TRENTON (Mercer) – Two apartment buildings in the Chambersburg section of the city were damaged by fire Tuesday night (May 30). The blaze in the 100 block of Butler Street occurred only about two blocks away from where several homes were gutted by a three-alarm blaze on Sunday (May 28). It was shortly before 9:55 p.m. when firefighters from Engines 3, 7 and 10, Ladder 2 and Rescue 1 were dispatched in response to multiple 911 calls reporting a fire. Firefighters arrived to find smoke and fire at the rear of 120 Butler Street. The “All Hands” signal for a working fire was transmitted and additional firefighters from Engine 1, Ladder 4 and Special Services 1 were dispatched. It was soon confirmed that the fire had spread to the adjacent building at 118 Butler Street. Multiple hoselines were placed in service and the bulk of the fire was quickly knocked down. Trenton EMS personnel were on scene but there were no immediate reports of any injuries. The blaze was officially declared under control at 10:40 p.m. by Battalion Chief Dave Smolka. The cause remained under investigation.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Middletown Township Police, Bucks County, PA told MidJersey.news that they received a call for an burglar alarm around 3:00 a.m. at LugerMan located 1872 East Old Lincoln Highway Langhorne PA. Upon arrival they found that thieves accessed the gun store though the second story. The police started a pursuit with a stolen KIA out of Philadelphia, (stolen May 23), heading towards Falls Township, Morrisville, and then Trenton, NJ. Falls Township set up stop sticks near the Calhoun Street Bridge entering Trenton, NJ. After the tire deflators activated the vehicle that was being pursued came to a stop near the bridge in Trenton. Five subjects ran from the vehicle. Trenton Police set up a perimeter and were able to capture three of the five subjects within an hour. The three subjects detained were juveniles from Philadelphia, PA. The three subjects will be detained in New Jersey according to Middletown Police and Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office and Buck’s County District Attorney’s Office. Bucks County will seek extradition back to Bucks County at a future date.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–While area residents enjoyed the Memorial holiday weekend, city firefighters had a tough battle on their hands today (Sunday, May 28) as they worked tirelessly to contain and extinguish a stubborn multi-alarm blaze involving several houses in the 200 block of Mott Street.
The fire was reported around 11:15 a.m. A column of smoke in the sky alerted firefighters to a working fire long before they arrived. When they did reach the scene, they reportedly found heavy fire and smoke coming from the homes at 209 and 211 Mott Street, located between Chestnut and Whittaker avenues.
A second alarm was quickly sounded. Eventually, every on-duty city fire company was called to the scene, escalating the incident to third alarm status. Later additional units – staffed by off-duty city firefighters who were recalled to work – were brought in to further assist with operations. Neighboring fire companies from Hamilton, Lawrence, Bordentown and elsewhere relocated into empty city firehouses to cover in case another fire broke out.
Numerous hoselines were placed in service to attack the blaze from the interior. As conditions became too dangerous to continue interior operations, firefighters were ordered to evacuate the structures and transition to exterior defensive operations. A third home, believed to be 207 Mott Street, also became involved in fire. Firefighters worked hoselines from the front and rears on the ground, and also from the roof of an adjacent uninvolved structure. Later, Ladder 4’s aerial was raised and its elevated master stream placed in service to flow water through the collapsed roofs of 209 and 211 Mott Street.
There were no immediate reports of any injuries, however at least one dog was reportedly rescued. Trenton EMS had multiple crews on scene to help keep firefighters safe. The Signal 22 canteen and a rehab unit from Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad were on the scene providing exhausted firefighters with refreshments.
The blaze was still burning three hours after it was first reported but the flames were contained. Representatives of the American Red Cross were on scene to assist displaced residents. The number of people displaced was not immediately known but officials at the scene estimated it at between 15 and 30.
This is a preliminary report. Additional information will be added as details become available.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office has confirmed that Justin Reed, 24, of Ewing, died on May 22, 2023, as a result of injuries he sustained in the May 14, 2023 shooting on Brunswick Avenue.
No arrests have been made and Mercer County Homicide Task Force is now investigating in conjunction with the Shooting Response Team. Anyone with information is asked to contact MCHTF Detective Andrew DiStefano at (609) 989-6406 or Sgt. Roberto Reyes at (609) 256-0997. Information can also be emailed to mchtftips@mercercounty.org.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Detective Lieutenant, Nathan Bolognini told MidJersey.news that the Trenton Police Shooting Response Team near Hudson and Bayard Streets last night that occurred around 10:10 p.m. A male victim was approached by a male suspect on foot who shot him in both legs. The victim was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center and the victim is listed in stable condition at this time. No additional details are available at this time.
Earlier in the evening police responded to a fatal shooting at Oakland and Hoffman streets at approximately 8:42 p.m. Officers observed the victim’s vehicle drive away from the area of the shooting, lose control and strike several parked cars in the area of 524 Hoffman Avenue. As officers began to render aid to the victim, they observed that he was suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The victim, identified as Sherief Treadwell, 36, of Trenton, NJ, was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead a short time later.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred Friday evening in Trenton, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported.
Trenton police officers were alerted to gun shots in the area of Oakland and Hoffman streets at approximately 8:42 p.m. on Friday, May 26th, 2023. Officers observed the victim’s vehicle drive away from the area of the shooting, lose control and strike several parked cars in the area of 524 Hoffman Avenue. As officers began to render aid to the victim, they observed that he was suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The victim, identified as Sherief Treadwell, 36, of Trenton, NJ, was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead a short time later.
No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact MCHTF Detective Elijah Phillips at (609) 414-2006 or Sgt. Roberto Reyes at (609) 256-0997. Information can also be emailed to: mchtftips@mercercounty.org.
Trenton, N.J. — Trenton Water Works (TWW) will begin the demolition of two buildings at 942 Prospect Street near the 124-year-old Pennington Avenue Reservoir to prepare the site for constructing two 8-million-gallon concrete storage tanks in the spring of 2024.
“We’ve given the contractor the green light to remove any hazardous material and demolish the buildings on the site,” said Mayor W. Reed Gusciora. “We anticipate that it will take three months for the site to be completely cleared and readied for the next phase of the water utility’s storage and distribution system improvements project.”
