SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–South Brunswick Police Chief Raymond J. Hayducka announced the arrest of a Monmouth Junction man in connection to threats against a Florida sheriff. At 1:05 PM Monday members of the South Brunswick Police Department and Middlesex County Prosecutors Office executed a search warrant at a Tanglewood Court home. Police seized electronic devices and took Richard Golden age 38 into custody. Golden is wanted by Volusia County Sheriff’s Office in Florida for threatening Volusia Sheriff Mike J. Chitwood.
Golden was lodged at the Middlesex County Correction Center on a fugitive from Justice Warrant. He will be held pending extradition to Florida.
Chief Hayducka credited the cooperation between all the law enforcement agencies involved in tracking down the threats to Sheriff Chitwood. “The anonymous nature of the internet may make people feel they can say anything, but if you make threats or put people in fear we will use all our resources to track you down. Yesterday showed that being 974 miles away from the Volusia Sheriff’s Office was no distance too great for the teamwork of law enforcement,” said Chief Hayducka.
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–South Brunswick Police say that a contributing factor in a 1:00 a.m. crash on Georges Road that totaled a 2000 Corvette when a 17-year-old driver from Edison, lost control and damaged the entrance to Pierres Deli. The teen was driving the parent’s vehicle and was issued a summons.
No further information is available about the crash.
SPEED IS THE REASON FOR THIS CRASH. A 17 year old Edison teen was driving too fast a 1 AM on Georges Rd in his parents 2000 Corvette when he lost control. There were no injuries. He damaged entrance to Pierres Deli, totaled the car, and received a summons.#SlowDownpic.twitter.com/vvq7OTlUIq
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MERCER)–South Brunswick Police reported that there was a car fire near South Brunswick High School at the start of school today. No injuries were reported in the fire. Monmouth Junction Fire Department quickly extinguished the fire.
Car fire near South Brunswick High School at the start of school today. No injuries. Monmouth Junction Fire Department quickly extinguished. pic.twitter.com/1p9ipwVmNh
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–South Brunswick Police make arrests of drunk drivers after they crashed into cars and drove the wrong way on the highway this weekend.
On Friday, February 24, 2023, at 8:53 p.m., Yurii Kotiash, a 28-year-old man from Feasterville-Trevose in Bucks County Pennsylvania, was traveling southbound on Route 1, north of Henderson Road, in a 2018 Maserati, when he struck the rear of a 2019 Nissan, driven by a 23-year-old Kendall Park man, which had been stopped in traffic. Kotiash left the scene of the crash and continued southbound on Route 1. Moments later, he ran a red light at Henderson Road at a high rate of speed and struck a 2010 Honda driven by a 36-year-old man from North Brunswick, who had been traveling westbound on Henderson Road, crossing Route 1 with a green light. Kotiash’s Maserati went off the highway into the woods, but he escaped any injury. The driver of the Honda was transported to the hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.
Officer Daniel Stoddard administered field sobriety tests and determined Kotiash was under the influence of arrested him. At South Brunswick Police Headquarters Kotiash refused to supply breath samples for analysis. Kotiash was charged with DWI, Refusing a Breath Test, Failure to Observe Traffic, Right of Way at an Intersection, Careless Driving, and Reckless Driving, Failing to Report a Crash, and Leaving the Scene of a Crash.
On Sunday, February 26, 2023, at 3:22 a.m. officers were clearing from the fatal accident investigation on Route 130 when a drunk driver came at them driving the wrong way. Patrolman First Class Jason Gassman was on Route 130 northbound when a grey BMW came at him traveling south in the northbound lanes. PFC Gassman was able to get the BMW to stop and questioned the driver Eric Timmons, age 47 from North Brunswick. Timmons admitted to drinking and was given roadside sobriety tests. He was arrested by Officer Kent English for drunk driving. Timmons was charged with DWI and Careless Driving. Chief Raymond J. Hayducka said, “This weekend was tragic with one woman being killed in a crash unrelated to these two incidents. These two cases could have created even more tragedy. To crash into cars and drive the wrong way on the highway is reckless, and it was all preventable. Each of these men faces $5,000 in costs as well as a loss of license for seven months for senseless driving while impaired. The message is simple, Don’t Drink and Drive.”
