August 11, 2022

WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–The West Windsor Police Blotter for July 2022.

INCIDENT:  2022-19233  Service of Warrants

DATE & TIME OCCURRED:  7/01/22  at  10:57 PM

LOCATION OCCURRED:  U.S. Route 1 & Alexander Rd.

OFFICER: Ptl. A. Mangone #112                

WHO: (ARRESTED, INJURED, DRIVER, VICTIM, OTHER)
Arrested: Vito Messina
                Resident of Trenton, NJ 08611

DETAILS:  Ptl. Mangone initiated a stop on a gray Hyundai sedan for an improper lane change. During the stop, Vito Messina was found to have warrants for his arrest from Ewing, Hamilton, and Trenton. Messina was processed at WWPD Headquarters and then transported to the Hamilton Police Department where he was turned over to them on their warrant.

OFFICER PREPARING RELEASE:  Lt. J. Lai #70

DATE OF RELEASE: 8/11/2022

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INCIDENT:  2022-19421  Shoplifting
                                             Hindering Apprehension
                                             Fugitive
                                             Service of Warrants

DATE & TIME OCCURRED:  7/03/22  at  3:38 PM

LOCATION OCCURRED:  Ulta Beauty, 540 Nassau Park Blvd.
REPORTING OFFICERS:  Ptl. C. Siani #117
                                                 Ptl. D. Borup #115            

WHO: (ARRESTED, INJURED, DRIVER, VICTIM, OTHER)
Arrested: Natilia I. Victor
                Resident of Trenton, NJ 08618

DETAILS:  On July 3^rd, Ptl. Siani took a report of shoplifting from Ulta Beauty. Three females were reported to have concealed over $8,000.00 dollars in designer fragrances into bags they brought with them and left the store without paying.
                     On July 17^th, one of the suspects from this shoplifting returned to Ulta and store employees recognized her by her red hair and distinctive tattoos. Officers arrived on scene and shortly thereafter the suspect left the store. Officers detained Natilia Victor who used a NJ driver’s license belonging to someone else to hide her true identify. After positively identifying Victor as a one of the shoplifters from the July 3^rd incident, and establishing her true identity, she was found to be a “Wanted Person” out of Pennsylvania, and to have warrants for her arrest from Ewing, Lawrence, and Trenton. Victor was processed at WWPD Headquarters and later transported to the Mercer County Correction Center.

OFFICER PREPARING RELEASE:  Lt. J. Lai #70

DATE OF RELEASE: 8/11/2022

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INCIDENT:  2022-19755  Receiving Stolen Property
                                             Hindering Apprehension
                                             Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
                                             Fugitives

DATE & TIME OCCURRED:  7/06/22  at   7:30 PM

LOCATION OCCURRED:  Ulta Beauty, 540 Nassau Park Blvd.

REPORTING OFFICER:  Ptl. A. Mangone #112                 

WHO: (ARRESTED, INJURED, DRIVER, VICTIM, OTHER)
Arrested #1: Antaysha R. Watson
                     Resident of Trenton, NJ 08618

Arrested #2: Alisia M. Turner
                     Resident of Trenton, NJ 08611

DETAILS: Patrol Officers were detailed to Ulta Beauty for a shoplifting that had just occurred. The two suspects then went into Dick’s Sporting Goods where they were later located and detained by responding officers. During the investigation, Antaysha Watson was found in possession of a stolen tester bottle of Prada Luna Rossa fragrance valued at $100.00. She was also determined to have shoplifted clothing from Dick’s prior to officers locating her. Watson provided police with a false name, but further investigation revealed her true identity, and she was then found to be a “Wanted Person” out of the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department. Alisia Turner was found in possession of drug paraphernalia, and was also determined to be a “Wanted Person” out of the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department. Watson and Turner were processed at WWPD Headquarters and then transported to the Mercer County Correction Center.

OFFICER PREPARING RELEASE:  Lt. J. Lai #70

DATE OF RELEASE: 8/11/2022

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INCIDENT:  2022-19987  Fugitive

DATE & TIME OCCURRED:  7/08/22  at  6:03 PM

LOCATION OCCURRED:  Nassau Park Blvd. & McClain Ave.

