Month: January 2023

Mercer County, Robbinsville, Robbinsville

Robbinsville High Math League Students Notch Recent Wins

January 31, 2023

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–As a child, Srinand Tanakala found fun in numbers.

There were weekends spent solving puzzles like Sudoku with his sister, in addition to more imaginative games, such as calculating the time between lightning strikes and the ensuing boom of thunder.

Today, Tanakala is president of the Robbinsville High School Math League, a growing student organization that has notched recent wins at mathematics competitions around the community, Mercer County and the entire state.

“Math is incredibly thoughtful and trying to think out processes and working together to find solutions to difficult problems is what I have found most rewarding,” Tanakala said. “Working with minds truly interested in mathematics and solving problems that stretch beyond the classroom that have real-world connections is what I find most endearing about this club.”

About 30 students are involved in the student organization at Robbinsville High, ranging from freshmen to seniors. The middle school has a similar club that is also known for its competitive success.

Most of the contests are individual-based; students take written tests and work through complex problems from basic algebra to geometry and pre-calculus.

The competitions are not just about solving equations. Students must apply logic and creative reasoning to find innovative solutions, according to math teacher Alison Rodriguez, who advises the Math League.

This school year has been one of the most successful yet, she said.

“Students are working so hard and they’re putting in the time necessary to be successful and really recognizing that these problems aren’t easy,” said Rodriguez, a veteran educator of 14 years. “They are very, very difficult problems. It has been amazing to watch these students.”

The Math League has finished on top in several recent local competitions, earning first place on December 13 in the Delaware Valley Math League and first place on November 15 and January 17 in the Colonial Valley Math League. Among comparable high schools throughout New Jersey, Robbinsville is consistently landing in the top 15 to 30 schools.

Sarthak Mohapatra, a Robbinsville senior and a member of the Math League since his freshman year, also scored among the top 2.5 percent of competitors in the national American Mathematics Competition. Mohapatra has qualified to take the next round of tests called the American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME), a 15-question, three-hour examination. Students who earn a top score on the AIME can then take the United States Math Olympiad or United States Junior Math Olympiad exams, among the most prestigious mathematics contests in the country.

Some students also have earned perfect scores at competitions, such as Aarush Mane. The 14-year-old freshman said he’s been interested in math since he was a child fascinated by rockets.

Mane said his involvement in the program has helped him in more ways than one. Math League, he said, has made him a better problem-solver.

“It’s definitely improving my work ethic in many classes,” said Mane, who dreams of becoming an astronaut. “For me, Math League has not just introduced me to more complex math, but in other areas I’ve learned how you can approach problems in unique ways. It has improved my critical thinking skills, viewing certain situations in different ways.”

Likewise, even though students take individual tests, Tanakala emphasized that teamwork has been central to the club’s success.

“Collaboration is key,” Tanakala said. “We heavily emphasize working together and keeping up sportsmanship. We help each other. We give each other moral support. Any time a person wins a medal, we feel that the whole club has won it.”

After graduation, the 18-year-old senior plans to double major in pre-medicine and computer science in college with the goal of becoming a surgeon.

It is a career path, he said, that illustrates the wide application of mathematical knowledge.

“Math is something that people should not view as restricted to purely a math major,” Tanakala said. “It’s something that stretches to many aspects of the world and society.”

Above Photo: Aarush Mane, teacher Alison Rodriguez and Srinand Tanakala. Photo provided

State of NJ

We Must Protect NJ Farmland From Foreign Investors, Sauickie Says

January 31, 2023

TRENTON, N.J. – New Jersey must protect its precious and valuable agricultural lands from potentially hostile foreign investors, Assemblyman Alex Sauickie says.  
 
Sauickie, the newest member of the Assembly and its Agriculture and Food Security Committee, said he is working hard to protect farmland and recently had a major reform of the state’s farmland preservation program pass the Assembly unanimously.
 
A bill he introduced last week (A5120) would prohibit foreign governments and persons from owning farmland in the Garden State. He said he was encouraged to see that a similar bill was then promptly introduced in the Senate.
 
