Mr. White’s hand were collected near Mr. White’s location. Mr. White survived.“
“The Shot Spotter gunfire detection system captured 26 gunshots fired near the Roebling complex. This is located in the immediate area of where Trenton police officers responded to gunfire and observed Mr. Wells and Mr. White armed with handguns fleeing from the Roebling Wire Works building.“
“a black handgun with a large-capacity magazine located in close proximity to Davone White“
“Davone White was charged with possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a large capacity ammunition magazine, aggravated assault and certain persons not to possess a weapon. He pleaded guilty in June 2019 to possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose.“
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Sometime around 1:00 p.m. a person lost control of their vehicle and crashed into the side of a home at the corner of Sweets Avenue and Calhoun Street. Trenton Fire Department and TEMS responded. Trenton Police Department is investigating the crash. No further details are available at this time.
FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office reports that a multi-car crash has claimed the lives of two passengers and left two drivers severely injured in Freehold Township Sunday afternoon, according to Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey.
On Sunday July 3, 2022, at approximately 1:28 p.m., the Freehold Township Police Department responded to a report of a multi-vehicle crash near the intersection of Route 9 South southbound and Route 33 westbound. The subsequent investigation revealed that a 2019 Lexus NX, driven by a 74-year-old female from Manalapan, was travelling southbound on Route 9, when the vehicle side-swiped a 2015 black Lexus RX350, and then side-swiped a white 2019 Subaru Crosstrek, before rear-ending a 2017 black Honda CR-V. The black Honda CR-V then rear-ended a 2009 purple Scion TC.
As a result of the crash, one of the passengers in the Honda CR-V, a 52-year-old female from Marlboro, was pronounced deceased at the scene. A second passenger in the Honda CR-V, a 61-year-old male, also of Marlboro, succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital. The driver of the Honda CR-V, a 21-year-old male of Marlboro, was also taken to a local hospital and is in critical condition. The driver of the Lexus was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries. Other drivers and passengers sought medical attention for minor injuries.
The crash remains under investigation by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Monmouth County SCART and the Freehold Township Police Department.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information to assist the investigative team is urged to contact Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Nicolas Logothetis at 800-533-7443, or Freehold Township Police Department Patrolman Justin Nunno at 732-462-7908.
Bridge Point 8 will be built on the former American Cyanamid site in the area of Quakerbridge Road, Clarksville Road and U.S. Route 1
July 1, 2022
WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–A two-phased development to construct seven warehouse buildings, with a total footprint of 5,563,117 +/- square feet at 4201 Quakerbridge Road, was approved at a Planning Board Meeting on June 29, 2022 with a vote 6 to 2 approving the project.
Phase I involves developing three warehouse buildings, consisting of 3,010,099 +/- square feet of warehouse space, a subdivision, and construction of a new road from the intersection of Quakerbridge Road and Avalon Way through the intersection of Route 1 and Nassau Park Boulevard.
Phase II involves developing four warehouse buildings, consisting of 2,553,018+/- square feet of warehouse space.
The property is located at the corner of US Route 1, Quakerbridge Road, and Clarksville Road, within the Planned Commercial Development (PCD) District
Bridge Point 8 will be built on the former American Cyanamid site in the area of Quakerbridge Road, Clarksville Road and U.S. Route 1
The West Windsor Planning Board Meeting from June 29, 2022 can be viewed here:
Rendered plan for Bridge Point 8 Industrial Park:
Bridge Point 8, Overall Circulation Plan as submitted to the West Windsor Township Planning Board
Bridge Point 8, Overall Site Plan as submitted to the West Windsor Township Planning Board.
Bridge Point 8 will be built on the former American Cyanamid site in the area of Quakerbridge Road, Clarksville Road and U.S. Route 1 as seen on July 1, 2022.
Delayed budget hearings and Council inaction on temporary appropriations would shut down City for Independence Day
July 1, 2022
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mayor W. Reed Gusciora issued an executive order last night, making emergency appropriations to avoid a government shutdown in the Capital City heading into the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
“We have the funds needed to pay workers, pickup the garbage, and keep our our clinics and parks open,” Mayor Gusciora said. “We have the money. The problem is, Council leadership has chosen not to appropriate it. I am not going to sit by while they shut down the City and deprive residents of services for no good reason.”
Council President Kathy McBride has postponed all departmental hearings for the City budget which was introduced on April 5, 2022. Without a budget, the City requires quarterly temporary emergency appropriations to fund operations.
City Council failed to approve the emergency appropriations at their last meeting on June 16. Absent administrative action, the City would be forced to cease all non-public safety operations at midnight tonight. Appeals from the Administration to the N.J. Department of Community Affairs (DCA) requesting intervention on behalf of residents and business owners were unsuccessful.
“They approve bonds, but won’t pay bond bills. They hire summer workers, but stop their paychecks in July. They want more businesses, but won’t allow them to be licensed,” said Gusciora. “This Council’s leadership continues to be the most destructive force in City government.”
According to the executive order, Gusciora is “authorizing any and all steps necessary to ensure the continued provision of goods and services needed for the health, safety and well-being of Trenton’s citizenry, as well as the financial stability of the City, including payment of Debt Service, for a period not to exceed 30-days or whenever City Council passes temporary emergency appropriations or the budget for Calendar Year 2022, whichever of the three (3) events is sooner; and will further follow the guidance and direction of the DCA with regard to the foregoing directive.”
UPPER FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Around 7:38 a.m. firefighters from Upper Freehold Township-Hope Fire Company of Allentown and Capital Health EMS – Allentown responded to I-195 East Bound for a multi-vehicle accident. The accident was found between Exit 8 and Exit 11 in the left shoulder of the highway. A pickup truck carrying paint was involved in the crash and spilled paint all over the roadway. There was of one person with moderate injuries and others with minor injuries. New Jersey State Police, NJ DOT closed two lanes diverting traffic to the shoulder and away from most of the spilled paint during the clean up operation. No further details are available at this time.
This morning the members of IAFF Local 4306 responded on to 195 for a MVA. Crews secured the power to the vehicle and stayed to help block traffic. Photo: IAFF Local 4306
MidJersey.News 
You must be logged in to post a comment.