IBN Construction Corporation is undertaking the $520,000 hazardous material cleanup and demolition of the two 25,000 and 13,000 square-foot buildings on the 2-acre site, with technical guidance and project oversight from engineering firm Barton & Loguidice. The work, awarded through public bidding, will take approximately three months to complete.
Demolition and preparation of the site at 942 Prospect Street is Phase 1 of TWW’s $44-million Storage and Distribution System Improvements Project launched in 2020. The project aims to decentralize and protect treated drinking water produced by the water-filtration plant on Route 29 South in Trenton, ultimately retire the open-air Pennington Avenue Reservoir, and improve system resiliency.
Recently, Trenton City Council approved a resolution for TWW to engage a consultant to assist in developing a comprehensive plan to strengthen the management of the 124-year-old reservoir. Scientists from Princeton Hydro, a Trenton-based engineering firm, work with TWW to achieve this goal.
The storage-and-distribution-system improvements are part of Trenton Water Works’ six-year, $405 million capital plan to modernize the TWW system. This work includes the removal of lead infrastructure through TWW’s Lead Service Line Replacement Program (LSLRP), which recently received a $5.3 million grant to replace lead services with safer copper lines in parts of South Trenton. Since the LSLRP’s inception in 2019, TWW has removed nearly 10,000 lead services from its water distribution system and private homes in Trenton, Hamilton Township, Ewing Township, and Lawrence Township.
In recent years, TWW has completed several multimillion-dollar capital projects designed to improve system performance, resiliency, and water quality. These include replacing the water-filtration plant’s 24 dual-media filters, chlorine contact basins, and raw-water intake, and upgrading the control system. In its water-distribution system, TWW has cleaned and lined water mains in Ewing and Hamilton Townships and is preparing to replace 1.5 miles of water main on Olden Avenue in Ewing Township.
Also, TWW is advancing its $20 million smart meter project, replacing thousands of 25-year-old meters with water meters that meter readers can read remotely. In addition to modernizing water meters, this work will help the water utility improve billing data collection and efficiency.
To maintain high chlorine levels in its water distribution to mitigate the growth of pathogens, including Legionella, TWW will install flushing devices systemwide in targeted areas over the next 12 months. These devices will flush water mains to improve water quality, a $1.2 million project. TWW is working with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) to determine permanent locations for installing the flushers. Last October, Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora’s administration signed a Unilateral Administrative Order with the NJDEP to assist the water utility with its work to improve water quality, advance capital projects, and increase operational performance.
“We are advancing our significant plans to improve water quality, undertake millions in capital work, improve operations, and train our dedicated workforce in order to benefit our customers and service-area residents and optimize the operation of one of America’s oldest public water systems,” added Mayor Gusciora.
Purchased by the City of Trenton in 1859, Trenton Water Works (TWW) is one of the oldest and largest publicly owned water systems in the United States. TWW supplies approximately 28 million gallons of water per day to a quarter-million consumers in a five-municipality service area comprised of Trenton, Ewing Township, parts of Hamilton Township, Lawrence Township, and Hopewell Township. TWW operates a 60-million-gallon water-filtration plant and water-distribution system that consists of a 100-million-gallon reservoir, 683 miles of water mains, three pump stations, nearly 8,000 valves, 3,517 fire hydrants, and six interconnections between TWW and other water suppliers. TWW serves approximately 63,000 metered customers.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Detective Lieutenant, Nathan Bolognini told MidJersey.news that the Trenton Police Department, Shooting Response Team is investigating a shooting in the first block of Tucker Street this morning. An 18-year-old was found shot in the stomach and transported to the Trauma Center at Captial Health Regional Medical Center where he remains in stable condition. No other information is available at this time.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Around 9:15 a.m. several 9-1-1 calls were received for a large column of smoke coming from the Trenton Water Works Filtration Plant on Route 29. Smoke could be seen coming from the rear of the structure as reported by many people in the area. Upon arrival of the Trenton Fire Department it was determined to be smoke from a truck exhaust at the right side of the building. Firefighters returned to their stations and determined it was several good intent calls.
Several posts made on Facebook and other social media were inquiring about the smoke condition.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Dan Penix (who currently resides in Monmouth County, New Jersey) was a star athlete at Trenton Central High School back in the late 80’s thru early 90’s.
A standout Track and Soccer player for the Tornadoes, Penix went on to accept a Track scholarship to Rider University in 1991 and later served in the Military and even played the sport of Soccer professionally before becoming an Olympic Development Coach and one of the top Youth Soccer coaches in the country.
On Saturday, May 13, 2023, Penix took time away from his busy schedule and was back in his hometown of Trenton assisting, mentoring, and coaching up the youth of Trenton for the second time within the year. Penix’s efforts, in conjunction with the TMA Center 501c3 non-profit organization, put on it’s third Spring session of its Sports Builds Character Soccer/Training session, which has been sponsored by the likes of 2023 Super Bowl participants, The Philadelphia Eagles, held at the MLK Junior Middle School field in Trenton.
Alongside the TMA Center’s Founder/CEO Chester Jones, Penix informed the youth how he, like them grew up in Trenton and even attended the large prominent yet vacant school that stood in the background. “That’s the junior high school I attended as a youth,” explained Penix. “A lot of memories come across my mind looking over there … that’s Junior High School #1 (which later became the Martin Luther King Jr. School) … the school was huge and had everything in it including a gymnasium and Olympic sized pool.”
“I wish they do something with it (the school) … LOOK … it’s been vacant for like 20 years and is still standing.”
Penix, added. “The youth today don’t really understand the history and significance of this school.”
Unfortunately, just two days away from reminiscing about his former school, the NJ historical monument was up in flames.
On Monday, May 15, 2023 at approximately 2:15 pm emergency calls were placed about flames coming out of the roof of the school as the historical building burned down throughout the entire day resulting in a 5-alarm fire.
“WHEN I HEARD ABOUT IT AND SAW IT ON THE NEWS … ALL I COULD DO WAS SHAKE MY HEAD,” said Penix, who is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated which has a motto being “Culture for Service and Service for Humanity”.
“I’m glad no one was injured … After being up there for the event – I immediately contacted my dad and shared the videos and pictures of me there with the youth with the school in the background just yards away … Now it’s gone … I’m saddened and shocked … this one hurts,” Penix added.
For some, the loss of such a monumental stature within the State’s – should spark a movement for immediate improvement.
