TRENTON, NJ (Mercer) – City firefighters this evening (Friday, Feb. 24) tackled another working structure fire, this time in a commercial building at 809 East State Street, near the corner of Chambers Street. It was shortly before 6:40 p.m. that the city’s 911 communications center received reports that the roof was on fire and dispatched Engines 7, 10 and 6, Ladder 4, and Rescue 1. While enroute, firefighters spotted a column of smoke looming up into the night sky. The “All Hands” signal for a working fire was immediately transmitted and Engine 3, Ladder 2 and Special Services 1 were dispatched as the balance of the first alarm. A short time later, Battalion Chief Dave Smolka ordered a second alarm and Engine 1 was dispatched to assist with operations. Firefighters used multiple 2.5-inch hose lines and the aerial master stream from Ladder 2 to bring the smoky blaze under control in about an hour’s time. One person suffering from smoke inhalation was reportedly transported by Trenton EMS ambulance to a local hospital. The cause of the blaze is under investigation by authorities.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–On February 23, 2023, in honor of Heart Health Awareness Month nearly 100 residents came out to participate in the Heart & Soul, Slide into Better Health event held at the RWJ Fitness and Wellness Center on Quakerbridge Road in Hamilton New Jersey. It was a fun filled evening for all with line dancing provided by instructor, Kenny J., and Live DJ music compliments of DJ Transit. A part of the organization’s efforts to End Racism Together, the event was sponsored by RWJBarnabas Health in partnership with Trenton Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, Braven, the Trenton Health Team and the American Heart Association. Richard Freeman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton and DeAnna Minus-Vincent, Executive Vice President and Chief Social Justice and Accountability Officer, RWJBarnabas Health, came out to enjoy the evening of heart healthy line dancing, heart healthy education and health screenings for the community.
Shakil Shaikh, DO, at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton (RWJUH Hamilton), an RWJBarnabas Health facility, provided the opportunity for folks to “Ask the Cardiologist.” RWJUH Hamilton Community Education Team were on site to perform blood pressure readings and provide information about coronary calcium scoring, “knowing your numbers” when it comes to your risk for heart disease, how to make an appointment and where to call. Call 609-584-2890 to make an appointment at RWJUH Hamilton and with one of New Jersey’s top cardiac specialists to determine if a calcium score if right for you.
“To improve the health outcomes of the hardest hit communities, it’s important to increase awareness about health disparities, what causes them, and how we can work together to remedy them, and the Heart & Soul: Slide Into Better Health was designed to empower the community to do just that,” says Richard Freeman, President and CEO, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton.
In front, DeAnna Minus Vincent, Executive Vice President and Chief Social Justice and Accountability Officer and Richard Freeman, President and CEO of Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton
RWJ Barnabas Hamilton Heart and Soul Event
(Left to right) Richard Freeman, President and CEO of Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton, DeAnna Minus Vincent, Executive Vice President and Chief Social Justice and Accountability Officer RWJBarnabas Health and Shakil Shaikh, DO, cardiologist at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office (MCPO) has completed its investigation into the March 22, 2021, use of force by a federal agent, and has concluded that the use of force was legally justified. The MCPO determined that it is not necessary to present this matter to the grand jury because there were no material facts in dispute regarding the lawfulness of the use of force. The investigation was conducted in accordance with the Attorney General’s Independent Prosecutor Directives (July 28, 2015, Supplemental Law Enforcement Directive Regarding Uniform Statewide Procedures and Best Practices for Conducting Police Use of Force Investigations) (“Directives”). Pursuant to the Directives, the Attorney General’s Office conducted an independent review of the use of force and agreed with the MCPO’s determination that there were no material facts in dispute and that the use of force by the special agent in this case was justified. The Attorney General’s Office concurred with the MCPO’s conclusion to forego presentation of this matter to the grand jury. Because this was a non-fatal shooting, presentation to the grand jury was not required under Senate Bill 1036, which modified N.J. Statutes 52:17B-107, and requires the Attorney General to conduct investigations of fatal police encounters and present them to the grand jury.
On March 22, 2021, the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) were conducting a joint undercover investigation involving the purchase of handguns. During the undercover transaction, the suspect pointed a handgun at an ATF special agent and demanded the money. During this robbery, the agent turned over United States currency and was ordered to exit the vehicle. The agent exited the vehicle, stepped toward the rear of the undercover vehicle, and fired his weapon at the armed suspect. The suspect also fired his weapon at the undercover agent and then exited the vehicle and fled on foot on Atlantic Avenue. While fleeing on Atlantic Avenue, there was an additional exchange of gunfire. Minutes later, Jabree Johnson arrived at Capital Health Regional Medical Center with a non-fatal gunshot wound to the shoulder. Johnson was determined to be the suspect. Johnson was charged with one count of assault on a federal officer with a deadly weapon, one count of robbery with a dangerous weapon of an individual with custody of federal property, and one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, in which the firearm was discharged. That federal case is currently pending.
Personnel from the Mercer County Homicide Task Force responded and investigated. Additionally, statements were taken from the federal agents present and civilian witnesses. The statements were consistent with each other and the physical evidence.
Applying the Directives to the undisputed facts outlined above, the use of force by the special agent was justified pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:3-4, Use of Force in Self-Protection and N.J.S.A. 2C:3-5, Use of Force for the Protection of Other Persons. The statute states that “the use of force upon or toward another person is justifiable when the actor reasonably believes that such force is immediately necessary for the purpose of protecting himself against the use of unlawful force by such other person on the present occasion.” N.J.S.A. 2C:3-5(a) provides that, “the use of force upon or towards the person of another is justifiable to protect a third person when “the use of force upon or toward the person of another is justifiable to protect a third person when, the actor would be justified under section 2C:3-4 in using such force to protect himself against the injury he believes to be threatened to the person he seeks to protect, and under the circumstances as the actor reasonably believes them to be, the person whom he seeks to protect would be justified in using such protective force, and the actor reasonably believes that his intervention is necessary for the protection of such other persons.” The law defines a “reasonable belief” as one which would be held by a person of ordinary prudence and intelligence situated as the actor was.