REPORTING OFFICER:  Ptl. M. Fattibene #114                   

WHO: (ARRESTED, INJURED, DRIVER, VICTIM, OTHER)
Arrested: Cameron Rogers
                Resident of Camden, NJ 08105

DETAILS: Patrol Units were detailed to the intersection of Nassau Park Blvd. and McClain Ave. for a male who was wearing a hospital gown, and walking in and out of the roadway. Officers arrived to find Cameron Rogers laying on a bench at the bus stop. He said that he had recently been released from a hospital in Trenton. Rogers was found to be a “Wanted Person” out of Camden County Probation and arrested. Rogers then stated that he was ill and needed to go back to the hospital. Officers had to stay with Rogers at the hospital for over 22 hours before Camden County Corrections was able to take custody of him.

OFFICER PREPARING RELEASE:  Lt. J. Lai #70

DATE OF RELEASE: 8/11/2022

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INCIDENT:  2022-20364  Shoplifting

DATE & TIME OCCURRED:  7/12/22  at  6:57 PM
LOCATION OCCURRED:  Target, 500 Nassau Park Blvd.

WHO: (ARRESTED, INJURED, DRIVER, VICTIM, OTHER)
Arrested: Sebastian Parra-Torres
                Resident of Trenton, NJ 08618

OFFICER: Ptl. A. Mangone #112                    

DETAILS: Ptl. Mangone was detailed to Target for a shoplifter being detained by Asset Protection. Investigation revealed that Sebastian Parra-Torres had used the self-checkout to purchase several items, but failed to pay for the air conditioner valued at $319.99 in his shopping cart. Parra-Torres was processed at WWPD Headquarters and released pending a future date with Mercer County Superior Court.    

OFFICER PREPARING RELEASE:  Lt. J. Lai #70

DATE OF RELEASE: 8/22/2022

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INCIDENT:  2022-20473  Shoplifting
                                             Hindering Apprehension

DATE & TIME OCCURRED:  7/13/22  at  2:32 PM

LOCATION OCCURRED:  Target, 500 Nassau Park Blvd.

WHO: (ARRESTED, INJURED, DRIVER, VICTIM, OTHER)
Arrested: Rodney A. Watts
                Resident of Bronx, NY 10454

REPORTING OFFICER: Ptl. J. Cherko 5113                   

DETAILS: Ptl. B. Caulfield #107 was on patrol of the Nassau Park Pavilion when Target Asset Protection flagged him down to report that a male he was following had just shoplifted from the store. Ptl. Caulfield then detained Rodney Watts for investigation. Investigation determined that Watts had filled a shopping cart and his backpack with $626.44 worth of merchandise and attempted to leave the store without paying. He was stopped by Asset Protection and abandoned the cart full of merchandise, but still had all the items in his backpack when he ran out of the store. Watts provided a false name to officers, but documents found in his possession revealed his true identity. Watts claimed illness and had to be transported to the hospital. He was charged and released pending a future date with Mercer County Superior Court.

OFFICER PREPARING RELEASE:  Lt. J. Lai #70

DATE OF RELEASE: 8/11/2022

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INCIDENT:  2022-21128  Shoplifting
                                             Hindering Apprehension
                                             Fugitive
                                             Service of Warrants

DATE & TIME OCCURRED:  7/19/22  at  10:56 PM

LOCATION OCCURRED:  At HOME, 301 Nassau Park Blvd.

WHO: (ARRESTED, INJURED, DRIVER, VICTIM, OTHER)
Arrested: Denise Cromwell
                Resident of Trenton, NJ  08609

REPORTING OFFICER:  Ptl. M. Fattibene #114                  

DETAILS:  Ptl. Fattibene was detailed to a shoplifting from the AT HOME store where the suspect had left the store carrying a garbage bag containing store merchandise. Ptl. Fattibene located Denise Cromwell walking away from the bus stop and detained her. Inside the trash can next to the bus stop was a garbage bag containing four sets of new bedding that Cromwell had shoplifted from the store. Cromwell provided a false identity to officers, but investigation revealed her true identity, and that she was a “Wanted Person” out of the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department, and also had multiple warrants for her arrest from West Windsor, Hamilton, and Ewing. Cromwell claimed illness and had to be transported to the hospital for evaluation. Upon her release from the hospital several hours later, she was charged with the above offenses and transported to the Mercer County Correction Center.

