TRENTON (Mercer) – Two apartment buildings in the Chambersburg section of the city were damaged by fire Tuesday night (May 30). The blaze in the 100 block of Butler Street occurred only about two blocks away from where several homes were gutted by a three-alarm blaze on Sunday (May 28). It was shortly before 9:55 p.m. when firefighters from Engines 3, 7 and 10, Ladder 2 and Rescue 1 were dispatched in response to multiple 911 calls reporting a fire. Firefighters arrived to find smoke and fire at the rear of 120 Butler Street. The “All Hands” signal for a working fire was transmitted and additional firefighters from Engine 1, Ladder 4 and Special Services 1 were dispatched. It was soon confirmed that the fire had spread to the adjacent building at 118 Butler Street. Multiple hoselines were placed in service and the bulk of the fire was quickly knocked down. Trenton EMS personnel were on scene but there were no immediate reports of any injuries. The blaze was officially declared under control at 10:40 p.m. by Battalion Chief Dave Smolka. The cause remained under investigation.
JOINT BASE MDL, New Jersey – For 156 years, the borough of Brooklyn in New York City has remembered and honored those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation with one of the oldest Memorial Day parades in the country. Soldiers from the 174th Infantry Brigade were invited to participate in this year’s observance, May 29, 2023, at John Paul Jones Park, in partnership with the South Brooklyn Recruiting Company, New York City Recruitment Battalion. “Whether that be working with our schools or veteran’s organizations, we see no better opportunity than Memorial Day to help memorialize the heroes of Brooklyn who have paid the ultimate sacrifice,” said 1st Lt. Kevin Locklin, a Bethlehem, Pennsylvania native and executive officer for the recruitment company. “We are fortunate to have the 174th Infantry Brigade from Fort Dix, New Jersey, with us today.” Locklin asked the First Army team to provide some vehicles and personnel to help his team represent the Army in the parade. After the parade, children and families could climb inside the military vehicles for photo opportunities. “We set up in the way we did because we wanted to be as engaged with the community as much as possible and hear their stories and share the stories of some of our future Soldiers that will be shipping out to basic training,” he said. The park was the gathering place for military services representatives, veteran organizations, and Brooklyn residents, creating a sense of unity and reflection. The atmosphere shifted within the city’s usual hustle and bustle as people paused to honor and remember the fallen on this solemn day. Engagement in the community is a priority for Locklin’s recruiting station, outside of finding recruits. He and his team have been actively participating in events like this throughout the city for the past year, and he sees it as a mutually beneficial relationship with the community. “Whether that be working with our schools or our veteran organizations, we see no better opportunity than Memorial Day to help memorialize the heroes of Brooklyn who have paid the ultimate sacrifice,” Locklin said. “Community events are very important for us because they illustrate that recruiting is not our only mission, but also serving our community.” Locklin and his team had their tables filled with pamphlets, brochures, and trinkets they could pass out throughout the day. When the tactical vehicles from the 174th Infantry Brigade completed the parade’s route, they parked right behind their booth. “It felt great seeing the community really showing their appreciation to service today,” said Sgt. 1st class Jamie Belk, a Rome, New York, native and observer, coach/trainer with the 174th Infantry Brigade. “It was definitely fulfilling seeing the level of appreciation shown by this community. My cheeks actually hurt from smiling so much and waving at all these kids and families from this supportive, local community.” Belk served as a recruiter in Michigan for three years before coming to First Army, familiarizing him with the importance of community events and fostering strong relationships between the military and the communities. The recruiting company also asked their future Soldiers, who have performed the oath of enlistment and are awaiting to ship out to basic training, to attend and interact with the community during the parade and observance. “I decided to join the Army mainly because of the stability,” said Ingrain Phyu, a Brooklyn, New York, native, and future combat engineer. “I was raised in a not-so-stable household. I got myself comfortable with the changes, but I do like stability. I feel that the Army, with the resources I have researched, will provide that stability, and I crave that.” Phyu said she initially struggled to begin a conversation with a recruiter and shared some advice for those who may be feeling the same way. “I was very introverted,” she said. “So, for someone really interested in joining the Army, don’t be scared. Ask questions and take that first step. Don’t be scared.” After 156 years, the borough has had plenty of time to make its Memorial Day parade and observance one of the best in the area. “The Brooklyn community is absolutely amazing,” said Locklin. “The Brooklyn Memorial Day parade is easily hands down the best Memorial Day parade in all five boroughs. We are fortunate to honor the heroes of the community that we serve.”