The ATF special agent stated he was in fear for his own life and that of his partner when Mr. Johnson pointed a loaded firearm at him during the robbery. The agent believed that discharging his weapon was necessary for the protection of his life and that of his partner. An independent analysis of the undisputed material facts led to the determination that the agent’s beliefs were reasonable, and the use of force in this matter was justified pursuant to all applicable laws and the Attorney General Guidelines. This statement was prepared and disseminated to the public in accordance with Section 8 of the Directives.
Jabree Johnson, Trenton resident was charged with one count of assault on a federal officer with a deadly weapon, one count of robbery with a dangerous weapon of an individual with custody of federal property, and one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, in which the firearm was discharged. That federal case is currently pending.
PLAINSBORO, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Director Brendan McIntyre of the Plainsboro Police Department announced today that a Hamilton man has been arrested and charged with Criminal Sexual Contact.
On February 23, 2023, Jonathan Saloka, 33, of Hamilton, NJ, was arrested and charged with four counts of Criminal Sexual Contact. Saloka was charged following an investigation involving multiple women alleging that Saloka touched them inappropriately while receiving a massage at the Lifetime Fitness Center located in Plainsboro, NJ.
This is an active and ongoing investigation. Anyone with information asked to call Detective Lauren Leyva of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victim’s Unit at 732-745-4499 or Detective Justin Kowalczyk of the Plainsboro Police Department at 609-799-2333 ext. 1644.
As is the case with all criminal defendants, the charges against Jonathan Saloka are merely accusations and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
On February 23, 2023, Jonathan Saloka, 33, of Hamilton, NJ, was arrested and charged with four counts of Criminal Sexual Contact. Saloka was charged following an investigation involving multiple women alleging that Saloka touched them inappropriately while receiving a massage at the Lifetime Fitness Center located in Plainsboro, NJ.
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–A police car was totaled late Thursday night after a motorist ran into the back of it on Route 1. At 11:30 p.m., 17-year veteran Patrolman First Class Sean Roberts stopped a truck on Route 1 south near Raymond Road. PFC Roberts exited his patrol car and approached the passenger’s side of the truck. As he was speaking with the truck driver he heard screeching tires and a loud crash. He went to the rear of the truck and saw a vehicle had struck his patrol car and spun along the driver’s side of the truck. The vehicle a 2015 Volkswagen ended up in the lane of travel facing the wrong way with airbags deployed. PFC Roberts aided the driver and notified dispatch.
An investigation determined that the driver of the Volkswagen, George Eckert age 47 of New Brunswick, had failed to stay in his lane and struck the rear of the 2018 Ford Explorer police vehicle that was on the shoulder of the highway. There were no injuries in the crash. Eckert was issued a careless driving summons.
Chief Raymond Hayducka said, “PFC Roberts followed his training and made a passenger-side approach on his car stop which prevented this from being much worse. We were lucky last night, a patrol car was destroyed but no one is injured. Drivers must pay attention and move over.”
MOVE OVER LAW – Drivers approaching stationary emergency vehicles, tow trucks, garbage trucks and other highway safety vehicles displaying red, blue and/or amber flashing lights must now move over one lane or, if not safe to move over, then slow down below the posted speed limit
A South Brunswick Police vehicle was hit last night by a distracted driver. Slow Down Move Over It’s The Law
New Jersey Statute 39:4-92.2
Procedure for motorist approaching certain stationary vehicle.
1. a. The operator of a motor vehicle approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle as defined in R.S.39:1-1 that is displaying a flashing, blinking or alternating red or blue light or, any configuration of lights containing one of these colors, shall approach the authorized emergency vehicle with due caution and shall, absent any other direction by a law enforcement officer, proceed as follows:
(1) Make a lane change into a lane not adjacent to the authorized emergency vehicle if possible in the existing safety and traffic conditions; or
(2) If a lane change pursuant to paragraph (1) of subsection a. of this section would be impossible, prohibited by law or unsafe, reduce the speed of the motor vehicle to a reasonable and proper speed for the existing road and traffic conditions, which speed shall be less than the posted speed limit, and be prepared to stop.
b. The operator of a motor vehicle approaching a stationary tow truck as defined in section 1 of P.L.1999, c.396 (C.39:3-84.6) that is displaying a flashing amber light, a stationary highway maintenance or emergency service vehicle that is operated by the State, an authority or a county or municipality and displaying flashing yellow, amber, or red lights, or a stationary sanitation vehicle displaying a flashing amber warning light pursuant to section 1 of P.L.2011, c.3 (C.39:3-54.27) shall approach the vehicle with due caution and shall, absent any other direction by a law enforcement officer, proceed as follows:
(1) Make a lane change into a lane not adjacent to the tow truck, highway maintenance or emergency service vehicle, or sanitation vehicle if possible in the existing safety and traffic conditions; or
(2) If a lane change under paragraph (1) of subsection b. of this section would be impossible, prohibited by law or unsafe, reduce the speed of the motor vehicle to a reasonable and proper speed for the existing road and traffic conditions, which speed shall be less than the posted speed limit, and be prepared to stop.
c. A violation of this section shall be punished by a fine of not less than $100 and not more than $500.
L. 2017, c.43, s.1.
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