April 9, 2024

FREEHOLD – An English teacher at Hamilton High School West in Mercer County has been arrested and criminally charged with having a sexual relationship with a student, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced Tuesday.

Jessica Sawicki, 37, of Point Pleasant (Ocean County) is charged with five counts of second-degree Sexual Assault and five counts of second-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

An investigation involving members of the MCPO Special Victims Bureau, the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, and the New Jersey State Police revealed that the alleged criminal conduct by Sawicki began earlier this year. On several occasions, Sawicki allegedly engaged in sexual acts with the victim at the Assunpink Wildlife Management Area in Upper Freehold Township.

Sawicki was arrested without incident earlier this week and transported to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI), where she remains incarcerated pending a first appearance and detention hearing to take place in Monmouth County Superior Court.

Anyone with information about Sawicki’s activities is being urged to contact MCPO Detective David Sidorakis at 800-533-7443.

This case is being prosecuted by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Keri-Leigh Schaefer. Sawicki is being represented by Edward Cridge, Esq.

Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.

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An English teacher at Hamilton High School West in Mercer County has been arrested and criminally charged with having a sexual relationship with a student, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced Tuesday.

Jessica Sawicki, 37, of Point Pleasant (Ocean County) is charged with five counts of second-degree Sexual Assault and five counts of second-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

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An investigation involving members of the MCPO Special Victims Bureau, the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, and the New Jersey State Police revealed that the alleged criminal conduct by Sawicki began earlier this year. On several occasions, Sawicki allegedly engaged in sexual acts with the victim at the Assunpink Wildlife Management Area in Upper Freehold Township.

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April 7, 2024

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–On April 6, 2024 at approximately 7:40 p.m., Manuel Ramones-Vicuna, 24-year-old male from Hamilton, was traveling westbound through the parking lot of the Independence Mall, located at 2465 S. Broad St, on a 2014 KTM 350 Off-Road motorcycle when he struck the guidewire to a utility pole. Mr. Ramones-Vicuna was ejected from the motorcycle and suffered serious injuries. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The crash is under investigation by Officers Hendricksen, Mandelko, and Welsh from the Hamilton Police Traffic Unit.
Any witnesses are asked to contact the Hamilton Police Traffic Unit at (609)581-4000.

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March 20, 2024

TRENTON – The Attorney General’s Office today identified the decedent and the officers involved in a fatal police-involved shooting, in which an officer was injured, on March 8, 2024 in Hamilton Township, New Jersey. The decedent has been identified as Vincent Correa, 44, of Hamilton.

The officers from the Hamilton Township Police Department who fired their service weapons at Mr. Correa were Officer Derek Fiabane and Officer Paul Piromalli.

According to the preliminary investigation, uniformed officers of the Hamilton Township Police Department responded to a residence on Orchard Avenue in Hamilton Township, N.J. at approximately 10:07 p.m. in response to a 911 call involving a domestic dispute. During the encounter, Mr. Correa fired a rifle at the officers. One officer was shot multiple times and later transported to a hospital with non-fatal injuries. The officers returned fire, fatally wounding Mr. Correa. A rifle and a handgun were recovered from Mr. Correa’s person. Officers and emergency medical personnel rendered first aid to Mr. Correa, who was pronounced deceased at the scene at 10:38 p.m.

This investigation is being conducted pursuant to Attorney General Directive 2019-4, which implements the statutory requirement that the Attorney General’s Office conduct the investigation of any death that occurs during an encounter with a law enforcement officer acting in the officer’s official capacity or while the decedent is in custody, and which establishes clear standards and procedures for conducting such investigations.

The investigation is ongoing and no further information is being released at this time.

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On March 15, 2024 Hamilton Police released the following update on the injured officer:

Hamilton Chief of Police, Kenneth R. DeBoskey, is pleased to announce that the officer injured during last week’s police involved shooting incident is recovering well and has been released from the hospital. We want to thank all the other agencies for their assistance and support. We also want to thank the community for their overwhelming support during this time.
The investigation is ongoing and being investigated by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office. Any inquiries can be addressed to their office.

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MidJersey.news photos from March 8, 2024, Orchard Avenue in Hamilton Township.

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Hamilton Township Police Officer Shot Multiple Times While Responding To Violent Domestic Incident Remains Hospitalized

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Hamilton Township Police Officer Shot Responding to Domestic Violence Call on Orchard Avenue

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A civilian involved in the domestic incident armed with a rifle exchanged gunfire with two police officers and was fataly wounded and pronounced dead at the scene.