OFFICER PREPARING RELEASE:  Lt. J. Lai #70

DATE OF RELEASE: 8/11/2022

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INCIDENTS:  2022-21665, 2022-21668, 2022-21669, & 2022-21670
                         Vehicle Burglaries, Theft, & Criminal Mischief

DATE & TIME OCCURRED:  7/24/22 between 1:30 PM & 4:20 PM

LOCATION OCCURRED:  WaterWorks Parking Lot, 193 Princeton-Hightstown Rd.

OFFICER:  Ptl. J. Cherko #113          

DETAILS: Ptl. Cherko was detailed to the parking lot of the WaterWorks (located in Community Park) for a burglary to a vehicle. While on scene investigating, three more vehicle burglaries were found to have occurred. All four vehicles had their windows smashed to gain entry. Purses and Coach backpack were stolen from inside. Another vehicle burglary occurred at the Mercer County Park, with a similar timeframe and method of operation, where the vehicle’s window was smashed and a purse stolen from inside (Incident #2022-216840). Detectives M. Erkoboni and A. Robles responded to the scenes to look for evidence.

OFFICER PREPARING RELEASE:  Lt. J. Lai #70

DATE OF RELEASE: 8/11/2022

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INCIDENT:  2022-22120  Shoplifting

DATE & TIME OCCURRED:  7/28/22  at  1:11 PM

LOCATION OCCURRED:  Target, 500 Nassau Park Blvd.

REPORTING OFFICER: Ptl. J. Chowanec #119                    

WHO: (ARRESTED, INJURED, DRIVER, VICTIM, OTHER)
Arrested: Francis Longo
                Resident of Mercerville, NJ 08619

DETAILS: Ptl. C. Van Ness and Ptl. J. Chowanec were detailed to Target for a shoplifter being detained by Asset Protection. Investigation found that Francis Longo had concealed a Lego set into a reusable shopping bag and attempted to leave the store without paying. Longo was processed at WWPD Headquarters and released pending a future date with West Windsor Municipal Court.

OFFICER PREPARING RELEASE:  Lt. J. Lai #70

DATE OF RELEASE: 8/11/2022

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INCIDENTS:  2022-22231 Burglary (Attempt) & Criminal Mischief
                         2022-22232 Burglary & Theft
                         2022-22234 Burglary (Attempt) & Criminal Mischief

DATE & TIME OCCURRED:  7/29/22  between 7:30 PM & 9:30 PM

LOCATION OCCURRED:  The Mews at Princeton Junction

REPORTING OFFICER:  Ptl. K. LaForge #104                

DETAILS:  Patrol Units responded to The Mews at Princeton Junction for an attempted burglary to an apartment. Investigation found that the victim heard a noise coming from her living room. When she went to check, she saw a light being shined in through her window. She screamed and slammed her bedroom door. When her husband went to see what happened he found a window screen had been ripped from the window frame and an unlocked window was opened. While officers canvassed the area for suspects, they found a partially open window on another apartment, and also located the resident and her friend outside. That victim stated that somehow her door chain was locked from the inside and she could not get into her own apartment. Officers forced entry into the apartment to look for a suspect but no one was found inside. This apartment had been ransacked and items stolen from inside. A third apartment was found to have cuts on the sliding door screen, one window screen had cuts in it, and another window screen had been ripped off, but all the doors and windows were locked so no entry was made. Detective Steimle and his K9 Brix from the Lawrence Police Department assisted and attempted to track the suspect. Det. A. Robles responded to scene to process for evidence.