Observer, coach/trainers with the 174th Infantry Brigade drive their Humvees in the 156th Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade, May 29, 2023, in New York City, New York. The brigade partnered with the Southern Brooklyn Recruiting Company, New York City Recruiting Battalion, to participate in the community’s observance to honor the fallen, strengthen the military’s relationship with Brooklyn, and foster a genuine interest in enlisting in the Army. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Brandon Banzhaf, 174th Infantry Brigade Public Affairs)
Staff Sgt. Paul Hernandez, a San Antonio, Texas native, and, a recruiter with the Southern Brooklyn Recruiting Company, talks with members of the Brooklyn community during the 156th Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade, May 29, 2023, in New York City, New York. Hernandez spent the day interacting with families, Brooklyn residents, and military veterans while sharing the unique opportunities the U.S. Army offers to potential recruits. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Brandon Banzhaf, 174th Infantry Brigade Public Affairs)
Sgt. 1st Class Jamie Belk, an observer, coach/ trainer with the 174th Infantry Brigade, laughs while he talks with Brooklyn residents at the 156th Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade, May 29, 2023, in New York City, New York. Belk and a team of five Soldiers drove their Humvees from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, supporting the Southern Brooklyn Recruiting Company representing during the observance. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Brandon Banzhaf, 174th Infantry Brigade Public Affairs)
A family in Brooklyn takes photos as they interact with a 174th Infantry Brigade’s static display that included two tactical Humvees during the 156th Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade and Observance, May 29, 2023, in New York City, New York. Soldiers participating in the Memorial Day observance allowed residents to witness firsthand the commitment and sacrifices made by service members, fostering a deeper appreciation for Soldiers’ role in protecting and serving the country. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Brandon Banzhaf, 174th Infantry Brigade Public Affairs)
Staff Sgt. Darlene Hernandez, operations noncommissioned officer with the 1st Battalion, 315th Brigade Support Battalion, 174th Infantry Brigade, shares a laugh with a Brooklyn resident during the 156th Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade, May 29, 2023, in New York City, New York. Hernandez and other Soldiers engaged in conversations, shared their experiences, and addressed any questions or concerns individuals may have had about military service. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Brandon Banzhaf, 174th Infantry Brigade Public Affairs)
The Veteran Corps of Artillery execute a 21-gun salute during the ceremony portion of the 156th Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade, May 29, 2023, in New York City, New York. The official ceremony included singing the National Anthem, wreath laying, flag raising, and playing taps. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Brandon Banzhaf, 174th Infantry Brigade Public Affairs)
Veteran groups, civic organizations, business leaders, educational institutions, youth groups, and Brooklyn residents gathered in the John Paul Jones Park for the ceremonial portion of the 156th Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade, May 29, 2023, in New York City, New York. Brooklyn’s Memorial Day Parade is one of the nation’s oldest annual parades and has been carried on since President Lyndon Johnson named Waterloo the “birthplace” of Memorial Day in 1866. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Brandon Banzhaf, 174th Infantry Brigade Public Affairs)
Soldiers with the 1st Battalion, 315th Brigade Support Battalion, 174th Infantry Brigade, drive a tactical vehicle in the Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade, May 29, 2023, in New York City, New York. The brigade helped strengthen the relationship between the U.S. Army and the Brooklyn community by spending the holiday sharing stories with residents, families, and veterans while answering questions about their service. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Brandon Banzhaf, 174th Infantry Brigade Public Affairs)
NEW JERSEY — An air quality alert has been issued for most of New Jersey due to smoke drifting from wildfires in Nova Scotia.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has issued a code orange air quality alert Wednesday for the following areas in New Jersey: Middlesex County,
Mercer County, Southwestern
New Jersey, Monmouth County, Ocean County,
Southeastern Burlington County, Salem County,
Cumberland County, North
Central New Jersey, Atlantic County, Cape
May County, Sussex
County, Warren County, Bergen County, Passaic County, Hudson County, Essex County, Union County
A code orange air quality alert means that air pollution concentrations within the region may become unhealthy for sensitive groups. Sensitive groups include children...people suffering from asthma... heart disease or other lung diseases...and the elderly. The effects of air pollution can be minimized by avoiding strenuous activity or exercise outdoors.
