GARFIELD, NJ (BERGEN)–Around 2:30 p.m. police reported a person was in the water in the 800 Block of River Drive in the area of the Passaic River Falls and requested fire department and rescue teams to the scene. It was reported that the person in the water was closer to Clifton and Clifton Fire Department responded. Around 3:00 p.m. it was reported that the Garfield fire boat went over the falls, Elmwood Fire Department put their boat in the water, additional boats and a dive team were requested to respond. The original victim was removed but two firefighters that went over the falls in their marine unit needed to be rescued. Around 3:45 p.m. the New Jersey State Police was requested to send their helicopter for a rescue. By 4:00 p.m. two firefighters were plucked from their partly submerged boat below the falls.
MidJersey.news has reached out to NJ State Police for additional information.
TRENTON, N.J. – A Louisiana man was charged with using an internet-based chat application to entice an adolescent to engage in prohibited sexual activity, interstate travel with the intent to engage in illicit sexual activity with a minor, and possession of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Spencer W. Caudle, 34, of Prairieville, Louisiana, is charged by complaint with one count each of persuading, inducing, enticing, or coercing a minor through a facility of interstate commerce into prohibited sexual activity; interstate travel with the intent to engage in illicit conduct with a minor; and possession of child pornography. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Rukhsanah L. Singh in Trenton federal court on June 27, 2023, and was detained.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
In April 2023, Caudle began interacting on online social media applications with the victim. Caudle’s communications with the victim were sexual in nature despite the victim informing Caudle the victim’s minor status. Caudle even expressed nervousness about being on the television show “To Catch a Predator,” but continued informing the victim of his desire to have sex with the victim. On May 26, 2023, Caudle drove from Louisiana to meet and have sex with the victim in Toms River, New Jersey. On May 27, 2023, Caudle, in fact, committed sexual acts on the victim. Later that night, Caudle left New Jersey to drive back to Louisiana.
Local law enforcement became aware of Caudle’s prohibited sexual activity with the victim and began an investigation. In June 2023, an undercover law enforcement officer assumed the victim’s online and cellular presence and communicated with Caudle. During these conversations, Caudle confirmed his prior sexual acts with the victim and expressed a desire for further sexual activity. While communicating with the undercover officer, Caudle made plans to fly to New Jersey on June 16, 2023, to commit additional sexual acts on the victim.
On June 16, 2023, Caudle flew from New Orleans, Louisiana to Newark Liberty International Airport. Law enforcement arrested Caudle in the airport. A search of a laptop Caudle brought to New Jersey revealed at least 10 images and five videos of child sexual abuse.
The charge of persuading, inducing, enticing, or coercing a minor into prohibited sexual activity through an internet-based chat application carries a minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison. The charge of interstate travel with the intent to engage in illicit conduct with a minor carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. The charge of possession of child pornography carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Each count also carries a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, Atlantic City, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel in Newark; the Ocean County Prosecutors Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer; and the Toms River Police Department, under the direction of Police Chief Mitchell A. Little, with the investigation leading to the complaint.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard G. Shephard of the General Crimes Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Defense counsel: Andrea Bergman Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Trenton
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Police say that on Wednesday June 28, 2023, at approximately 11:37 a.m., Hamilton Police were dispatched to the 100 block of Phillips Avenue on a report of a package theft. Upon arrival, Officers spoke with a witness who saw the suspect on the front porch of a residence holding a package. When the witness confronted him, the suspect dropped the package and fled on a bicycle. Officers located the package in the yard ripped open. Officers were given a description of the suspect from a Ring video that captured the suspect leaving the scene and checked the surrounding area. The suspect was located at a bus stop on the 3000 block of South Broad Street. The suspect was placed under arrest and identified as Calvin Stevens, 39, from Trenton. Officers located an OC gel canister in Steven’s possession.
Stevens was charged with Criminal Attempt, Theft, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon. He was transported to the Mercer County Correctional Facility pending a detention hearing.
Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Hamilton Police Criminal Investigation Section at (609) 581-4009 or the Hamilton Police Crime Tip Hotline at (609) 581-4008.
WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–West Windsor Police have identified the deceased victim of the Old Trenton Road crash on June 26, 2023, as Jamson Lysius, 43-years-old, of Trenton, NJ.
Six others were injured, and the crash is still under investigation.
West Windsor Police reported that at 10:40 p.m. on June 26, 2023, the West Windsor Township Communications Center dispatched Patrol Units to Old Trenton Road near Cubberley Road for a Serious Motor Vehicle Collision. Further dispatch included possible entrapment in the one vehicle crash.
Upon arrival of police, they found that, a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder, had overturned with seven total occupants/victims. Of the seven occupants, three were ejected from the Nissan during the collision. One victim was found to have no signs of life and was pronounced dead at the scene.
