March 30, 2023
EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Around 8:54 a.m. Ewing Township Fire Departments responded to the first block of Farrell Avenue for a reported rubbish fire with exposure to the home. Firefighters arrived and quickly extinguished the fire. Fire Investigators were called to the scene. No additional details are available at this time.
Photos by: Brian McCarthy
March 19, 2023 – Updated
EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–TTN Spokesperson Julie Willmot stated that at appx 10:30 a.m., this morning an Infinity Flight School plane experienced a landing gear issue resulting in the aircraft veering off into a grassy area along runway. The FAA cleared the plane to be removed and it’s being towed away now. Neither the student pilot nor instructor were injured.
Preliminary information from Donnell Evans FAA Federal Aviation Administration Public Affairs Specialist stated that a twin-engine Piper PA-44 slid off the runway after landing safely at Trenton–Mercer Airport in New Jersey, around 10:45 a.m. local time Sunday, March 19. Two people were on board.
Original MidJersey.news story:
EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–At 10:41 a.m., this morning Mercer Airport Fire Department Station 34 along with Ewing Township Fire Departments and EMS were dispatched to Mercer County Airport TTN for an aircraft emergency incident on the runway. It appears that a plane had crashed landed with landing gear up just off the runway. There were no reported injuries. Officials notified the FAA and other officials for the investigation. No other details are available.
Officials investigate a aircraft incident at Trenton Mercer County Airport on March 19, 2023
March 19, 2023
EWING TOWNSHIP (Mercer) – Fire damaged a two-story house at 76 Lanning Street late Saturday night (March 18). Ewing Township firefighters were alerted to the blaze at 10:54 p.m. and quickly arrived to find the front of the house engulfed in flames. Multiple hose lines were put in service to knock down the flames. Mutual aid assistance was called to the scene from Lawrence Township and Pennington Borough fire companies. The blaze was declared under control at 11:35 p.m. There were no reports of any injuries. The cause of the fire was under investigation.
March 13, 2023
EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–On Sunday, March 12, 2023 at 11:49 PM, Ewing police responded to a report of shots fired in the 400 block of Berwyn Avenue. The first responding Officers discovered a juvenile male victim that appeared to be suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to the hospital for treatment of his injuries.
Immediately after the shooting, a suspect vehicle description was broadcast to responding units. Officer Luis Martir #212 quickly located the suspect vehicle and conducted a motor vehicle stop. The four occupants of the vehicle were detained pending investigation.
Using information developed during the investigation, Detective Matthew Wherley signed criminal complaints against the occupants of the vehicle. The alleged shooter has been identified as Matthew Wallace 3rd, (18 years old) from Trenton. The other occupants of the vehicle were Nekhi Leonard (21), from Trenton, Kendall Whittington Jr. (19), from Trenton, and Lakell Murphy (19), from Trenton.
Matthew Wallace 3rd has been charged with Attempted Murder, Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, and Possession of a Prohibited Weapon. Nekhi Leonard, Kendall Whittington Jr., and Lakell Murphy have been charged with Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, and Possession of a Prohibited Weapon
Anyone with any information concerning this incident is asked to contact Detective Matthew Wherley at (609) 882-1313 ext.5566 or by email mwherley@ewingnj.org
You may also use our confidential Tip Line at (609) 882-7530 (Please note: this Tip Line SHOULD NOT be used to report crimes in progress or emergencies that require immediate response).
All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law
March 1, 2023
MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP, PA (BUCKS)–Pennsylvania State Troopers say that prior to the crash occurring it is believed that Jenna Paulaski of Ewing, NJ, was traveling the wrong way on Interstate 295 from at least Exit # 8 in a Ford Tauris. On February 26, 2023 at approximately 3:21 a.m., a two-vehicle reportable crash occurred on 1-295 east in the area of mile post 5.2, Middletown Township, Bucks County. At the time of the crash, Paulaski, was traveling westbound in the true left, eastbound lane of travel. Alexander Wetzel of Media, PA, was traveling eastbound in the left lane of travel in a Jeep Compass. The Ford Taurus struck the Jeep Compass with Its front-end head on. The Taurus and Compass came to final rest in the left lane of travel at the point of impact
The Ford Taurus sustained heavy front-end damage. Paulaski was observed to be wearing a seatbelt and had the driver’s side front airbag deployed. The Jeep Compass sustained heavy front-end damage. Wetzel was observed to be wearing a seatbelt and had driver and passenger front airbags deployed. Both drivers were pronounced deceased at the scene.
Trooper Gentile was assisted at the scene by Corporal Whitbeck, Troop M – Dublin, and Trooper McWilliams, Troop M – Trevose. Middletown Township Police Department. Fire departments on scene were Penndel, Middletown, and Parkland fire departments. The Bucks County Coroner’s Office, First Deputy Coroner Scott Croop responded to the crash scene.
Troopers say the crash investigation is ongoing.
Anyone who witnessed this crash is asked to call, PA State Police – Trevose, Trooper Gentile, (215) 942-3900.
February 25, 2023
EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Just after 11;00 a.m., all Ewing Township Fire Departments including Mercer County Airport Fire Department were dispatched to the 300 Block of Scotch Road at Maintenance Building 10 for flames reported from the roof from a 9-1-1 caller. Airport firefighters responding reported seeing smoke from across the airport and called for a first alarm sending additional equipment to the scene. Upon arrival Airport Fire Department Engine 34 reported flames from the roof and a 2-Alarm was called. Engine 34 quickly knocked the bulk of fire using the boom on the engine and multiple hose lines were pulled to the building to hit the rest of the fire.
Firefighters are still on scene fighting the fire and numerous surrounding departments have been called to the scene or to cover the township.
