September 1, 2023-UPDATE
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–South Brunswick Police have identified the pilot from yesterday’s helicopter crash as Josef Yitzhak, 44-years-old of Israel. South Brunswick Police worked with Israeli Consul and Israeli police overnight to notify his family. South Brunswick Police Chief Raymond Hayducka extends his deepest sympathy to the pilot’s family.
PRESS CONFENCE:
South Brunswick Police Photos
South Brunswick Police Photos 9/2/2023
Yesterday’s MidJersey.News story:
August 31, 2023
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–South Brunswick Police confirm that a helicopter has crashed on the border of Princeton, Franklin and South Brunswick. Police are asking for people to avoid the area. Traffic backup on Route 27 near the north end of Carnegie Lake and the Millstone River.
No additional details are available at this time.
A witness has told MidJersey.news that the helicopter is submerged in water. It is unknown if there are any survivors. Google Maps is reporting Route 27 Closed until 6 p.m. A press conference is scheduled for 5:00 p.m.
FAA: Only the pilot was on board
UPDATE:
Firefighters are checking the water where the helicopter went down. No injuries on the ground.
South Brunswick PD Photo
This case was investigated by the ATF, FBI, United States Marshal Service, with substantial assistance from Franklin Township (NJ), Jersey City (NJ), Paterson (NJ), Middlesex County (NJ), South Brunswick (NJ), Woodbridge (NJ) —
June 10, 2022: Virani Jewelers in Iselin, NJ;
October 25, 2022: Paradise Jewelry Store, in Paterson, NJ;
December 22, 2022: Chintamanis Inc., in Franklin Park, NJ;
August 30, 2023
WASHINGTON – A superseding indictment was unsealed today charging 16 alleged members (named below) of a violent crime ring that committed multiple armed carjackings, armed robberies, money laundering, and firearms offenses. Federal law enforcement arrested eight defendants this morning; the remaining defendants were previously arrested. Charges include conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce (known as Hobbs Act) robbery, interference with interstate commerce by robbery, using a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, conspiracy to commit carjacking, and conspiracy to engage in monetary transaction in property derived from specified unlawful activity.
The case was announced by United States Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Special Agent in Charge Craig Kailimai with the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg, of the FBI Washington Field Office’s (Criminal and Cyber Division), Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy, of the FBI’s Newark Field Office, Marshal Peter Marketos, of the United States Marshals Service, and Acting Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department.
According to the indictment, between January 7, 2022, through January 27, 2023, the defendants conspired in the District of Columbia to commit robberies in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Florida. The robberies targeted jewelry stores owned by Asian Americans. Disguised in dark clothing, masks, and gloves, armed with a gun, one or more of the defendants used various vehicles, including stolen vehicles, to commit and flee from the robberies, including:
January 7, 2022: Yasini Jewelers in E. Falls Church, VA;
June 10, 2022: Virani Jewelers in Iselin, NJ;
September 20, 2022: Sonia Jewelers & Boutique, in Springfield, VA;
October 25, 2022: Paradise Jewelry Store, in Paterson, NJ;
November 10, 2022: Baral Jewelers & Gifts, in Harrisburg, PA;
November 27, 2022: Sara Emporium Jewelry & Boutique, in Springfield, VA;
December 6, 2022: Kishek Jewelers, in Jacksonville, FL;
December 22, 2022: Chintamanis Inc., in Franklin Park, NJ;
January 27, 2023: Princess Diamonds, in Falls Church, VA.
The indictment further alleges that William Hunter, a/k/a “Ill Will,” conspired to commit carjackings between September 11, 2022 and October 22, 2022, with others. Defendants Wright, Avery Fuller, a/k/a “Deavry Cordell Fuller,” William Hunter, and Franklin Hunter, a/k/a “Gino,” conspired to launder the proceeds of the stolen property.
“This indictment alleges a conspiracy to engage in a violent armed robbery spree involving commercial establishments throughout the Eastern Seaboard,” said U.S. Attorney Graves. “One defendant is also charged with conspiracy to commit carjacking as part of the spree, and others are charged with laundering the proceeds from the robberies. With an increasing number of robbery schemes that cross state lines, collaborative operations like this one are critical to holding accountable those who threaten the safety of our communities.”