“The bill doesn’t specifically name a particular country or government, but the Chinese Communist Party is on everyone’s mind on this issue. Their government does not yet own much farmland throughout our country, but like them, we need to take the long view and get ahead of any potential threats to our food security,” Sauickie (R-Ocean) said. “In this case, we need to think more about the green fields that feed our people than the greenbacks that could be had by selling them to foreign powers.  It won’t matter how much money you have if there’s no food to buy. We can view this as nothing less than a national security risk.”  
 
There are 895.3 million active acres of agriculture-related lands throughout the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Of that, foreign governments such as Canada, Germany and Italy own more than 35 million acres. The CCP currently owns what looks like only 192,000 acres, or 0.02% of all the farmland in the U.S.
Investing in foreign farmlands is part of the CCP’s “One Belt One Road” economic development plan, which calls for more direct control of its food supply chain.  The country’s ownership exponentially exploded between 2010 and 2020, from $81 million to $1.8 billion in farmland. Controversially, the Agricultural Bank of China, controlled by the CCP, purchased Smithfield Food, the world’s largest pork producer, back in 2013.  
 
“The concern I have, in addition to the fact that China is controlled by a totalitarian Communist regime, is not the exact amount owned at the moment, but the speed with which they have exponentially grown their ownings over the last decade,” Sauickie added. “If this continues unabated, we’ll be beholden to Xi Jinping for our families’ food needs.” 
 
His bill would require foreign governments and persons who already own agricultural land in New Jersey to sell that land five years after the legislation’s passage. The land would have to remain in use for agricultural purposes. 
 
Nine states – Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Wisconsin – restrict foreign ownership of agricultural land. Iowa, home to nearly 31 million acres of farmland, has among the strictest. And at least eight other states — Alabama, Arkansas, California, Indiana, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas – are considering similar bans. (California’s was passed but vetoed by Gov. Gavin Newsom.)
 
“Food security is critical to ensuring that all New Jersey residents have food on the table. That’s why there’s bipartisan support for banning China from owning American farmland,” Sauickie added. “We need to have strict laws like mine on our books to proactively protect New Jersey farmland and ultimately our food supply from harm.” 

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Mercer County, Trenton

Trenton Police Investigating Shooting And Stabbing

January 28, 2023

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Around 4:20 p.m. today January 28, 2023 Trenton Police were summoned to the first block of Sanhican Drive near the Community Food Market for a shooting. Upon arrival of police it was reported that a victim was found with a gunshot wound to the leg and several shell casings were found on the ground. The shooting is currently under investigation.

In a separate incident around 6:35 p.m. Trenton Police were summoned to the 300 Block of South Clinton Avenue for a stabbing. Trenton Fire Department, Trenton EMS and Paramedics were sent to the scene.

No other information is available about either incident.

Trenton Police investigate a shooting in the first block of Sanhican Drive near the Community Food Market. Photos by: Brian McCarthy OnScene News/ MidJersey.News

Ewing, Ewing, Mercer County

Arrest Made In Ewing Wawa Shooting Incident

January 27, 2023

EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–On Sunday, January 15, 2023, at 3:26 a.m. Ewing Police Officers were detailed to the Wawa convenience store at 1300 Silvia Street for a report of a shooting. The Ewing Police Criminal Investigations Bureau immediately began an investigation into the incident. Using information developed during the investigation, Detective Justin Ubry was able to identify one of the suspects with the assistance of Ewing Police Officers Michael Giovannetti and Joseph Toth, III., who recognized the suspect and his vehicle from previous encounters. An arrest warrant was subsequently signed against Zaccardi Mulkey, 23-year-old male from Trenton, NJ. Mulkey is charged with Aggravated Assault and Weapons Offenses. Mulkey was recently apprehended in Henry County, Georgia, where he is currently in custody while awaiting extradition to New Jersey to face his charges.

