FREEHOLD, NJ (MONMOUTH) – A 43-year-old man has been found guilty of stalking a then-14-year-old girl in Hazlet several years ago, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey announced Friday.
Shyam Gurung, formerly of Jersey City, was convicted by a Monmouth County Jury of fourth-degree Stalking earlier this week, following deliberations taking place over two days and a weeklong trial.
A May 2017 investigation led by the Hazlet Police Department revealed that Gurung, who was working as an Uber and Lyft driver at the time, drove his black Infiniti sedan to the area of the Hazlet Middle School on multiple occasions in order to see the victim.
On one such occasion, Gurung approached the child as she walked home from school and told her that she was “pretty,” indicating that he followed her every day. Less than a week later, Gurung was observed waiting across the street from the school as the victim began walking home. He was arrested shortly thereafter.
Gurung is scheduled to be sentenced by Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Vincent Falcetano on Friday, February 25, 2022.
Convictions on fourth-degree crimes are punishable by terms ranging from probation to 18 months in state prison. The case was handled by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Joseph Cummings of the Special Victims Bureau. Gurung was represented by Darren Gelber, Esq., with an office in Woodbridge.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mayor W. Reed Gusciora today announced that following an uptick in positive COVID-19 tests for employees, City Hall will be closed until Dec. 27, 2021 so the building can be sanitized as per COVID-19 protocol.
Essential services such as police and fire will continue normally, and additional services will be restored as department employees are cleared for work. Sanitation will continue as scheduled, except Christmas Eve (12/24) and Christmas Day (12/25).
“Due to an uptick in positive cases, a few of our employees will be spending the holiday season in quarantine away from their families,” said Mayor Gusciora. “There is no doubt COVID-19 and its variants still pose a grave risk to our residents. The best way to show your love for your family this season is to get vaccinated, get a booster if you’re eligible, and please get tested and stay away from one other if you exhibit any symptoms.”
Mercer County is approaching the pandemic high of 59 cases per 100,000 realized on Jan. 10, 2021. Currently the area is at 54.1 cases per 100,000. COVID-related hospitalizations at Mercer County hospitals is also now at a seven-day average of 84. It was 20 at the beginning of November.
According to the N.J. Department of Health, vaccine protection against the virus and the ability to prevent infection may decrease over time. Booster doses provide essential additional protection. While more than 70 percent of residents have received their primary vaccine series, only 34 percent of residents eligible have received a booster.
The CDC recommends that all individuals 5 and older should get vaccinated. In addition, Pfizer booster doses are available for those ages 16 and older at least six months after completion of their primary Pfizer vaccination. Moderna recipients age 18+ are also eligible six months after completing their primary series, while Johnson & Johnson vaccine recipients age 18+ are eligible at least two months after a one-dose vaccine.
For an updated list of vaccine and booster opportunities in our area as well as testing and other helpful information, visit: https://trentonhealthteam.org/covidvaccine/.
In order to keep loved ones and first responders safe, city residents are asked to follow these recommendations from the CDC, the N.J. Department of Health, and the City of Trenton Department of Health:
Stay home if you are sick.
Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds.
Use hand sanitizer if you’re without soap and water.
Monitor your health through daily temperature checks and look for signs of COVID-19. Limit your contact with people who exhibit cough, fever, fatigue, chills, loss of taste or smell, diarrhea, vomiting, sore throat, difficulty breathing, congestion and runny nose.
Practice social distancing by remaining at least six feet apart from other residents and avoiding crowds.
Wear a face mask in public.
File Photos
Trenton, N.J. – Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey (CPNJ) announced today that due to increasing challenges from the pandemic and concerns about ensuring the safety of orchestra members and its devoted audience, it has postponed its concert scheduled for New Year’s Eve, 2021.
“This is certainly disappointing to all of us, especially as it concerns this long-standing Trenton tradition.” said Gloria Teti, president of CPNJ. “Throughout this pandemic the board of trustees has consistently and proactively implemented policies that prioritize the health and safety of our orchestra members and our audience. But recent developments involving new COVID variants have raised the possibility that these steps may not be adequate to safeguard our orchestra and audience.”