Command reported fire under control at 11:48 a.m.
Further details to follow when the become available. This is a breaking news report from the scene.
Photos below by: NJ Public Safety News Alerts
February 22, 2023
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri announced today that an investigation conducted by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department has resulted in the arrest of a Trenton man for last year’s shooting death of Chron Jenks.
Trayvon Stokes, 31, of Trenton, is charged with first-degree murder, second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, first-degree unlawful possession of a weapon and second-degree certain persons not to possess a weapon. Stokes was taken into custody Tuesday afternoon in Trenton. A subsequent search warrant was executed at his residence by members of the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, the Mercer County Tactical Response Team and the Trenton Police Department. At the time of the search warrant execution, Breeyon Jones, 34, was present and detained. Jones was charged with second-degree certain persons not to possess a weapon after a handgun was recovered from his bedroom. The prosecutor’s office will file motions to detain both defendants pending trial.
At approximately 5 a.m. on September 11, 2022, Trenton police responded to a Shot Spotter activation for multiple rounds in the 300 block of Garfield Avenue. Upon arrival, officers located the victim on the sidewalk suffering a gunshot wound to the chest. Jenks, 34, of Ewing, was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead a short time later.
The charges are a result of an investigation by the MCHTF and TPD, specifically lead task force Detective Karl Johnston. Anyone with information is asked to contact the MCHTF at (609) 989-6406.
Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Trayvon Stokes, 31, of Trenton, is charged with first-degree murder, second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, first-degree unlawful possession of a weapon and second-degree certain persons not to possess a weapon. Stokes was taken into custody Tuesday afternoon in Trenton.
A subsequent search warrant was executed at his residence by members of the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, the Mercer County Tactical Response Team and the Trenton Police Department. At the time of the search warrant execution, Breeyon Jones, 34, was present and detained. Jones was charged with second-degree certain persons not to possess a weapon after a handgun was recovered from his bedroom. The prosecutor’s office will file motions to detain both defendants pending trial.
February 17, 2023
EWING, NJ (Mercer) – Ewing Township firefighters were called out to battle a vehicle fire this evening (Friday, Feb. 17). Volunteers from West Trenton Fire Company were dispatched at 6:54 p.m. to the WaWa located at the intersection of Parkway Avenue and Silvia Street/Scotch Road. When firefighters manning Engine 33 arrived on the scene they found a car, stopped in the middle of Parkway Avenue, already engulfed in flames. Engine 33’s crew stretched a hoseline and quickly knocked down all visible fire. Township career firefighters manning Squad 30 also responded and assisted with overhaul operations by using one of their powered rescue tools to pry open the hood to allow for complete extinguishment of any remaining fire in the engine compartment. Ewing police closed Parkway Avenue and detoured traffic until the burned vehicle was removed by a tow truck.
February 14, 2023
EWING (Mercer) – Township firefighters responded to Stokes Avenue, near Homestead Avenue, this evening (Tuesday, Feb. 14) to extinguish a fire that destroyed the cab of a tractor-trailer. The blaze was reported at 6:30 p.m. Ewing Township career firefighters and volunteers from Prospect Heights and West Trenton fire companies arrived to find flames engulfing the tractor cab. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
February 14, 2023
EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Ewing Township Police say that on Tuesday, February 14, 2023 at approximately 6:00 a.m., The Ewing Police Department was notified by the New Jersey State Police about a mass shooting incident that occurred at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan, which had a possible connection to Ewing, New Jersey. Information received during the investigation indicated that the shooter, Anthony McRae, Age 43 had local ties to Ewing Township.
When McRae was found by police in Michigan, he had a note in his pocket that indicated a threat to two Ewing Public Schools. The investigation revealed that McRae had a history of mental health issues. As the investigation continued, and out of an abundance of caution, the Ewing Public Schools were closed for the day. Officers from Ewing and surrounding agencies were stationed at each closed public school as well as other schools in the Township.
After further investigation, it has been determined that the incident is isolated to Michigan, and there is no threat to Ewing Schools. Information received during the investigation indicated that McRae has not resided in the Ewing area for several years.
The Ewing Police Department would like to thank their Mercer County law enforcement partners for their quick response and assistance while the investigation was in the initial stages.
Officers will remain at all schools for the day, and it is anticipated that the normal school schedule will resume tomorrow February 15, 2023.
Police surround all Ewing Township Schools this morning. Photos by: Brian McCarthy
February 14, 2023
EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Ewing Township Police Department reports that all Ewing public schools are closed today February 14, 2023, while police investigate an unconfirmed school threat. Additional officers from Ewing and partner agencies will be deployed to all Ewing public and private schools. Police will be providing updates as more information becomes available. Police say that this action is being done out of an abundance of caution and the safety and security of our students is always paramount. Please do not call the police department seeking information.
Update at 8:23am. The Ewing Police Department received assistance from our partner agencies to provide security to all of the schools in Ewing. This plan is in place throughout the county to quickly add additional law enforcement resources when needed. There is no active threat. The additional resources will remain in place as a precaution as we continue our investigation. We will continue to provide updates. We appreciate the understanding and support of the community.
File photo
February 11, 2023
EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)—At 1:24 p.m. all Ewing Township Fire Departments were dispatched to 302 Berwyn Avenue for a house fire with multiple 9-1-1 callers reporting the fire with reported entrapment. A towering column of smoke was reportedly visible for several miles. Firefighters arrived to find heavy fire showing from the second and third floors of the dwelling.
Ewing Township career firefighters and volunteers from Ewing’s Prospect Heights and West Trenton fire companies responded, along with mutual aid fire companies from Trenton, Hamilton, Lawrence and Pennington.