Ewing Police would like to acknowledge the following agencies for their assistance in the investigation: Trenton Police Department, Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, Mercer County Tactical Response Team, Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, United States Marshall’s Office, and Henry County, Georgia Police Department.

The incident remains under investigation. If anyone has any information that may assist with the investigation, please contact Detective Ubry at 609-882-1313 extension 7590 or by email at jubry@ewingnj.org

Anyone with information may also fee free to contact the Ewing Police Tipline at 609-882-7530 or by email at policetipline@ewingnj.org. The tip line should not be used to report crimes in progress or emergencies that require immediate response.

Police Investigate Early Morning Shootout Inside Ewing Wawa
Mercer County, Robbinsville, Robbinsville

$25,500 Heroin Bust In Robbinsville Warehouse Parking Lot

January 27, 2022

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–A month-long investigation into narcotics distribution in the Mercer County area has culminated with one arrest and the seizure of $25,500 in heroin, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported.

On Thursday, January 26, 2023, members of the Mercer County Narcotics Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Robbinsville Township Police Department initiated surveillance in a warehouse parking lot on New Cayton Way in Robbinsville based on information received during the investigation.  At approximately 6:40 p.m., officers observed the target of the investigation, Melvin Leonard, in the driver’s seat of a black Nissan Altima.  He was detained without incident.  Sgt. Tom Paglione utilized his K-9 partner, Indy, to conduct an exterior sniff of the vehicle, which resulted in Indy alerting to the scent of narcotics on the passenger side door.  A search warrant was executed and, inside of the Altima, officers located a reusable shopping bag with a shoe box inside containing approximately 150 bricks of heroin.

Leonard, 34, of East Orange, NJ, was charged with multiple narcotics offense.  The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain him pending trial. 

According to Prosecutor Onofri, the street value of the confiscated heroin is approximately $25,500.

Despite having been charged, all persons are presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Melvin Leonard, 34, of East Orange, NJ, was charged with multiple narcotics offense.  The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain him pending trial. 

Hillsborough, Somerset

Former Hillsborough School District Buildings And Grounds Director Admits To Paying Kickbacks For Fraudulent Overtime Payments

January 26, 2023

Trenton, N.J. – A Somerset County, New Jersey man yesterday admitted to paying kickbacks in return for fraudulent overtime payments that he received in connection with his former role as the Director of Buildings and Grounds for the Hillsborough Township School District, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.

Anthony DeLuca, 61, of Raritan, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before Senior U.S. District Judge Peter G. Sheridan to one count of embezzling, stealing, and obtaining by fraud more than $137,000 of funds belonging to and under the care, custody and control of the Hillsborough Township School District, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 666(a)(1)(A).

According to the documents filed in this case:

DeLuca, a long-term employee of the Hillsborough Township School District, was promoted to the position of Director of Buildings and Grounds in approximately July 2019, a salaried position that did not entitle him to overtime pay. Nevertheless, shortly after assuming this position, the School District employee to whom DeLuca reported (referred to as “Individual 1” in the Information) began directing DeLuca to claim that DeLuca was entitled receive overtime payments, including for hours which substantially exceeded those that DeLuca actually worked. DeLuca submitted these claims to Individual 1 who then authorized overtime payments for DeLuca in return for cash kickbacks.

DeLuca admitted in court yesterday that upon receiving the overtime payments approved by Individual 1, DeLuca would typically withdraw cash from his bank account to provide kickbacks to Individual 1. DeLuca stated that Individual 1 would designate the location to which DeLuca should deliver envelopes containing the cash kickbacks, including the console of Individual 1’s vehicle and a drawer in Individual 1’s office desk. DeLuca admitted that through this scheme he received in excess of $137,000 in overtime payments to which he was not entitled and that he provided Individual 1 with at least $39,800 in kickbacks between July 2019 and January 2022.

DeLuca faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and maximum fine of 250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for June 1, 2023.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark; the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel in Newark; and the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor John P. McDonald, with the investigation leading to the charges.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark J. McCarren of the Office’s Special Prosecutions Division in Newark.