WATCH – Dash cam video shows drunk driver in a BMW headed the wrong way on a highway at police car. PFC Jason Gassman was able to get the BMW stopped on Route 130 and arrested the driver at 3:15 am Sunday morning. #dontdrinkanddrivepic.twitter.com/G3fpU1bfLe
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–On Monday, February 27, 2023, at 7:05 p.m., South Brunswick Police Department officers were alerted to a car under a trailer at the rear of a warehouse on Chris Court. Officers found a red 1999 Volkswagen Beetle with a driver unconscious. Monmouth Junction First Aid Squad, Monmouth Junction Fire Department, and paramedics responded to the scene and pronounced the driver John Kosarowich age 69 of Howell dead.
South Brunswick Police Traffic Safety Bureau investigators examined the scene and recovered video evidence. Investigators believe the driver was in the rear of the warehouses and may have suffered a medical issue that caused him to strike the trailer.
Anyone with information is asked to call the lead investigator PFC Bryan Sites at (732)329-4000 ext. 7472.
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Chief Raymond Hayducka of the South Brunswick Police Department announced today that a fatal hit and run is under investigation.
On February 25, 2023, at approximately 9:58 P.M., authorities responded to the intersection of Route 130 and Route 32 following the report of a crash. Upon their arrival, authorities located Kerri Lynn Shea, 43 of East Windsor, who died as a result of the crash. The driver of the other vehicle fled the scene on foot.
The investigation is active and continuing. At this time, law enforcement is actively pursuing the identification and apprehension of the other driver and assistance from the community is being sought. Anyone with information is asked to call Officer Bryan Sites of the South Brunswick Police Department at (732) 329-4000 X 7485 or Detective Matthew Colonna of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 745-3354.
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–A police car was totaled late Thursday night after a motorist ran into the back of it on Route 1. At 11:30 p.m., 17-year veteran Patrolman First Class Sean Roberts stopped a truck on Route 1 south near Raymond Road. PFC Roberts exited his patrol car and approached the passenger’s side of the truck. As he was speaking with the truck driver he heard screeching tires and a loud crash. He went to the rear of the truck and saw a vehicle had struck his patrol car and spun along the driver’s side of the truck. The vehicle a 2015 Volkswagen ended up in the lane of travel facing the wrong way with airbags deployed. PFC Roberts aided the driver and notified dispatch.
An investigation determined that the driver of the Volkswagen, George Eckert age 47 of New Brunswick, had failed to stay in his lane and struck the rear of the 2018 Ford Explorer police vehicle that was on the shoulder of the highway. There were no injuries in the crash. Eckert was issued a careless driving summons.
Chief Raymond Hayducka said, “PFC Roberts followed his training and made a passenger-side approach on his car stop which prevented this from being much worse. We were lucky last night, a patrol car was destroyed but no one is injured. Drivers must pay attention and move over.”
MOVE OVER LAW – Drivers approaching stationary emergency vehicles, tow trucks, garbage trucks and other highway safety vehicles displaying red, blue and/or amber flashing lights must now move over one lane or, if not safe to move over, then slow down below the posted speed limit
A South Brunswick Police vehicle was hit last night by a distracted driver. Slow Down Move Over It’s The Law
New Jersey Statute 39:4-92.2
Procedure for motorist approaching certain stationary vehicle.
1. a. The operator of a motor vehicle approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle as defined in R.S.39:1-1 that is displaying a flashing, blinking or alternating red or blue light or, any configuration of lights containing one of these colors, shall approach the authorized emergency vehicle with due caution and shall, absent any other direction by a law enforcement officer, proceed as follows:
(1) Make a lane change into a lane not adjacent to the authorized emergency vehicle if possible in the existing safety and traffic conditions; or
(2) If a lane change pursuant to paragraph (1) of subsection a. of this section would be impossible, prohibited by law or unsafe, reduce the speed of the motor vehicle to a reasonable and proper speed for the existing road and traffic conditions, which speed shall be less than the posted speed limit, and be prepared to stop.
