SANDY HOOK, NJ (MONMOUTH)–U.S. Coast Guard reported that four boaters were rescued from a capsized sailing vessel Sunday, off the coast of Sandy Hook, NJ. At 1:00 a.m. Sunday, Coast Guard Sector New York command center watchstanders received a distress call from the sailing vessel Eagle. The vessel reported they had run aground and were taking on water.
A Coast Guard Station Sandy Hook crew and Coast Guard Cutter Beluga (WPB-87325) crew were launched to search for the Eagle. Assisting in the search were FDNY, NYPD aviation and NYPD harbor units. At 2:00 a.m. NYPD aviation located the sailing vessel Eagle, with all four boaters clinging to the overturned hull.
Two survivors were rescued by Station Sandy Hook and two others were rescued by the FDNY. All boaters were accounted for and are being treated for injuries at Monmouth Hospital. The survivors were found wearing Life Jackets.
SANDY HOOK, N.J. File photo by: USAUX photo by Joseph Gillooly.
LITTLE EGG HARBOR, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Little Egg Harbor Township Chief of Police James Hawkins announced that on July 29, 2023, at approximately 5:10 a.m., Officers from the Little Egg Harbor Township Police Department responded to a residence on Whitemarsh Court in reference to a 911 call; the caller stated that she believed someone was breaking into her apartment. Responding Officers made forced entry into the apartment, where they located the deceased body of a 49-year-old female victim with an apparent gunshot wound to the face. A deceased dog with apparent gunshot wounds was located in the apartment as well. Additionally, Officers discovered a 52-year-old male with an apparent gunshot wound to the head. The male – who was conscious when police arrived- was transported to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in Atlantic City, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit and Little Egg Harbor Township Police Department responded to the scene for purposes of conducting an investigation. Preliminary investigation indicates that the male shot the female victim, and the dog, before turning the gun on himself. The investigation remains active and ongoing.
Prosecutor Billhimer and Chief Hawkins acknowledge the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Little Egg Harbor Township Police Department, Little Egg Harbor Police Department Detective Bureau, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office, for their combined and collective assistance in connection with this investigation.
SAYREVILLE, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Chief Daniel Plumacker of the Sayreville Police Department announced today that Rashid Ali Bynum, 28, of Portsmouth, Virginia was extradited to New Jersey on July 27, 2023.
On, 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.
On May 30, 2023, Bynum was arrested and charged in connection with the murder of 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. On July 27, 2023, Bynum was extradited to New Jersey and is being held at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional facility pending a pre-trial detention hearing in Superior Court.
This is an active and ongoing investigation anyone with information or surveillance footage of the area is asked to call Detective Rebecca Morales of the Sayreville Police Department at 732-727-4444 or Detective Michelle Coppola of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office 732-745-3477.
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)—BAPS Charities, in collaboration with local hospitals and organizations, proudly announces the commencement of a blood donation drive at Swaminarayan Akshardham USA in Robbinsville, New Jersey. This extraordinary event will last for over ten weeks, making it one of the largest blood drives in the state. With an ambitious target of collecting no less than 6,000 pints of blood, the drive has the potential to impact and save up to 18,000 lives.
The blood drive welcomes all eligible donors and invites participation from the local Robbinsville community and those living across North America. Anticipating a substantial turnout, organizers expect thousands of donors to come from nearly every corner of the USA and Canada. The donated blood will be distributed to hospitals and organizations within the region. Notable partners supporting this noble cause include the Miller-Keystone Blood Center, New Jersey Blood Services, RWJBarnabas Health, Vitalant, and The American Red Cross, who have joined hands with BAPS Charities to ensure the sustainability and success of this life-saving initiative.
Robbinsville Mayor Dave Fried (@mayordavefried), along with Council President Deborah Blakely and Councilwoman Christine Ciaccio, inaugurated the blood drive, marking yet another significant chapter in Mayor Fried’s unwavering commitment to community service. Renowned for his impactful “Pay it Forward” initiative, which has raised over $450,000 for those in need, as well as his advocacy for barrier-free housing, Mayor Fried recognized the Swaminarayan Akshardham blood drive as a crucial opportunity to give back to the community. Expressing admiration for the Akshardham campus, Mayor Fried enthusiastically stated, “The scale of this operation is truly unique, and I’m excited to be a part of it. The selfless mission that BAPS has is an inspiration to all of us, and I’m glad that they chose Robbinsville.”