“It is devastating that firearm-related violence such as the crimes committed throughout this investigation have become so prevalent within our communities,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Craig Kailimai. “We will continue collaborating with our law enforcement partners by holding those individuals who seek to harm innocent people accountable for their actions.”
“The defendants targeted small businesses along the East Coast, stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of jewelry from hardworking families,” said Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg. “For the past 20 months, the FBI worked with our partners across state lines to connect the defendants to these heists. Today’s indictment is a testament to the strength of our partnerships and the commitment we all share to eradicating violent crime.”
“We allege these suspects took part in take-over style armed robberies meant to terrify and overwhelm store owners and employees,” said FBI-Newark Special Agent in Charge James Dennehy. “Many of the victim businesses are family owned and operated and lost large sums of inventory. The alleged violent and reckless actions of the subjects are astounding; they gave no thought to the people who could have been seriously injured or even killed. We have a message for criminals out there right now who believe these smash and grab robberies work in their favor because they mistakenly believe no one will hold them accountable. That’s not the case here – and it won’t be the case in the future. FBI Newark and our law enforcement partners will make sure if we can charge something federally, we will make that happen.”
“I want to thank the detectives from MPD and the other agencies involved for their tireless work on this case. This is a prime example of how we, as law enforcement partners, come together as one to hold people accountable for committing crimes in the District of Columbia,” said Acting Chief of Police Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia. “While this investigation took time, the message is clear: If you choose to recklessly disregard public safety in D.C., we, collectively as law enforcement partners, will do everything to find you and hold you accountable.”
| NAME | AGE | ADDRESS | CHARGES |
| Andrew Smith aka “Drewso” or “Drew” | 29 | Maryland | Hobbs Act Robbery;Conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery;Firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence |
| Antonio Tate, aka “Motion” or “T-Motion” | 20 | Washington, D.C. | Conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery |
| Avery Fuller, aka “Ace”, “Fully”, or “Fully Ace” | 28 | Washington, D.C. | Hobbs Act Robbery;Conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery;Firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence |
| Davon Johnson, aka “Yb” | 30 | Washington, D.C. | Hobbs Act Robbery;Conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery;Firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence |
| Decarlos Hill, aka “Los” | 29 | Maryland | Hobbs Act Robbery;Conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery;Firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence |
| Delonte Martin, aka “DD” | 25 | Washington, D.C. | Conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery |
| Franklin Hunter, aka “Gino” | 29 | Washington, D.C. | Hobbs Act Robbery;Conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery;Firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence |
| Hesham Gomaa | 45 | Virginia | Hobbs Act Robbery;Conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery;Firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence |
| Jameise Christian, aka “Safe Play”, “Safety”, or “Safe” | 32 | Washington, D.C. | Hobbs Act Robbery;Conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery;Firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence;Conspiracy to commit carjacking |
| Jaylaun Brown, aka “Lil Launy” | 21 | Washington, D.C. | Conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery |
| Keith McDuffie | 26 | California | Hobbs Act Robbery;Conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery;Firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence |
| Robert Sheffield, aka “Real Lifaa” | 32 | Washington, D.C. | Hobbs Act Robbery;Conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery;Firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence |
| Timothy Conrad, aka “Twin” | 32 | Washington, D.C. | Hobbs Act Robbery;Conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery;Firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence |
| Trevor Wright, aka “Taliban Glizzy” | 32 | Washington, D.C. | Hobbs Act Robbery;Conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery;Firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence |
| William Hunter, aka “Ill Will” | 28 | Washington, D.C. | Hobbs Act Robbery;Conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery;Firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence;Conspiracy to commit carjacking |
| Lamont Marable | 27 | Washington, D.C. | Hobbs Act Robbery;Conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery;Firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence |
Federal agents and local law enforcement arrested Smith, Johnson, Hill, Gomaa, Brown, McDuffie, Sheffield, and Conrad this morning; Wright, Hunter, Fuller, Tate, Martin, Brown, Christian, and Marable were already in custody. Search warrants were also executed resulting in the seizure of multiple guns and approximately $300,000 from a safe in one of the residences.
The superseding indictment also contains a notice of forfeiture and seeks the proceeds of the illegal activities.