Firefighters initiated an aggressive interior attack, however heavy fire conditions forced firefighters to evacuate the structure and switch from that interior attack to defensive exterior operations. Once the bulk of the fire was knocked down, interior operations resumed.
A dog was reportedly still in the house somewhere. It was unknown if the pet survived.
Further information to follow as it becomes available.
Photos below by: Brian McCarthy
February 9, 2023
EWING (Mercer) – A vehicle fire disrupted traffic along North Olden Avenue, near the intersection with Pennington Road, this evening (Thursday, Feb. 9). The blaze was reported about 6:00 p.m. by a Ewing Township ambulance crew that was enroute to a medical emergency at the nearby ShopRite supermarket. The ambulance crew reported heavy smoke issuing from the vehicle. Volunteers from Prospect Heights Fire Co. responded with Engine 31 and Squirt 31 and quickly extinguished the blaze.
February 7, 2023
EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Around 10:55 a.m. Ewing Township Police, Firefighters and EMS all responded to Lower Ferry Road and Parkway Avenue for a reported crash with entrapment. It was unclear if anyone was transported to the hospital. The road was closed for hours for a crash investigation and traffic light replacement. No further details about the crash are available.
Photos by: Brian McCarthy
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.
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
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.
Update on the pedestrian motor vehicle crash below from Ewing Police Department:
January 23, 2023
EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Firefighters from Ewing Township, Trenton Mercer County Airport and Pennington responded to a car carrier with at least five vehicles on fire this morning on Interstate 295 near Scotch Road. Firefighters quickly knocked down the flames and remained on scene for extensive overhaul. Traffic was reportedly backed up into Pennsylvania during the firefight and cleanup process. No other details are available at this time.
Photos by: Mercer County Airport Fire Department and Ewing Police
January 15, 2023
EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Ewing Township Police reported that on Sunday, January 15, 2023, at 3:26 a.m., Ewing Township Police Officers responded to the Wawa at 1300 Silvia Street on the report of a shooting. When Officers arrived, it was determined that an argument ensued between 3 or 4 Wawa patrons that arrived separately. Wawa employees intervened and asked that parties involved to exit the store. One male party exited the store, however, he returned after a short time. When the male reentered the store, one of the parties that remained in the store fired a weapon in his direction. The male that was reentering the store then returned fire. It is not believed that anyone was struck by gunfire. Police believe that there is any reason to believe that there is any active threat to the community.
The incident is currently under investigation by Ewing Township Police Department Detective Justin Ubry. If anyone has any information that may assist with the investigation, please contact Detective Urby at 609-882-1313 x 7590 or by email jubry@ewingnj.org You may also contact the Ewing Police Tipline at 609-882-7530 or email policetipline@ewingnj.org Police say that the tip line should not be used to report crimes in progress or emergencies that require immediate response.
December 21, 2022
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported today this his Cyber Crimes Unit is investigating recent telephone scams where callers spoof the non-emergency telephone numbers for various police departments within Mercer County in an attempt to scam residents. The scammers falsely claim the resident has a warrant for their arrest. As a reminder, law enforcement will never ask for payment of any type over the phone nor will they ask for personal identifying information that could be used for fraudulent purposes. Law enforcement and government agencies will also never ask you to pay by unusual methods, such as gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency.
Scammers research potential victims on the internet and social media. Then they call and deceive their victims into thinking the callers are law enforcement officers, prosecutors or police employees. Scammers may spoof a law enforcement telephone number, falsely showing on the victim’s caller ID. They threaten victims with arrest for outstanding warrants or other legal issues.
Should you receive a call from a police department within Mercer County or the Prosecutor’s Office, please confirm who you are speaking with. If you believe you received a scam telephone call, hang up and call the number back. If the call is legitimate, you’ll be connected with a police dispatcher or receptionist who can verify the caller’s identity. Report any scam calls to your local law enforcement agency. Please share this message with your family and friends, especially the elderly, to help prevent phone scams.
December 20, 2022
EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–A Florida man was arrested by police on Sunday, Dec. 18, after Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers stopped him with a loaded .380 caliber handgun in his carry-on bag at the Trenton-Mercer Airport security checkpoint. The man also was in possession of two loaded gun magazines and a pellet gun. Like firearms, pellet guns and other realistic replica guns are not permitted through a TSA security checkpoint.
It was the first gun caught at the airport checkpoint this year. One gun also was stopped at the checkpoint in 2021 and a single gun also was detected in 2020.
“Our officers are good at their jobs and are focused on their mission—especially during the busy holiday travel period,” said Thomas Carter, TSA’s Federal Security Director for New Jersey. “Not only was he arrested by the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department, but this individual also faces a stiff financial civil penalty—a penalty for carrying a weapon that was recently increased to a maximum of $15,000.”
TSA has details on how to properly travel with a firearm posted on its website.
Bringing a gun to an airport checkpoint carries a federal civil penalty because TSA reserves the right to issue a civil penalty to travelers who have guns and gun parts with them at a checkpoint. Civil penalties for bringing a handgun into a checkpoint can stretch into thousands of dollars, depending on mitigating circumstances. This applies to travelers with or without concealed gun carry permits because even though an individual may have a concealed carry permit, it does not allow for a firearm to be carried onto an airplane. The complete list of civil penalties is posted online. Additionally, if a traveler with a gun is a member of TSA PreCheck®, that individual will lose their TSA PreCheck privileges.
Firearm possession laws vary by state and locality and passengers should do their homework to make sure that they are not violating any local firearm laws. Travelers should also contact their airline as they may have additional requirements for traveling with firearms and ammunition.