Looking back on the selfless service of BAPS volunteers during a previous blood drive hosted by Robbinsville Township, Mayor Fried shared, “We were having a difficult time with volunteers. We called up BAPS at 10:30 am and by 3 pm, we had to call back and say, ‘Okay, you need to stop sending volunteers’.
The volunteerism they have is truly remarkable and you see it here in this facility.” Councilwoman Ciaccio, a respected member of the Robbinsville township council since 2007, also echoed these sentiments.
At the heart of the blood drive campaign lies one of the core aspirations of Swaminarayan Akshardham: to inspire selfless service for the betterment of society. Council President Blakely remarked, “There is so much diversity in Robbinsville, which is amazing. When we come together as a community, you learn from each other, you understand each other, and you start to get more involved. I thank you guys for doing this.”
BAPS Charities holds an impressive historical record of hosting nearly 500 blood drives in the US alone since 2006. With their tireless efforts toward generating enough blood to save an astounding 56,000 American lives, the organization remains steadfast in its commitment to continually contributing to national healthcare. Notably, BAPS Charities’ global impact spans back to 1981, with numerous large-scale blood donation drives conducted worldwide. In furthering its mission to make a difference, the organization has also partnered with the Susan G. Komen Foundation to raise awareness and support for breast cancer.
Sanskruti Brahmbhatt, a dedicated pre-med student at Seton Hall University and the President of the University Blood Initiative, expressed her heartfelt gratitude, stating, “As a BAPS volunteer, I’m thankful to the Robbinsville and Mercer community for welcoming the Akshardham project and for partnering with us to give back.”
The commencement of this blood donation drive demonstrates the collective strength and compassion of Mayor Dave Fried and the Robbinsville Township, BAPS Charities, and the blood donation organizations of New Jersey. As this campaign progresses, the drive looks forward to positively impacting countless lives and reinforcing the importance of selfless service and unity within the community.
Swaminarayan Akshardham is a landmark of Hindu architecture and culture. It stands as a symbol of unity, harmony, and selfless service and bridges the heritage of ancient India with modern America. Created by BAPS and under the inspiration of its revered spiritual leaders Pramukh Swami Maharaj and Mahant Swami Maharaj, this awe-inspiring spiritual sanctuary embodies their visionary guidance and unwavering commitment to humanity.
Akshardham came to life through the unwavering dedication of thousands of volunteers from diverse walks of life and across the globe, making it a true expression of love. Over a span of fifteen years, this collective effort meticulously embraced the Hindu architectural traditions and resulted in the creation of a masterpiece built to withstand the test of time. Envisioned to grace the world for a thousand years to come, Akshardham stands strong, imparting timeless messages of peace, hope, and harmony to future generations.
About BAPS Charities:
BAPS Charities is a global charity active in nine countries across five continents. With over 50 years of experience in humanitarian work, BAPS Charities aims to establish a spirit of selfless service through health awareness, educational services, humanitarian relief, environmental protection & preservation, and community empowerment. In critical times, BAPS Charities has swiftly responded to the needs of affected communities and mobilized volunteers and resources to provide crucial aid. From conducting local activities, such as hosting community health fairs, to global efforts, like sustaining schools and hospitals, BAPS Charities provides a platform for individuals wishing to serve locally and globally.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Hamilton Township Police reported that on Wednesday July 26, 2023, at approximately 10:57 a.m., Officer Broniszewski and Officer McGowan were in the area of South Broad Street and Oldfield Avenue when they conducted a motor vehicle stop on a green Honda. During the stop the Officers located four metal pipes with caps and green wicks consistent with being pipe bombs on the passenger side floor inside the vehicle. The driver was detained and South Broad Street was shut down between Harcourt Avenue and Churchill Avenue. The surrounding businesses and residences were also evacuated as a precaution. The New Jersey State Police Bomb Unit was contacted and responded to the scene and took possession of the devices for destruction. The suspect was placed under arrest and identified as Jeremy Giliberti, 51, of Mt. Laurel. Search warrants were applied for Giliberti’s residence and additional vehicles and one more device was located inside of his residence. The New Jersey State Police Bomb Unit took possession of the additional device.
Giliberti was charged with Possession of Destructive Device. Giliberti was transported to the Mercer County Correctional Facility pending a detention hearing.