The statutory maximum sentence for conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce (known as Hobbs Act) robbery is 20 years; the statutory maximum sentence of Hobbs Act robbery is 20 years in prison; the crime of using a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence carries a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years with a maximum possible sentence of life; the statutory maximum sentence for conspiracy to commit carjacking is five years in prison; the statutory maximum sentence for money laundering is 20 years. A federal judge will determine the appropriate sentence after considering the appropriate sentencing guidelines and other factors.
This case was investigated by the ATF’s Washington Field Division, the FBI’s Washington and Newark Field Offices, the United States Marshal Service, and the Metropolitan Police Department, with substantial assistance from the police departments of: Fairfax County (VA), Falls Church (VA), Franklin Township (NJ), Jersey City (NJ), Paterson (NJ), Middlesex County (NJ), South Brunswick (NJ), Somerset County (NJ), Woodbridge (NJ), Swatara Twp. (PA), the United States Secret Service-Uniformed Division, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service-Washington Division. Additional assistance was provided by multiple U.S. Attorney’s Offices including: the District of New Jersey, Eastern District of Virginia, the District of Maryland, the Central District of California, and the Southern and Middle Districts of Florida.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sitara Witanachchi and Andy Wang, of the Violence Reduction and Trafficking Offenses Section in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg and our partners described the robberies during a press conference today. The defendants allegedly robbed nine jewelry stores in four states, stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of jewelry at each heist.
August 22, 2023
EDISON, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Chief Thomas Bryan of the Edison Police Department announced that on Thursday, August 17, 2023, Daniel Girgis, 18, of Dayton NJ, and Tyler Dickerson, 19, of Monmouth Junction, NJ, were sentenced for their involvement in a January 20, 2022, street race that resulted in a fatal crash.
On January 20, 2022, Edison Police responded to a report of an accident on Route 1 South and Fox Road. Upon their arrival officers located two vehicles driven by Tyler Dickerson and Daniel Girgis that were involved in a high-speed race which resulted in Girgis crashing his vehicle into a vacant building, killing Diana Somarriba, 18, of South Brunswick, a passenger in his vehicle. The investigation conducted by Detective Matthew Colonna of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office and Captain Dominic Masi of the Edison Police Department revealed that Dickerson and Girgis met in Edison for a pre-arranged street race on Route 1 and during that race, Girgis lost control of his vehicle and crashed while driving in excess of 100 miles-per-hour. Girgis and another passenger, E.M., sustained minor injuries while Somarriba was killed.
On June 20, 2022, Jurisdiction of the Family Court was waived to the criminal court where Daniel Girgis would be prosecuted as an adult. On January 13, 2023, Girgis pled guilty to second-degree Vehicular Homicide, and on March 16, 2023, Dickerson pled guilty to fourth-degree Assault-by-Auto. On August 17, 2023, Superior Court Judge Andrea G. Carter, J.S.C., sentenced Girgis to three years subject to the No Early Release Act (NERA) for the crime of second-degree Vehicular Homicide. The Judge sentenced Tyler Dickerson to 364 days in the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center as a condition of 4 years of probation for the crime of fourth-degree Assault-by-Auto.
August 16, 2023
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–It was a Wednesday night like any other as nearly a dozen men gathered to play basketball at South Brunswick High School. The over-40 men’s league was playing its usual night game on August 9th but with a smaller crowd of players. About 45 minutes into the game, two players asked to sit out. One of the players, Javier a 48-year-old Princeton man told a friend he didn’t feel well as he took a seat in a chair under the far basket. As players continued to play at the other end of the basketball court, Javier collapsed off the chair, face down onto the court. His fellow basketball players raced to his aid. One of the players, Cheng “Rob” Lee, a volunteer fireman with the Kingston Fire Department, knew they had to act quickly. He directed Mike Dooley, the site supervisor, to call 911 and another to get the AED. A second basketball player, Raj Vora, knew things were serious as they rolled Javier over and he began to turn purple. Vora described Javier as gasping for air with clenched teeth. Vora ran into the hallway to get the AED. Another player, Freddy Schenk an athletic trainer knew immediately he had to begin CPR. As Schenck began chest compression, Lee gave mouth-to-mouth to Javier. They applied the AED and it shocked Javier, but still no pulse. Lee knew when the AED went off to shock Javier that the situation with their friend was dire. They worked feverishly to try to get Javier’s pulse back.