March 9,2024 -Update

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–A Hamilton Township police officer remains hospitalized today, having been shot last night while responding to the scene of a domestic incident in Mercer County . A civilian was fatally wounded. The incident is currently under investigation by my Office and that investigation will follow the established protocol according to Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin.

The Attorney General’s Office is investigating a fatal police-involved shooting that occurred on March 8, 2024, in Hamilton Township in Mercer County, New Jersey. One adult male civilian sustained fatal injuries. One Hamilton officer sustained multiple gunshot wounds and remains hospitalized. Their identities are not being released at this time.

According to the preliminary information, officers from the Hamilton Township Police Department responded to a residence on Orchard Avenue after a 911 call involving a domestic incident was received at approximately 10:00 p.m. on Friday, March 8. During the encounter, a civilian armed with a rifle exchanged gunfire with two officers at approximately 10:10 p.m. The civilian was fatally wounded and pronounced dead at the scene. One officer was also struck and is being treated in a hospital for his injuries. A firearm was recovered near the civilian.

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said, “Our thoughts are with the officer and his partner who responded last night, and with the family of the decedent who suffered a tragic loss. We will also keep the entire Hamilton Township Police Department and the loved ones of all those affected in our prayers.”

Let us remember the daily risks our law enforcement officers take to keep our communities safe. The presence of firearms escalates domestic incidents, with access to a firearm increasing the likelihood of a homicide by 1,000%. 

In New Jersey, we are working together to disrupt cycles of violence, end gun violence, protect our law enforcement officers, and support victims and survivors of violence as they work to rebuild their lives.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available 24/7 at 1-800-572-SAFE (7233). If a member of your household is experiencing crisis, and you are concerned about the presence of firearms in the home please contact your local police department, County Prosecutor’s Office, or my Office, to learn about how you can obtain an Extreme Risk Protective Order.

May all impacted by last night’s shooting be comforted knowing that all of New Jersey is holding them in our thoughts as they begin to heal.

A 2019 law, P.L. 2019, c. 1, requires the Attorney General’s Office to conduct investigations of a person’s death that occurs during an encounter with a law enforcement officer acting in the officer’s official capacity or while the decedent is in custody. It requires that all such investigations be presented to a grand jury to determine if the evidence supports the return of an indictment against the officer or officers involved.

The investigation is ongoing and no further information is being released at this time.

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From Hamilton Police PBA 66: Need to take a moment to thank everyone for the outpouring of support that we have received over the last 24 hours. Within minutes of the incident surrounding departments showed up to offer any assistance needed. Local businesses, unions from across the state and residents have sent food to the station or donated food to the families of the officers involved. The NJ State PBA, local, county and state officials have all reached out offering any support we may need. The nurses and doctors taking care of our injured officer have been nothing short of amazing. I hope in the near future we will be able to thank everyone individually but in the meantime please know we are truly grateful.

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Last night’s breaking news story here:

Hamilton Township Police Officer Shot Responding to Domestic Violence Call on Orchard Avenue

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UPDATE ON OFFICER SHOT – Our officer with Hamilton Police Division is recovering after surgery. He is resting comfortably and has been up and talking today. Keep all Hamilton Township police officers and their families in your prayers.

Thank you for all who have reached out. pic.twitter.com/2pAp6CiR7m

— New Jersey State PBA (@NJSPBA) March 9, 2024

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The scene on Orchard Avenue last night were a Hamilton Township Police Officer was shot responding to a domestic violence call. Midjersey.news photos

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Local Students to Help Families in Nicaragua

March 8, 2023

HAMILTON, NJ (MERCER)–A new EarlyAct service club for students at Greenwood Elementary School is raising funds to provide nutritious food for those in need in Nicaragua.

The 4th grade students are collecting change to be combined with other funds to support a Rotary International project that provides “aquaponics” kits to help families and schools grow fresh vegetables and fish.

The collection campaign will begin on Monday, March 11 and continue through May 17.

“The students are collecting loose change to make a positive change for others,” said Greenwood Elementary School Advisor John Malloy. “It’s a lesson in geography, science and most importantly, caring.”

The EarlyAct Club at Greenwood Elementary School is the second one to be established in Hamilton Township in the past three months. Wilson Elementary School launched its EarlyAct Club in December and is also participating in the Nicaragua project. Both clubs are sponsored by the Rotary Club of Robbinsville Hamilton.

In a ceremony on Friday, March 8, the Greenwood EarlyAct club officially installed its officers – President Brittany Ramirez; Vice Presidents Daleisa Pineda and Mahina Nayyar; Recording Secretary Pann Aung; Corresponding Secretary Naomi Moore; and Treasurer Mimi Hall.