The Hamilton Police Division would like to thank the New Jersey State Police Bomb Unit, FBI, ATF, Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, and Mt. Laurel Police Department for their assistance.
Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Bob Whartenby of the Hamilton Police Division Major Crimes Unit at (609) 581-4032 or the Hamilton Police Crime Tip Hotline at (609) 581-4008.
Jeremy Giliberti, 51, of Mt. Laurel was charged with Possession of Destructive Device. Giliberti was transported to the Mercer County Correctional Facility pending a detention hearing.
UPDATE: South Broad Street reopened. The vehicle was reportedly towed to the old AMC Theater on Sloan Avenue and police and fire activities continued at that location.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Around 12:30 p.m. Hamilton Township Police all of a sudden closed the 2600 Block of South Broad Street in all directions across from Maddock Ave due to a what appeared to be a traffic stop. The vehicle has police tape on it in front of Hamilton Yamaha and Sessions Smoke Shop across from the Broad Street Diner. Additional police units were arriving at the scene at the time of this report.
Witnesses told MidJersey.news that this is a bomb threat and that stores are evacuated in the area and the roadway closed.
If you are using South Broad Street in Hamilton Township in that area please seek alternate routes until the situation is under control.
Police department activity on US 206 both directions North of CR 524/White Horse Circle (Hamilton Twp) All lanes closed northbound; All lanes open southbound 5-10 minute delay use caution https://t.co/KnjcG6Tzt1
Police department activity on US 206 both directions North of CR 524/White Horse Circle (Hamilton Twp) All lanes closed 5-10 minute delay use caution https://t.co/GN5hhw7H6b
Police department activity on US 206 both directions North of CR 524/White Horse Circle (Hamilton Twp) All lanes closed 5-10 minute delay use caution https://t.co/PGhMWBh6td
Police department activity on US 206 both directions North of CR 524/White Horse Circle (Hamilton Twp) All lanes closed 5-10 minute delay use caution https://t.co/VVaRyLPaHd
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–At 8:21 a.m., NJ State Police, Robbinsville Township Fire Department and EMS and Captial Health Paramedics responded to the New Jersey Turnpike mile post 63.4 north bound inner roadway for a motor vehicle crash involving a tractor trailer and a car. Upon arrival the driver of the tractor trailer was unable to get out of the truck on their own power and emergency workers had to remove the driver though the passenger side door.
At the scene, the truck was north bound on the outer roadway, crossed over to the inner roadway and struck a car before coming to rest on the jersey barrier of the inner roadway. It appeared that the driver of the car was uninjured.
The truck driver was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
No further information is available at this time. This is a breaking news report from the scene when official information becomes available the story will be updated.
TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on July 24, 2023, Ashley Beams, 32, of Toms River Township, pled guilty to Vehicular Homicide before the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, P.J.Cr.P., in connection with a motor vehicle crash that occurred in Toms River on February 8, 2022, resulting in the death of James Cruz, 62, of the Parlin section of Old Bridge Township. At the time of her sentencing on September 15, 2023, the State will be seeking a term of six years New Jersey State Prison.
On February 8, 2022, at approximately 10:30 p.m., Officers from the Toms River Township Police Department responded to the area of Bay Avenue for a report of a motor vehicle crash. Responding Officers determined that James Cruz had been struck by a motor vehicle operated by Beams. An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit, Toms River Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, revealed that Beams had been traveling eastbound on Bay Avenue approaching the cross street of Twin Oaks Drive. Shortly after passing Twin Oaks Drive, Beams failed to maintain her lane of travel and entered the shoulder – striking Mr. Cruz, who at the time was retrieving a package from the trunk of his vehicle. As a result of the collision, Mr. Cruz was pinned between the two vehicles and carried a significant distance eastbound on Bay Avenue. Mr. Cruz was subsequently pronounced deceased at the scene.
Beams was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune for treatment of injuries she sustained in the crash. Blood samples taken from Beams at the hospital and in furtherance of the investigation revealed that her Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) at the time of the collision was substantially higher than .08. In the State of New Jersey, an operator of a motor vehicle is presumed to be over the legal limit for purposes of alcohol consumption where the operator’s BAC is .08 or greater. On February 16, 2022, Beams was arrested by Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit at her residence. She was transported to the Ocean County Jail, and subsequently released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Robert Cassidy and Senior Assistant Prosecutor Jamie Schron who are handling the case on behalf of the State, and commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Victim Witness Advocacy Unit, Toms River Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation leading to Beams’ guilty pleas, and soon her state prison sentence.