b. The operator of a motor vehicle approaching a stationary tow truck as defined in section 1 of P.L.1999, c.396 (C.39:3-84.6) that is displaying a flashing amber light, a stationary highway maintenance or emergency service vehicle that is operated by the State, an authority or a county or municipality and displaying flashing yellow, amber, or red lights, or a stationary sanitation vehicle displaying a flashing amber warning light pursuant to section 1 of P.L.2011, c.3 (C.39:3-54.27) shall approach the vehicle with due caution and shall, absent any other direction by a law enforcement officer, proceed as follows:
(1) Make a lane change into a lane not adjacent to the tow truck, highway maintenance or emergency service vehicle, or sanitation vehicle if possible in the existing safety and traffic conditions; or
(2) If a lane change under paragraph (1) of subsection b. of this section would be impossible, prohibited by law or unsafe, reduce the speed of the motor vehicle to a reasonable and proper speed for the existing road and traffic conditions, which speed shall be less than the posted speed limit, and be prepared to stop.
c. A violation of this section shall be punished by a fine of not less than $100 and not more than $500.
L. 2017, c.43, s.1.
Past MidJersey.news stories on Slow Down Move Over
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–South Brunswick Police Department has charged a 40-year-old South Brunswick man after a series of motor vehicle incidents and crashes over the past three months. An investigation into the crashes by South Brunswick Traffic Safety Bureau and detectives determined the crashes were the result of intentional acts. Mark Lauri was charged with 3 counts of endangering the welfare of others and 1 count of criminal mischief.
The first incident took place on November 3, 2022, at 12:55 when Mr. Lauri was driving south on Route 1 near Finnegans Lane. He became upset with another driver, eventually cutting off the victim’s vehicle, then slammed on his brakes, which caused the victim to impact the rear of Mr. Lauri’s vehicle.
Two additional incidents took place hours apart on February 3, 2023. At 1:59 PM a driver on Route 1 called 911 to report a vehicle driving erratically and stopping suddenly (break checking) in front of multiple vehicles. Police determined Mr. Lauri was the vehicle the 911 caller was speaking of. At 3:12 PM Officers responded to the Target parking lot to investigate a crash that took place on Route 1. An off-duty New Jersey State Trooper was traveling on Route 1 and observed Mr. Lauri recklessly drive and cut off another motorist. The trooper witnessed Mr. Lauri change lanes erratically and impact another vehicle that was also headed north on Route 1. Investigators determined Mr. Lauri had also been involved in a road rage incident on January 24, 2023, at High and Bridge streets in Somerville. Mr. Lauri was charged with careless driving and delaying traffic by Somerville Police in that incident.
Mr. Lauri’s actions created widespread risk and he was charged for his reckless conduct. Mr. Lauri surrendered at police headquarters and was lodged at the Middlesex County Adult Corrections Center as of Wednesday morning.
Chief Raymond Hayducka said, “Mr. Lauri’s conduct put everyone at risk. Last year alone there were nearly two thousand crashes on roadways in the Township. His erratic driving and repeated sudden stopping in front of other drivers just increases the potential for crashes.” He thanked the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office for their assistance.
Mark Lauri, 40 of South Brunswick was charged with 3 counts of endangering the welfare of others and 1 count of criminal mischief.
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–South Brunswick Police Chief Raymond Hayducka announced the promotion of three officers yesterday to fill vacancies from retirement. “These supervisors bring decades of service, experience, and knowledge to their positions. They will uphold the high standards the South Brunswick Police Department is committed to,” said Chief Hayducka. He added, “Policing has changed over the last decade with increased accountability and transparency. These supervisors will ensure we maintain the highest level of service to our community.” The officers promoted were:
Captain Frank Lombardo Frank Lombardo is a 28-year veteran of the Department. He previously served as a patrol officer, firearms instructor, team leader on the Emergency Response Team, patrol sergeant, and lieutenant of the Community Services, Traffic Safety, and Patrol Divisions. He is a recent graduate of the FBI National Academy, Class 283. Frank has received seven exceptional service awards, five valor awards, two senate resolutions for bravery, and the Medal of Honor. He holds a master’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University, a master’s certificate in Criminal Justice Leadership from the University of Virginia, and will soon be finishing doctoral studies at the George Washington University, where he is researching how police departments build trust and legitimacy with the community.