On hand at the ceremony were Greenwood Principal Dr. Nicole Dickens-Simon, Advisor John Malloy, Social Coordinator Aysha Ahmad, and members of the Rotary Club of Robbinsville Hamilton, including Club President George Ott and Club EarlyAct Lead Coordinator Kalpana Patel.

“Greenwood Elementary School is pleased to offer its young scholars the opportunity to participate with the service-learning EarlyAct Club in partnership with the Rotary Club of Robbinsville Hamilton,” said Greenwood Principal Dickens-Simon. “The mission and vision of the EarlyAct Club seamlessly aligns with our Greenwood Core Values of integrity, responsibility, perseverance, and empathy. We are grateful for the leadership of Mrs. Kalpana Patel, of the Rotary Club and on-site orchestration of Mr. John Malloy, Greenwood Elementary School Advisor.”

A Greenwood flyer announcing the Nicaragua project notes that “every penny, nickel, dime and quarter collected will be donated to this very worthwhile cause. Together, we can help change the world.”

The change collected by the EarlyAct clubs will be included in the $2,500 committed to the project by the Rotary Club of Robbinsville Hamilton.

The funds will be part of an overall $40,000 Rotary Global grant to fund aquaponics fish and garden tanks for up to 60 families and schools in the region of Ciudad Sandino, near Managua, Nicaragua. The systems provide tilapia fish and a variety of vegetables to improve the nutrition and diet of adults and children.

EarlyAct engages students in character-building activities and prepares them for leadership roles. Students learn to identify and carry out service projects that improve the quality of life in their local community and beyond.

The EarlyAct program was established in 1997 by the Rotary Club of Robbinsville Hamilton, then known as the Rotary Club of Hamilton/Washington. The first EarlyAct Club was formed at Morgan Elementary School in Hamilton and the concept became popular around the world with EarlyAct clubs being established as far away as Australia and Africa.

For more on the Rotary Club of Robbinsville Hamilton, visit rhrotary.org.

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Greenwood Principal Dr. Nicole Dickens-Simon congratulates the EarlyAct officers and the school’s scholars for their participation in the Nicaragua project.

EarlyAct officers stand with (rear left to right) Advisor John Malloy, Rotarian Paul Neu, Greenwood Principal Dr. Nicole Dickens-Simon, Rotary Club President George Ott and Rotary EarlyAct Lead Coordinator Kalpana Patel.

Greenwood Elementary School Advisor John Malloy swears in the officers of the school’s new EarlyAct Club.

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February 20, 2024

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Police say that on Monday, February 19, 2024 at approximately 5:58 a.m. Officers were dispatched to the area of Locust Avenue West on a report of a catalytic converter theft in progress. While speaking with the victim, Officers were advised there was another catalytic converter theft occurring in the 3400 block of South Broad Street. Arriving Officers observed a dark colored sedan exiting the parking lot of Barclay Apartments at a high rate of speed. The Officers attempted to conduct a motor vehicle stop on the vehicle but the vehicle accelerated at a high rate of speed away from the scene. The Officers terminated the pursuit and last saw the vehicle travelling on Lakeside Boulevard. Shortly after, Officers located a motor vehicle crash between two vehicles in the intersection of Hempstead Road and Arena Drive. One person was seen fleeing on foot from the crash towards Marcia Drive. A foot pursuit ensued and Officers located and arrested one suspect in the backyard of a residence on Shirley Avenue. He was identified as Joel Rodriguez, 31, of the Bronx, NY. Officers were notified by a resident on Marcia Drive that someone was in their backyard. Officers located another suspect behind a shed in the yard. He was identified as Rafael Medina, 31 of the Bronx, NY. Officers also located a third suspect inside the suspect vehicle. He was identified as Renee Gutierrez, 30, of Brooklyn, NY. Inside of the suspect vehicle Officers located approximately twenty catalytic converters and a floor jack. Rodriguez and Medina were transported to Capital Health at Fuld where they were treated for their injuries and released. The driver of the other vehicle was uninjured.

All three suspects were charged with two counts of Theft, two counts of Criminal Mischief, two counts of Possession of Burglars Tools and eighteen counts of Receiving Stolen Property.
Medina and Rodriguez were also charged with Obstructing the Administration of Law and Resisting Arrest. All three were transported and held at the Mercer County Correctional Facility pending a detention hearing.

Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective James Rickey of the Hamilton Police Division Major Crimes Unit at (609) 689-5822 or the Hamilton Police Crime Tip Hotline at (609) 581-4008.