OFFICER PREPARING RELEASE:  Lt. J. Lai #70

DATE OF RELEASE: 8/11/2022

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*Please note that charges are merely accusations and that the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Bridge Point 8 will be built on the former American Cyanamid site in the area of Quakerbridge Road, Clarksville Road and U.S. Route 1

July 1, 2022

WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–A two-phased development to construct seven warehouse buildings, with a total footprint of 5,563,117 +/- square feet at 4201 Quakerbridge Road, was approved at a Planning Board Meeting on June 29, 2022 with a vote 6 to 2 approving the project.

Phase I involves developing three warehouse buildings, consisting of 3,010,099 +/- square feet of warehouse space, a subdivision, and construction of a new road from the intersection of Quakerbridge Road and Avalon Way through the intersection of Route 1 and Nassau Park Boulevard.

Phase II involves developing four warehouse buildings, consisting of 2,553,018+/- square feet of warehouse space.

The property is located at the corner of US Route 1, Quakerbridge Road, and Clarksville Road, within the Planned Commercial Development (PCD) District

Bridge Point 8 will be built on the former American Cyanamid site in the area of Quakerbridge Road, Clarksville Road and U.S. Route 1

The West Windsor Planning Board Meeting from June 29, 2022 can be viewed here:

Rendered plan for Bridge Point 8 Industrial Park:

Bridge Point 8, Overall Circulation Plan as submitted to the West Windsor Township Planning Board

Bridge Point 8 will be built on the former American Cyanamid site in the area of Quakerbridge Road, Clarksville Road and U.S. Route 1 as seen on July 1, 2022.

June 27, 2022

1:07 p.m. Update: West Windsor Police Report, road OPEN – The accident on Washington Rd between Route 1 and Faculty Rd has been cleared and the road is open!

June 27, 2022

WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)—About 10:58 a.m. West Windsor Police, West Windsor Emergency Services, Captial Health Paramedics, Princeton Junction FD and West Windsor Fire are on scene of a serious motor vehicle crash on Washington Road. There is no reported entrapment but one person is in grave condition that was removed from one a vehicle.

West Windsor Police report:

Road Closure – Washington Rd is closed between Route 1 and Faculty Rd due to a serious motor vehicle accident

Road Closure – Washington Rd is closed between Route 1 and Faculty Rd due to a serious motor vehicle accident.

June 24, 2022

WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–West Windsor Police reported that they responded to a serious motor vehicle crash at 10:32 p.m. on June 17, 2022. The head on crash occurred on Old Trenton Road near Pennington Drive when a white Chevrolet Colorado was traveling south and crossed over into the direct path of a black Genesis G70 traveling in the northbound lane. The crash caused extensive damage and entrapped both drivers and a passenger in the vehicles. West Windsor Division of Fire and Emergency Services, Princeton Junction Fire Company and West Windsor Fire Company responded and extricated all three individuals. All involved parties were transported to the Trauma Center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center for treatment. It was reported that all parties received serious non-life threating injuries. Old Trenton Road was closed for approximately four hours for the investigation and clean up.

The lead investigator is Traffic Officer E. McQuade from the West Windsor Police Department.

West Windsor Police say that they have charged Millstone resident Romulo Alfredo Menchu Aguilar with DWI, Reckless Driving, Open Container of Alcoholic Beverages in a Motor Vehicle, and Vehicular Assault (2 Counts) in a serious crash on Old Trenton Road June 17, 2022. Romulo Alfredo Menchu Aguilar was released to the custody of the Mercer County Corrections pending a future Mercer County Superior Court Appearance. The passenger of the Chevrolet Colorado was also a resident of Millstone, NJ. The driver of the Genesis G70 was a resident of Manalapan, NJ.