Two minutes after the 911 call, South Brunswick Officer Sean Nally who was nearby arrived at the high school. Officer Nally found several basketball players tending to Javier who was on his back and still did not have a pulse. Officer Nally stepped in to continue CPR and another shock was given by the AED. Within minutes the Monmouth Junction First Aid Squad arrived along with paramedics and lifesaving efforts continued. After several minutes Javier regained a pulse. As they placed him in the ambulance, Javier became alert and began speaking with EMS asking what had happened.
South Brunswick Police Chief Raymond Hayducka said the case highlights the importance of everyone knowing CPR and having access to an AED. “It was split-second actions by the basketball players, Officer Nally and EMS that saved a father’s life.” Each year, 350,000 Americans experience cardiac arrest and only around 10% survive. Studies show that if immediate CPR and defibrillation are applied within the first 3 minutes most of the victims of cardiac arrest can survive, yet with each minute that goes by the chances drop significantly.
Chief Hayducka said, “They only had minutes to act to make a difference. The fact that the South Brunswick School District has invested in AEDs at all the schools made a huge difference.”
Javier was taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick where he continues to receive treatment. He is so thankful for all those who rushed to save his life. Javier said, “Thanks to the quick actions, training, and knowledge of my fellow players, police officers, and EMS, I get to continue my life and be a husband to my wife and a father to my daughter. I am eternally grateful for their critical life skills!”
If you want to learn CPR, contact Penn Medicine Princeton Health at 1-888-897-8979 or go to the American Heart Association website at https://cpr.heart.org/en/ for more information.
Basketball Player Collapses, His Team Had Only Minutes to Save His Life
Photo left to right:
Aijun Li, Officer Sean Nally, Mark Dooley, Tony Anghelone, Raj Vora, Cheng “Rob” Lee, Fred Schenck, Phil Homward, Robert Goldberg, Michael Dibendetto, Moammar Zuriki
In the video Monmouth Junction First Aid Squad members – Dan Murphy, Chico Ruiz, Aaryan Modi, Meesam Ali
June 12, 2023
Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone, Director Brendan McIntyre of the Plainsboro Police Department, Chief Raymond Hayducka of the South Brunswick Police Department and Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald, announce today, that a Raritan man has pled guilty to first- degree Aggravated Sexual Assault.
On September 28, 2021, between 4:30 P.M. and 5:00 P.M., an adult woman was walking on a path in the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park on the border of Plainsboro and South Brunswick, when she was approached by an individual armed with a knife. A male dragged her into a wooded area, demanded money and 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 Department, the male who attacked the victim was identified as 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.
On June 8, 2023, Calyeca Postrero pled before the Honorable Benjamin
S. Bucca, J.S.C., to first-degree Aggravated Sexual Assault. He is subject to a sentence of 20 years in a New Jersey State Prison pursuant to the No Early Release Act and will be on parole supervision for life and must register under Megan’s Law. Calyeca Postrero is scheduled to be sentenced by the Honorable Benjamin S. Bucca, J.S.C., on October 30, 2023.
June 1, 2023
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Yesterday, May 31, 2023, at 5:35 a.m., police communications received a 9-1-1 call about a house on fire at 73 Kingsley Road.
On arrival, responding officers found a working structure fire in the area of the garage. Officers confirmed that the house had been evacuated and that there were no pets inside.
Kendall Park Fire Department began attacking the fire, while police officers checked on and spoke with the homeowners. The family said that they were sleeping and had no idea that the house was on fire, when they heard banging on their front door and bedroom windows. On checking the source of the banging, they encountered their neighbor, Santo Livio, along with another woman who has not yet been identified, warning them of the fire. They quickly evacuated the house uninjured.
Mr. Livio, 85, of Kingsley Road, stated that after a lifetime of being an early riser for work, he continued to wake up early in retirement, as well. Mr. Livio said that about 5:30am, he looked out his front door to see if there were any animals in his yard, when he noticed puffs of smoke that looked like fog over the garage corner of 73 Kingsley Road. Unsure if he was seeing smoke or fog, he stepped outside, at which point he saw a woman walking down the street. He asked her if it appeared to be smoke, and she said yes, at which point they both ran to the house and began trying to alert the residents, banging on the door and windows. Mr. Livio then called 9-1-1 as the residents left the house, and the unknown woman left the scene in the commotion of the fire response. Mr. Livio stated that the residents later came to his home to thank him for alerting them of the fire, allowing them to safely evacuate the home.