“Think about it for second! This building has been in deplorable condition for close to 20 years now, and it’s sad that it took something like this to spark a conversation to tear it down,” said Chester Jones.
“Our “Sports Build Character” program co-sponsored by the Philadelphia Eagles, have been held on the MLK Jr. Middle school field for several weeks now, and our kids have had to train on the field with this blight in the background,” Jones added.
“This is the reason why we are steadfast in asking for support from our community and city leadership to help the TMA Center create a safer environment that is conducive to the development of our youth, who have become desensitized to the unordinary conditions of our city.”
Dan Penix was a star athlete at Trenton Central High School back in the late 80’s thru early 90’s. A standout Track and Soccer player for the Tornadoes, Penix went on to accept a Track scholarship to Rider University in 1991 and later served in the Military and even played the sport of Soccer professionally before becoming an Olympic Development Coach and one of the top Youth Soccer coaches in the country.
A March 29, 2023 signed release indicates that the City of Trenton (Mercer County, NJ) has tentatively agreed to pay $575,000 to settle a lawsuit filed by the estate of a man who died after having allegedly been pepper-sprayed repeatedly and beaten by police and improperly placed in a four-point, hard restraint by hospital staff. According to a stipulation in the release, as well as the City Clerk’s May 2, 2023 Open Public Records Act (OPRA) response, the payment “is subject to council approval and is thus not finalized until such action is taken by that body.”
The following account is taken from both the estate’s lawsuit and a 38-page opinion issued on February 11, 2021 by U.S. Chief District Judge Freda L. Wolfson. Judge Wolfson’s opinion contains a great deal more context than the lawsuit given that it was authored after a significant amount of pretrial discovery had been conducted.
On the morning of June 15, 2015, Kevin Higgenbotham called 9-1-1 and reported that a trespasser was at his Bellevue Avenue home. First to arrive on the scene was Officer Carlo Cavalli who learned that the trespasser was actually Higgenbotham’s brother, Dwayne Jackson, who resided in the home along with their mother and other family members. Jackson told Cavalli that Higgenbotham had recently moved into the house after having an argument with his girlfriend. Jackson also told Cavalli that Higgenbotham, who was bipolar and had not been taking his medication, physically prevented him from entering the home but later allowed him to enter shortly before calling 9-1-1.
While the various accounts diverge a bit at this point, it appears from the opinion that Higgenbotham, who was getting agitated, demanded that Cavalli arrest Jackson for trespassing. Cavalli sent Jackson into the home in order to separate him from Higgenbotham shortly before Officer Samuel Gonzalez and Jackson’s and Higgenbotham’s mother, Adrienne, arrived. Adrienne explained to Cavalli that Higgenbotham was “acting crazy” and that she wanted him removed from the house. Jackson, however, reported to Cavalli that Higgenbotham had assaulted him (Higgenbotham said that was just a “play fight”) which Cavalli said established probable cause for Higgenbotham’s arrest for simple assault.
Cavalli’s and Higgenbotham’s statements conflicted as to whether Higgenbotham resisted arrest. Cavalli admitted, however, that he pepper-sprayed Higgenbotham and struck him with his baton when the pepper spray had no effect. After being sprayed, Higgenbotham fled inside the house, rinsed his face at the kitchen sink and then ran into the bathroom where he tried to close the door. When Cavalli and Gonzalez chased Higgenbotham into the house and prevented him from closing the bathroom door, Cavalli struck Higgenbotham three to five additional times with his baton. Despite the officers’ efforts, Higgenbotham fled away from the house. By this time several other officers arrived, including defendants Sergeant Jason Kmiec and Officer E. Ramos (see the note at the bottom of this article), and Higgenbotham was shortly thereafter handcuffed and taken into custody.
After Cavalli placed the handcuffed Higgenbotham into a police vehicle, Higgenbotham began to kick the door which caused damage. Cavalli and Gonzalez testified that they tried to secure Higgenbotham with a seatbelt in order to prevent him from kicking but that Higgenbotham pushed his head into Gonzalez to push him away from the vehicle. Gonzalez then pepper-sprayed Higgenbotham while he was restrained in the police vehicle. A neighbor, who witnessed the encounter, testified that she heard Higgenbotham say “I can’t breathe in here” three or four times and that she heard Gonzalez say “I’m tired of this s**t,” before opening the door to the police vehicle and pepper spraying Higginbotham. She also testified that after Higginbotham’s kicking increased after having been pepper-sprayed by Gonzalez, Gonzalez sprayed him again, an assertion that Gonzalez disputes.
Higgenbotham was taken to the Emergency Department of the Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton. The estate’s lawsuit alleges that ER nurse Michelle Micalizzi, who is named as a defendant, reported that Higgenbotham “became combative, causing her and the security officers to initiate four-points, hard restraints on [him].” Shortly thereafter, “Higgenbotham became unresponsive and suffered cardiac arrest and respiratory failure,” according to the lawsuit. The lawsuit alleged that Micalizzi and the security officers were not authorized to put Higgenbotham in a four-point restraint because the Medical Center’s policy requires that the use of such restraints can be ordered only by a physician.
Higgenbotham stayed at Capital Health on a ventilator until late June when he was admitted to Kindred Hospital in Philadelphia “for the purpose of being weaned off of the ventilator,” according to the lawsuit. From there, he went back and forth between hospitals and nursing facilities until he passed away on March 12, 2016. According to the court opinion, Higgenbotham died from sepsis.
According to the lawsuit, the Mercer County Medical Examiner determined that Higgenbotham suffered from cocaine related excited delirium during his June 15, 2015 encounter with police. This assertion was disputed by a forensic pathologist that the estate retained as an expert witness. The pathologist reportedly believed that “Higgenbotham was improperly restrained while he was a patient at [Capital Health], resulting in the deprivation of oxygen to his brain,” according to the lawsuit.
Judge Wolfson found that the officers were generally justified for their conduct prior to the point where Higgenbotham was handcuffed and placed into the police vehicle. However, “[w]ith respect to Officer Gonzalez’s use of force — the use of pepper spray in the rear compartment of the police car — after Higgenbotham was handcuffed, [Judge Wolfson found] that a genuine dispute of material fact exist[ed] as to whether Officer Gonzalez’s conduct was objectively reasonable.” The court also declined to dismiss the estate’s claims that that Cavalli, Ramos and Kmiec were liable for failing to intervene and stop Gonzalez from pepper-spraying Higgenbotham while he was handcuffed in the back of the police vehicle.