Lieutenant Gary Holsten Gary Holsten is a 23-year veteran of the Department. He has served as a patrol officer, field training officer, traffic officer, and evidence technician, a member of the Emergency Response Team, an expandable baton instructor, radar instructor, patrol sergeant, and Traffic Bureau sergeant. He is an instructor for the Practical Traffic Engineering for Police Officers course at Rutgers University as well as the vice president of the New Jersey Police Traffic Officers Association. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. He has received numerous awards and letters of commendation.
Sergeant Michael Leung Michael Leung is a 17 year veteran of the Department, serving his last 9 years in the Traffic Safety Division as an accident reconstructionist. He is one of the Department’s certified police motorcycle operators. Prior to his traffic assignment, he served in Patrol Division as a field training officer as well as a rifle team operator. Throughout his career, he has received numerous awards and commendations, including the lifesaving medal, exceptional service award, pistol expert, and the Department’s “Top Gun” award.
Chief Hayducka said, “These officers went through a challenging process to achieve these promotions. They had to study for months, perform well on tests, and have an exhaustive file review to determine their eligibility for these positions. They now have the challenge and responsibility of leading our officers on a daily basis.” Chief Hayducka credited the Township Manager, Mayor and Council for supporting the promotions.
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MERCER)–South Brunswick Police reported that Malachi Marseille, 23-years-old of Trenton has died in a crash. The crash happened on December 31, 2022, at 12:21 a.m. on Route 1 at Greenview Ave involving three vehicles. Marseille was driving Toyota Camry south on Route 1 and lost control, hit two vehicles and utility pole. No additional details are available at this time.
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–South Brunswick police say that on Wednesday December 28, 2022, at 11:40 a.m., Monmouth Junction Fire Department responded to a grass fire at Floral Park Cemetery on Dean’s Rhode Hall Road. A candle at a grave tipped over and burnt an area approximately 100 feet by 50 feet.
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Chief Raymond Hayducka of the South Brunswick Police Department announced today that a fatal crash occurred on December 22, 2022, on Beekman Road in South Brunswick Township.
An investigation by Detective Bryan Garrison of the South Brunswick Police Department and Detective Jonathan Berman of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office determined that on December 22, 2022, at 4:26 P.M., authorities responded to the intersection of Beekman Road near Old Beekman Road following the report of a multi-vehicle crash. Upon their arrival, authorities determined that a Dodge Charger was leaving the scene of a crime and ultimately crashed into three vehicles, unrelated to the crime perpetuated by the suspects of the Charger. The rear passenger of the Dodge Charger was found deceased in the vehicle, and the suspects fled the scene on foot. The occupants of the vehicles were transported to local hospitals to receive treatment for their injuries.
The suspects, which fled, have not been apprehended at this time and the deceased occupant’s identity is being withheld pending notification to his next of kin.
The investigation is active and continuing. Authorities are seeking the public’s assistance in locating a dark colored sedan that was in the area at the time of the crash.
Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Garrison of the South Brunswick Police Department at (732) 329-4000 X 7486 or Detective Berman of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 745-4328.
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Police reported that the South Brunswick Police Department in conjunction with the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash on Beekman Road Thursday. At 4:26 pm police received several 911 calls of a crash on Beekman Road near Old Beekman Road. Arriving officers found four vehicles involved. A backseat passenger in one vehicle was deceased and the driver of that vehicle had fled. A search was conducted using K9 and multiple officers, but the driver was not located. Three people in the other vehicles were injured, one seriously.
The crash and ongoing investigation involved multiple agencies. South Brunswick Police thank the Kendall Park Fire Department, Kendall Park First Aid Squad, South Brunswick EMS, Monmouth Junction First Aid Squad, Middlesex County Office of Emergency Management, Franklin Township Police Department, Somerset County Sheriff’s Office, Somerset County Prosecutors Office, and the FBI for all their assistance.
Anyone with information on the crash is asked to call South Brunswick Police at (732)329-4646.
The Middlesex County Prosecutors Office may be providing additional information later.