Please note that charges are merely accusations and that the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Previous MidJersey.news story here:

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Saturday June 18th, 2022 :: 06:19 a.m. EDT

** Roadway re-opened ** Serious accident (road closed) – Old Trenton Rd @ Pennington. ~ 728

June 18, 2022

WEST WINDSOR TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Last night at 10:33 p.m. June 17, 2022, West Windsor Police, West Windsor Emergency Services and West Windsor Fire Department and Princeton Junction Fire Company were dispatched to Old Trenton Road near Pennington Road for a serious head on crash with three people trapped. Additional BLS ambulances were called from East Windsor, Hightstown and Robbinsville as well as paramedics from Captial Health. Within 20 minutes firefighters were able to free the trapped occupants and transfer the patients to waiting ambulances. Three “Trauma Alerts” were called and all were transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton. Fire Police from Mercer County, Windsor and West Windsor closed the roadway at Dorchester Drive and also at Village Road East. West Windsor Police are currently on scene investigating the crash with the serious crash investigation unit. Further details to follow as they become available.

Don’t forget to subscribe to our e-mail list (subscribe on the right bar of the website), Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Send photos into MidJersey.News by using the contact form and we will send you the email address to send them. The photos must be your original work and not taken by someone else or to be used without permission from the artist. Gas is +/- $5.00 a gallon and we can’t get to as many things as we would like to so all the help we can get is appreciated. This is a volunteer news site run by journalists as a public service to cover areas of NJ where traditional news agencies ignored.

Support us by buying us coffee here: https://ko-fi.com/midjerseynews

June 7, 2022

WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–West Windsor Police say that on Monday morning, June 6, 2022 (Incident 2022-16615) the West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District Superintendent’s Office and the West Windsor Township Police Department conducted a joint investigation into a Social Media Threat/Post.  The investigation yielded the following; the “threat” was determined to be Non-Credible and was initiated by a juvenile West Windsor Plainsboro High School South Student.  The juvenile was ultimately charged by the West Windsor Police Department with False Public Alarms pending a future Mercer County Juvenile Court appearance.  Although a False Public Alarm charge has been filed, the incident’s investigation remains ongoing and the threat itself was found to be Non-Credible.  

     Chief Robert Garofalo and Superintendent Dr. David Aderhold wanted to assure the WW-P community that we will act swiftly and will take immediate action whenever a a threat or perceived threat has been reported.  As always, we encourage anyone who has any knowledge of such posts/threats, to please contact your local police agency for a thorough investigation.

This Second Incident was not directly connected to the June 5, 2022 Incident where another WWPHS South Student was charged with False Public Alarms.  You can read about the June 5th incident here:

https://midjersey.news/2022/06/06/west-windsor-plainsboro-south-high-school-student-charged-with-creating-false-public-alarm-from-weekend-incident/

June 6, 2022

WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–West Windsor Police say, that on Sunday, June 5, 2022 (Incident 2022-16502) the West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District Superintendent’s Office, Plainsboro Township Police Department, and the West Windsor Township Police Department conducted a joint investigation into a Social Media Threat/Post.  The arduous investigation yielded the following; the “threat” was determined to be Non-Credible and was initiated by a juvenile West Windsor Plainsboro High School South Student.  The juvenile was ultimately charged by the West Windsor Police Department with False Public Alarms pending a future Mercer County Juvenile Court appearance.  Although a False Public Alarm charge has been filed, the incident’s investigation remains ongoing and the threat itself was found to be Non-Credible.  Subsequently, there was an uptick of police presence at all of the West Windor-Plainsboro Schools today.

     As with any type of these serious incidents that have been at the forefront nationally, Chief Garofalo wanted to thank our partners (Chief Tavener and Superintendent Dr. Aderhold) for working seamlessly in an expeditious manner.  As always, we encourage anyone who has any knowledge of such posts/threats, to please contact your local police agency for a thorough investigation.

West Windsor Township PD: (609) 799-1222
Plainsboro Township PD: (609) 799-2333

June, 3, 2022

WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–West Windsor Police and other K9 Units from the area were at Progressive Veterinary Care in Skillman today for Police K9 Cherno’s Final Walk. The K9 was 13 1/2 years old and provided service to West Windsor Police Department for 10 years. K9 Cherno was assigned to K9 Sergeant Montgomery and both have dedicated themselves to the West Windsor Police Department, the people of West Windsor, and the people of New Jersey.