CPNJ has not yet selected a date for the postponed event. Music Director Daniel Spalding will consult with the orchestra’s board about setting a new date for the postponed concert in Spring 2022. As details are finalized, ticket holders will be notified and offered options for returning or exchanging tickets.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Nearly the entire on-duty strength of the Trenton Fire Department was mobilized to battle a fire involving both sides of a 2-1/2- story duplex in the 900 block of Carteret Avenue this afternoon (Friday, Dec. 10). A total of six engine companies, three ladder companies, and Rescue Co. 1 responded to the blaze, which went to two alarms plus an extra engine. Only one on-duty Trenton engine company was not committed to the fire and remained available – with mutual aid companies from surrounding towns – to protect the city in case another emergency occurred. Alerted just before 1:30 p.m., first-due companies arrived to find heavy fire showing from the second floor of the attached homes at 904 and 906 Carteret Avenue. The second alarm was ordered shortly before 1:45 p.m., then about 15 minutes later an additional engine was called for extra manpower. Around 2:32 p.m. the incident commander reported that the bulk of the fire had been knocked down. The fire was officially placed under control at 2:51 p.m. At one point firefighters requested police to the scene due to a reported altercation with a distraught civilian but the specific nature and outcome of that dispute was not immediately known. The Red Cross was requested to the scene to help shelter displaced residents.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER) – Governor Murphy today signed the Motorbus and Passenger Rail Service Employee Violence Prevention Act (S4701) to create new tools for protecting transit workers throughout the state. In addition to upgrading the penalty for all assaults on a motorbus or autobus operator, an operator’s supervisor, or a rail passenger employee, the bill enables NJ TRANSIT and other carriers to suspend or prohibit from ridership individuals who commit assaults against employees and ensures NJ TRANSIT and private bus companies equip all buses and trains with communications systems to quickly contact law enforcement in an emergency.
“I cannot overstate the value of the hardworking people who ensure the safe, efficient operations of our mass transit system,” said Governor Murphy. “It is critical that we protect New Jersey’s frontline transportation workers who provide vital services to commuters across our state. These essential safeguards will promote better environments for passengers and employees.”
Primary sponsors of S4701 include Senators Patrick J. Diegnan, Jr. and Robert Singer, and Assembly Members Daniel R. Benson, Yvonne Lopez, and Harold J. Wirths.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has proven that deadly viruses can spread easily and quickly on mass transit because of the limited distance between passengers. However, as NJ public train and bus operators work to continue to give riders a safe experience, they, themselves find their health at risk with unruly passengers,” said Senator Diegnan. “Signing this legislation will take steps to ensure that NJ TRANSIT operators are physically protected from harm and exposure at the hands of unruly passengers.”
“There have been too many instances where bus and train operators have been assaulted by unruly passengers,” said Senator Robert Singer. “These violent attacks put the lives of the operator and every other passenger at risk. This new law will significantly increase the penalties for these dangerous assaults and help make our transportation systems safer.”
“Transportation workers are far too often subjected to vicious attacks by irate passengers for simply doing their jobs,” said Assemblyman Benson. “This new law will work towards preventing that violence while making it clear these attacks unacceptable. Our bus and rail employees must be protected as they fulfill their critical duties on behalf of the hundreds of thousands of commuters in our state.”
“The hard-working employees on our trains and buses are invaluable to New Jersey’s transportation system and deserve our respect,” said Assemblywoman Lopez. “It is unacceptable that so many of these employees fear for their safety due to the frequency of violent attacks, which have only been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. We must put safeguards in place to enable a safer working environment going forward.”
“Since the pandemic, mass transit employees have put their lives on the line while being asked to do more than ever before. We need to do a better job of protecting our front-line mass transit workers while sending a strong message to passengers that assaults will be punished to the fullest extent of the law,” said Assemblyman Hal Wirths. “Upgrading fines and implementing additional safety measures will go a long way toward ensuring a smoother ride for employees and law-abiding passengers alike.”
