August 31, 2022
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Just after 12:30 p.m. the Robbinsville Police Department, Robbinsville Fire Department and EMS responded to Route 33 and Robbinsville-Edinburg Road for a motor vehicle crash. Firefighters and EMS treated for minor injuries on scene and no one was transported to the hospital. Robbinsville Township Police is investigating the crash. No further details are available at this time.
August 31, 2022
WOODBRIDGE, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Director Robert Hubner of the Woodbridge Police Department announced today that the Woodbridge Police Department and Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office responded to a shooting on Soren Street.
Today, at 4:37 p.m. Woodbridge Police officers responded to Soren Street after receiving a 911 call about an unresponsive female laying on a front lawn. Upon arrival, it was determined two people were deceased at the scene.
At this stage of the investigation and based upon what is known to law enforcement at this point, the incident is being investigated as a murder/suicide. Authorities have determined that there is no threat to the public.
Mayor thanks community, city leaders for collaborations and interventions aimed at curbing violence
August 31, 2022
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mayor Reed Gusciora announced today that the City of Trenton has made significant progress in reducing violent crime, specifically gun-related homicides, through collaborative initiatives and social intervention efforts.
The Gusciora administration deployed several social interventions with the primary or ancillary goal of affecting a noticeable decline in violent crime. Since June 1, 2022, there have been no homicides in the City of Trenton.
“While violent crime has continued to surge in other cities across America this summer, Trenton is doing what it takes to become a leader in urban violent crime reduction,” Mayor Reed Gusciora said. “We are pulling out all the stops to ensure that the Capital City is a safe place for all who live, work, learn, and play here. With the help of our law enforcement partners and members of our community, we are innovating to establish a new public safety standard and we are doing it together.”
Relative both to historical levels of crime occurring last summer and to this time last year, homicides and shootings are down. Year-to-date, the City has seen a 62% reduction in shooting homicides, down from 21 last year to eight this year. The City has also seen a 46% reduction in overall homicides year-to-date, down from 22 last year to 12 this year.
The City of Trenton adopted the Strategic Integrated Policing philosophy, which aims to address crime through a two-level approach in addition to stepping up enforcement: (1) target the deployment of City resources, such as recreational opportunities, mental health and public health services, and blight reduction efforts towards vulnerable communities, and (2) collaborate with local, county, state, and federal law enforcement to prevent gun violence and de-escalate situations.
“The Trenton Police Department’s investments in long-term public safety and neighborhood wellness are paying off, and our collaborations with other law enforcement agencies have enhanced the Department’s capacity to prevent crimes from taking place and find the offenders when they do,” Trenton Police Director Steve Wilson said. “The efforts of our officers out in the community make our streets safer every day for residents, business owners, and visitors to the Capital City.”
The Real Time Crime Center, one such collaboration, is an informational nerve center tying in the Trenton Police Department, Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, and New Jersey State Police.
This operational asset has fostered unprecedented cooperation through the ability to share high-quality intelligence that prevents crime and increases violent crime clearance rates. The City, in conjunction with Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, currently has a clearance rate of 35% for incidents of persons struck with a bullet, higher than the national average of 25% to 30%.
The administration recently launched Trenton Community Street Teams, a community violence intervention initiative that is a collaboration between the Trenton Health and Human Services Department, Trenton Police Department, and Trenton-based community development and environmental organization Isles, Inc.
The initiative empowers civilian leaders (including formerly incarcerated and justice-impacted citizens) in Trenton to mediate conflicts in areas at high-risk for violent crime. The teams also provide support for community members affected by violent crime and will be ensuring safe passage for children in the coming school year.
As part of their outreach, the Trenton Community Street Teams are hosting public safety forums with higher education institutions and engaging in weekly community walks in areas impacted by violence. This initiative will foster critical conversations with the goal of preventing violence and supporting vulnerable community members.
Another such measure underway is Trenton’s CHANGE Committee, an 11-member civilian public safety panel that is charged with reviewing and making recommendations on public safety in the Capital City. After kicking off in June, the committee is currently establishing subcommittees through which other residents may contribute and will being issuing their first report this Fall.
During the summer season, the City hired more than 200 city youth for summer employment with federal grant funding. Research suggests that offering youth a summer job can even reduce urban violent crime even after the summer ended.