The $575,000 tentative settlement releases only Trenton and its employees from the estate’s lawsuit. The estate also named Micalizzi and Capital Health as defendants but dismissed its claims against them on September 11, 2017, approximately three months after the lawsuit was filed. Since Capital Health is not a public agency subject to OPRA, the existence or amount any settlement between the estate and these defendants will likely never be disclosed.
The events leading up to the estate’s lawsuit received substantial media coverage at the time. See, e.g., Trentonian, March 18, 2016, “Trenton man allegedly beaten into coma by cops dies,” by David Foster; Trentonian, September 5, 2017, “Improper restraints at Capital Health led to Trenton man’s death after ‘excessive force’ arrest, lawsuit says,” by David Foster and Trentonian, October 8, 2015, “9-1-1 recording: Trenton man allegedly clubbed into coma by cops called police for help,” by David Foster.
Of the four officers named as defendants in the lawsuit, two have retired, and the other two are still employed by Trenton.
According to city records and DataUniverse, Kmiec, who was born in 1970, had been employed by Trenton since 1994 and was promoted to lieutenant before his special retirement on April 1, 2021. As of December 2021, the last month for which DataUniverse makes this information available, Kmiec received a monthly pension allowance of $9,305.90. Cavalli, also born in 1970, qualified for special retirement in December 2018 after serving Trenton since 1992. As of December 2021, his monthly pension allowance was $6,005.31.
Ramos, hired on September 24, 2003, currently holds the position of sergeant with a salary of $130,206.13. Gonzalez, who was hired on April 11, 2005, serves as a detective and earns a current salary of $93,144.67.
The case is captioned Higgenbotham v. The City Of Trenton, Case No. 3:17-cv-04344 and the estate’s attorneys were Sharon A. King, now a Federal Magistrate Judge, and Stanley O. King of Voorhees.
Apart from the uncontested facts noted in the court’s opinion, none of the lawsuit’s allegations have been proven or disproven in court. The $575,000 payment does not constitute an admission of wrongdoing by any of the Trenton officers. Similarly, none of the allegations against Capital Health and Nurse Micalizzi have been proven. All that is known for sure is that Trenton or its insurer, for whatever reason, decided that it would rather pay the estate $575,000 than take the matter to trial. Perhaps the defendants’ decision to settle was done to save further legal expense and the costs of trying what were in fact exaggerated or meritless claims. Or, perhaps the claims were true and the defendants wanted to avoid being embarrassed at trial. This is the problem when cases settle before trial–it is impossible to know the truth of what really happened.
Note: The lawsuit does not provide Ramos’ first name. In response to my OPRA request, the City of Trenton also did not provide Ramos’ first name. According to DataUniverse, however, the only officer presently employed by Trenton with the last name of “Ramos” and a first initial of “E” is Eliezer Ramos. DataUniverse shows Eliezer Ramos enrolled in the Police And Firemen’s Retirement System on October 1, 2023 which is consistent with the City’s response to my OPRA request that E. Ramos was hired on September 24, 2003.
Author John Paff is Chairman of the New Jersey Libertarian Party’s Open Government Advocacy Project.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Sometime around 2:00 p.m. Trenton Firefighters responded to the abandoned MLK School on Dr, Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard between Evans Avenue and Southard Street for a reported fire. Shortly after arrival an “all hands” was called sending additional firefighters and equipment to the scene and a short time later a 2nd Alarm was called. Additional firefighters were called to the scene from around the region and the fire escalated to five alarms before being brought under control. There were reports of exposure problems to homes on Evans Avenue that sustained damage.
There were reports of a firefighter that was transported to the hospital with a BLS type injury.
Fire investigators were called to the scene from the Trenton Fire Department, NJ Division of Fire Safety, Trenton Police and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department are investigating a fatal stabbing that occurred Sunday evening in the city, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported.
At approximately 10:46 p.m. on Sunday, May 14, 2023, Trenton police responded to the 500 block of Second Street on a stabbing in progress. Upon arrival, officers located a male victim suffering from a stab wound to the torso. The victim, identified as Roger Martinez-Rodriguez, 27, of Trenton, was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead a few hours later.
No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact MCHTF Detective Jennifer Eyster at (609) 989-6406 or Sgt. Roberto Reyes at (609) 256-0997. Information can also be emailed to mchtftips@mercercounty.org.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Around 2:30 p.m. Trenton Police responded to the area of Pennington Avenue and Prospect Street for a reported shooting. The shooting was located on Hoffman Avenue near Pennington Avenue. One person was transported by TEMS and Captial Health Paramedics to the Trauma Center at Captial Health Regional Medical Center with reported serious injuries. Trenton Police Department is actively investigating. No further details are available at this time. If official information becomes available the story will be updated.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–It appears that around 10:10 a.m. two trike style motorcycles crashed on MLK Boulevard near Cavell Street with reported multiple serious injuries. Trenton Police, Trenton Fire Department, Trenton EMS TEMS, and Capital Health Paramedics all responded to the scene. Trenton Fire Department Rescue 1 was called to remove a trapped person near a utility pole. Additional EMS units were called to the scene. One person was transported to the Trauma Center at Captial Health Regional Medical Center with a “Trauma Code” called. EMS also transported another with a “Trauma Alert” to Captial Health.
Trenton Police are on scene investigating the crash at the time of this report.
This is a breaking news report and exact details are still sketchy, and the story will be updated once Trenton Police Department releases the results of their investigation.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Trenton Police report that on Saturday, January 8, 2023, at approximately 7:35 p.m., Trenton Police Communication received a ShotSpotter activation of five (5) rounds in the area of 102 Oakland Street. The ShotSpotter activation further revealed the direct area of 8 Eisenhower Avenue. Patrol units responded to the area of the ShotSpotter activation and located two (2) gunshot victims in a parked vehicle in front of 8 Eisenhower Avenue. The victims were transported by TEMS to Capital Health Regional Medical Center for treatment and were listed in stable condition.
The suspect, later identified as Charles Jones, was observed shooting from the second-floor apartment of 8 Eisenhower Avenue. Patrol units observed visible, exiting bullet holes from the front window of 8 Eisenhower Avenue, Apartment 2A. Jones fled the location prior to police arrival.
