June 5, 2020
Photos by: Brian McCarthy OnScene News
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Trenton Fire Department responded to Parkside Avenue near Edgewood Ave for a vehicle stuck in water and occupants needed to be rescued after a heavy thunderstorm moved though the area.
Photos by: Brian McCarthy OnScene News
May 2, 2021
UPPER FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Around 7:45 pm last night May 1, 2021, the Hope Fire Company of Allentown Station 82-1 was dispatched to the Assunpink Lake main parking lot for a raft loosing air with three people on board including a child. Firefighters responded to the ramp and put two boats in service. After making contact with the distress sinking raft it was found that no one was injured and the raft was towed back to shore. The occupants were evaluated by Allentown-Capital Health EMS. NJ State Police also responded and assisted locating the raft. Game wardens from the NJ Division of Fish And Game were also on scene doing an investigation. There were unconfirmed reports that occupants of the raft did not have personal flotation devices but was unable to be confirmed at this time.
Do not venture out on any body of water without a personal flotation device worn or in your possession.
From Hope Fire Company:
Assunpink Water RescueThis evening, HFC volunteers were dispatched to a boater in distress on the Assunpink Lake. Chief 8266 with Marine 1 and 2 in tow responded with Engine 8276 and Utility 8286 to the boat ramp. Marine 1 and 2 were launched within minutes of each other, en route to the distressed boaters. Initial contact was made by Marine 1 to find the boaters uninjured and able to be towed to the nearest shore point. In all, 3 victims were safely returned to shore and all units were back in service within two hours.
Photos: Hope Fire Company
November 6, 2020
Related MidJersey.News story here: Fatal Shooting On Spring Street
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–A joint investigation conducted by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Special Investigations Unit concluded this week with the arrest of two Trenton men for the October 5 murder of Derek Colley, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri announced today.
Joseph Kaite, 19, and Tabika Hale, 25, both of Trenton, are each charged with one count of first-degree murder, one count of second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, one count of second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon and one count of first-degree conspiracy. Kaite was arrested Wednesday evening in Trenton. Officers observed him involved in a drug transaction in the area of New York and North Olden avenues and when they attempted to take him into custody, he tried to flee and rammed a police vehicle. No injuries were reported and Kaite was then taken into custody without further incident. Hale was arrested Thursday evening in Trenton by the U.S. Marshals NY/NJ Regional Fugitive Task Force. The prosecutor’s office is filing motions to detain both defendants.
At approximately 3:40 p.m. on October 5, 2020, the Trenton police received a call for a male shot inside a deli market in the 200 block of Spring Street. Upon arrival, police found Derek Colley, 26, bleeding from multiple gunshots wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Officers located numerous .40 and .45 shell casings scattered inside the deli market, primarily in the rear of the store.
MCHTF detectives reviewed video surveillance footage from the area and observed a silver Hyundai Genesis circle the area prior to the shooting and immediately following the shooting of Colley. Prior to the murder, the silver Hyundai Genesis traveled down Spring Street before it turned left onto White Street.
Two black males are seen exiting the vehicle, both wearing hoodies over their heads and both appearing to be wearing gloves. A third male remained in the driver’s seat of the vehicle. The two males are observed entering the store, both with handguns in their hands, and a store clerk and customer are observed running out of the store toward Prospect Street. Colley is seen standing in the rear left side of the store and began to walk to the right side. He looked down the aisle closest to him and observed one of the gunmen walking down the aisle with the gun raised. Colley started to run down the second aisle, but was unable to due to the second gunmen who began to fire his handgun at Colley. Colley then ran to the rear of the store where he fell and was shot multiple times. Both gunmen ran from the store and go into the Hyundai Genesis, which flees the scene.
A lookup of the silver Hyundai Genesis’ registration revealed the vehicle was reported stolen out of Trenton between October 1 and October 2. Further investigation revealed that Kaite and Hale were the gunmen.
Following Kaite’s arrest, search warrants were executed at his residence on Rossell Avenue and at an apartment on Beakes Street. During the search of Kaite’s residence, an AR-15 style rifle with an extended magazine, various ammunition, various firearm magazines and heroin were located. A black Cadillac that was also used in connection with the homicide was recovered and is impounded pending a search warrant.
Prosecutor Onofri thanked the Mercer County Homicide Task Force, his SIU, the Mercer County Tactical Response Team, Trenton Police SWAT and the U.S. Marshals Service for their assistance with the investigation and arrests.
The shooting remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the Homicide Task Force at (609) 989-6406. Information can also be emailed to [email protected].
Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Joseph Kaite, 19, and Tabika Hale, 25, both of Trenton, are each charged with one count of first-degree murder, one count of second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, one count of second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon and one count of first-degree conspiracy.
October 5, 2020 murder scene on Spring Street. Photos and video by: Brian McCarthy OnScene News
October 5, 2020 – Updated to include press release
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Governor Murphy announced today that the NJ Fish and Game Council has proposed an amendment to end the bear hunt after the 2020 season.