Nationwide, TSA officers detected 5,972 firearms on passengers or their carry-on bags at checkpoints in 2021. Of the guns caught by TSA last year, about 86 percent were loaded. TSA has already surpassed the 2021 figure and expects to detect approximately 6,600 firearms at security checkpoints by the end of 2022, which will be a new record.
This loaded handgun was stopped at the Trenton-Mercer Airport security checkpoint on Sunday, Dec. 18. (TSA photo)
A TSA officer detected this pellet gun in a traveler’s carry-on bag at Trenton-Mercer Airport on Dec. 18. (TSA photo)
November 16, 2022
EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–State Farm and the Roc Solid Foundation recently teamed up to provide a donated playset for Charlotte Craven, a 3-year-old girl in Ewing undergoing treatment for High Risk B-Cell ALL. Donated playsets help bring normalcy to children undergoing cancer treatments and provide a safe place for them to play and forgot about their illness, hospital visits and treatments. Additionally, although many children have access to public playgrounds, it’s often difficult for kids with comprised immune systems to play in public settings, especially during Covid.
After the Craven family received their playset pieces, State Farm learned they needed help building the structure. Local State Farm agents and Ewing police officers recently showed up at the Craven’s house – on Charlotte’s 3rd birthday – to build the playset and help Charlotte begin creating many, happy memories in her backyard. The playset build was a surprise for Charlotte and her younger sister, Ella.
“It was exciting to watch Charlotte see the playset for the first time in her backyard,” says State Farm Agent Lenny LoPresti. “This family is already going through a lot, so it was comforting to know we were able to help them with this project. We are also extremely grateful to the Ewing Police Department who showed up with relatively short notice.”
“When Charlotte woke up the morning after the build, the first thing she did was look outside and say, ‘Oh good! My playset is still there!,’” adds Charlotte’s mother, Alison.
The Roc Solid Foundation mission is to build hope for kids fighting cancer. The playset program is designed for kids ages 1 – 9 who are in active treatment for pediatric cancer.
About Roc Solid:
Roc Solid Foundation builds hope for kids fighting cancer through the power of play. The organization is best known for its two major initiatives: surprising kids with brand new play sets and providing Roc Solid Ready Bags to families when they first hear the devastating news that their child has cancer. The organization has constructed more than 500 play sets across the country through partnerships with children’s hospitals – including those in New Jersey.
November 15, 2022
EWING TOWNSHIP (Mercer) – Ewing firefighters made quick work of bringing a smoky basement blaze under control this afternoon (Tuesday, Nov. 15). The fire involved a one-story home on Federal City Road, between Bunker Hill and Bull Run roads, where Ewing, Lawrence and Hopewell townships all meet. Dispatched about 4:35 p.m. in response to multiple 911 calls reporting smoke coming from the roof of the home, Ewing Township Fire Department personnel arrived on scene and quickly confirmed there was a working fire in the basement. Multiple hoselines were deployed, entry was forced into the home, and the hoselines were placed in service to extinguish the flames in the basement. Mutual aid firefighters from Lawrence Township and Pennington Borough assisted with completing searches of the smoke-filled home to confirm no one was inside and with ventilation efforts to clear smoke from the residence once the fire was extinguished. A Lawrence Township EMS ambulance crew stood by on scene but there were no reported injuries. The cause of the fire was under investigation by Ewing Township police and fire officials.
Photos and video by: Transmit the 1075
November 12, 2022
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–In the wake of numerous issues with voting and counting on Election Day, challenges that are still under investigation, Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes is calling for a thorough public review of what went wrong and a comprehensive overhaul of the elections process in Mercer County.
“After issues in the last two elections, I have come to the conclusion that we must fundamentally change the management of the election process in Mercer County because it is clearly not working,” the County Executive said. “There are legal limits to what I can do as County Executive but rest assured that I will do everything within my power to ensure the integrity of elections in Mercer County and will tolerate nothing less.”
In Mercer County, three separate entities, the Board of Elections, the Superintendent of Elections, and the Office of the County Clerk each plays a role in elections. Board of Elections commissioners are appointed by the respective County Chairs of the Republican and Democratic Parties, the Superintendent of Elections is an appointee of the Governor, and the County Clerk is an elected position.
“I am happy that Mercer County Clerk Paula Sollami-Covello requested that the County Prosecutor look into the election. But we also need a more thorough and public review. We’ve got too many people in control and the quality of our elections has suffered as a result, undermining peoples’ faith in the democratic process,” Mr. Hughes said.
Moving forward, County Executive Hughes proposes the following:
“I pledge to you that we will get to the bottom of this and that every vote will be counted,” Mr. Hughes said. “I have listened to the people of Mercer County and have spoken with election officials, and we are committed to finding out how we can improve the election process and to prevent future incidents as the one on Election Day.”
In Mercer County, the Office of the County Executive does not supervise the Board, their offices, nor does it have jurisdiction. The board is responsible for selecting polling places, training board workers, receiving and counting vote-by-mail ballots, and counting and certifying provisional ballots. The Superintendent of Elections handles voter registration, renews registration records, investigates provisional ballots, and is the custodian of voting machines. The County Clerk designs and prints all election ballots, processes vote by mail applications, and officially certifies the election results.
File photo: Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes
File photo: Robbinsville Township Mayor Dave Fried
Robbinsville Township Mayor Dave Fried said in a Facebook post:
“Regarding the events of Election Day, here is what we know so far.
Either the machine scanners did not work, or the ballots were printed incorrectly and the machines did their jobs and correctly spit them out as invalid. An investigation is reportedly under way, and Robbinsville will join other elected officials across Mercer County to see that the investigation is complete and transparent.
Let me be clear: I am not blaming anyone. Honestly, I do not know how this happened. Pointing fingers without all the facts is not productive. We do know that this is the second straight year the County process did not work as it should have, and I am not happy with much of what I saw.