West Windsor Police Chief Garofalo said, “I have no words today or will ever find the words to describe how K9 Cherno and K9 Sergeant Montgomery have dedicated themselves to this agency, the people of West Windsor, and the people of New Jersey. I will never be able to describe how this team has touched the hearts and lives of so many (Some were touched a little harder and with more teeth than others). Cherno made the WORLD a better place and his crossing will be felt by so many for a long time. Cherno, your final orders, Stay Vigilant and Report to the Rainbow Bridge to Continue to Protect & Serve as you wait for your partner and your best friend.”

West Windsor Police K9 Mackey, “Today, my big brother Cherno is crossing the rainbow bridge to run and jump and sniff it out forever. Cherno lived a long and adventurous 13 1/2 years. 10 years of service with a long list of accomplishments, and over 3 years of retirement full of treats and belly rubs. It’s amazing how much love one dog could give. Always the ladies man and always the consummate professional. Business was top priority but there was always room for a good game of fetch. To an eternity of barking as much as you want without getting yelled at. Thank you, Cherno, for paving the way for other k9’s and being my big brother. You will be missed by so many but not as much as by me. So much love 

A very big thank you to Dr. T. Without him our family would not have had as much time as we did with Cherno. 13 1/2 years. Thank you. “

May 21, 2022

WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–West Windsor Police, Emergency Service and West Windsor firefighters responded to U.S. Route 1 North Bound near Washington Road (CR-571) for an overturned vehicle into a gas station at 9:40 a.m. There were initial reports of entrapment and vehicle fire but upon arrival the occupants of vehicle were out of vehicle and was not on fire. The crash took out a gasoline pump and firefighters used an absorbent to help control the spilled gasoline. The vehicle was up righted and towed away. West Windsor Police Department is investigating the crash.

February 16, 2022

WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)—Police say that last night at 10:15 p.m., West Windsor Police received a 9-1-1 call for a motor vehicle collision on U.S. Route 1 South near the Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant.

A driver from Trenton was operating a mini motorized bike in the center lane of U.S. Route 1 South and was struck by a Ford operated by a resident of North Brunswick. The impact threw the 40-year-old female off her bike onto Route 1. The driver of the Ford immediately pulled his vehicle onto the shoulder and exited his vehicle to aid the minibike driver who was in the roadway. However, traffic was heavy and numerous vehicles struck the female as well as her motorbike in the roadway. One of the vehicles that struck her, a BMW operated by a Trenton resident, pulled over and awaited police officers’ arrival.

The driver of the minibike was pronounced dead at the scene at 11:00 p.m. by Dr. Samson of Capital Health Regional Medical Center. The minibike the female was operating did not have any lights and she was dressed in dark clothing.

US Route 1 south was closed for approximately 4 hours. NJ Dot assisted with road closures and detours in the area. Any witnesses to this collision can contact Traffic Officer Brown or Traffic Sgt. Loretucci of the West Windsor Police Dept. 609-799-1222, our Anonymous Tipline at (609) 799-0452, or Brown@westwindsorpolice.com.

Responding agencies were, West Windsor Police Department, West Windsor Fire & Emergency Services, Princeton Junction Fire Company Station 44, Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Serious Collision Response Team (SCRT), Middlesex County Medical Examiner, Capital Health Paramedics and NJ Department of Transportation.

January 15, 2022

January 16, 2022 update: Fire Officials have confirmed that the fire originated from the heater due to malfunction.

WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER) – Firefighters from several towns converged on Millstone Road, off Cranbury Road near Grovers Mill Pond, and endured frigid conditions to battle a structure fire this evening (Saturday, Jan. 15). It was about 5:01 p.m. when West Windsor firefighters were dispatched to the blaze in the one-story, multi-family residence at 15 Millstone Road. Heavy smoke was billowing from the roof when township firefighters arrived. Initially there were reports that someone might be trapped inside, so additional fire companies from East Windsor, Plainsboro, Princeton, and Lawrence were sent to the scene. Fortunately, it was quickly confirmed that no one was trapped and that everyone was safely outside. A significant amount of fire was reportedly in the attic area and firefighters had to cut multiple holes in the roof to vent heat and smoke and also access pockets of fire that were inaccessible from the interior below. The blaze was declared under control about 6:07 p.m. With temperatures staying in the teens, water runoff from firefighters’ hoselines quickly froze and created slippery conditions on both the ground and the roof.  A cat that had been inside the burning structure and was reportedly located by firefighters and reunited with its owner. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.