Scene remains very active on Beekman Rd. Multiple law enforcement agencies, Middlesex County OEM, Kendall Park Fire Department working. Avoid the area. pic.twitter.com/oQkMXxgAur
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–South Brunswick Police report that at 7:55 a.m. today, South Brunswick High School administrators learned of an unauthorized juvenile from a different school district in the school building. Information indicated the juvenile was looking to fight a student at the school. School administrations in conjunction with the School Resource Officer placed the school in shelter-in-place while they attempted to locate the trespasser. Additional officers responded to the high school. Officers along with school security personnel conducted a systematic search of the school. The school was placed in lockdown while the search was being conducted. Eight minutes into the search officers located the trespasser in a second-floor room hiding. The juvenile was taken into custody and transported to police headquarters. The investigation into the incident uncovered the juvenile was allowed access into the high school as a result of a current student circumventing security procedures. That juvenile also faces charges in the incident.
Chief Raymond Hayducka said, “Today’s incident was unsettling with 2,700 students and staff having to go into lockdown. We will hold those accountable who created today’s issue. I want to thank the students who first came forward to report the suspicious activity and the quick action by the school administration along with the SRO.”
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Around 5:42 p.m. South Brunswick Police responded to Route 130 and Stults Road for a car into the back of a tractor-trailer. When officers arrived, the driver was able to get out of the car on their own power and reported a minor injury. The roadway was closed for almost two hours for the cleanup. South Brunswick Police reported the roadway was reopened around 7:36 p.m.
Additional details will be provided when they become available.
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–On Saturday November 19, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. South Brunswick Police Officers Justin Samuels, Gagan Chopra, Christine Harris and Sgt. William Merkler were able to chase down an unconscious driver in a moving vehicle and able to get it stopped preventing a tragedy. The vehicle traveled Route 522 for approximately a half mile before officers got it stopped. Officers were able to block the vehicle in, smashed the side window, an get the driver out from behind the wheel. The driver, a 28-year-old from Scranton, PA, was found to be intoxicated and was arrested.
Video below:
Tragedy Averted- Officers Justin Samuels, Gagan Chopra,Christine Harris and Sgt. William Merkler were able to chase down an unconscious driver in a moving vehicle Saturday night. Officers eventually blocked the vehicle in, smashed the side window, an got the driver out. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/iq2cMY37pz
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–South Brunswick Police report that yesterday November 9, 2022, 10:11 a.m., a truck traveling Route 1 south swerved onto Promenade Boulevard to avoid a car and overturned. The plywood on the truck spilled onto the roadway and struck four vehicles. The 53-year-old truck driver suffered serious injuries.
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–South Brunswick Police say they are no longer searching the area off Route 1 for the burglary suspect. The incident began at 11:30 a.m. when staff at the Sonesta Suites at 4375 Route 1 reported finding numerous tools in a guest’s room. The tools were believed to have been stolen from several commercial shipping containers at the hotel overnight. The hotel is in the process of being remodeled and several contractors have items stored in the containers in the parking lot. In addition to the containers, two vehicles were broken into and items stolen. Police had earlier taken reports of over $24,000 in tools stolen overnight.
As police were responding, the victims of the thefts, who were staying only rooms away confronted the suspect, Travis Mollett age 33 of Dayton, Ohio who was renting the room. Mollett was working for a commercial painting contractor out of Ohio doing work in the area. Mollett fled when police arrived and a perimeter was set up to attempt to locate him. Two K9 dogs from the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office tracked Mollett’s sent along Route 1 headed south. After an extensive search of the wooded areas behind the hotel, the search was called off at 3:30 pm.
Detectives assisted by the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office obtained a search warrant for the hotel room. Detectives recovered numerous stolen tools and equipment from the hotel room. Detectives are following several leads to locate Mollett. When located he will be charged in connection to the thefts.
Anyone with information is asked to call South Brunswick Police at (732) 329-4646.
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–On October 8, 2022, at approximately 7:50 p.m., the South Brunswick Police Department received a call from a man seeking medical assistance at the Home Depot, located at 4095 Route 1.
Upon arrival, Patrol Officer Tyler Harpster located the victim, who was found to have suffered multiple stab wounds. The victim, a 19-year-old South Brunswick man, stated that he had been stabbed in the parking lot following an altercation, and had made his way inside the store seeking help.
Additional officers responded to the scene and checked the area for possible actors. They were unable to locate the actors, but located a second victim, a 20-year-old South Brunswick man, with knife wounds, not far from Home Depot.
Both victims were transported to the hospital for treatment of their wounds.