The charges and allegations contained in the Information pertain to Anthony DeLuca and any other individuals referenced are presumed innocent unless and until those individuals are proven guilty.

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Defense counsel: S. Emile Lisboa IV, Esq., Hackensack, NJ

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Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com
Ewing, Ewing, Hamilton, Hamilton, Mercer County

Police Identify 60-Year-Old Hamilton Man Killed In Yesterday’s Accident In Ewing Township

January 26, 2023

EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Ewing Police have identified Michael Roche, 60, of Hamilton as the victim of yesterday’s accident on Route 31.

Police, Fire and EMS responded to Pennington Road and Summerset Street at 5:48 p.m. for a motor vehicle crash involving a pedestrian. The investigation revealed that Michael Roche, 60, was struck by a single vehicle. He was transported to The Trauma Center at Captial Health Regional Medical Center where he later succumbed to his injuries.

The Ewing Township Police Department and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office is investigation the crash. Any witnesses are asked to contact Detective Justin Quinlan at 609-882-1313 extension 7512 or by email at jquinlan@ewingnj.org Information can also be sent by text or the confidential tip line to 609-882-7530 or emailed to policetipline@ewingnj.org

Two Separate Accidents Reported In Ewing Township On Route 31

State of NJ

New Unit Within Division of Criminal Justice to Investigate and Prosecute Human Trafficking in New Jersey

January 26, 2023

TRENTON – As crimes involving forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation continue to grow nationwide, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin today announced a new unit within the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) that will focus exclusively on investigating and prosecuting these types of human trafficking crimes in New Jersey.

The newly established Human Trafficking Unit will spearhead New Jersey’s fight against human trafficking through aggressive pursuit of criminal networks that trade in people and exploit them for profit. 

 “Human Trafficking is a despicable crime that exploits the most vulnerable members of society, subjecting them to unspeakable emotional, physical, and psychological trauma. Today we are sending a message to those engaged in these heinous acts: your days are numbered,” said Attorney General Platkin. “Our newly created Human Trafficking Unit has but one mandate, to identify and dismantle human trafficking networks operating in New Jersey and bring justice for those they’ve harmed.”

Attorney General Platkin announced the new unit during his remarks at DCJ’s 13th annual Human Trafficking Awareness Event at the Trenton War Memorial today. The day-long event, held each year during January’s National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, brings together members of law enforcement, community partners, advocacy groups, and survivors of human trafficking to educate and raise awareness of this global health issue and collaborate on ways to end it.

“Victims of human trafficking are subjected to the most reprehensible physical and emotional abuse that results in psychological scars that last a lifetime,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police (NJSP). “The creation of the Human Trafficking Unit allows us to partner with the Division of Criminal Justice and shows our dedication to utilize every resource at our disposal to bring these criminals to justice. We remain committed to working with our partners to aggressively target these offenders, but we remind everyone to remain vigilant and report these heinous crimes to law enforcement.”

DCJ Director Pearl Minato said the creation of the Human Trafficking Unit is a game changer. 

“I want to thank Attorney General Platkin for prioritizing our mission to end modern day slavery in New Jersey by providing DCJ with the resources needed to tackle the problem of human trafficking head on,” said Director Minato. “This team of seasoned litigators and investigators, under the leadership of Deputy Director Theresa Hilton, will be capable of pursuing complex trafficking networks across jurisdictional boundaries and bring charges that result in significant prison sentences.”

Deputy Director Theresa Hilton, a veteran litigator with extensive experience prosecuting sex assault crimes, was brought on by the Attorney General in September to oversee sexual and domestic violence prevention policy and criminal enforcement work – a role General Platkin created within the Division of Criminal Justice. In that role she will also now lead the new unit. Prior to joining DCJ, Hilton led the domestic violence unit at the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, where she revamped policies to remove artificial barriers to justice, including those that unfairly placed the weight of prosecutions on the shoulders of victims. 