Additionally, the City operated its Summer Youth Camp, which ran from June 20 to August 26, provided breakfast and lunch to 6- to 12-year-olds and engaged the children in field trips, arts and crafts projects, and swimming. Recreation Supervisor La’Keisha Sutton, a Trenton native and a former Harlem Globetrotter, oversaw ten weeks of free summer basketball offered from June 20 through September 1.
Prior to the summer, the Health and Human Services Department hired multiple mental health counselors and the Police Department increased the number of new officers.
“We are not done, not by a mile,” Gusciora said, “but we are proud of the progress being made. I want to thank the leaders out there doing the work and I want to encourage more members of our community to become a part of the multi-faceted solution. We can do this together.”
Names of the 2022 homicide victims in the City of Trenton:
Trenton Murders Per Year Since 1989
NJ State Police Uniform Crime Report available here: https://www.njsp.org/ucr/uniform-crime-reports.shtml
1989 = 22
1990 = 21
1991 = 7
1992 = 16
1993 = 11
1994 = 9
1995 = 16
1996 = 14
1997 = 12
1998 = 15
1999 = 8
2000 = 14
2001 = 13
2002 = 19
2003 = 13
2004 = 18
2005 = 31
2006 = 18
2007 = 25
2008 = 19
2009 = 18
2010 = 15
2011 = 23
2012 = 24
2013 = 37
2014 = 32
2015 = 17
2016 = 21
2017 = 23
2018 = 16
2019 = 15
2020 = 40
2021 = 40
2022 = 12 as of 8/31/2022 at 5:30 p.m.
August 31, 2022
FLORENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ (BURLINGTON)–Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw and Florence Township Police Chief Brian Boldizar announced that the death of a Florence woman whose body was found inside her home earlier this week has been ruled a homicide.
Police discovered Sheila Maguire, 54, late Monday afternoon after family members requested a wellness check at her residence in the 200 block of Birch Hollow Drive because they had been unable to reach her for a few days.
The autopsy was performed yesterday by Burlington County Medical Examiner Dr. Ian Hood. The cause of death is being withheld at this time.
No arrests have been made.
The investigation is being conducted by the Florence Township Police Department and the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office. The lead investigators are FTPD Detective Chris Powell and BCPO Detectives Shawn McDonough and Andrew Ridolfi.
Anyone with information concerning this crime is asked to call Burlington County Central Communications at 609-265-7113, or send an email to tips@co.burlington.nj.us.
August 31, 2022
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)—Trenton Police reported that on Thursday August 25, 2022, Violent Crimes Interdiction Detectives Mahan and Quinones observed two males on social media brandishing handguns. Both parties were identified and taken into custody without incident.
Erick Goodman-Hooks
Charges:
#1: Unlawful Possession of a Handgun
#2: Ghost Gun
Polymer 80, .9mm semi-automatic handgun, No serial number.
Juvenile Offender 15 years old:
Charges 15-year-old:
#1: Unlawful Possession of a Handgun
#2: Defaced
#3: Juvenile in possession of a handgun
Taurus g3, .9mm semi-automatic handgun, defaced.
August 31, 2022
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–On Friday, August 19, 2022, Trenton Police Violent Crime Unit Detectives executed a narcotics search warrant in the area of Home Avenue in response to numerous nuisance complaints received by the community. As a result, the below arrests were effected and Controlled Dangerous Substances confiscated. This incident occurred within 1000’ of a school and 500’ of a park. Thank you for helping us keep our City safe.
Ronaldo Najera charged with:
Jonathan E Lemus-Zamora charged with:
Property confiscated:
Item #1: 35 grams CDS Cocaine
Item #2: $185.00 U.S. Currency
Item #3: Assorted CDS Paraphernalia
Item #2: Seized vehicle
August 30, 2022
SEASIDE HEIGHTS, NJ (OCEAN)–Today around 5:10 p.m., Seaside Police received a report of a trapped dog inside a car with the owner being gone for over 45 minutes. Seaside Heights Police Officers arrived and deployed a car entry tool to rescue the dog out of the parked hot car. Temperatures this afternoon were in the 90s. Officers checked the dog and the dog seemed to be fine. The driver didn’t return for about an hour after the dog was removed.