Shooting Response Unit Detectives took over the investigation and later issued arrest warrants for Charles Jones. On May 3, 2023 Jones was taken into custody in the Bronx Borough of New York City. He is being held pending extradition to New Jersey.
*Charges are mere accusations, and the accused are considered innocent until proven guilty*
Trenton, N.J. — Trenton Water Works has suspended shutting off service to residents who have fallen behind on paying their bills, the water utility announced on Thursday.
TWW made this decision in order to allow customers who are struggling with payment challenges extra time to access utility-assistance programs, such as the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP).
“We are doing everything we can to help our customers catch up on past-due water bills, including offering payment agreements. We are sending a postcard to our customers this week reminding them about LIHWAP,” said Sean Semple, Acting Director of the city’s Department of Water and Sewer, which operates Trenton Water Works. “LIHWAP is an excellent resource, in addition to other state and nonprofit assistance, and I encourage those who need help to learn about it and submit an application.”
LIHWAP is a temporary federal program to assist eligible households in paying for drinking water and sewer services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Assistance payments are applied directly to a qualified customer’s water account.
The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs administers the federal program at the state level and maintains a website where residents can apply: waterassistance.nj.gov. Questions? Call 2-1-1.
LIHWAP can help water-utility customers avoid service interruptions, restore services, pay reconnection fees, and stay up-to-date on payments. Commercial and business accounts are not eligible.
New Jersey’s Winter Termination Program, a moratorium on shutoffs, ended on March 15. However, TWW is temporarily suspending residential-service interruptions to give its customers more time to learn about and apply for assistance from programs like LIHWAP.
“Unfortunately, this does not apply to commercial accounts. But we will work with our business customers who have past-due balances. All they have to do is call us at 1-866-TWW-BLUE to make payment arrangements or come into our office at 333 Cortland Street in Trenton,” added Mr. Semple.
Purchased by the City of Trenton in 1859, Trenton Water Works (TWW) is one of the oldest and largest publicly owned water systems in the United States. TWW supplies approximately 28 million gallons of water per day to a quarter-million consumers in a five-municipality service area comprised of Trenton, Ewing Township, parts of Hamilton Township, Lawrence Township, and Hopewell Township. TWW operates a 60-million-gallon water-filtration plant and water-distribution system that consists of a 100-million-gallon reservoir, 683 miles of water mains, three pump stations, nearly 8,000 valves, 3,517 fire hydrants, and six interconnections between TWW and other water suppliers. TWW serves approximately 63,000 metered customers.
The Report Outlines the City’s Many Achievements in These First 100 Days
May 2, 2023
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Today, the City of Trenton released a 44-page joint 100-day report where Mayor W. Reed Gusciora and the Trenton City Council outlined substantive ways that the Capital City has moved forward on a variety of policy fronts. In their first 100 days in office, the Trenton City Council and Mayor W. Reed Gusciora passed 170 resolutions and 9 ordinances; a handful of initiatives achieved within the first 100 days are listed in this press release.
Mayor W. Reed Gusciora affirmed, “It is incredible what we can achieve when we work together: Our first 100 days are a testament to the fact that compromise and collaboration can bridge our shared goals and improve the quality of life for all Trentonians. I would like to thank the Trenton City Council for their collegiality and I look forward to building a brighter future for the Capital City together.” Trenton City Council President Teska Frisby added, “I share Mayor Gusciora’s pride in our joint achievements in these 100 days. I am also particularly excited that this joint report is available to the public. It is the goal of the council not just to work in tandem with our Mayor, but to do so in full transparency to the public.”
The City of Trenton’s Department of Housing and Economic Development published an RFP for the redevelopment of Roebling Block II, a vacant space the size of seven-football fields with historic significance and which has sat idle for decades, and received multiple proposals for Council’s consideration. At the same time, the Department of Public Works filled over 1,673 potholes and cleaned 23 alleyways and released the upcoming season’s road paving list, which includes paving for more roadways than in the past four years.
The City’s Department of Health and Human Services received millions of dollars in grant funding to acquire new vehicles for senior centers and for improvements to the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems at the senior centers. The City began renovating the West Ward Recreation Center, re-launched the First Time Home Buyer Program, and completed 19 emergency renovations under the Trenton Urgent Rehabilitation Program. Additionally, the City’s Department of Health and Human Services received over $5 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Trenton/Mercer Continuum of Care (CoC) program, which will support the city’s efforts to reduce the homeless population in Trenton through the provision of essential social services to this vulnerable population.
The Trenton Water Works (TWW) appropriated $26 million to fund two years of the Lead Service Line Replacement Program to remove thousands of lead services from private homes and TWW-system infrastructure; additionally, TWW invested $20.3 million to clean and line water mains in the distribution to reduce the growth of Legionella bacteria. This Administration and Council are already making the critical investments to the water system that will allow Trenton to prosper for many years to come.
The City of Trenton’s Department of Recreation, Resources & Culture received millions of dollars in state and federal funding needed to begin work on the Taylor Street Soccer Complex, a soon-to-be announced recreational site which will expand recreational and community building activities in the Capital City.
The Trenton Police Department (TPD) provided Integrating Communications, Assessment, and Tactics (ICAT) and Active Bystander for Law Enforcement Project (ABLE) training to all police officers, which provides our law enforcement officers with comprehensive de-escalation training and skills needed to intervene in a scenario where they witness an unlawful use of force; at the same time, TPD achieved a 60% reduction in victims struck in gunfire in the first quarter of the year and reduced total shooting incidents by 42% in the first quarter of the year. The Overdose Response Team provided support to 250 Trenton residents struggling with drug abuse and the Trenton Community Street Teams have continued to supplement law enforcement’s efforts to keep the streets safe. The Trenton Fire Department have leveraged hundreds of thousands of dollars in federal funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to support critical supplies for our Trenton firefighters; TFD achieved a 27% reduction in service calls, a 18.6% reduction in hazardous conditions calls, and a 14.2% reduction in false alarm calls through fire safety programs.
The City of Trenton submitted a transitional aid application for $35 million in state aid and achieved $4 million in estimated savings by switching to Meritain Health and moving off the State Health Benefits Plan without a loss of coverage for employees amid the scheduled State Health Benefits Plan’s (SHBP) premium were increasing by over 20% hike; other cities and municipalities looked to Trenton’s leadership and foresight in this cost-savings intervention.