West Windsor Township Division of Fire & Emergency Services, Lawrence Township EMS, Robbinsville EMS, RWJ Ambulance, East Windsor EMS, and Capital Health Medics attended to the victims. All six of the remaining victims sustained a variety of injuries and were transported to the Capital Health Regional Medical Center. Two of the victims are listed as being in Critical Condition with life threatening injuries while the remaining four victims sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
A preliminary investigation revealed the following; the Nissan Pathfinder had been traveling westbound on Old Trenton Road just west of Cubberley Road on a straight section of roadway. It was raining and the roadway was wet. The Pathfinder lost control, exited the roadway to the right, and overturned multiple times in the 1400 Block of Old Trenton Road where it ultimately came to its final resting place. Three of the Pathfinder’s seven passengers were ejected (including the decedent). The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office (SCRT) and the Middlesex County Medical Examiner’s Office responded to the scene.
The investigation is currently ongoing under the direction of Traffic Sgt. K. Loretucci #76.. No identities are being released at this time. The roadway was closed for approximately four hours. If anyone has any pertinent information to share about this crash, please contact Traffic Officer F. Sabatino #83 at (609) 799-1222, our Anonymous Tipline at (609) 799-0452, or Sabatino@westwindsorpolice.com.
Agencies involved:
1) WWPD Communications Center, Patrol Division, Traffic Unit, & Detective Bureau 2) West Windsor Division of Fire & Emergency Services 3) Capital Health Medics 4) West Windsor Volunteer Fire Station #43 5) Princeton Jct. Volunteer Fire Station #44 6) Robbinsville Township PD 7) Hamilton Township PD 8) Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Serious Collision Response Team (SCRT) 9) Lawrence Twp. EMS #129 10) Robbinsville Twp. Ambulance #40 11) RWJ Ambulance #110-1 12) East Windsor Ambulance #142-2 13) Middlesex County Medical Examiner’s Office
EAST WINDSOR TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Mayor Janice S. Mironov and Council Members Denise Daniels, David Russell and John Zoller along with State Senator Vin Gopal, joined Primrose Franchise Owners Rashmi Agarwal and Shailendra Poddar for the grand opening of Primrose School of East Windsor at 191 Dutch Neck Road, just off Route 130 North in the former Rite-Aid building.
Founded in 1982, Primrose Schools, a national accredited private preschool, offers early education and care to children aged 6 weeks to 5 years old. The company was franchised in 1990 and currently has nearly 475 locations in 33 states. Primrose School states their learning philosophy consists of four major components – theme-based learning, which uses topics of interest to children to place concepts in context; an academic curriculum which focuses on school readiness in math, language, and literacy; enrichment programs which include music, arts, gardening, and foreign language; and character development. According to Primrose School, their Infant, Toddler, Early Preschool, Preschool, Preschool Pathways and Pre-K classes are designed to “stimulate children’s intellectual, creative, physical and social-emotional growth for Active Minds, Healthy Bodies and Happy Hearts,” and promote balance among mind, body and heart through programs designed to stimulate children’s social skills and develop their character through purposeful play, music and literature.
Mayor Mironov stated, “East Windsor welcomes the nationally known Primrose School to a highly visible location just off Route 130 North, which positively transformed the vacant former Rite Aid site into a modern reconfigured new child care early education facility. The Township appreciates this investment by Primrose in East Windsor, providing another child care early education option for community families.”
Local Franchise Owner Rashmi Agarwal stated, “We are thrilled to be part of the East Windsor community and help provide young children with the right foundation for future learning and life. Our family knows what a struggle it can be to find premier child care, and we want to give parents the peace of mind that comes from knowing their children are well-cared for and happy.”
Primrose School of East Windsor accommodates over 200 children and is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM until 6:30 PM. For more information on the school and enrollment, contact (609) 630-6333 or visit http://www.primroseschools.com.
Mayor Janice S. Mironov and Council Members join Primrose School of East Windsor franchise owners to celebrate the grand opening of their new child care early education facility at 191 Dutch Neck Road. Pictured (from left to right) are: Teresa Canada, Kendall Park Branch Manager, M&T Bank; Christine Curnan, Vice President, Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce; Eric Tepper, Intern, M&T Bank; Rashmi Argarwal, Co-Owner, Primrose School of East Windsor; Council Member David Russell; Mayor Janice S. Mironov; Council Member John Zoller, and Council Member Denise Daniels.
Mayor Janice S. Mironov and Council Members tour the new Primrose School of East Windsor with the school’s owners and staff, while celebrating the grand opening of their new child care early education facility at 191 Dutch Neck Road. Pictured (from left to right) are: Teresa Canada, Kendall Park Branch Manager, M&T Bank; Eric Tepper, Intern, M&T Bank; Rashmi Argarwal, Co-Owner, Primrose School of East Windsor; Percy, Primrose School Mascot; Council Member David Russell; Mayor Janice S. Mironov; Council Member John Zoller; Council Member Denise Daniels, and Christine Curnan, Vice President, Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Thomas Dellane Tackles Key Issues for New Jersey’s Law Enforcement
June 28, 2023
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–When Thomas Dellane was sworn in as president of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) last June, he was already prepared with a list of objectives for his one-year term.
And now, as Dellane is preparing to hand off the president’s gavel to Spring Lake Police Chief Ed Kerr on July 1, there are a number of key issues to be highlighted.