A haze was visible with a slight smell of smoke this evening. The smoke made the sun appear more orange/red at sunset as seen from the Union Transportation Trail in Upper Freehold Township, NJ
WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–West Windsor Police report that the missing man was found safe early this morning in a message around 6:00 a.m. Police, Fire and Rescue crews searched many trails at Mercer County Park in to the early morning hours. No further details were provided.
May 30, 2023
WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–A search is under way in the East Picnic Area of Mercer County Park and surrounding area for a man that went missing that suffers from dementia. Olegas Poplavskis walked away from his camp site earlier today and has not returned. He was last seen wearing red/yellow black striped t-shirt, black jeans, and gray shoes. If you happen to encounter Olegas Poplavskis please contact West Windsor Police Department at 609-799-1222
Olegas Poplavskis was found safe after walking away from his camp site yesterday. After an extensive search of Mercer County Park and surrounding areas it was reported he was found safe sometime before 6:00 a.m. No further details were released.
OCEAN CITY, (CAPE MAY) NJ —Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian on Tuesday signed off on orders that will send a strong message to teens and their parents that the beach, boardwalk and other public areas will no longer be open to mass gatherings that include alcohol consumption and other infractions of the law.
All beaches in Ocean City will be closed at 8 p.m. Carrying backpacks will not be permitted after 8 p.m. on the beach and boardwalk. Boardwalk bathrooms will be closed at 10 p.m. The curfew for juveniles will move from 1 a.m. to 11 p.m.
The new policies come in response to a Memorial Day Weekend in Ocean City that saw the continuation of a trend that began when statewide legislation largely stripped police officers of the ability to question juveniles, search juveniles, and confiscate alcohol. The legislation also eliminates meaningful consequences for juveniles who break these laws.
Over the weekend, police responded to 999 incidents (up from 869 during Memorial Day Weekend in 2022). In addition to underage drinking, police responded to incidents involving vandalism, assaults, shoplifting, confiscation of a firearm, and a variety of other infractions. Ocean City firefighter/EMTs were just as busy responding to several incidents involving teens who drank to the point of unconsciousness, assault victims, mental health issues and other incidents.
“We want parents, grandparents and families to know that we’re all in this together, and we will be holding people accountable,” Mayor Jay Gillian said. “I also want to send a message to our governor and legislators that the laws they forced on all municipalities are a threat to public safety, and they deprive families of the opportunity to enjoy the Jersey Shore.”
The new beach curfew will apply to people of all ages, as will the evening backpack ban. The new rules will be part of a citywide plan that will include police staffing, more announcements on the boardwalk and a public awareness campaign.
“I understand that these new directives will affect many people who are not teens, but it’s important that we stop this type of behavior now,” Gillian said. “In the end, protecting our reputation as ‘America’s Greatest Family Resort’ will benefit everybody in Ocean City.”
“I want to support the men and women of our police department,” Gillian said. “They have been doing everything they can – within the law – to address this situation, and I want to give them the tools to get the job done.”
An emergency meeting of City Council will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, June 1 in Council Chambers at City Hall. A news conference is scheduled for 3 p.m. Thursday at the Ocean City Music Pier. Mayor Jay Gillian and Police Chief Jay Prettyman will be available to answer questions at that time.
SAYREVILLE, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Rashid Ali Bynum, 28, of Portsmouth, Virginia. Arrested today, Tuesday May 30, 2023, at 10:45 a.m. in connection with the murder of Sayreville Councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour. Bynum was taken into custody outside a residence in Chesapeake City, Virginia without incident. Bynum was charged with first-degree Murder, second-degree Unlawful Possession of a Handgun, and second-degree Possession of a Handgun for an Unlawful Purpose. Bynum is awaiting extradition to New Jersey where he will then be held at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional facility pending a pre-trial detention hearing in Superior Court.
February 1, 2023, at approximately 7:22 p.m., authorities received a 911 call reporting shots fired in the area of Samuel Circle, in the Parlin section of Sayreville, NJ. Sayreville Police Department responded to the scene, upon their arrival, officers located town councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour, 30, of Sayreville, in her vehicle who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Dwumfour had succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced on scene.