It took 50 firefighters from all three township fire departments, Kendall Park Fire Department, Monmouth Junction Fire Department, and Kingston Fire Department, 20 minutes to extinguish the fire. The fire appears to have begun in the garage, but a source and confirmation of point of origin are pending further investigation by the Fire Safety Bureau.
Chief Raymond J. Hayducka stated, “I credit Mr. Livio, along with the unidentified woman, and their quick thinking and heroic actions, with saving the family.”
South Brunswick Police Department Photo
Kendall Park Fire Company Photo
At Approximately 5:41 a.m. yesterday, Kendall Park Volunteer Fire Company was dispatched to a working structure fire at 73 Kingsley Rd. Multiple neighbors noticed heavy smoke coming from the home, promptly dialed 911 and were able to wake up and evacuate the family. Upon arrival SBPD officers confirmed that the residence had been evacuated while Chief 220 and Chief 230 were met with heavy smoke showing from the exterior of the residence in the area of the garage. Engine 222 crew established a water supply and made an aggressive interior attack. The initial attack crew were able to make an effective knock of the fire and prevented the fire from spreading through the entire house. Crews from Monmouth Junction Fire Department and Kingston fire department assisted with extinguishment and overhaul. Thankfully closed interior doors were able to significantly minimize fire and smoke damage to nearby rooms. It is always important to keep bedroom doors closed to protect yourself in the event of a fire in your home. South Brunswick Fire Prevention responded and is conducting an ongoing investigation into the cause of the fire. Also assisting on scene was Kendall Park First Aid Squad and South Brunswick EMS. This incident shows how important it is for everyone in our community to work as team to protect each other. The quick thinking actions of the neighbors and the effective strategy of our Township’s first responders all played a significant role in saving lives and property today
June 1, 2023-UPDATED
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–South Brunswick Police are asking the public to be alert for an increasing number of catalytic converter thefts during the overnight hours in the Township. Chief Raymond Hayducka said, “The catalytic converter problem in New Jersey is at epidemic levels. We are partnering with county and State law enforcement to track these suspects, but there are multiple crews operating throughout the state.” The crews have intensified their recent efforts in southern Middlesex County with 29 thefts in South Brunswick since May 21st.
Catalytic converters look like a metal hot water bottle, are found in the car’s underbody, and are part of its exhaust system. The magic ingredients of that chemical catalyst are the precious metals rhodium, palladium, and platinum. Each converter contains several grams of each metal and is sold to unscrupulous scrap yards. The converters can be clipped off a car in minutes. Chief Hayducka is frustrated by the Scrap yards throughout the tri-state area that buy these converters. “No legitimate business is having some walking in at 6 am with a trunk full of catalytic converters and thinks this is legitimate,” said Chief Hayducka.
Captain Jeff Russo, the head of the South Brunswick Police Criminal Investigations Division said, “We have been sharing information with detectives throughout the area. The majority of thefts take place overnight between 11 pm to 5 am. The most common vehicle they target is Hondas.”
South Brunswick Police have twice encountered the suspects. Each time the suspects fled police at high rates of speed and created a wide risk to the public. “These suspects have no concern for public safety and will recklessly endanger everyone for a few hundred dollars,” said Chief Hayducka.
They have targeted residential sections throughout the township during the overnight. “I encourage every resident to call 911 at the first sign of any problems. Residents have already made a number of calls and we have created saturation patrols to increase our detection. There is no one answer to the problem, but collectively we make a difference,” said Chief Hayducka.
Yesterday Chesterfield Township Police also issued a Crime Alert in their community due to a large amount of catalytic converters being stolen. You can read that MidJersey.news story here:
File photo from 2022 raids in New Jersey
File photos from last year’s “Operation Heavy Metal” where on Wednesday November 2, 2022 though Monmouth and Burlington Counties in New Jersey and New York, as part of a nation-wide operation to take down a transnational catalytic converter theft ring. The HSI enforcement operation which included the Newark Border Enforcement Security Task Force (BEST), the HSI Tulsa field office, Customs and Border Protection, the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Newark field office, and others from numerous state and local law enforcement partners, resulted in the apprehension of 6 individuals in Newark, 2 individuals in New York and confiscated more than 200 pallets of catalytic converters, more than $2 Million worth of exotic automobiles, and more than $1 Million in U.S. currency, 29 ounces of gold bars, jewelry, and several high-value handbags.