“I am honored and humbled for the opportunity to lead the Human Trafficking Unit in spearheading statewide efforts to identify criminal trafficking rings, hold perpetrators accountable, and empower survivors with tools for recovery,” said Deputy Director Hilton. “I look forward to working with all levels of law enforcement, government and community stakeholders, and trafficking survivors to bring an end to the scourge of human trafficking in our state.”

Every year, millions of men, women, and children in the world, including in the U.S., are bought and sold for the purposes of forced labor or sexual exploitation. Human Trafficking is a crime whose victims are often hidden in plain sight and signs of human trafficking often go unnoticed because the relationship between trafficker and victim masquerades as consensual romantic or familial relationships or as legitimate employment relationships. Often times, human trafficking victims have been so coerced or traumatized they don’t view themselves as victims at all. For these reasons, it’s difficult to estimate the extent to which the problem exists in New Jersey. However, the FBI considers New Jersey to be a “hub” for this type of activity, in part because the state is positioned between several major metropolitan areas including New York, Baltimore, and Philadelphia.

The Attorney General, DCJ, and NJSP work collaboratively to combat human trafficking through education, collaboration, and prosecution. Those efforts include: training and assisting federal, state, and local law enforcement officers to identify the signs of trafficking and its victims; coordinating statewide efforts to identify and provide services to victims; investigating and prosecuting human trafficking cases; and raising public awareness through public outreach and educational materials.

NJSP administers a NJ Human Trafficking Hotline to identify and intervene in human trafficking cases. Last year, the hot line received 97 tips on suspected human trafficking. All tips are screened and forwarded to DCJ or other appropriate law enforcement entities, including municipal police departments and county prosecutors’ offices.

To better understand and address the problem of human trafficking in New Jersey, the Attorney General and DCJ convened the New Jersey Human Trafficking Task Force (NJHTTF) in 2005. Comprised of state and federal law enforcement agencies, state regulatory departments, advocacy groups, and social service providers, the NJHTTF shares intelligence and insight into where and how traffickers target victims in New Jersey. That information is used to coordinate and drive investigations, law enforcement training, and victim outreach and public awareness efforts.

Since January 2018, approximately two dozen human trafficking cases in New Jersey have been prosecuted by county prosecutors’ offices and the Division of Criminal Justice. The new Human Trafficking Unit was created to enhance and expand New Jersey’s efforts to end human trafficking by assembling a select group of professionals within DCJ who are uniquely qualified and experienced investigate and prosecute these crimes.

Deputy Director Theresa Hilton, a veteran litigator with extensive experience prosecuting sex assault crimes, was brought on by the Attorney General in September to oversee sexual and domestic violence prevention policy and criminal enforcement work – a role General Platkin created within the Division of Criminal Justice. In that role she will also now lead the new unit. Prior to joining DCJ, Hilton led the domestic violence unit at the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, where she revamped policies to remove artificial barriers to justice, including those that unfairly placed the weight of prosecutions on the shoulders of victims. 

Monmouth County, Neptune

Police Seek Public’s Assistance In Neptune Township Fatal Crash

January 26, 2023

FREEHOLD – Law enforcement officials are requesting the community’s help from anyone who may have witnessed a fatal crash on Route 66 in Neptune Township Tuesday night, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced Thursday.

On January 24, 2023, at approximately 9:56 p.m., the Neptune Township Police Department responded to a crash at the intersection of Route 66 and Neptune Boulevard. The investigation revealed that a 33-year-old female driver was driving a 2014 Honda Civic eastbound on Route 66 through the intersection of Neptune Boulevard. Simultaneously, a 52-year-old male resident of the Wanamassa section of Ocean Township was riding an Ecotric Starfish Electric Bicycle southbound on Neptune Boulevard through the intersection of Route 66 when he collided with the front driver’s side corner of the Civic, propelling him onto the hood and windshield of the vehicle.

The male bicyclist was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries at 1:13 a.m. on Wednesday, January 25.

The female driver was uninjured in the crash and remained on scene. No summonses or criminal charges have been issued at this time.