Police processed the scene for evidence and Detective Rick DeLucia continued investigating the case through the weekend. Two individuals were identified as suspects, and after developing probable cause, James Romer, an 18-year-old man, and a 17-year-old male, both from South Brunswick, were arrested and charged with Attempted Murder, Aggravated Assault, and weapons offenses. Mr. Romer was lodged in the Middlesex County Adult Corrections Center, and the 17-year-old male was lodged in the Juvenile Detention Center.
Chief Raymond J. Hayducka praised the efforts of patrol officers on scene and detectives who followed up the case. “Their diligent work led to the arrest of two individuals and put the case to rest.”
Anyone with information on the case may contact Detective Rick DeLucia at (732)329-4646.
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Authorities have confirmed that two victims have been stabbed near the Home Depot on Wynwood Drive and Route 1 around 8:48 p.m. Details are still sketchy at this time if the victims were in the store or outside the store when the incident occurred.
South Brunswick Police, EMS and Paramedics are still on scene at the time of this report. Mutual aid paramedics were called to the scene from Captial Health in Mercer County.
This is a developing story check back for details.
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–South Brunswick Police continue to investigate the fatal Monday night crash that claimed the life of a 21-year-old Monroe woman. At 10:32 p.m., South Brunswick Police received multiple 911 calls of an overturned van on Route 130 near Deans Rhode Hall Road. Officers arrived and found a 2003 Ford Econoline van had been traveling Route 130 southbound being driven by Eli Szmer a 32-year-old male from Monroe. Mr. Szmer for unknown reasons lost control of his vehicle and crossed the grass divider, the northbound lanes of travel then struck the guardrail off the northbound shoulder of the highway. The force of the collision caused the van to flip over. A female front seat passenger, Cassidy Cutler aged 21 of Monroe was killed in the crash and pronounced at the scene. Szmer and Cutler were the only two occupants of the van. Szmer was uninjured in the crash.
In addition to the South Brunswick Police, the Monmouth Junction First Aid Squad, Monmouth Junction Fire Department, New Jersey State Department of Transportation and the Middlesex County Medical Examiner responded to the crash. Route 130 was closed in both directions for five hours.
The investigation is currently ongoing by the South Brunswick Police Traffic Safety Bureau. PFC Mike Leung is the lead investigator in the crash. Anyone with information should contact PFC Leung at (732) 329-4000 ext. 7472.
A New York man was charged for an armed carjacking committed in South Brunswick, New Jersey, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Jashawn Robinson, 21, of Queens, New York, is charged by complaint with one count of carjacking and one count of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. He will appear for his initial appearance at a later date.
According to the documents filed in this case:
On Aug. 29, 2021, at approximately 11:15 a.m., as two victims approached their vehicle parked in a motel parking lot to leave, Robinson ran up behind one of them, pointed a gun directly at her, and forcefully pulled her away from the vehicle. Robinson fired one round of ammunition from his gun into the air. Robinson then pointed his gun at the second victim, who had his hands in the air and was backing away from the vehicle. Robinson then entered the vehicle and drove away. The carjacking, including Robinson’s discharge of the firearm, was captured on video surveillance.
On Sept. 27, 2021, law enforcement officers located the carjacked vehicle parked on a residential street in Queens, New York, and established surveillance. The officers observed Robinson approach and enter that vehicle. As law enforcement officers converged and surrounded the vehicle, Robinson repeatedly tried to get away, including hitting parked cars and almost hitting law enforcement personnel. Robinson was removed from the vehicle and arrested.
The count of carjacking carries a maximum potential penalty of 15 years in prison. The count of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence is punishable by a mandatory minimum term of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison, which must run consecutively to any term of imprisonment imposed on any other charge. Both charges each carry a potential fine of up to $250,000.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Field Division, Trenton Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey L. Matthews; and the South Brunswick Police Department, under the direction of Chief Raymond J. Hayducka, with the investigation leading to the charges. He also thanked the U.S. Marshals Service, the New York City Police Department, the Queens County District Attorney’s Office, and the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office for their assistance with this case.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Agnew of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle S. Gasparian, Chief of the General Crimes Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–South Brunswick Police reported that three Mercer County students received minor injuries when their vehicle crashed into a tractor-trailer on Route 130 near Melrich Road around 8:00 a.m. this morning. Police advised of traffic delays in the area and the injuries were minor in nature.