May 19, 2023
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–South Brunswick Police reported that on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at 3:45 p.m., the South Brunswick Police Department Dispatch Center received a call reporting a fire in a commercial building located at 2 Progress Road.
Monmouth Junction Fire Chief Scott Smith and several police units arrived on scene at the single-story business within minutes and reported a significant amount of black smoke and flames coming from the roof of the warehouse.
Fifteen employees were in the building when the blaze was first reported, and all made it out of the building to safety unharmed.
Firefighters immediately established command and began coordinating resources needed to battle the blaze, while local EMS units responded to support the operation. Police were on scene to assist with traffic, and Office of Emergency Management personnel responded to provide additional resources and assistance.
Firefighters initiated an interior attack on the fire, but were forced to evacuate the building due to heavy fire conditions found in several sections of the building. Once the majority of the fire was knocked down, firefighters re-entered the building and used multiple hose lines to attack the fires burning in the warehouse. Materials stored inside the warehouse collapsed due to the fire and the use of water from hose lines and the building sprinkler system, resulting in a deep-seated fire that was difficult to extinguish. Firefighters began working in rotation to dig through the materials by hand and with the use of fork-lifts and skid-steer machinery to ultimately extinguish the fire.
As the scope of the operation grew, resources were requested from many other agencies throughout the state. County and State agencies responded to the scene to provide additional assistance, as did fire and EMS personnel from as far as 70 miles away.
By 2:00 p.m. Thursday, fire personnel were confident that the fire had been fully extinguished, and they began the process of demobilizing equipment. By 3:00 p.m., all personnel were cleared from the scene except the South Brunswick Fire Safety Bureau, which remained at the business to continue investigating the cause of the fire. At this time, the cause is undetermined, but not believed to be suspicious in nature.
Although the final tally of firefighters, EMTs, police officers, Office of Emergency Management personnel, and other essential workers is not complete, it appears that over 300 individuals worked during the 23-hour incident.
The blaze it not expected to be totally extinguished until sometime Thursday May 18, 2023
May 18, 2023
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–South Brunswick Police Department reported that firefighters continue to work on a multi-alarm commercial building fire at 2 Progress Road. The fire has been going on for over 12 hours and over 200 firefighters from numerous fire departments have battled the blaze. The fire was originally seen on the roof of the commercial building but has spread into the warehouse. Firefighters have had to use heavy equipment to pull the contents of the warehouse apart in order to get to the deep-seated fire.
There were 15 employees in the building at the time the fire was reported, and all made it safely out. Numerous EMS units from around the area have also been on the scene.
In addition to fire and EMS units the Middlesex County Office of Emergency Management and South Brunswick Office of Emergency Management continue to work at the scene.
There is no impact on the community from the fire. The warehouse is located at the end of a dead-end street and all fire operations are off the roadway.
A further update will be provided later.
May 17, 2023
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–11:00 p.m. update: Over 150 firefighters continue to work at a commercial building fire in South Brunswick. Firefighters will be working throughout the night. The blaze is not expected to be totally extinguished till sometime on Thursday.
The fire is currently at 4-Alarms.
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–South Brunswick Police received a 9-1-1 call reporting a fire at 2 Progress Road in a commercial building around 3:40 p.m. The first due fire chief reported a working fire on the roof of a large commercial building that was extending into the building. A second alarm was called for and multiple handlines, ladder pipes, etc., were placed in service to work on the fire. The Middlesex County Hazardous Materials team is at the scene. The fire is currently at 4-Alarms and reported contained. Fifteen workers were in the building at the time of the fire and safely evacuated. Further details to be provided as they become available.
SBPD Photos
May 11, 2023
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–South Brunswick Police reported that firefighters are currently working at a garbage truck fire this afternoon on Route 1 south bound near Henderson Road. Police report that Route 1 south bound has one lane closed for the fire. Currently Google Maps shows a half mile traffic delay in the area on both sides of the highway.
May 2, 2023
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–South Brunswick Police received a 9-1-1 call on Monday night May 1, 2023, at 6:03 p.m., reporting a fire in a home on Maine Street in the Monmouth Mobile Home Park off Route 1. When officers and firefighters arrived, there was heavy smoke and visible fire at the rear of the home. The two residents who lived there had already gotten out of the home. Nearby homes were quickly evacuated.