“When you become president of this organization, you need to have a plan in place and be ready to jump into action,” said Dellane, the chief of the Stafford Police Department. “One year goes by very fast. And so I was eager to make an immediate positive impact as president of the association, promote our key issues, and position NJSACOP for future success under Chief Kerr.”
One of Dellane’s top issues is the reform of the state’s Open Public Records Act (OPRA). He has published opinion-editorials in New Jersey media and spoke on podcasts, expressing concern that some profiteers have used the law to misuse public resources, wrangling free research and collecting personal information.
“Lawmakers must recognize that OPRA was signed in January 2002 – at a time before cyberattacks, modern online research tools and rapid advances in technology,” Dellane said. “While concerns about privacy and identity theft have been raised and addressed, OPRA still marches blindly under a mandate from two decades ago. To safeguard the public – and keep law enforcement focused on its main tasks at hand – the state should consider modernizing OPRA, beginning with legislative hearings.”
Dellane has also closely watched the roll-out of the recreational cannabis market in New Jersey, with a keen focus on public safety. He has been vocal about the need for an amendment to the state law, which would prevent officers from using cannabis off-duty.
“With bills introduced in the state Legislature last May that would prevent police officers from ingesting cannabis during off-hours, we assumed the legislation would be fast tracked to Gov. Phil Murphy, who had indicated an open mind to such an important public safety initiative,” Dellane said. “To date, to the dismay of many NJSACOP members, this draft legislation has not been signed. Nor have we seen any robust debate on the issue in the halls of Trenton, despite the obvious need to protect the public.”
And, to Dellane’s further exasperation, there has been a recent revision to the Attorney General’s Law Enforcement Drug Testing Policy. It is now decided that New Jersey police officers can no longer be randomly drug tested for marijuana unless they’re suspected of using the drug or being under the influence while on duty, or if their job requires federal drug testing.
“So, not only are police officers allowed to consume cannabis during their off hours and then report to work, they also cannot undergo any testing unless they appear impaired,” he said. “The revised Attorney General guidelines remove an important tool to keep officers accountable to their employing agencies as signs of marijuana use are not always readily apparent. That is of significant concern to the NJSACOP.”
New Jersey now has the distinction of being the only state in the union that does not provide some form of a law enforcement exemption in regard to cannabis use.
The NJSACOP has also focused attention on the uptick of car thefts in New Jersey, advocating for proposed bills in Trenton that increase criminal penalties. Dellane is quick to note that Trenton lawmakers cannot be solely relied upon to fix the problem.
“Local police departments must continue to spread the message about ways in which people can protect their cars, such as parking in well-lit areas, closing the windows, not leaving an idling car unattended and, of course, not leaving the key fob in the cup holder,” Dellane said. “And New Jerseyans should also play an active role, keeping a closer eye on the neighborhood and promptly sharing information in social media groups. Working together, and remaining vigilant, New Jersey can once again make auto theft an outdated crime.”
Dellane’s initiatives also include police licensure, with Gov. Phil Murphy signing a law last July. This licensure law – with a real and transformative impact – will create better officers, better police departments and greater transparency in further underscoring the commitment to protect and serve, he said.
“We are pleased that this new law will help to move law enforcement in New Jersey to the highest level of professionalism through licensure,” Dellane said, noting there needs to be set standards and a due process component that is fair, equitable and transparent to the public.
As president, he also advocates for ongoing state audits for these licenses, thus ensuring that corners are not cut in any New Jersey police department.
“I’m pleased that every `licensed’ police officer in New Jersey must answer to a universal code of conduct, related to such areas as excessive force, criminal convictions or dishonestly in the performance of duty,” Dellane said. “If this code were not followed, the state finally has a licensing authority that can discipline, suspend or terminate the officer, with the information shared nationally.”
Dellane has also supported the expansion of the “ChiefTalk” podcast series through the NJSACOP, in which more than 20 prominent law enforcement leaders have been guests, including himself. Live podcast interviews will play a central role on the exhibitor floor of the police expo conference, set for June 26-29, in Atlantic City. Previous episodes can be heard here: njsacop-podcast.org
MANCHESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)– Police say that on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at approximately 8:00 p.m., members of the Manchester Township Police Department and Manchester Township EMS responded the intersection of County Route 530 (Lacey Rd.) and Lake Road in the Whiting section of the township for a report of a motor vehicle crash involving a person on a skateboard.
Upon arrival, Officers encountered Edmund Durra 4th, age 43 of Seaside Heights NJ with several injuries including a head injury. Mr. Durra was transported to Community Medical Center by Manchester EMS for further treatment of his injuries. A 2020 Jeep Wrangler was also on scene with visible signs of damage to its driver side windshield. The operator of the Wrangler, Raymond Loudy, age 49 of New City NY, was uninjured as a result of the crash.
Preliminary investigation revealed that Mr. Durra was riding on an electric skateboard, eastbound on County Route 530 approaching the intersection of Lake Road. The Jeep Wrangler was traveling westbound on County Route 530 and was attempting to turn left on to Lake Road at the time of the crash. Several witnesses were on scene at the time of the crash. This incident is still under investigation by Sgt. Paul Bachovchin of the Traffic Safety Section with the assistance of Patrol.
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