FREEHOLD – Two brothers were sentenced to New Jersey State Prison in connection with a 2021 drug investigation, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced Monday.
On Friday July 21, 2023, before Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Christie Bevacqua, Paul Anderson, 31, of Long Branch, was sentenced to six years New Jersey State Prison with a one-year period of parole ineligibility on a second-degree Distribution of Cocaine in excess of ½ ounce; second degree Possession of Cocaine with the Intent to Distribute in excess of ½ ounce; and second-degree Unlawful Possession of a Firearm. Simon Anderson, 33, of Sayreville, was sentenced to ten years New Jersey State Prison on a first degree Possession of Cocaine with the Intent to Distribute in excess of 5 ounces. Keshon Fenter, 36 of Brick was sentenced to Probation on a third-degree Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine.
All three men previously pled guilty before the Honorable Jill O’Malley on March 30, 2023. In the spring of 2021, police from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Narcotics Strike Force conducted an investigation during which Paul Anderson sold over ½ ounce of cocaine on four occasions. The investigation revealed that Simon Anderson was supplying his brother Paul with large quantities of cocaine. Keshon Fenter was also observed supplying cocaine to Paul Anderson for resale.
On June 30, 2021, police from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Narcotics Strike Force, Long Branch Police Department, Eatontown Police Department, Oceanport Police Department, and the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office executed search warrants on residences in Long Branch, Eatontown and Oceanport.
Upon executing the warrants, police seized over 200 grams of cocaine, a 9 mm loaded handgun with a high capacity magazine, 450 grams of marijuana, and approximately $80,000 cash.
This case was handled by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Emily Cartmell.
Paul Anderson was represented by Charles Moriarty Esq., of West Long Branch; Simon Anderson was represented by Kevin Roe Esq., of Hackensack; and Keshon Fenter was represented by Edwin Wu Esq., of Freehold.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)-The City of Trenton’s paving season is well underway with the Department of Public Works already having paved 16 streets (segments) and 5 alleyways as well as installing 32 humps.
Street paving has included Franklin Street, Park Avenue, Melrose Avenue, Quinton Avenue, Lyndale Avenue, Gouverneur Avenue, Overbrook Avenue, Arlington Avenue, Kulp/Summit Street, Lenape Avenue, Beechwood Avenue, Woodside Avenue, Riverside Avenue, Hermitage Avenue, Sullivan Way, and Calhoun Street.
Mayor W. Reed Gusciora remarked, “I would like to thank Director of Public Works Wahab Onitiri and our entire Department who work tirelessly to keep our streets clean and paved. Ultimately, this would also not have been possible without this current Trenton City Council, which under Council President Teska Frisby has been so supportive of investments in our public infrastructure.
”Alleyway paving has included five alleyways including Page Alley, Cadwalader Heights Alley, Burks Alley, Cunningham Alley, and Swan Alley. Similarly, 32 speedhumps on Edgewood Avenue, two on N. Dean Avenue, two on N. Eastfield Avenue, two on Cadwalader Terrace, two on Moreland Avenue, two on Oliver Avenue, two on Brinton Avenue, four on Quinton Avenue, three on Fountain Avenue, three on Rossell Avenue, three on Wayne Avenue, and two on E. State Street.
Council President Teska Frisby affirmed, “I’m glad that under this Council, my colleagues and I have prioritized the people of Trenton over politics; this means significant investments in our public infrastructure and especially our roadways. Together, we’re getting things done.”
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–A two-month investigation into narcotics distribution in Trenton and Bensalem, Pennsylvania, culminated recently with one arrest and the seizure of $63,900 in narcotics, a handgun and $13,860 in cash, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported.
Akeem Smith, 33, of Trenton, was arrested on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, as a result of the investigation conducted by the members of the Mercer County Narcotics Task Force, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, and the Hamilton, Trenton and Bensalem (PA) police. A motor vehicle stop of Smith in a white 2020 Hyundai Tuscon was conducted by the Bensalem Police Department. During the search of Smith’s person and subsequent search of the vehicle, officers located approximately 25 grams of crack cocaine, six grams of powder cocaine, and $5,485 in cash. Smith was detained without incident.