The 2020 bear hunt will be the LAST. The New Jersey Fish and Game Council has proposed an amendment to the Game Code that will:
SUSPEND the bear hunt following the conclusion of the 2020 season
Remove the current Comprehensive Black Bear Management Police from the Game Code
The 2020 bear hunt will be the LAST.The New Jersey Fish and Game Council has proposed an amendment to the Game Code that will:☑️SUSPEND the bear hunt following the conclusion of the 2020 season
☑️Remove the current Comprehensive Black Bear Management Policy from the Game Code
See related MidJersey.News stories here: Police Look For Help In Finding Truck That Damaged SBHS
South Brunswick Police Seek Investigating Odd Crime Of Stealing Flowers From Front Lawns
September 24, 2020
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Chief Raymond J. Hayducka of the South Brunswick Police Department announced today that arrests had been made in two recent cases of criminal mischief and thefts around the Township. “The damage to the high school may be over $10,000 and the thefts of items right off homeowners’ front lawns left many feeling uneasy. These cases impacted our community and with help from the community and good police work, arrests were made,” said Chief Hayducka.
On Wednesday, September 23rd, South Brunswick Police sought the assistance of the public and our surrounding law enforcement agencies in identifying the individual who drove his truck on the sports fields at South Brunswick High School, causing thousands of dollars’ worth of damage. Several residents along with surrounding law enforcement agencies provided tips on the identity of the suspect responsible for the damage. On Thursday, September 24th, in collaboration with surrounding police agencies, a lead was developed. A suspect was identified and the pickup truck was located at a North Brunswick location. Detectives took David E. French age 20 of North Brunswick into custody.
The investigation determined that French had no connection to the high school and was going off roading with his truck when he drove across the fields. French was charged with Criminal Mischief, a 3rd degree crime due to the amount of damage done to the fields. He was processed and released on a summons with a court date scheduled.
South Brunswick Police announced that they have brought to an end the overnight landscaping thefts that had targeted the Kendall Park neighborhoods for the past three weeks. At least eight township residents called police to report that during evening or overnight hours, thieves entered their yards and stole solar landscaping lights, potted flowers, a bird feeder, and lawn decorations. As these incidents unfolded, several victims took to social media to warn others about the thieves, which, in turn, prompted additional victims to come forward. As police began to investigate these thefts, video of the actors was obtained from multiple sources, including numerous video doorbells. A description of the actors, a white male and a white female driving a white Ford Explorer Sport Track Pickup, was developed, and suspects identified. South Brunswick Detective Brady Shelcusky realized the vehicle described one he had seen on a previous case. He went to the suspect’s address in Franklin Township and observed several items that had been stolen from South Brunswick lawns adorning the suspect’s front lawn. Detective Shelcusky linked the homes occupants -Danielle Viszneki, age 35 years and her fiancé James Baker age 51, to all of the thefts. The investigation uncovered that the two would drive around different neighborhoods and steal lighting, flowers, and other landscaping to spruce up their own front lawns. Detective Shelcusky collected all the stolen items and returned them to different homeowners.
Both actors were charged with Theft of Movable Property, a 4th degree offense. They were processed and released on summonses.
June 30, 2022
FALLS TOWNSHIP/FAIRLESS HILLS, PA (BUCKS)–A large fire at a scrap yard in the Fairless Hills section of Falls Township send smoke billowing into Mercer and Burlington Counties this afternoon. The fire appeared to be coming from behind Mazza Iron & Steel a family owned and operated metal recycling company based in Fairless Hills. A large column of smoke could be seen for miles and 9-1-1 centers fielded calls about the smoke condition. Falls Township Fire Company along with many mutual aid fire departments were on scene combating the fire. Fire departments called it a “rubbish” fire on Solar Drive in Falls Township.
A video from Levittown Fire Company Facebook page here:
October 28, 2020 updated 12:45 pm
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Robbinsville Police, Robbinsville Fire Department and Public Works are on scene of a gas leak at the corner of Union Street and Washington Boulevard. It is reported that a contractor using a digger struck a gas line at 11:35 am. The gas main is leaking and crews are waiting for PSE&G to arrive and stop the leak.
PSE&G gas has arrived at 12:10 pm
PSE&G has stopped the leak at 12:45 pm. all police and fire units are returning to their stations.
Mayor thanks community, city leaders for collaborations and interventions aimed at curbing violence
August 31, 2022
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mayor Reed Gusciora announced today that the City of Trenton has made significant progress in reducing violent crime, specifically gun-related homicides, through collaborative initiatives and social intervention efforts.
The Gusciora administration deployed several social interventions with the primary or ancillary goal of affecting a noticeable decline in violent crime. Since June 1, 2022, there have been no homicides in the City of Trenton.
“While violent crime has continued to surge in other cities across America this summer, Trenton is doing what it takes to become a leader in urban violent crime reduction,” Mayor Reed Gusciora said. “We are pulling out all the stops to ensure that the Capital City is a safe place for all who live, work, learn, and play here. With the help of our law enforcement partners and members of our community, we are innovating to establish a new public safety standard and we are doing it together.”