2nd Serious Incident Within a Month at Princeton Junction Train Station

January 10, 2022

WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–On the night of Tuesday January 4th, 2022, NJ Transit Police Department officers responded to the Princeton Junction Dinky Line for a potentially intoxicated trespasser that was struck by a train. Through the darkness, K9 Officer Roman reportedly heard cries for help coming from a swamp. Multiple officers and emergency personnel began searching through the area.

West Windsor Fire & Emergency Services were dispatched to the Princeton Junction Train Station for a reported pedestrian struck. Upon arrival members of C-Platoon met with Officer Roman & his K9 counterpart of the New Jersey Transit Police Department to look for the reported struck pedestrian. Within minutes Officer Roman and C-Platoon members heard yelling from the swampy marsh near the track.

While utilizing the thermal imaging camera from Fire & Emergency Services, the cadre of responders embarked into the swampy area where unable to definitively locate the injured subject. The air temperature during this time was approximately 28 degrees Fahrenheit, with a 7-10mph wind coming from the south. Considering the possible condition of the patient and the weather conditions, a request for the NJSP Aviation unit was initiated by Sgt. Conrad (NJTPD).

Once overhead, New Jersey State Police Aviation located the patient within 150 yards of the responders, without regard for their safety Firefighter Douglas Frueh, NJTPD Officer Ruocco, and Officer Geoghegan made their way through deep mud and ice-cold water to the patient.

Upon making patient contact Firefighter Frueh rapidly assessed the patient for injuries and what would be needed to safely remove the patient. He radioed to Captain Mitchell & Firefighter Zuber who began the trek into the unfavorable condition along with Officer Roman with equipment for removal. While waiting for the additional support the immediate injuries were tended to, and the patient’s leg was immobilized.

The patient was placed into a Reeves carrying device for extraction from the area.

This operation was a joint effort and may not have had the same outcome if all the resources hadn’t been on the scene.

All personnel sacrificed their safety and worked as a team to rescue this individual. Please remember to stay off the tracks. Every trespasser incident is avoidable!

Original MidJersey.News story here:

At another incident on December 23, 2021, Ptl. Knox and Ptl. Fattibene, were at the Princeton Junction Train Station along with Captain Bain and Firefighter Zuber (West Windsor Fire & EMS) for an intoxicated female on the southbound platform. While attending to the woman, they were alerted to a male who had just fallen from the northbound platform onto the train tracks and was lying face down and motionless across the outside rail. Ptl. Knox, Ptl. Fattibene, and Firefighter Jack Zuber jumped down onto the tracks and ran to victim to render aid while Capt. Bain stayed with the intoxicated female. The victim was found semi-conscious with a laceration to his forehead. Knowing the dangers of being on the tracks for any length of time, especially during rush hour, Ptl. Knox, Ptl. Fattibene, and Firefighter Zuber picked the victim up from the tracks and collectively lifted him back onto the platform, which was no small feat given the victims large size, limp state, and the height of the platform from the tracks. They even picked up his belongings from the tracks before jumping back to the safety of the platform. Barely a minute later, an Amtrak train traveling at a high rate of speed going northbound on the inside rail went screaming by. The victim had serious trauma to his head among other injuries and he was attended to by WW Fire & EMS members; Captain Pope, Captain Bain, Firefighter Zuber, Firefighter Jamison (Fire Marshal’s Office), and Firefighter Table. EMS 45 also transported the victim to Capital Health Regional Medical Center for treatment.