A concurrent search of Smith’s residence in Trenton resulted in the seizure of approximately 30 pounds of marijuana, 80 decks of heroin, a Smith and Wesson .380 handgun, $8,375 in cash and assorted drug paraphernalia.
Smith was charged with narcotics and weapons offenses in Trenton, NJ, and narcotics offenses in Bensalem. He is being held at the Bucks County Correctional Facility in Pennsylvania pending future court proceedings.
According to Prosecutor Onofri, the combined street value of the confiscated narcotics is approximately $63,900.
Despite having been charged, all persons are presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–On Saturday July 22, 2023, at 10:41 p.m. both East Windsor Fire Companies, Plainsboro Fire Department and Hightstown Fire Company were dispatched to a home on Berkley Place for a reported fire from a fan in the basement. Upon arrival the fire chief stated that there was a fire in the floor on Division 1 and called for an “all hands” fire sending additional equipment to the scene. Firefighters pulled a hand line from the fire truck and stretched the line inside the dwelling to extinguish the fire. Crews remained on scene for a short time before returning. The residents were allowed to return to their home after the fire was extinguished. No further details are available.
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Firefighters saved a large, approximately 350,000 square foot warehouse from extensive damage, after equipment on the roof created a large fire with smoke that could be seen for miles, this afternoon.
At 5:05 p.m. the Robbinsville Township Fire Department was dispatched to the McKesson Corporation warehouse at 1 John Henry Drive in the Matrix Northeast Business Park for a reported structure fire. Hope Fire Company of Allentown, Hightstown Fire Company and Hamilton Fire Township Fire Department were also dispatched on the first alarm. Robbinsville Police dispatchers reported multiple 9-1-1 callers were reporting a large column of smoke in the air, police units and responding fire apparatus also reported a column in the air and a 2nd Alarm was called before arrival. Additional fire departments were sent to the scene including Monroe Township, Bordentown City, Bordentown Township, West Windsor Township, East Windsor Township and others.
Initial reports from firefighters were that many solar panels and an HVAC unit were on fire on the roof. Firefighters advanced hose lines and set up master streams to quickly control the large fire.
Firefighters brought the fire under control in about an hour around 6:10 p.m. saving the building and millions of dollars of product stored inside the warehouse.
UPDATE: Ewing Police Reported at 5:26 p.m. that Slater is in custody.
June 21, 2023
EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Ewing Township Police Department reports that at 1:53 p.m. the Ewing Police Department was notified of an inmate who escaped a minimum-security work detail on Stuyvesant Avenue. Information provided to us at the time indicated a confirmed sighting of the inmate in the City of Trenton. We were also told that the inmate escaped and remained in Trenton.
At 3:43 p.m., we were told that the inmate may have been seen on Grand Avenue in Ewing. The inmate is Jessey Slater. He was last seen wearing a white t-shirt and gray shorts. At this time we do not know what he was incarcerated for, but we were told that he was a minimum security inmate. If you see anyone matching this description, please call 911 immediately. The New Jersey Department of Corrections is handling this investigation.
Police reported that you will probably see an increased police presence in the area of Grand Avenue and beyond. We will provide updates as they are given to us. Ewing Police have dedicated a supervisor and several detectives to assist in this investigation and to ensure we are getting timely and accurate information. A reverse 911 should be going out very shortly to residents in the area.
Jessey Slater an inmate who escaped a minimum-security work detail on Stuyvesant Avenue.
UPDATE: Ewing Police Reported at 5:26 p.m. that Slater is in custody.
UPPER FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Around 3:15 firefighters from Hope Fire Company/Upper Freehold Township and Captial Health EMS responded to County Road 539-Allentown Davis Station between High Street and Walnford Road. Upon arrival it was found a vehicle hit a pole and wires were down on the roadway. The roadway from County Road 539 by the Cream Ridge Golf Course to Main Street Allentown will be closed until repairs are made.
Seek alternate routes use Route 526 Bypass to County Road 526 to Sharon Station Road to County Road 539.
Currently Google Maps shows a 1/2-mile traffic delay in the area.
Upper Freehold Township Firefighters reported that units currently operating at a Motor Vehicle Accident involving powerlines across the roadway. High Street to 539 will be shut down until further notice. Please use caution in the area and find an alternate route of travel.
Upper Freehold Township Professional Firefighters photo
You must be logged in to post a comment.