UPDATE: According to Seaside Heights Police, Diane Santos-Garcia of New York City, was issued a summons for “Care of Dog”
Photos and story by: Ryan Mack, Jersey Shore Fire Response
August 30, 2022
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, NJ (SOMERSET)–Detectives from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office along with Franklin Township Police are actively investigating a child fatality which occurred within the jurisdiction of Franklin Township (Somerset County) New Jersey. Authorities have notified the New Jersey Northern Regional Medical Examiner’s Office who will be responding to conduct the investigation. No further details will be released at this time while investigators conduct their investigation.” Deputy Chief Frank Roman
Sources tell MidJersey.News that a baby was left in a hot car this afternoon and died. Details are still sketchy check back for further details.
August 30, 2022
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–The Hamilton Township Fire Department responded to Route 29 south bound at mile post 1.2 for a well involved car fire around 3:15 p.m. Firefighters arriving on location pulled a 1 3/4″ hose line to knock down the fire. Firefighters remained on scene a short time for overhaul. NJ State Police remained on scene waiting for a tow truck. No further details are available.
CAPE MAY, NJ–The Coast Guard and New Jersey State Police searched for an overdue boater Tuesday approximately 1 mile east of Cape May Villas, New Jersey.
Missing was Christian Johnathon Hosford, Jr., 33, last seen around sunset on Monday in a 10-foot John boat near his home in Cape May Villas. Hosford reportedly did not have a life jacket, a whistle or any other safety gear with him at the time.
Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay watchstanders received a call at 9:50 p.m. Monday, from Hosford’s friend stating he had not come back in at his expected time of about 6:30 p.m.
The missing boater was located and found safe overnight about a mile north of the search area in Dennis Creek.
Rescue crews searching were:
Cape May, NJ, Looking at Delaware Bay from beach, File photo by: Dennis Symons
TAVI Hosts Free Concert on September 17, 2022 at 3:00 p.m.
August 30, 2022
ALLENTOWN, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Acclaimed as the premier touring jazz big band in the United States, the US Army Field Band’s Jazz Ambassadors will perform a free concert in Allentown, New Jersey on Saturday, September 17, 2022 beginning at 3 pm behind the Allentown United Methodist Church, 23 Church Street, Allentown, NJ. In case of rain, the concert will be held on the same date and time in the Allentown High School Auditorium at 27 High Street, Allentown, NJ 08501.
The band is coming to Allentown at the invitation of The Allentown Village Initiative (TAVI) through its “Allentown Arts” program, a series of performances and exhibits throughout the year designed to highlight the artistry of Allentown and Upper Freehold in the historic setting of the village of Allentown. Allentown Arts is made possible through the generosity of our community as well as a grant from Monmouth Arts, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, and the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners.
Established in 1969, the 19 piece Jazz Ambassadors orchestra has performed in all 50 states and around the globe. From Carnegie Hall to London, and now to Allentown New Jersey, the Jazz Ambassadors have brought America’s original art form – jazz – to audiences of all ages. Please bring a chair and join us for a program of favorites. Come early and browse TAVI’s “Makers Market” featuring the creativity of our area’s artisans and small businesses. Make it an afternoon and enjoy a stroll down historic Main Street with its unique shops and restaurants. More information on the band is available at https://www.armyfieldband.com/about/ensembles/jazz-ambassadors
Visit www.allentownvinj.org for news and information about TAVI’s ongoing community service programs. A volunteer driven, 501(c)(3) organization, TAVI welcomes everyone’s input and participation.
August 29, 2022
POINT PLEASANT BEACH, NJ (OCEAN)–Luckily, a family escaped severe injuries when their vehicle turned on to an active NJ Transit line in Point Pleasant Beach this evening near West Atlantic Avenue and Route 35. The NJ Transit rail line was shut down and New Jersey Transit Police responded to the scene. No additional details are available about the incident.
Photos by: Jersey Shore Fire Response
August 29, 2022
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–The Robbinsville Township Fire Department and Captial Health EMS were requested by NJ State Police to respond to a crash with injuries at mile post 64 south bound outer lanes at 3:16 p.m. Upon arrival two people were treated on scene then transported to a local hospital with reported minor injuries. No additional details are available about the accident.
FLORENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ (BURLINGTON)–The Florence Township Police Department and the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office are investigating the death of a woman whose body was discovered late this afternoon inside a residence in the 200 block of Birch Hollow Drive in Florence Township. The death is considered to be suspicious.