S4701 requires NJ TRANSIT and motorbus companies to coordinate with law enforcement and transit police to help protect bus operators and rail employees on potentially problematic routes. The bill also requires NJ TRANSIT and motorbus companies to establish an employee assistance program for bus operators and rail employees that have been assaulted and to provide periodic de-escalation to bus operators and rail employees and to make such training available to other transportation operators in the state in order to develop best practices.
“Governor Murphy’s commitment to transportation workers has been highly visible throughout his administration,” said Jerome Johnson, General President and Chairman of SMART-TD Local 60. “I am proud to support legislation that protects the safety and well-being of the hard-working men and women who make our state run.”
“The Amalgamated Transit Union commends Governor Murphy’s unwavering support for our transit workers who are frontline heroes, tasked with the essential job of keeping our state moving. Today’s signing of the Motorbus and Passenger Rail Service Employee Violence Prevention Act calls for increased penalties on those who attack transit workers, and will provide critical mental health assistance and support to victims of an attack,” said Ray Greaves, ATU International Vice President. “This is undoubtedly meaningful legislation that will better protect our members and those who ride mass transit. Our thanks and appreciation to Governor Murphy for today’s signing and to all those who worked so hard to make this happen.”
“At NJ TRANSIT, the safety of our employees is of paramount importance and we are pleased that Governor Murphy is signing this important bill into law,” said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kevin S. Corbett. “This legislation is critical to ensuring our frontline employees, many of whom I ride with on my daily commute, are protected while delivering the essential transit services our customers depend on every day.”
“In New Jersey, assaults on NJ Transit workers have increased and become more violent with passengers refusing to follow the federal mask mandate on public transit,” said ATU Chairman, Orlando Riley. Our members are the subject of that abuse, which not only endangers them, but the passengers they’re responsible for. We thank Governor Murphy for recognizing the importance of this legislation to protect our members and the leadership of Assemblyman Daniel Benson, Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez, and Assemblyman Harold Wirths in getting this bill to the finish line.”
For a List of Emergency Snow Routes and Alternative Parking Locations, Visit www.trentonnj.org/snow
January 6, 2022
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mayor W. Reed Gusciora today asked residents to sign up for alerts and prepare for an approaching winter storm system that could bring three to six inches of snow from Thursday evening through Friday morning.
Department of Public Works vehicles have been applying brine on main roads since 8:00 a.m. The City will commence plowing operations when snowfall reaches four inches. Trenton residents are required to move their vehicles from snow-emergency routes as required by City Ordinance 14-2.10.
Alternative parking is available at public school parking lots for the duration of the storm. For a list of snow routes and available parking lots, visit www.trentonnj.org/snow.
Residents should sign up for the City’s Emergency Broadcast System to receive updates on when to move their cars to alternative parking lots, when to return them to the street and if trash collection will be cancelled, among other important information:
To receive text alerts, text ‘Trenton411’ to 99411.
To receive voice message alerts, sign up at trentonnj.org/reverse911.
While the city will send robocalls and text alerts before plowing begins, residents are encouraged to move their vehicles off snow routes before it starts snowing.
Starting at 6:00 p.m. TPD patrol officers will begin driving through neighborhoods and using their public address systems to remind residents to move their vehicles before plowing begins.
Residents who do not comply will have their vehicles towed at their expense. Residents whose vehicles are towed can contact the Trenton Police Department non-emergency telephone number at (609) 989-4170.
Single individuals can go to the Rescue Mission on 89 Ewing Street, which can be reached at (609) 695-1436.
Starting at 8:00 p.m. tonight, families that need a warming center can go to the Jennye Stubblefield Center on 301 Prospect St or the Sam Naples Senior Center on 611 Chestnut Ave. Transportation can be arranged if necessary by calling 609-989-3462.
The City also reminds residents to keep the following numbers nearby during the storm:
Tenants who have no heat and cannot reach their landlord should call (609) 989-3560 and leave a message. An inspector from the City’s Department of Inspections will return their call.
Residents that need emergency assistance should dial 911. Residents that need non-emergency assistance, can reach the Trenton Police Department at (609) 989-4170.
Power outages should be reported to PSE&G at 1-(800) 436-PSEG.