One of the basic tenets of our democracy is the right to vote, and that every vote will be counted.
As of today, it appears our District 5 ballots (Library) have been found after having been misplaced. That information was given directly to our Municipal Clerk Michele Seigfried from the County.
Just a quick note about our clerk’s office. Michele and her team of Deputy Clerk Kaitlyn Macellaro and Sandy DeLorenzo performed exceptionally under extremely difficult conditions this past week. I cannot thank them enough for their service to our Township. The same goes for our Administration team, led by B.A. Joy Tozzi, each of whom worked all hours of the day and night in the chaotic aftermath of Election Day.
Over in Princeton, it seems they discovered ballots still in their machines. During in-person voting on Election Day, two slots for placing ballots were used. The first was the so-called emergency slot. This was used in the early part of the day because officials had hoped the scanner problems could be fixed before polls closed. As the day went on, that emergency bin became full and the scanners were removed so the main bin could be used. They discovered Princeton’s ballots were still in some of those containers since both sides were not emptied. It also appears that the documentation of the chain of custody regarding our ballots was quite poor, allowing the ballots to be apparently misplaced for a time.
The courts have ordered all the machines returned to the Mercer County Board of Elections for inspection to ensure there are no more ballots in those machines, including the ones deployed in Robbinsville.
I DO NOT believe there was any type of fraud, and I DO NOT believe there are any conspiracies at work here. I do believe mistakes were made at a time in our nation when it can ill-afford to stumble on Election Day.
We have spent millions of dollars on these machines and ballots, and they clearly did not work as advertised. It is time to reassess and come up with a better system. Those of you who voted early did not seem to have any issues. Perhaps we need to consider moving entirely in that direction. I will be attending all upcoming Mercer County Commissioner’s meetings until we have a real and fortified plan. Together, I am hopeful we will come up with a solution. Robbinsville has no intention of paying for this process unless real change is implemented.
I have no reason to believe, even with ballots that may or may not still be out there, that our local results will change.
Thus, I sincerely congratulate our three new Board of Education members – Jeffrey Pierro, Raghu Nandan and Peter Oehlberg. I wish each of you the best of luck, and I am sorry your first election was fraught with so much turmoil.
I have always said putting your name on a ballot is one of the most difficult – but potentially rewarding things – a person can do. Although no candidate should have to wait days for results in 2022, each of you earned your rightful place among your other BOE members.
While Ballot Question #1, which sought to combine our Planning and Zoning Boards into a consolidated Land Use Board, did pass, Ballot Question #2 regarding an increase in our Open Space tax to preserve more land and slow development did not. I know times are tough. That is why we put items such as these questions on the ballot. Sometimes we think we know what the residents want, but this process helps us know for certain.”
November 9, 2022
MERCER COUNTY, NJ –See below for unofficial election results at of 11/9/2022 at 4:00 p.m.
https://results.enr.clarityelections.com/NJ/Mercer/116247/web.307039/#/summary
*Results are not official until all votes are counted and certified. This includes ballots cast by mail, provisional, and ballots requiring a signature cure. These first two reports above must be ADDED for a cumulative total (until further notice)! –Note the PDF files below and the above link must be added together to get the most accurate until updated by County Clerk’s Office
See the Mercer County Clerk’s Official Website for latest information here
Proposed Legislation and Administrative Action Will Work Together to Decrease Auto Theft Across the State
November 7, 2022
EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Governor Phil Murphy, alongside Senate President Nick Scutari and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, today announced his support for a series of legislative proposals and administrative actions to combat auto theft in New Jersey. Today’s announcement builds upon steps taken earlier this year, which have already proven to have an impact. Auto thefts in September of this year were down 14 percent from September of last year. And in October, auto thefts were down 12 percent from October of last year.
“I am grateful for the collaborative work that has been done across government in partnership with law enforcement at the state and local levels to combat crime in our state,” said Governor Murphy. “Today’s steps, which include increasing penalties for persistent auto theft offenders and criminalizing certain conduct related to auto theft tools and catalytic converters, will strengthen this administration’s efforts to reverse the uptick in vehicle theft we have witnessed over the past few years. However, we also ask that our residents take additional measures to protect themselves from auto theft. If you cannot park your car in a closed and locked garage, make sure that your vehicle is locked and that the key fob is with you.”
The Governor announced his support for a series of legislative measures to combat auto theft. Some versions of these measures have already been introduced, and the Governor looks forward to working with legislative leadership and the sponsors to advance these reforms through the legislative process. The Governor proposed:
The Governor also announced that the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) will start working to add a check box to vehicle registration paperwork allowing residents to “opt in” to a program that automatically permits law enforcement to track participating registered vehicles if a vehicle is ever stolen. Additionally, MVC will focus on messaging the importance to new drivers of safely handling key fobs by not leaving them inside the car or stored in their home too close to the car.
“The Murphy Administration continues to take a comprehensive approach to keeping New Jersey residents safe. Particularly when it comes to combating the rise in auto thefts, we are deploying every tool possible–creative legislation, technological investments, and traditional enforcement. Public safety will always be our top priority,” said New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin.
“Auto theft not only victimizes the owner of the vehicle, but it can also victimize the whole community. Stolen vehicles are often used in the commission of crimes and can be found driving recklessly on our roadways creating a dangerous environment for everyone,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “The support Governor Murphy has provided with the additional resources have proven to be pivotal in our effort to combat this national issue. Those resources added with the new legislative and administrative steps shows this state’s commitment to supporting not only law enforcement but it’s commitment to the safety of all New Jersey residents.”