Trenton City Council Vice President Crystal Feliciano affirmed, “I am very pleased with the progress my Council colleagues and I have made so far, we have held to our word to operate in the best interest of the city, and are doing the work to make positive progress happen along with Mayor Gusciora and his administration. I am excited about the developments to come and in being a part of the positive shift forward for our city and our residents.”
The 100-Day Report can be accessed through the link below.
Mayor Reed Gusciora (center-left) and members of The Trenton City Council (from left-to-right: At-Large Councilwoman Jasi Mikae Edwards, South Ward Councilwoman Jenna Figueroa Kettenburg, Council Vice-President Crystal Feliciano, Council President Teska Frisby, North Ward Councilwoman Jen Williams, At-Large Councilwoman Yazminelly Gonzalez, and East Ward Councilman Joe Harrison
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–At the annual Survivors of the Triangle Memorial Ceremony, Governor Murphy, Colonel Pat Callahan, and the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) today honored over 70 members of the NJSP who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty, including State Trooper Werner Foerster. In observance of the 50th anniversary of State Trooper Foerster’s passing, Governor Murphy ordered that U.S. and New Jersey flags be flown at half-staff at all state buildings and facilities on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, which marks 50 years since Trooper Foerster was killed in the line of duty on May 2, 1973.
“As veteran of the Vietnam War and a State Trooper, Werner Foerster served our state and our country with honorable devotion, remarkable courage, exceptional professionalism, loyalty, and commitment to the finest ideals and traditions of the United States Army and the New Jersey State Police,” said Governor Murphy. “On the 50th anniversary of his passing, we remember Trooper Foerster for his service and sacrifice as he dedicated his life to protecting our nation’s freedoms and keeping our communities safe. Fifty years later, we continue to mourn this tragic and untimely loss, and extend our sincere sympathy to his family, friends, and fellow members of the New Jersey State Police. In his honor and memory, and as a reminder of our continued quest to ensure justice for his murder, I am directing our flags to fly at half-staff tomorrow.”
Werner Foerster was born on August 19, 1938, in Leipzig, Saxony, Germany. He was a high school graduate and a veteran of the Vietnam War, serving in the U.S. Army from December 8, 1963until December 8, 1965. He was also a member of the Deutscher Club of Clark, NJ. He resided in Old Bridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey.
Prior to his enlistment in the New Jersey State Police, Trooper Foerster was employed by Ross Engineering in New Brunswick, New Jersey as a welder.
Trooper Foerster joined the New Jersey State Police as a member of the 82nd State Police Class on July 24, 1970. During his short career, he was stationed at the Toms River, Colts Neck, Fort Dix and Key Port Stations. His last assignment, beginning on November 13, 1972, was at Troop “D” Headquarters in New Brunswick. His service with the Division was characterized by loyalty, fearless performance of duty and faithful and honorable devotion to the principals of the New Jersey State Police.
The death of Trooper Foerster was a result of gunshot wounds sustained in the performance of his duty.
At 12:45 a.m. on May 2, 1973, Trooper James M. Harper stopped a Vermont registered vehicle approximately 200 yards south of the New Brunswick Station. Trooper Foerster, patrolling nearby, backed-up Trooper Harper.
Trooper Harper approached the vehicle and asked the driver for his driver’s license and registration. Noting a discrepancy in the registration, the driver was asked to exit the vehicle. The driver was then questioned by Trooper Foerster as Trooper Harper went to question the other occupants.
Shots were fired from within the vehicle at the troopers and there was an exchange of gunfire. In the exchange, Trooper Harper was wounded in the left shoulder and arm. Trooper Foerster was later found near his patrol car, deceased. He died from multiple gunshot wounds to his chest sometime between 12:30 a.m and 1:30 a.m.
Trooper Foerster served 2 years and 10 months with the New Jersey State Police.
Trooper Foerster was survived by his wife and a 3 year-old son. He was 34 years old.
Governor Phil Murphy, First Lady Tammy Murphy, Attorney General Matthew Platkin, First Assistant Attorney General Lindsay Ruotolo, New Jersey State Police Superintendent Colonel Patrick, NJSP Chief Chaplain John Taylor, Lt. Colonel Jeanne Hengemuhle, and Survivors of the Triangle President Michelle Carrol join troopers and family members of who lost loved ones in the line of duty at the Survivors of the Triangle Ceremony at Division Headquarters in West Trenton, N.J. on Monday, May 1, 2023. (Photos by: New Jersey State Police / Tim Larsen)
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 one arrest in connection with the shooting homicide of Daniel Garvin earlier this month.
Rasheed Funderburg, 34, of Trenton, is charged with murder and firearms offenses. He was taken into custody on Wednesday morning by the U.S. Marshals NY/NJ Regional Fugitive Task Force. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain the defendant pending trial.
At approximately 8:21 pm, on April 14, 2023, Trenton Police received a ShotSpotter activation for six rounds in the area of 328 Rutherford Avenue. Trenton Police responded to the area and eventually located a male in an area behind 332 and 330 Rutherford Avenue suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. He was identified as Daniel Garvin, 46 years old, of Trenton. Garvin was transported to the hospital but was later pronounced deceased.
During the investigation, Detectives learned that Funderburg had engaged in a physical altercation with a younger male at the liquor store located at 210 Prospect Street immediately prior to the shooting. The younger male fled around the corner to Rutherford Avenue and several individuals, including Funderburg, followed him. Funderburg was seen retrieving a handgun and approaching an alleyway where the younger male had been seen running. Funderburg then fired several shots down the alleyway from the street. The victim, Daniel Garvin, was struck three times by gunfire as he walked through the alleyway.
The charges are a result of an investigation by the MCHTF and TPD, specifically lead task force Detective Elijah Phillips. 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.
Rasheed Funderburg, 34, of Trenton, is charged with murder and firearms offenses. He was taken into custody on Wednesday morning by the U.S. Marshals NY/NJ Regional Fugitive Task Force. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain the defendant pending trial.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)– Earlier today the City of Trenton issued a statement about an ongoing personnel investigation at the Trenton Police Department.