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–South Brunswick Police advised that Route 1 at Henderson Road will be closed for the next several hours due to a tractor-trailer vs utility pole.
TRAFFIC ALERT – 8:15 PM SERIOUS CRASH ON ROUTE 1 AT INDEPENDENCE WAY, CAR UNDER TRACTOR TRAILER. ROADWAY SHUT DOWN AND DIVERTED.
August 23, 2022
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Around 8:15 p.m. the South Brunswick Police Department, Fire Departments and EMS responded to Route 1 and Independence Way for reported vehicle that collided with the rear of a tractor trailer.
South Brunswick Police are advising that Route 1 will be closed in the area for the next several areas. Please seek alternate route.
TRAFFIC ALERT – 8:15 PM SERIOUS CRASH ON ROUTE 1 AT INDEPENDENCE WAY, CAR UNDER TRACTOR TRAILER. ROADWAY SHUT DOWN AND DIVERTED.
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Police reported at 1:35 p.m. South Brunswick Police Department responded to a motor vehicle crash at the intersection of Route 522 and New Road. The crash involved an RV and a sedan. The RV struck a traffic light stanchion and the sedan ended up fifteen yards off the highway into the woods. One person in the RV had to be extricated by the Monmouth Junction Fire Department.
The driver of the RV was taken by New Jersey State Police medical helicopter to the trauma center at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick. The two occupants of the sedan were taken by South Brunswick EMS to Penn Medicine Princeton Hospital for treatment.
Police say that all the injured are being evaluated at the two hospitals.
The Kendall Park and Kingston fire departments along with the Middlesex County Hazmat team assisted at the crash location.
The investigation into the crash remains active. Anyone with information is asked to contact South Brunswick Police Traffic Safety Bureau PFC Jason Gassman at (732) 329-4646.
The roadway was closed until 5:00 p.m. for the investigation and roadway cleanup.
PLAINSBORO, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone, Chief Fred Tavener of the Plainsboro Police Department, and Chief Raymond Hayducka of the South Brunswick Police Department announce today, that a Raritan man has been charged in connection with an attack of a female victim that occurred in the area of Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park on the border of Plainsboro and South Brunswick Townships on September 28, 2021.
An investigation determined that on September 28, 2021, between 4:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.., an adult woman was walking on a path adjacent to the park when she was approached by an individual armed with a knife. The male dragged her into a wooded area, demanded money and forcibly sexually assaulted her. After an extensive investigation by members of law enforcement, including but not limited to the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, Plainsboro Police Department, South Brunswick Police Department, New Jersey State Police, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, and Raritan Borough Police, the male who attacked the victim was determined to be Rogelio Calyeca Postrero, 38, of Raritan, New Jersey.
Calyeca Postrero was charged with first-degree Kidnapping, two counts of first-degree Aggravated Sexual Assault, second-degree Sexual Assault, first-degree Robbery, third-degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, and fourth-degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon. Calyeca Postrero is being held in the Somerset County Jail pending a detention hearing on Friday, August 19, 2022.
On August 5, 2022, the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office charged Calyeca Postrero with two counts of first-degree Aggravated Sexual Assault in connection with separate attacks that occurred in Bridgewater on July 18, 2021, and Franklin Township on May 16, 2022.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Christopher Pennisi of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 745-3600, Detective Patrick Miller of the Plainsboro Police Department at (609) 799-2333, or Detective Dominick DeLucia of the South Brunswick Police Department at (732) 329-4000. Tips may also be submitted to www.middlesextips.com .
As is the case with all criminal defendants, the charges against Calyeca Postrero are merely accusations and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–At 5:10 p.m. today, South Brunswick Police were able to track down the woman, man, and tractor-trailer cab involved in the Wednesday afternoon incident. In that incident, a witness said a female was in a white tractor-trailer cab yelling for help and bleeding. The tractor-trailer cab left and headed Route 130 south as the witness approached. Police disseminated a video of the incident Wednesday evening.