No arrests have been made. There is no reason for members of the general public to fear for their safety based upon this incident. No further information is expected to be released tonight.
Don’t Spend All The Savings In One Place
August 29, 2022
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–After a thorough review of fuel consumption statistics and consultation with the Legislative Budget and Finance Officer, the Department of the Treasury announced on Monday that New Jersey’s gas tax rate will decrease by 1.0 cent per gallon beginning October 1 to comport with the 2016 law that requires a steady stream of revenue to support the State’s Transportation Trust Fund (TTF) program.
“Because actual consumption in Fiscal Year 2022 was moderately above our projections made last August, and consumption in the current fiscal year is projected to be slightly above last fiscal year’s levels, our analysis of the formula dictates a 1.0 cent decrease this coming October,” said State Treasurer Elizabeth Maher Muoio. “We are pleased that this dedicated funding stream continues to provide billions of dollars across the state to support our critical transportation infrastructure needs.”
Under the 2016 law (Chapter 57) enacted prior to the Murphy Administration, New Jersey’s TTF program is required to provide approximately $16 billion over eight years to support critical infrastructure improvements to the state’s roadways and bridges. In order to ensure the State has the funds necessary to support these projects, the law dictates that the Petroleum Products Gross Receipt tax rate must be adjusted accordingly to generate roughly $2 billion per year.
What is generally called the “gas tax” or the “highway fuels tax” is actually two separate taxes on gasoline and diesel fuel – the Motor Fuels tax and the Petroleum Products Gross Receipts (PPGR) tax.
Under the formula explicitly outlined in the 2016 law, the PPGR tax rate will decrease on October 1, 2022 from 31.9 cents to 30.9 cents for gasoline and from 35.9 cents to 34.9 cents for diesel fuel. When combined with the Motor Fuels Tax, which is fixed at 10.5 cents for gasoline and 13.5 cents for diesel fuel, the total tax rates that motorists will pay for gasoline and diesel fuel will be 41.4 cents and 48.4 cents, respectively.
Background on Chapter 57 & calculation of tax rate formula
Under P.L. 2016, Chapter 57, a statutory formula determines how much the PPGR tax rate is to be adjusted annually in order to meet the Highway Fuels Revenue Target. The Highway Fuels Revenue Target is required to be reviewed annually each August by the Treasurer, in consultation with the Legislative Budget and Finance Officer (LBFO). This process just concluded, with Treasurer Muoio and LBFO Thomas Koenig consulting on consumption data and revenue collections.
In order to calculate whether a change in the PPGR tax rate is necessary to achieve the Highway Fuels Revenue Target, the statutory formula requires Treasury to first look at the baseline Highway Fuels Revenue Target, which is the amount of revenue collected from the taxation of highway fuels (gasoline and diesel fuel) when the law first went into effect in FY2016.
The PPGR rate may be adjusted annually for the following two reasons:
When necessary, the PPGR rate is adjusted:
FY2023 Rate Calculation
Treasury applied the above formula based on the following revenue numbers:
Supporting Statistics
Last year, Treasury estimated that consumption of gasoline and diesel fuel in FY2022 was projected to decline by 9.3 percent from pre-pandemic levels in FY 2019 and 14.3 percent from the FY2016 baseline consumption level when the law was established.
However, because of better than expected recovery, consumption of gasoline and diesel fuel in FY2022 only declined by 7.5 percent from pre-pandemic levels in FY 2019 and 12.5 percent from the FY2016 baseline consumption level.
Because actual consumption in FY2022 was above projections, the PPGR tax rate did not need to be increased to make up for any shortfall in highway fuel revenue collections from the prior fiscal year.
While consumption of gasoline and diesel fuel in FY2023 is projected to be 12.2 percent lower than FY 2016 levels since many workers will continue to work from home, it is expected to be above FY2022 levels.
As a result, the FY2023 PPGR tax rate will be lower than in FY2022 because there is no shortfall in prior fiscal year collections, but it will continue to be above the original 22.6 cent tax rate.
Treasury also noted that only legislative action can change the statutory formula and any new statutory change would still need to secure reliable annual revenues for the Transportation Trust Fund.
MidJersey.News file photo from June 12, 2022 in Robbinsville, NJ
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