Full statement below:
In response to a series of articles, published in The Trentonian with incorrect information about an ongoing personnel investigation within the Trenton Police Department that relates to five officers at the Trenton Police Department, please be aware of the following:
This matter was referred to both the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office as well as the Attorney General’s Office. This case was referred back to us to handle administratively.
There is an ongoing investigation as to whether several officers misrepresented their sick/vacation time; any speculation by local media outlets should be disregarded until the ongoing investigation has been completed.
Computers at the Trenton Police Department were not “hacked.” All officers involved were administrative and therefore had “access” to the relevant systems.
Finally, only Pensions makes the decision whether to award a pension to a retiree. Pensions does a background check and seeks clearance from the appointing authority before making the decision to award a pension.
Please be advised that there are no easy choices here, but we do not take this lightly nor is anyone getting away without repercussions.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–On Thursday April 20, 2023 at approximately 12:45 P.M., Hamilton Police were dispatched to 1710 Kuser Road to assist the Hamilton Township Health Inspector and Hamilton Township Building Inspectors with a spot check of a business in the complex after receiving complaints for unlicensed marijuana and edible sales. The business was identified as Biggie Zaza Tobacco Shop. Upon arrival, the Hamilton Township inspection staff entered the business along with Officers. While the inspectors began their checks, Hamilton Police Officers observed several containers of Cannabis and related contraband that were not permitted for sale or distribution in plain view. The store was occupied by the owner of the business as well as several other patrons. The Officers exited the business, secured it, and contacted the Criminal Investigations Section. Detectives applied for a search warrant of the premises which was granted. During the search of the business Detectives located numerous edibles, vape cartridges and related products that contained suspected marijuana along with several pounds of suspected marijuana the owner was unlicensed to sell. The owner, who was identified as Lewis Bradley-Samuel, 36, of Trenton was placed under arrest.
Bradley-Samuel was charged with Distribution of CDS (Marijuana), Possession of More than Six Ounces of Marijuana, Distributions of CDS (Marijuana) within a 1000 Feet of School Property, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was transported the Mercer County Correctional Facility pending a detention hearing.
The Hamilton Police Division and Hamilton Township Inspectors are actively investigating any store in the township that may be selling marijuana and marijuana products without a license.
Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Frank Burger of the Hamilton Police Division Major Crimes Unit at (609) 581-4010. You may also contact the Hamilton Police or the Hamilton Police Crime Tip Hotline at (609) 581-4008 to report any unlicensed stores selling marijuana.
Owner of Biggie Zaza Tobacco Shop, Lewis Bradley-Samuel, 36, of Trenton was placed under arrest. Bradley-Samuel was charged with Distribution of CDS (Marijuana), Possession of More than Six Ounces of Marijuana, Distributions of CDS (Marijuana) within a 1000 Feet of School Property, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was transported the Mercer County Correctional Facility pending a detention hearing.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri announced the arrest today of the fourth suspect in the April 9, 2023, shooting homicide on Federal Street in Trenton.
Bayshawn Brown, 22, of Ewing, was taken into custody on Thursday in Florence Township, New Jersey. He is charged along with Joseph Fayson, Justin Malkin and Darrin Eutsey with first- degree murder, second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, and third-degree theft by receiving stolen property. The prosecutor’s office has filed motions to detain the defendants.
As previously announced, at approximately 6:56 p.m. on Sunday, April 9, 2023, Trenton police responded to a ShotSpotter notification reporting multiple shots fired in the area of Lamberton and Federal streets. Upon arrival, officers located a male gunshot victim in the driver’s seat of his parked gray 2010 Infiniti G37. The vehicle and the victim, later identified as Jhosse Tolentino, 23, of Trenton, were each struck multiple times. Tolentino was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.
Brown was the fourth person seen on video surveillance exiting the Toyota 4Runner and approaching the victim’s vehicle with a firearm. The defendants shot at the victim’s vehicle, then returned to and fled in the 4Runner.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call HTF Detective Karl Johnston or HTF Detective Nicholas Barber at (609) 989-6406. Information can also be emailed to mchtftips@mercercounty.org.
Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Bayshawn Brown, 22, of Ewing, was taken into custody on Thursday in Florence Township, New Jersey. He is charged along with Joseph Fayson, Justin Malkin and Darrin Eutsey with first- degree murder, second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, and third-degree theft by receiving stolen property. The prosecutor’s office has filed motions to detain the defendants.
Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo Onofri wants to warn the public of a telephone scam where a caller falsely claimed to be a law enforcement Officer employed by the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office.
On April 20, 2023, the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, Cyber Crimes Unit, was contacted by the Cranbury Township Police Department in Middlesex County and advised that a victim reported that they received a call from a number purporting to be the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office and the caller falsely claimed to be “Sergeant Whitlock” with the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office. The scammer claimed the resident had a warrant for their arrest and directed the victim to drive to a drugstore to purchase gift cards.
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, government agencies, and courts will never ask you to pay by unusual methods, such as gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency.
Scammers often research their potential victims on the internet and social media. Scammers will 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. Spoofed phone numbers are typically done through a VPN (Virtual Private Network) making it difficult for law enforcement to track the actual caller. The scammers may threaten their victims with arrest for outstanding warrants or other legal issues.
Should you receive a call from a police department within Mercer County and/or the Prosecutor’s Office, please confirm with whom you are speaking. If you believe you received a scam telephone call, hang up and call the main phone number to the police department or Prosecutor’s Office (609-989-6351). If 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.
The Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department are investigating a shooting that occurred on the 200 block of Hamilton Avenue last night. At approximately 10:28 p.m., Trenton Police were dispatched to 266 Hamilton Avenue on a report of shots fired with multiple people shot. Police officers located three victims suffering from gunshot wounds and learned a fourth victim was transported by personal vehicle to the hospital. The first victim, Ralph Conquest, 43, of Lawrence, was pronounced deceased at Capital Health Regional Medical Center at approximately 1:53 a.m. Another male victim remains in the hospital in critical condition. Two other victims, a male and a female, are being treated for non-life-threatening gunshot wounds to the hand and the leg.