The Kendall Park, Monmouth Junction, and Kingston Fire Departments battled the blaze. Kendall Park Fire Chief Chris Perez said, “It took 35 firefighters approximately 30 minutes to bring the blaze under control.” He added, “Firefighters did an excellent job of preventing the fire from spreading to any of the nearby homes.”
The Kendall Park First Aid Squad responded, but there were no injuries. One of the homeowner’s cats perished in the fire. The home was destroyed in the fire and the two residents were provided shelter by the American Red Cross.
South Brunswick Deputy Fire Marshal Murnieks determined the fire was not suspicious
April 27, 2023
Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Chief Daniel Plumacker of the Sayreville Police Department announced today that John Denuto, 46, of Spotswood pled guilty to Endangering the Welfare of a Child and other offenses on Friday, April 14, 2023.
Denuto, a former special education teacher at the Sayreville Middle School and former wrestling coach at numerous other schools and organizations who exploited his position as both a teacher and a wrestling coach to meet and abuse his victims was initially arrested on February 15, 2020. An investigation by the Sayreville Police Department and the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office determined Denuto had criminal sexual contact with a juvenile and he possessed child sexual exploitive materials that he had created by filming and photographing the previous mentioned juvenile. Further investigation revealed Denuto was in possession of additional sexual exploitive material of unidentified individuals.
On April 22, 2021, Denuto was indicted on one count of first-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child, one count of second-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child, three counts of third-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child, eight counts of third-degree Invasion of Privacy, six counts of third-degree Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact, six counts of fourth-degree Criminal Sexual Contact, two counts of third-degree Witness Tampering, and one count of third-degree Hindering His Own Apprehension.
On Friday April 14, 2023, Denuto pled before the Honorable Benjamin
S. Bucca, J.S.C., to one count of second-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child, one count of third-degree Endangering and one count of fourth-degree Invasion of Privacy. He is subject to a sentence of seven years and will be on parole supervision for life and must register under Megan’s Law. Denuto is scheduled to be sentenced by the Honorable Benjamin S. Bucca, J.S.C., on September 8, 2023.
Below is a list of schools, organizations, and clubs that the investigation revealed Denuto to be associated with:
Rhino’s Wrestling Club – Morganville
CJA Wrestling Club – East Brunswick
Pennsville High School – Pennsville
Raritan High School – Hazlet Township
Saint John Vianney – Holmdel
Sayreville Middle School – Sayreville
Sayreville High School – Sayreville
Middletown North High School – Middletown Township
Monroe High School – Monroe
Peddie High School – Hightstown
South Brunswick High School – South Brunswick Saint Joseph High School – Montvale
Union County College – Cranford
Camden Catholic High School – Cherry Hill Johnson High School – Clark
St. Thomas Aquinas High School (formerly Bishop Ahr HS) – Edison
Woodbridge High School – Woodbridge
7th & 8th Woodbridge Recreation Program – Woodbridge
7th & 8th Grade Old Bridge Recreation Program – Old Bridge Piscataway High School – Piscataway
Spotswood High School – Spotswood
Freehold Boro High School – Freehold Borough
In a separate prosecution, Denuto was adjudicated delinquent on May 20, 2022, for crimes which, if committed by an adult, would constitute two counts of first-degree Aggravated Sexual Assault. Denuto was the subject of a dispositional hearing on October 21, 2022, which resulted in his commitment by the Honorable Deborah J. Venezia to the care and control of the Acting Director of the Juvenile Justice Commission for an aggregate term of four years.
April 15, 2023
UPDATE:
Route 1 South is now open.
UPDATE – Flash flooding continues on Rt 1 southbound at Rt 522. Roadway remains closed. Water has receded on Rt 130. Roadway is open. Isolated street flooding in Kendall Park.
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–South Brunswick Police report that Route 1 southbound in the area of Route 522 is closed due to flash flooding in the area. Police say use Route 130 or the NJ Turnpike as an alternate route.
South Brunswick Police Department Photo
April 9, 2023
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–South Brunswick Police report that Monmouth Junction Fire Department along with eleven other fire departments continue to work on a large mulch and raw material fire on Broadway Road. The fire was reported around 2:00 p.m. Firefighters believe it will be an extended operation.
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