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February 15, 2024

HAMILTON, NJ (MERCER) — On Saturday, February 10th, St. Raphael School Board held its annual Golden Ticket event to benefit St. Raphael School. About 200 parish and community members gathered to honor the St. Raphael Holy Angels ushers and the Hollendonner family with an evening of dinner, dancing, and celebration. The event committee includes members of St. Raphael Holy Angels Parish, school board and PTA members, and is chaired by Lori Danko as a member of the St. Raphael School board. ”I am thrilled that the community is keeping the Catholic school spirit alive,” Danko said. This year Danko and her committee raised over $13,000.

Father Gene Daguplo reported, “I’m pleased to announce that in just three short years, our Golden Ticket Committee has raised over $50,000 for St. Raphael School by hosting annual receptions honoring members of our parish community. These events have served as both a celebration of all the great things that St. Raphael Holy Angels Parish accomplishes throughout the community, as well as a financial benefit to grow our academic and enrichment offerings in our school.” St. Raphael School is now one of the fastest growing schools in the Diocese of Trenton, and just achieved number one in improving student STAR testing scores in the diocese. Joseph Slavin, longtime Hamilton Township School district educator and current principal of St. Raphael School said, “What a great evening!!! Once again the Golden Ticket
event shows why St. Raphael is the best. The dedication, kindness and love shown by our Catholic school and our community is evident everyday.”

The Golden Ticket event is held annually and is being planned for February 2025.

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January 17, 2024

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Police say that on January 16, 2024, at approximately 10:48 p.m., Hamilton Police officers were detailed to El Mexicano Restaurant, located at 1633 Hamilton Avenue, for a robbery that just occurred. Responding officers met with employees of the business who advised that a black male entered the business and forcefully took money from one of the employees at the business’s cash register, then fled on foot. The employee sustained a minor injury to her hand but refused medical attention on scene. Employees of the business followed the suspect to the area of Greenwood Avenue and Massachusetts Avenue, where Officer Piotrowski and Officer Doan located the suspect and took him into custody. The suspect was identified as Jamar Hutchinson, 25, of Hamilton, NJ.

Hutchinson was charged with robbery and transported to the Mercer County Correctional Center pending a detention hearing.

Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Nicholas Schulte at (609) 689-5825 or nschulte@hamiltonpdnj.gov. The public can also leave a message on the Hamilton Police Crime Tip Hotline at (609) 581-4008.

Every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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January 8, 2024

HAMILTON, NJ (MERCER)–Hamilton Police say that on Friday January 5, 2024 at approximately 1:13 p.m., Officers from the Hamilton Police Anti-Crime Unit were in the area of Chambers Street and William Street when they observed a gray Chrysler 300 commit a motor vehicle violation. When Officers stopped the vehicle the back seat passenger exited the vehicle and began running towards a residence on the 1100 block of William Street. Officers caught up to the male on a porch and the suspect began fighting to get away from them. While this was occurring the operator of the vehicle looked over and drove away. While wrestling with the suspect on the ground Officers heard a thud hit the ground and saw a handgun lying underneath the suspect. They were able to take him into custody and secure the handgun. He was identified as Daniel Rogers, 20, of Trenton.

Responding Officers located the vehicle in the area of Lida Street and Grand Avenue. A male came up to them and advised the Officers he was driving the Chrysler. He was placed under arrest and identified as Lenny Douyon, 21, or Morrisville, PA.

Rogers was charged with Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Possession of Weapon for Unlawful Purpose, Resisting Arrest and Obstructing the Administration of Law. He was transported to the Mercer County Correctional Facility pending a detention hearing. Douyon was charged with Eluding, Obstructing the Administration of Law and several motor vehicle violations. He was released on a Summons.

Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Hamilton Police Anti-Crime Unit at 609-581-4102 or the Hamilton Police Crime Tip Hotline at (609) 581-4008.

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December 27, 2023

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Firefighters responded to multiple fires this morning in the township. The first reported fire was around 4:00 a.m. in the first block of O’Rourke Drive for a fire in a basement. Firefighters stretched hose lines and extinguished the fire.

The second fire was reported in the 100 Block of Samuel Street around 7:00 a.m. on the 2nd floor of a row house. Firefighters brought the fire under control in about 20 minutes.

Firefighters responded back to O’Rourke Drive for a fire in the basement. Three handlines are reported in service at 11:55 a.m. At 11:58 a.m. firefighters reported the bulk of the fire knocked down. This is still an active fire scene.

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Photos of the Samuel Street fire by: NJ Public Safety News Alerts

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