The investigation is ongoing and no arrests have been made. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Mercer County Homicide Task Force at (609) 989-6406. Information can also be emailed to mchtftips@mercercounty.org.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Around 10:33 p.m. Trenton Police, Trenton EMS, Capital Health Paramedics, and Trenton Fire Department were sent to the 200 Block of Hamilton Avenue near Hudson Street for multiple people shot. Upon arrival police found three victims shot. TEMS, paramedics and firefighters treated the victims. It was reported that one of the victims was shot in the head. All three victims were transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center and all were reported “Trauma Alerts”
Police are actively investigating. No additional details are available at this time. Once official information becomes available the story will be updated.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri announced today that the Mercer County Homicide Task Force has arrested and charged three men for the April 9, 2023 shooting homicide on Federal Street in Trenton.
Joseph Fayson, 22, and Justin Malkin, 23, both of Trenton, and Darrin Eutsey, 23, of Hamilton, were taken into custody early this morning. All three have been charged with first-degree murder, second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, and third-degree theft by receiving stolen property. Fayson and Malkin are also charged with second-degree certain persons not to possess a firearm. The prosecutor’s office intends to file motions to detain all three defendants.
The charges are the result of an investigation by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force. Prosecutor Onofri praised the investigative work of the HTF and thanked the public for the assistance provided during the investigation. “I cannot emphasize enough how important it is for the community to work with us,” Prosecutor Onofri said. “I encourage the public to maintain communication with law enforcement,” he added.
At approximately 6:56 p.m. on Sunday, April 9, 2023, Trenton police responded to a ShotSpotter notification reporting multiple shots fired in the area of Lamberton and Federal streets. Upon arrival, officers located a male gunshot victim in the driver’s seat of his parked gray 2010 Infiniti G37. The vehicle and the victim, later identified as Jhosse Tolentino, 23, of Trenton, were each struck multiple times. Police later collected 34 shell casings from the side of 601 Lamberton Street near the victim’s vehicle. Tolentino was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.
In the course of the investigation, Detectives reviewed surveillance footage from nearby businesses and Trenton City cameras from the time of the shooting. Surveillance video captured a black 2007 Toyota 4Runner, later identified as a stolen vehicle, cross over Lamberton Street and drive up to the victim’s vehicle. Fayson, Malkin, and Eutsey could be seen exiting the 4Runner and approaching the victim’s vehicle with firearms. They shot at the driver’s seat area of the victim’s vehicle, then returned to and fled in the 4Runner. The stolen Toyota 4Runner was later found by Detectives parked in the rear of a vacant property on Edgewood Avenue. Video surveillance from that area showed that the 4Runner drove directly from the shooting to Edgewood Avenue where the vehicle was abandoned.
For more than four years, there has been an ongoing feud between H-block gang members and individuals associated with the South Trenton area, specifically individuals associated with Lamberton Street, of which the victim was a part. The ongoing feud has included murders, shootings and disputes on social media. Detectives learned that, leading up to the murder, there was a dispute on social media between the victim and family members of H-block gang members. This led to H-block member Joseph Fayson insulting the victim and Lamberton Street associates on Instagram. The victim then shared a story on Instagram in response to one of the comments by Fayson shortly before he was murdered.
Prosecutor Onofri thanked the Mercer County Homicide Task Force, his Special Investigations Unit, the Trenton Police Department, the U.S. Marshals NY/NJ Regional Fugitive Task Force, the Mercer County Tactical Response Team, under the leadership of Mercer County Sheriff Jack Kemler, and the Hamilton SWAT for their assistance.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call HTF Detective Karl Johnston or HTF Detective Nicholas Barber at (609) 989-6406. Information can also be emailed to mchtftips@mercercounty.org.
Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Joseph Fayson, 22, and Justin Malkin, 23, both of Trenton, and Darrin Eutsey, 23, of Hamilton, were taken into custody early this morning. All three have been charged with first-degree murder, second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, and third-degree theft by receiving stolen property. Fayson and Malkin are also charged with second-degree certain persons not to possess a firearm. The prosecutor’s office intends to file motions to detain all three defendants.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–A spokesperson for the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office told MidJersey.News that at approximately 4:11 a.m. on April 16, 2023, Trenton Police Department was alerted by ShotSpotter of multiple rounds fired in the area of Phillips and New York Avenues. Four victims were in a white Honda SUV when they were fired upon. One occupant of the Honda was shot in the arm, another was shot in the head. They are both currently at Capital Health.
The Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department are investigating a shooting that occurred in the area of Rutherford Avenue and Prospect Street last night. At approximately 8:21 pm, Trenton Police received a ShotSpotter activation for six rounds in the area of 328 Rutherford Avenue. Trenton Police responded to the area and located a male in an area behind 332 and 330 Rutherford Avenue suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. He was transported to the hospital but was later pronounced deceased. The victim has been identified as Daniel Garvin, 46 years old, of Trenton. The investigation is ongoing and no arrests have been made. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Mercer County Homicide Task Force at (609) 989-6406. Information can also be emailed to mchtftips@mercercounty.org.
Morning Update:
The Mercer County Prosecutors Office has identified the victim as Daniel Garvin, 46 years old, of Trenton.
April 14, 2023
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Sometime before 9:00 p.m. Trenton Police, Trenton EMS, Captial Health Paramedics and Trenton Fire responded to the 300 Block of Rutherford Avenue near Prospect Street for a shooting. Upon arrival a person was found shot and there reports of CPR being given. The person was transported to Captial Health Regional Medical Center and a trauma alert was called enroute to the hospital. The person was pronounced a short time later.
The Mercer County Homicide Task Force is investigating the shooting.
The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office did confirm a fatal shooting, but other details were not available.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Around 5:45 p.m. Trenton Police, Trenton EMS, Paramedics and Trenton Fire Department all responded to the area of Spring and Calhoun Streets for reports of multiple people shot. Two victims were transported to the Trauma Center at Captial Health Regional Medical Center and trauma alerts were called. No further information is available.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department are investigating a shooting homicide in the city, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported.
At approximately 6:56 p.m. on Sunday, April 9, 2023, Trenton police responded to a ShotSpotter notification reporting multiple shots fired in the area of Lamberton and Federal streets. Upon arrival, officers located a male gunshot victim in the driver’s seat of his parked gray 2010 Infiniti G37. The vehicle and the victim, later identified as Jhosse Tolentino, 23, of Trenton, were each struck multiple times. Tolentino was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.
No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact MCHTF Detective Nick Barber at (609) 989-6406 or Sgt. Sherika Salmon at (609) 960-3119. Information can also be emailed to mchtftips@mercercounty.org.