“I can only commend the all-hands-on-deck approach that Governor Murphy has taken to combat the rise in auto thefts in New Jersey,” said Motor Vehicle Commission Acting Chief Administrator Latrecia Littles-Floyd. “The initiatives announced today will give law enforcement a new tool to help track down stolen vehicles and boost public awareness about the importance of securing key fobs. Working closely with our partners in law enforcement, we will continue to maximize our efforts at MVC to help reduce vehicle thefts.”
“The alarming increase in auto thefts threatens the property and the safety of New Jersey residents in their communities,” said Senate President Scutari. “These crimes are especially disturbing because they’re so close to home. Criminals are stealing cars right out of people’s driveways and garages. It’s crucial we take additional steps to deter car thieves and support police departments throughout the state.”
“Car thefts are plaguing communities across our state,” said Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin. “We must protect public safety and ensure justice is delivered for the sake of all New Jersey families and our law enforcement. Every community deserves peace of mind. As we step up our efforts to mitigate, disincentivize and dismantle car theft rings, I applaud the ongoing response of the Attorney General and I remind folks to please stay vigilant.”
“In response to a recent increase in automobile thefts across the state, I am proud to stand with Governor Murphy in taking swift and comprehensive action to combat this issue,” said Senator Linda Greenstein. “As Chairwoman of the Law and Public Safety Committee, safeguarding our residents’ property and upholding community safety and security standards, is of the utmost importance.”
“With support from Governor Murphy, Attorney General Platkin, Speaker Coughlin, Senate President Scutari and law enforcement agencies, the Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee will be holding a public hearing to discuss combatting auto theft. We plan to isolate the problem, hear from our community and stakeholders to find solutions to address this issue. It is our responsibility in the legislature to ensure our communities are safe from crime, and rest easy knowing their representatives are working to solve the problem of automotive theft,” said Assemblyman Bill Spearman.
Earlier this year, Governor Murphy announced a $10 million investment in automated license plate recognition (ALPR) technology to reduce violent crime and auto theft in New Jersey through the federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) State Fiscal Recovery Fund.
In addition, Attorney General Platkin announced in March that additional resources would be allocated to grow the Auto Theft Task Force (ATTF). Since then, both the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) and the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) have added additional detectives and prosecutors to the ATTF. $125,000 in federal Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) funds were also immediately provided to bolster the resources and capabilities of the ATTF, including law enforcement personnel and equipment purchases.
Attorney General Platkin has also revised the police pursuit policy to explicitly permit the pursuit of stolen cars, among other efforts.
October 15, 2022
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–New Jersey Department of Health announced today that more homes within municipalities served by Trenton Water Works just days after the Murphy Administration announced they would launch an initiative to better support and improve TWW
Back on September 22, 2021, four cases of Legionnaires’ disease were reported in Hamilton Township, Mercer County between May-August 2021, along with an additional reported case from November 2020. On August 29, 2022 Two cases of Legionnaires’ disease were reported in August 2022 from the section of Hamilton Township, Mercer County, served by Trenton Water Works (TWW). Two additional cases were reported, respectively in April 2022 and December 2021. Of the four, one individual has died.
Today the NJ Department of Health made this announcement: The presence of Legionella bacteria was identified in water samples collected from more than half of 30 homes within several municipalities served by Trenton Water Works (TWW), the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) announced today. This includes homes from Trenton, Ewing, and parts of Lawrence and Hopewell Township served by TWW.
The testing was conducted in September 2022 following the detection of Legionella, the bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease, in several homes that were voluntarily tested within the Hamilton Township area served by TWW in July 2022. The homes tested in Hamilton Township were part of an ongoing investigation to determine potential causes of Legionnaires’ disease previously detected in Hamilton Township, with five cases including one death reported since December 2021. The most recent case was reported to health in September 2022.
To determine if other municipalities served by TWW were affected, health officials recruited an additional 30 homeowners from across the TWW distribution area, focusing on areas outside of Hamilton Township, to voluntarily have their homes tested for Legionella. NJDOH has notified all volunteer homeowners of the results from this sampling.
Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia that people can get after breathing in aerosolized water (small droplets of water in the air) containing Legionella bacteria. Individuals cannot get Legionnaires’ disease by drinking water that has Legionella. Though uncommon, people can get sick when water containing Legionella is aspirated into the lungs while drinking (“goes down the wrong pipe”). NJDOH receives approximately 250-350 reports of Legionnaires’ disease each year throughout New Jersey.
NJDOH is now urging that all residents and building owners who receive water from TWW to take actions to reduce the risk of Legionella growth in their household and building plumbing. These recommendations are available below.
It is not known if individuals with Legionella detected in their homes are more likely to develop Legionnaires’ disease. While it remains rare for a healthy person who is exposed to Legionella to become sick with Legionnaires’ disease, people who are 50 years or older, especially those who smoke, or those with certain medical conditions, including weakened immune systems, chronic lung disease or other chronic health conditions, are at increased risk.
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include cough, shortness of breath, fever, muscle aches, and headaches, which are similar to symptoms caused by other respiratory infections, including COVID-19. Legionnaires’ disease can be fatal but is treatable with antibiotics. It is important that anyone who thinks they have symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease contact their health care provider and seek medical evaluation immediately.
Health officials are urging healthcare providers to collect lower respiratory specimens for Legionella PCR and/or culture, in conjunction with use of the urinary antigen test, when suspecting Legionnaires’ disease. This is especially important among residents who receive water from TWW. The urinary antigen test is the most common diagnostic method but can only detect Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1. PCR and culture of lower respiratory specimens can detect all Legionella species and serogroups.
NJDOH continues to partner with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and TWW to investigate factors that may be promoting the growth of Legionella bacteria and to evaluate remedial actions that can be taken to reduce Legionella in the system.