Downed trees, flooding, and other weather-related damage should be reported to the Office of Emergency Management at (609) 989-4200.
DPW Director Onitiri walking Mayor Gusciora though the new snow vehicle’s featuresDPW began laying down brine and prepping salt vehicles early this morningTrenton has plenty of salt but can contract for more if needed
EAST AMWELL, NJ (HUNTERDON)–According to the New Jersey State Police, Troopers responded at 12:39 p.m. to a motor vehicle crash on State Highway 31 southbound milepost 15, East Amwell, Hunterdon County.
Based on a preliminary investigation a Freightliner was traveling north on State Highway 31. A Toyota was traveling south on State Highway 31. The Freightliner entered the southbound lanes and collided with the Toyota. Driver of the Toyota, Qaneta A. Zaafar, 80-year-old female of Lambertville, N.J. sustained fatal injuries.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Tis the Season, Trenton Opens the Holiday Season with a Concert & Tree Lighting at City Hall this evening. On Scene News Photos By Brian McCarthy
Newly hired TSA officer hailed as a hero for saving infant’s life
December 23, 2021
NEWARK, NJ –When Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officer Cecilia Morales heard people screaming for help, she knew if she didn’t act quickly, the outcome was going to be grim.
A young mother picked up her two-month old son from his car carrier seat to carry him through the security checkpoint at a Newark Liberty International Airport, but when the mom lifted him up, she saw that the boy wasn’t breathing. She immediately sought help from her co-travelers and shouted for help when she realized her attempts at rousing her son were unsuccessful.
Morales, a trained emergency medical technician (EMT) with 10 years of experience serving in several Northern New Jersey towns, shouted instructions over to the mother “but she was so nervous and I knew if I didn’t get over there, it wasn’t going to be a good outcome. I jumped over the checkpoint conveyor belt rollers and she gave me the baby. I performed the infant Heimlich maneuver on him.” She held the infant carefully to keep his airway open. Then she placed him face down on her arm and patted him on the back. No response. She tried again, and the second time he started to breathe again.
“The mother was too nervous and in shock to hold her son, so I carried the infant through the walk through metal detector” and waited for the pediatric EMT to arrive to give the baby some oxygen a short time later.
Morales, a Newark resident who joined TSA in late October, previously performed the Heimlich on adults and children as an EMT, but this was the first time she had performed the life-saving technique on an infant.
“Two months on the job and she’s literally a life-saver,” said Thomas Carter, TSA’s Federal Security Director for New Jersey. “Officer Morales’s quick reaction and actions helped ensure that this family will have a happy holiday season. Her actions were inspiring.”
“I saw the video afterward,” Morales said. “It was the first time I’ve ever seen myself in action, saving a life. It was mind-blowing to watch. I felt that my training and experience just took over.”
“If Officer Morales did not utilize her critical thinking, knowledge and quick response, perhaps we could have had a terrible outcome,” said TSA Manager Ayrana Frazier. “In the moment Officer Morales was selfless, and her priority was to save a life. We are proud to call her one of our own.”
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Yesterday December 24, 2021 the Trenton Fire Department along with Mayor Reed Gusciora and Fire Director Kenneth Douglas presented several thousand toys at Trenton Fire Headquarters between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. The toys were distributed on a first come, first served basis.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Around 10:05 p.m. the Trenton Police Department, Trenton EMS, Capital Health Paramedics responded to Calhoun Street originally reported as 19 Calhoun for a shooting victim. TEMS and Capital Health Paramedics transported to the Trauma Center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center and a “Trauma Alert” was called.
According to Sgt. Ponticiello from the Trenton Police Department, a gas station attendant was shot one time in the back. He was responsive when officers arrived and is being treated at the Trauma Center at Captial Health Regional Medical Center, condition unknown at this time. Only one round was fired. That is all the information that is available at this time.
Check back for further updates as information becomes available.
Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com
File Photos
Photo by CDC on Pexels.com
NJ Transit Photos
Photos courtesy of: NJ Public Safety News Alerts, Dutch J Greensweight
TSA Officer Cecilia Morales. (TSA photo) TSA Officer Cecilia Morales. (TSA photo)