December 5, 2021

WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–During the overnight hours, (5) vehicles had tires punctured with an unknown sharp object while parked at Freedom Village.  West Windsor Police Department was alerted to this incident while also handling a Fatal Collision Involving a Pedestrian on Route 1. The WWPD is actively investigating this incident(s) of Criminal Mischief involving many victims. 

Police request that if you have any pertinent information, please call the Non-Emergency line at (609) 799-0452, Anonymous Tip Line at (609) 799-0452, Ptl. Fattibene the Investigating Officer at Fattibene@westwindsorpoliice.com

WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)—West Windsor Police were detailed to Route 1 North Bound near “The Square of West Windsor” Shopping Center for a car vs pedestrian accident at 6:22 a.m. West Windsor Emergency Services, Princeton Junction Fire Company, West Windsor Fire Company, and Capital Health Paramedics were also detailed to the scene. Paramedics pronounced the victim deceased at the scene.

Police say the initial investigation revealed that a 2015 Nissan Altima driven by a 31-year-old female Plainsboro resident was traveling north bound on US Route 1 in the right lane and was approaching the area of “The Square at West Windsor” Shopping Center. A pedestrian a 64-year-old male from West Windsor had traversed the deceleration lanes of US Route 1 north bound and entered into the right lane of US Route 1 north bound into the direct path of the Nissan Altima. The pedestrian was struck by the Nissan and continued into the shoulder portion of the roadway and came to its final resting place. The pedestrian remained mostly embedded in the vehicle’s windshield and front passenger area.

The collision yielded all US Route 1 north lanes closed from Quakerbridge Road to Meadow Road for approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes for the investigation. The West Windsor Police Department is actively requesting anyone with pertinent information about the collision to please contact the Non-Emergency line at (609) 799-1222 or Anonymous Tip Line at (609) 799-0452 or email the Lead Traffic Officer LaRocca at LaRocca@westwindsorpolice.com

Police say the investigation is ongoing and no identifications will be released at this time.  

Responding to the scene were WWPD Patrol Division, Administration, Detective Bureau, & Traffic Unit (Lead Investigators), West Windsor Division of Fire & Emergency Services (WWDFES), Princeton Junction Volunteer Fire Company (Station #44), West Windsor Volunteer Fire Company (Station #43), Capital Health Paramedics, NJSP, NJ DOT, Mercer County Prosecutors Office Serious Collision Response Team (SCRT), Middlesex County Medical Examiner’s Office

November 4, 2021

WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–West Windsor Police and West Windsor Fire and Emergency Services responded to the intersection of US Route 1 and Washington Road- CR 571 at 11:13 a.m. for an overturned truck with reported injuries. Upon arrival of police and fire it was determined that the roadway would need to be closed due to the crash. The West Windsor Fire and Emergency Services Hazardous Materials Team was also called to the scene for 40 gallons of diesel fuel and transmission fluid and oil leaking into the storm drains and soil. Preliminary information is that the truck was traveling south bound on US Route 1 and attempted to avoid a vehicle, and crashed into the NJ barrier and overturned.

No further information is available at this time. Once West Windsor Police issues a press release the story will be updated and any corrections made.

Google Maps has the area still closed as of 1:20 p.m.

September 11, 2021

WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–The West Windsor Township 9/11 “20th Anniversary” Ceremony was held at the Twin Ponds Memorial at the Ronald R. Rogers Arboretum, intersection of Clarksville and Princeton-Hightstown Road this evening.

Photos by: Brian McCarthy OnScene News

September 5, 2021

WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–The West Windsor Police Department is actively investigating numerous motor vehicle burglaries that occurred overnight late Saturday night and into early Sunday morning. The burglaries occurred in various neighborhoods throughout West Windsor Township police said.

West Windsor Police are asking residents to check home video surveillance systems for anything that appeared out of place during the overnight hours. Police are asking that if anyone sees anything suspicious to notify the police department.

Police say that there have been multiple actor(s) arriving by motor vehicle and been known to rifle though unsecured cars and/or steal them.

Police ask you to secure your vehicles and garage doors at all times and if you happen to see the actor(s) do not confront them but to call the West Windsor Police Department immediately.