Following NJDEP’s finding of significant concerns with TWW’s operations and management, including intermittent failures to fully maintain treatment processes, monitor water quality, employ adequately trained operating personnel, and invest in required maintenance and capital needs such as upgrades to aging infrastructure, Governor Phil Murphy NJDEP Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette issued a Unilateral Administrative Order that will, among other things, facilitate the immediate deployment of a capacity-building force comprised of managerial and technical experts who will focus on improving routine operations and maintenance, as well as resolving immediate capital needs.
More information about this initiative can be found at dep.nj.gov/trentonwater.
How to Decrease Risks of Legionella Exposure
According to NJDOH, individuals, particularly those at high risk, can follow recommended steps to decrease the risk of Legionella exposure and best practices to limit the growth of Legionella in household water systems and devices:
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS FOR BUILDING OWNERS
ABOUT LEGIONNAIRES’ DISEASE AND LEGIONELLA
Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia (lung infection) caused by Legionella bacteria. Legionella is a type of bacteria found naturally in freshwater environments such as lakes and streams and becomes a health concern when it enters and grows inside human-made water systems. People can get Legionnaires’ disease by breathing in aerosolized (small droplets) water containing Legionella. Aerosolized water can come from plumbing systems and devices such as cooling towers (part of the cooling system for large buildings), hot tubs, cooling misters, and decorative fountains. Less commonly, people can get sick by aspiration of tap water containing Legionella. This happens when water accidently goes into the lungs while drinking (“goes down the wrong pipe”). People at increased risk of aspiration include those with swallowing difficulties. Home A/C units do not use water to cool, so these home units do not aerosolize water and are not a risk for Legionella growth. Legionnaires’ disease is generally not spread person to person. Additional information regarding Legionnaires’ disease and Legionella can be located at NJDOH’s website.
Follow the New Jersey Department of Health on Twitter @njdeptofhealth, Facebook /njdeptofhealth, Instagram @njdeptofhealth and LinkedIn /company/njdeptofhealth.
October 14, 2022
EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER) – Several people, including a young child, were injured in a collision between a pickup truck and a sport utility vehicle that occurred along North Olden Avenue this evening (Friday, Oct. 14). Ewing Township police, EMS personnel and firefighters, along with Capital Health System paramedics, were alerted to the crash in front of the Wendy’s restaurant in the 1700 block of North Olden Avenue just minutes before 9 p.m. When emergency crews arrived on scene they found at least three adults trapped in the wreckage of the two vehicles. A child was also inside one of the autos. According to initial radio reports, it appeared that the child – described as an infant – had not been riding in an approved child car seat and, as a result, was unrestrained when the crash occurred. Additional ambulances from Trenton and Lawrence and more paramedics were called in to care for the injured. Ewing firefighters used hydraulic rescue tools to cut apart the vehicles to free the trapped victims. Once extricated from the wreckage, the victims was rushed to the regional trauma center in Trenton. North Olden Avenue was closed between Prospect Street and Parkside Avenue as a result of the crash. At the time of this report, Ewing Township police were still investigating the circumstances of the accident and no additional details were available.
October 12, 2022
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Following a months-long compliance evaluation of conditions affecting Trenton Water Works (TWW), Governor Phil Murphy, Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette, and Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora today announced the launch of a new Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) initiative to better support and improve TWW. Through this initiative, the State will work with the City to enhance TWW’s technical and managerial capacity with the goal of improving the operations and maintenance of TWW to ensure that the system reliably produces safe drinking water that meets all requirements of the New Jersey Safe Drinking Water Act.
Despite many recent efforts at the local level to improve operating conditions and advance long-overdue capital improvements at TWW, the system continues to struggle in maintaining compliance with regulatory obligations and requirements. To ensure that maintenance and operational needs crucial to the protection of public health are met, and that long-overdue capital improvements may receive the benefit of new and considerable state and federal funding, DEP has determined that a capacity-building program with direct operational oversight is necessary to ensure TWW’s near- and long-term success in meeting the needs of the 200,000+ residents served by the system in Trenton, as well as portions of Ewing, Hamilton, Hopewell, and Lawrence.
“Since the outset of my Administration, the provision of clean, affordable drinking water and the promotion of healthy communities have remained among our foremost priorities,” said Governor Murphy. “Protecting our children, families, and businesses is a responsibility that all levels of government share, and one that we must leverage every existing partnership to fulfill. Under the leadership of the DEP and in coordination with the City of Trenton, we will work tirelessly to safeguard our residents and return water system quality to the level our communities deserve.”
“The health of the residents is of paramount importance and we want to see Trenton succeed at all levels of government,” said Lt. Governor Sheila Y. Oliver, who serves as Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs. “Ensuring public health and safety is a core principle of municipal services. The Division of Local Government Services, which has some fiscal oversight of the City, will assist DEP in any way it can to ensure TWW succeeds in providing safe drinking water for its residents.”
“Clean and safe drinking water is a human right but delivering this public good is a far more complex undertaking than one might expect,” said Commissioner LaTourette. “The depth of managerial, technical, and financial expertise required to ensure consistent operation, maintenance, and improvement of a water system is significant. Yet, not all systems are created equal, and we must invest more time, attention, and resources in those that need our help. Through direct operational oversight, DEP will help Trenton Water Works build the capacity necessary to better serve the public. Through this initiative, DEP and the City will more fully assess the system’s needs, meet its challenges, and ensure its long-term success for the benefit of the people of Trenton and the surrounding communities that this system serves.”