The crash is under investigation by members of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Monmouth County Serious Collision Analysis Response Team (SCART), and the Neptune Township Police Department. Anyone who may have witnessed the crash is urged to contact Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Brian Boryszeswki at 800-533-7443 or Neptune Township Police Department Sergeant James MacConchie at 732-988-8000. 

Mercer County, Trenton

Mayor W. Reed Gusciora Congratulates Trenton City Council’s Historic Win

January 25, 2023

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Today, Mayor Reed Gusciora congratulated Jasi Edwards, Crystal Feliciano, and Yazminelly Gonzalez on winning the three At-large seats on the Trenton City Council in a decisive victory; the New Jersey Globe and the Trentonian have called the Trenton Council At-Large Run-Off Election in favor of these three councilmembers-elect. In a historic first, women will hold six out of seven elected positions on the Trenton City Council.

With all election districts reporting, Edwards received 1,966 votes, Feliciano received 1,939 votes, and Gonzalez received 1,823 votes. Finishing behind the three winners were Taiwanda Terry-Wilson (996 votes) Alexander Bethea (879 votes), and Kadja Manuel (764 votes). These numbers may change slightly after the remaining mail and provisional ballots are counted.

Mayor W. Reed Gusciora stated, “Over the last four years, political gridlock turned into deadlock. Our administration has always sought compromise and collaboration as we work to revitalize our city’s economy, improve the quality of drinking water, and keep our streets safe. Yaz, Crystal, and Jasi will be incredible advocates for Trentonians, and they’ll join our four city councilmembers as critical partners.”

While it is unclear when the official results of the election will be announced by the Mercer County Clerk and certified by the Trenton City Clerk, it is expected that the winners of the Trenton Council At-Large Run-Off Election will soon thereafter be sworn in. While Mayor Reed Gusciora and four ward representatives currently serving on the Trenton City Council had been sworn in on January 1, 2023, they agreed to delay their inauguration until the entire legislative body had been elected.

As a result, a public inauguration will be held for Mayor Reed Gusciora and the soon-to-be seven member Trenton City Council at the War Memorial Building on February 10, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. Additional information will be made available to the public when the results of the Trenton Council At-Large Run-Off Election have been certified.

Mayor W. Reed Gusciora affirmed, “This recent news is welcomed, but we can only celebrate victory after our shared goals have been achieved. We’re very glad, however, that all elected city councilmembers are committed to producing a renaissance in the Capital City. We’re ready and prepared to move this city forward.”

Mercer County, Monmouth County, Robbinsville, Robbinsville, Upper Freehold, Upper Freehold

Serious Head On Crash With Multiple Injuries Reported On Old York Road

January 25, 2023

UPPER FREEHOLD (MONMOUTH) ROBBINSVILLE (MERCER)–Around 7:17 p.m. both Robbinsville and Allentown firefighters were dispatched to Old York Road between New Street and Herbert Road for a head on collision with injuries. Robbinsville Police, NJ State Police, Captial Health Allentown EMS and Paramedics, Robbinsville EMS, Millstone Township Fire/EMS and Monmouth County Paramedics also responded to the scene.

Upon arrival it was found that a person in a car ran head on into a pickup truck and the driver of the car was entrapped. Firefighters from both Hope Fire Company of Allentown and Robbinsville Fire Department worked to free the injured driver. The driver was turned over to EMS and transported to the Trauma Center at Captial Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton. A “trauma alert” was called en route to the hospital.

Occupants from the pickup truck were treated by Captial Health EMS Allentown and also transported to Captial Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton.

New Jersey State Police is investigation the crash and currently the roadway is closed for a serious traffic investigation.

No other details are available at this time.

Update at 10:45 p.m. The Hope Fire Company of Allentown was requested to respond back to the scene to help pry the vehicles apart so they could be towed away.

Old York Road borders both Robbinsville in Mercer County and Upper Freehold Township in Monmouth County.