Rashid Ali Bynum, 28, of Portsmouth, Virginia. Arrested today, Tuesday May 30, 2023, at 10:45 a.m. in connection with the murder of Sayreville Councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour.
WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–West Windsor Police say that at 4:21 a.m., WWPD Communications detailed Patrol Units to a Serious Motor Vehicle Crash on US Route 1 North at Washington Road. Upon Patrol’s arrival, they immediately began to render first aid to the occupants of both two vehicles. Vehicle #1 (2011 Honda Accord), which was embedded into trees in the AT&T parking lot, had been occupied by five people and was on fire. Two of the occupants were still entrapped inside of the burning car. Vehicle #2 (2023 Kia Sorrento) was found within the Penns Neck Circle disabled from the crash and sustained unknown injuries. Police Officers worked valiantly to free the remaining occupants of the Honda Accord. Princeton Junction Fire Company, West Windsor Fire Company, and West Windsor Emergency Services worked in unison to extinguish the raging fire and assist the injured parties. In addition, Princeton Fire Department, Plainsboro EMS #100, Lawrence EMS #129, Princeton EMS #168, Trenton EMS (TEMS), and Capital Health Medics arrived on scene. Ultimately, the remaining occupants were removed from Honda Accord. The front seat passenger of the Accord sustained life threatening injuries and all lifesaving efforts were being employed. The four other occupants, including the driver of Vehicle #1 and Driver #2 all sustained injuries which were later considered non-life threatening. All six of the injured were transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center for treatment. The front seat passenger of Honda Accord succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. Police say that no identities are being released at this time.
The initial investigation at the scene revealed the following: A 2011 Honda Accord was traveling east bound on Washington Road at the Penns Neck Circle (with US Route 1). 2023 Kia Sorrento was traveling north bound on US Route 1 North. The Honda Accord attempted to cross all lanes of US Route 1 North & South. The Honda Accord collided with Kia Sorrento in the US Route 1 North lanes. The Honda continued off of the roadway where it struck a traffic light stanchion and a street sign on the grass median (for Washington Road). The Honda continued in a northeasterly direction, reentered the roadway, entered into the AT&T parking lot where it struck numerous trees at the back portion of the lot, and came to its final resting place on fire. The Kia Sorrento continued in a northeasterly direction and came to its final resting place facing east in the Penns Neck Circle off of US Route 1 North.
Washington Road between US Route 1 North and Fairview Avenue was closed for approximately (5) hours. US Route 1 traffic was delayed in the area for the same duration. The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Serious Collision Response Team (MCPO SCRT) responded to the scene to assist with the ongoing investigation. If anyone has any pertinent information to share into this collision, please contact Traffic Officer E. McQuade #97 at (609) 799-1222, our Anonymous Tipline at (609) 799-0452, or McQuade@westwindsorpolice.com.
Driver #1: Resident of Somerset, NJ Passenger of Vehicle #1: Resident of Somerset, NJ *DECEASED* Passenger of Vehicle #1: Resident of Somerset, NJ Passenger of Vehicle #1: Resident of Somerset, NJ Passenger of Vehicle #1: Resident of New Brunswick, NJ
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Middletown Township Police, Bucks County, PA told MidJersey.news that they received a call for an burglar alarm around 3:00 a.m. at LugerMan located 1872 East Old Lincoln Highway Langhorne PA. Upon arrival they found that thieves accessed the gun store though the second story. The police started a pursuit with a stolen KIA out of Philadelphia, (stolen May 23), heading towards Falls Township, Morrisville, and then Trenton, NJ. Falls Township set up stop sticks near the Calhoun Street Bridge entering Trenton, NJ. After the tire deflators activated the vehicle that was being pursued came to a stop near the bridge in Trenton. Five subjects ran from the vehicle. Trenton Police set up a perimeter and were able to capture three of the five subjects within an hour. The three subjects detained were juveniles from Philadelphia, PA. The three subjects will be detained in New Jersey according to Middletown Police and Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office and Buck’s County District Attorney’s Office. Bucks County will seek extradition back to Bucks County at a future date.
You must be logged in to post a comment.