“We are committed to strengthening Trenton Water Works, improving its operations, advancing capital projects, and maintaining high water quality in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Environmental,” said Mayor Gusciora. “As we’ve dealt with City Council obstruction, we are resolute and determined in our efforts to build on the substantial progress we’ve made, fulfilling the promise I made to modernize the TWW system to ensure clean and safe drinking water for our customers and service-area residents for generations to come.”
TWW draws water from the Delaware River to provide water to more than 200,000 people in Trenton, as well as portions of Ewing, Hamilton, Hopewell, and Lawrence. The system has intermittently struggled to fully maintain critical treatment processes, monitor water quality, employ adequately trained operating personnel, and invest in required maintenance and capital needs, including significant upgrades to aging infrastructure such as the seven-acre, open-air finished water reservoir that stores and provides already treated water to about 70 percent of TWW’s distribution system. The initiative launched by the Murphy Administration today with the support of the City is intended to remedy these concerns.
This initiative, which will be implemented in accordance with an administrative order issued by DEP, has two primary phases that will be pursued concurrently: (1) immediate retention and deployment of a capacity-building force comprised of managerial and technical experts who will focus on improving routine operations and maintenance, as well as immediate capital needs; and (2) a full-scale assessment and preparation of organizational and operational recommendations.
To effect Phase 1, TWW will facilitate the direct oversight and monitoring of the system by DEP and its consultants, including a third-party adviser that will be embedded in the system for the purposes of monitoring and assessing all system operations and maintenance, adding necessary technical and managerial capacity to the system, and making technical, managerial, and financial recommendations necessary to bring the system into full compliance with applicable law.
To effect Phase 2, the third-party adviser will undertake a comprehensive technical, managerial, and financial capacity assessment of the system that will result in a report of organizational and operational recommendations, as well as short- and long-term asset management and capital improvement recommendations that will serve the basis of future action and investment.
DEP and the City will collaborate to ensure that the progress and outcomes of this initiative are open and transparent to the public.
As of October 12, 2022, water quality sample results submitted to DEP by TWW reflect that the water system meets applicable water quality standards. DEP will continue to closely monitor water quality parameters and other indicators of the status of the TWW system. If TWW exceeds a regulatory standard for drinking water quality, or if DEP otherwise determines that an acute risk to public health exists, the public notification would be issued to all TWW customers.
“First, I want to thank Governor Murphy and NJDEP Commissioner LaTourette for their decision today to bring Trenton Water Works (TWW) under direct oversight of NJDEP,” said Mayor Martin. “I want to also thank my fellow Mayors, State Legislators, County Officials, and the Hamilton Township Council who have remained steadfast in their focus on ensuring TWW meets their most basic obligations to their customers.” Hamilton Mayor Jeff Martin
“Said in a more simple way – today the State is taking over running TWW,” continued Mayor Martin. “This is a major step towards reaching our simple goal: to ensure all TWW customers have reliably clean and safe drinking water. Further, the Order from NJDEP requires the City Council to approve all items necessary to ensure our goal is reached; guaranteeing a road block to progress is neutralized.” Hamilton Mayor Jeff Martin
“Hopewell Township residents, particularly those in Brandon Farms, depend on Trenton Water Works for safe drinking water. We are grateful to the state Department of Environmental Protection for their quick response to our concerns about the facility,” says Hopewell Township Mayor Peters-Manning. “Thanks go to Hamilton Mayor Jeff Martin for his leadership on this issue. The staff at Trenton Water Works has been nothing but professional in their dealings with the Township, and we look forward to continuing to work with them and the DEP to safeguard the future of our water supply.”
For more information about DEP’s direct oversight of Trenton Water Works, visit https://dep.nj.gov/trentonwater/
For information on DEP’s regulation and oversight of drinking water systems in New Jersey, visit DEP’s Division of Water Supply & Geoscience website at: https://www.nj.gov/dep/watersupply/
For information about water infrastructure investment opportunities provided by DEP, visit: https://www.nj.gov/dep/wiip/
October 3, 2022
EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Shots rang out this afternoon at Homan and Hillcrest Avenue in front of Priori’s Delicatessen. Ewing Police did confirm that shots were fired and that no one was hit, but no other details were available at this time.
Earlier this year on June 6, 2022, a 17-year-old allegedly shot and killed beloved 54-year-old deli Oscar Palacios and also severely wounded his 57-year-old brother. At approximately 6:00 am that morning, the victims opened the deli and shortly thereafter the juvenile entered the deli, wearing a dark mask covering his face, and ordered food. The juvenile pointed a handgun at the victims and demanded money. The juvenile fired the gun, grazing the 57-year-old victim’s forehead. A physical struggle ensued between the victim and the juvenile, during which the juvenile shot the victim in the abdomen. The juvenile then fired again, striking Oscar Palacios in the chest. The juvenile then fled the area on a bicycle.
The juvenile was identified through surveillance video from the surrounding area from the time of the shooting. On the surveillance video, he could be seen riding a multi-colored mountain bike and wearing a black jacket and white sneakers with the word “AIR” in large letters on the side.
The juvenile was taken into custody on an unrelated warrant on June 21, 2022. At the time of that arrest, Detectives noticed that he was wearing the same sneakers observed in the surveillance video from June 6. They also observed what appeared to be dried blood on the juvenile’s sneakers. On July 29, 2022, Homicide Task Force Detectives received the results of laboratory analysis conducted by the New Jersey State Police Office of Forensic Sciences that identified the blood on the juvenile’s shoes to be a DNA match to the 57-year-old victim who was shot inside the deli.
The 17-year-old Trenton male is charged with first-degree murder, first-degree attempted murder, first-degree felony murder, first-degree robbery, and firearms offenses. He is being held in the Middlesex County Juvenile Detention Center.
MidJersey.News 
You must be logged in to post a comment.