South Brunswick detectives received tips from around the country after releasing the video and images on social media. The break in the case came from Gabrielli Truck Sales located on Route 130 near where the incident took place. Company staff recovered video which allowed detectives to identify the truck as well as the female. Detectives searched locations in Middlesex and Union Counties looking for the truck. Detectives observed a male matching the witness description exit the truck in question and approached him. Detectives also contacted the woman seen in the video at the same location. Both the man and woman agreed to come to police headquarters. Detectives are speaking with both this evening.
Chief Raymond Hayducka said, “This was a great team effort, from the community providing tips to detectives tracking down leads. It was an exhaustive 26 hours, but we were able to locate the woman and make sure she was safe.” Detectives will continue to evaluate exactly what happened Wednesday afternoon in the truck. “This case exemplifies the power of so many coming together. I want to thank the witness who first reported the incident, the dozen of tips, and Gabrielli Truck Sales staff for getting involved to find this woman,” said Hayducka.
The South Brunswick Police have been assisted in the investigation by the FBI and the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office.
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Police say that at 2:00 p.m. South Brunswick Police responded to Route 130 near Dayton Toyota for a woman yelling for help. A witness said a female was in a white tractor-trailer cab yelling for help. The witness said the female was bleeding from her face. The male truck driver pulled her back into the cab and the truck headed Route 130 south getting off at the Ridge Road ext.
Victim – White / Hispanic female, in her 20s, long brown hair, brown flannel shirt
Actor – White male, older, bald, white beard, blue shirt
Detectives have recovered videos showing the tractor-trailer cab on Route 130.
ANY INFO CALL SOUTH BRUNSWICK POLICE (732) 329-4646
NORTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Rotary Club of Plainsboro, North & South Brunswick, held its Annual Changing of the Guard ceremony and inducted new office bearers for the rotary year 2022-2023.
Outgoing President of the club Blisse Vakkalagadda presented various projects that the club completed during her presidency. Blisse along with Sudharani Kankanala, had also played a pivotal role as mentors of the Interact club of North Brunswick and helped organize various meaningful service projects. During Blisse’s presidency, the club also did some impactful international service projects.
District Governor John Shockley, Past DG Dr. Tulsi Maharjan and Kalpana Patel, President, Rotary Club of Robbinsville-Hamilton, NJ, were in attendance for the changing of the guard ceremony.
DG John Shockley conducted the oath ceremony for the incoming President Vijay Garg and his team for the year 2022-2023. During his acceptance remarks, Vijay Garg said that he is looking forward to working with the team and continuing doing various community projects aligned with the Rotary International causes. “I am excited and honored to accept the role,” said Vijay.
Vijay is a successful Entrepreneur, Past North-East President of IT Serve, Board Member of TiE, GOPIO and other social organizations. Vijay with his community reach and leadership skills will help the club in taking up bigger projects and extending its reach.
The Executive Team 2022-23 consists of Sanjeev Dixit as Secretary, Sanjay Pagidimarri as Treasurer, Venkat Jagarlamudi as President-Elect, Ganesh Madda as the Foundation Chair, Jaydip Sen as PR Chair, Suresh Pannala as Membership Chair, Sudharani Kankanala as Service Project Chair, Srinivas Gattu as Fundraising Chair and Sunil Nambiar as International Projects Chair.
The changing of the guard ceremony was well attended by the Rotary Club members, Rotary Interact Club members, families, and prospective members. Representatives from organizations like ITServe, IBA, SMEC joined and discussed collaboration on future Community Service Projects.
The club which is also celebrating its 20th charter Anniversary this year, recognized six senior members, Suresh Pannala, Sunil Nambiar, Rajeev Mehta, Nishit Mehta, Mahalingam Narayanan and Darshan Doshi, who completed over twelve years of service as dedicated and passionate Rotarians.
About Rotary Club of Plainsboro, North & South Brunswick, NJ
In 2002 a few prominent people from the Community, living in Plainsboro, South Brunswick, North Brunswick, and surrounding areas decided to charter a new Rotary Club in Central New Jersey with the intention of serving the local and international community. The club started out with three active members and rapidly grew to about more than 25 members living in various parts of the state. Although the club is open to people of all race, color, and religion, most of the current members are people of Indian Origin.
Since its inception, the Rotary Club of Plainsboro, North & South Brunswick has proudly sponsored several local and international charitable projects. For more information, visit PlainsboroRotary.org.
MidJersey.News 
You must be logged in to post a comment.