Ewing, Ewing, Mercer County

Two Separate Accidents Reported In Ewing Township On Route 31

January 25, 2023

EWING (Mercer) – Two separate accidents – including one in which a person
was critically injured – occurred within 90 minutes of each other and about
a mile apart along Route 31 this evening (Wednesday, Jan. 25).

The first accident, which involved two vehicles, was reported just before
4:25 p.m. at the intersection of Route 31 (Pennington Road) and Carlton
Avenue, in front of the main entrance to the College of New Jersey. One of
the vehicles flipped and came to rest on its side. Police, firefighters and
EMS personnel responded and found that both drivers had suffered only
injuries and neither was trapped. While EMS personnel from Ewing and
Pennington transported the injured to local hospitals, Ewing firefighters
spread absorbent material on the road to contain mixed automotive fluids
spilled from wrecked vehicles. Firefighters then stood by while the wreckage
was removed by a tow truck.

The collision forced Ewing police to close Route 31 and TCNJ police to close
the college’s main entrance. Those closures created lengthy traffic backups
at the college’s other entrance on Green Lane.

At 5:48 p.m. Ewing police, EMS personnel and firefighters were dispatched to
the intersection of Route 31 and Somerset Street for a reported “pedestrian
struck.” Emergency workers arrived to find a critically injured person down
in the roadway. CPR was performed on the scene before the accident victim
was rushed by ambulance to the trauma center at Capital Health Regional
Medical Center in Trenton. The elderly male pedestrian succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.

Both incidents are under investigation by Ewing police and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Serious Collision Response Team.

Police Identify 60-Year-Old Hamilton Man Killed In Yesterday’s Accident In Ewing Township

Update on the pedestrian motor vehicle crash below from Ewing Police Department:

Marlboro, Monmouth County

Howell Township Man Is Charged In Connection With Fatal Crash In Marlboro Township That Killed 22-Year-Old

An investigation revealed that Walter Decanio, 59, of Howell Township was driving nearly 80 miles per hour and under the influence of alcohol, traveling southbound on U.S. Route 9, when he collided with the side of the Nissan Altima as it passed through the intersection westbound on Route 520.

January 25, 2023

FREEHOLD – A local man has been criminally charged in connection with a motor-vehicle collision that claimed the life of a young woman in Marlboro Township early last year, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced Wednesday.  

Walter Decanio, 59, of Howell Township is charged with first-degree Aggravated Manslaughter while Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and second-degree Vehicular Homicide for his role in the death of a 22-year-old female resident of Monroe Township (Middlesex County).

Shortly before 2:30 a.m. on Sunday, February 13, 2022, members of the Marlboro Township Police Department and Old Bridge Police Department responded to the intersection of U.S. Route 9 and County Route 520/Newman Springs Road in the Morganville section of Marlboro. At that location, officers located the two vehicles involved in the collision: a 2019 Cadillac XT5 crossover operated by Decanio and a 2018 Nissan Altima.

The female victim sustained multiple severe injuries as the result of the collision and was pronounced deceased a short while later. Decanio was uninjured.

An investigation involving members of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office and the Marlboro Township Police Department determined that Decanio was driving nearly 80 miles per hour and under the influence of alcohol, traveling southbound on U.S. Route 9, when he collided with the side of the Nissan Altima as it passed through the intersection westbound on Route 520.

Decanio was also issued summonses for Failure to Observe a Traffic Control Device, Failure to Wear a Seat Belt, Speeding, Reckless Driving, and Operating a Vehicle while Under the Influence of Alcohol. He turned himself in to authorities without incident last week pending a first appearance to take place in Monmouth County Superior Court.

Anyone with information about this matter is still being asked to contact Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Brian Boryszewski at 800-533-7443 or Marlboro Police Department Corporal David Ruditsky at 732-536-0100.

This case has been assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Meghan Doyle. Decanio is being represented by Mitchell J. Ansell, Esq., with an office in Ocean Township.

Convictions on criminal charges of this nature are punishable by up to 20 years in state prison, with such terms subject to New Jersey’s No Early Release Act (NERA), which stipulates that 85 percent of the sentences be served before the possibility of parole.

Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.

Long Branch, Monmouth County, West Long Branch

Long Branch Man Indicted For West Long Branch Shooting

January 25, 2023

FREEHOLD – A Monmouth County Grand Jury has returned a three-count indictment against a Long Branch man in connection with a shooting that left one victim injured, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced Wednesday.

Donte Gibson, 27, of Long Branch, is charged with one count of first-degree Attempted Murder, one count of second-degree Possession of a Firearm for an Unlawful Purpose, and one count of second-degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon.

At approximately 9:45 p.m. on the night of Monday, October 10, 2022, West Long Branch Police responded to a convenience store on the 800 block of Broadway for a report of shots being fired. It was later discovered that a shooting victim had been dropped off at a local hospital for treatment. The victim sustained injuries to his hip and forearm, and was treated and later released.

This shooting incident was one of three that took place that same day. The two other incidents, both in Long Branch, are still under investigation at this time.  

For anyone with information regarding these shooting incidents, please contact Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Joshua Rios or Brian Migliorisi at 800-533-7443, Long Branch Police Department Detective Nicholas Romano at 732-222-1000, Ext. 2, or West Long Branch Police Department Detective Ryan Buck at 732-229-5000.

The case is assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Matthew Bogner, Director of the MCPO Major Crimes Bureau.

Gibson is represented by Carlos Diaz-Cobo Esq., of New Brunswick, New Jersey.

Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.

Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com
East Windsor, East Windsor, Mercer County

Jersey Mike’s Hosts Day Of Service On Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day To Benefit Rise And T.A.S.K.

January 25, 2023

EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–Mayor Janice S. Mironov and local legislators joined Jersey Mike’s and Prestige New Jersey All-Star United States 2023, chaired by Evelyn McCleod, for a service event to honor the work and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The service project was to designate and promote Jersey Mike’s as a drop off site for residents to bring lightly used clothing, coats, shoes and children’s clothing and warm socks for those in need.  The donations are to benefit area non-profits Rise and Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (T.A.S.K.). Additionally, Jersey Mike’s donated a portion of proceeds from pre-ordering subs for Super Bowl parties to support these area organizations.  Jersey Mike’s East Windsor, located in the East Windsor Township Center Plaza at 319 Route 130 North, will continue to accept donations through the end of February.

Mayor Mironov stated,  “East Windsor Township recognizes service as an important community value and is grateful to Jersey Mike’s and Prestige New Jersey for initiating and partnering on this project to help others. Since 2011, Jersey Mike’s locations throughout the country have raised more than $67 million for worthy local charities.  It is especially meaningful to do so honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King and this “Day of Service”.  We specifically thank Evelyn McCleod of Prestige New Jersey All-Star United States 2023 for all her good work, as well as the Jersey Mike’s hosts, franchise owners Evan Mayer and Gerrit Curran;  Director of Operations Tom Orrok, and General Manager Mike Mariano for their generous support of our local non-profit Rise and the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen, which has served over 6 million meals to County residents.”  

            Assemblyman Dan Benson stated,  “Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a federal holiday designated as a “National Day of Service”,  and it was great to join together at Jersey Mike’s to support this positive example of community partnership to help those in need.”

Evelyn McCleod, Prestige New Jersey All-Star United States 2023, reminded everyone,  “Service to others isn’t an annual event; it’s a lifestyle!”.  

East Windsor Mayor Janice S. Mironov, Senator Linda Greenstein and Assemblyman Dan Benson join Jersey Mike’s staff and volunteers for a Day of Service.  Pictured (from left to right) are:  Mike Mariano, General Manager;  Leah Martucci, Rutgers Intern – Rise;  Assemblyman Dan Benson;  North Jersey Outstanding Teen Kylie;  Evelyn McCleod, Prestige New Jersey All-Star United States 2023;  Mayor Janice S. Mironov;  Gerrit Curran, owner;  Senator Linda Greenstein;  and Diane McGinn.