Mayor Reed Gusciora
Relative both to historical levels of crime occurring last summer and to this time last year, homicides and shootings are down. Year-to-date, the City has seen a 62% reduction in shooting homicides, down from 21 last year to eight this year. The City has also seen a 46% reduction in overall homicides year-to-date, down from 22 last year to 12 this year.
The City of Trenton adopted the Strategic Integrated Policing philosophy, which aims to address crime through a two-level approach in addition to stepping up enforcement: (1) target the deployment of City resources, such as recreational opportunities, mental health and public health services, and blight reduction efforts towards vulnerable communities, and (2) collaborate with local, county, state, and federal law enforcement to prevent gun violence and de-escalate situations.
“The Trenton Police Department’s investments in long-term public safety and neighborhood wellness are paying off, and our collaborations with other law enforcement agencies have enhanced the Department’s capacity to prevent crimes from taking place and find the offenders when they do,” Trenton Police Director Steve Wilson said. “The efforts of our officers out in the community make our streets safer every day for residents, business owners, and visitors to the Capital City.”
Trenton Police Director Steve Wilson
The Real Time Crime Center, one such collaboration, is an informational nerve center tying in the Trenton Police Department, Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, and New Jersey State Police.
The Real Time Crime Center, one such collaboration, is an informational nerve center tying in the Trenton Police Department, Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, and New Jersey State Police.
This operational asset has fostered unprecedented cooperation through the ability to share high-quality intelligence that prevents crime and increases violent crime clearance rates. The City, in conjunction with Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, currently has a clearance rate of 35% for incidents of persons struck with a bullet, higher than the national average of 25% to 30%.
The administration recently launched Trenton Community Street Teams, a community violence intervention initiative that is a collaboration between the Trenton Health and Human Services Department, Trenton Police Department, and Trenton-based community development and environmental organization Isles, Inc.
The initiative empowers civilian leaders (including formerly incarcerated and justice-impacted citizens) in Trenton to mediate conflicts in areas at high-risk for violent crime. The teams also provide support for community members affected by violent crime and will be ensuring safe passage for children in the coming school year.
As part of their outreach, the Trenton Community Street Teams are hosting public safety forums with higher education institutions and engaging in weekly community walks in areas impacted by violence. This initiative will foster critical conversations with the goal of preventing violence and supporting vulnerable community members.
Another such measure underway is Trenton’s CHANGE Committee, an 11-member civilian public safety panel that is charged with reviewing and making recommendations on public safety in the Capital City. After kicking off in June, the committee is currently establishing subcommittees through which other residents may contribute and will being issuing their first report this Fall.
During the summer season, the City hired more than 200 city youth for summer employment with federal grant funding. Research suggests that offering youth a summer job can even reduce urban violent crime even after the summer ended.
Additionally, the City operated its Summer Youth Camp, which ran from June 20 to August 26, provided breakfast and lunch to 6- to 12-year-olds and engaged the children in field trips, arts and crafts projects, and swimming. Recreation Supervisor La’Keisha Sutton, a Trenton native and a former Harlem Globetrotter, oversaw ten weeks of free summer basketball offered from June 20 through September 1.
Prior to the summer, the Health and Human Services Department hired multiple mental health counselors and the Police Department increased the number of new officers.
“We are not done, not by a mile,” Gusciora said, “but we are proud of the progress being made. I want to thank the leaders out there doing the work and I want to encourage more members of our community to become a part of the multi-faceted solution. We can do this together.”
Names of the 2022 homicide victims in the City of Trenton:
Trenton Murders Per Year Since 1989
NJ State Police Uniform Crime Report available here: https://www.njsp.org/ucr/uniform-crime-reports.shtml
1989 = 22
1990 = 21
1991 = 7
1992 = 16
1993 = 11
1994 = 9
1995 = 16
1996 = 14
1997 = 12
1998 = 15
1999 = 8
2000 = 14
2001 = 13
2002 = 19
2003 = 13
2004 = 18
2005 = 31
2006 = 18
2007 = 25
2008 = 19
2009 = 18
2010 = 15
2011 = 23
2012 = 24
2013 = 37
2014 = 32
2015 = 17
2016 = 21
2017 = 23
2018 = 16
2019 = 15
2020 = 40
2021 = 40
2022 = 12 as of 8/31/2022 at 5:30 p.m.
Yesterday’s Midjersey.News story about the crash here: BREAKING: Route 130 Closed By Voelbel For Accident Investigation, Driver Of Box Truck Rescued From Fire And Crash
October 30, 2020
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–A South Brunswick family is in need of funds and prayers for their father who was injured in a Robbinsville crash yesterday. Their father on his way home from work in his contractor style box truck was hit head on by a tractor trailer that crossed the median strip on Route 130. The vehicle caught fire during the crash and a valiant rescue effort from civilians, police and firefighters ensued, by using portable fire extinguishers until fire apparatus could arrive and fully extinguish the fire. Even after the fire was extinguished the man had to be extricated from the wreckage. Robbinsville Fire Department EMS and paramedics rushed the man to the Trauma Center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton. The man was transferred and flown to the burn unit at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia where the family has reported on their fog fund me page that he is critical condition.
The family is seeking prayers and help from anyone can help with the Go FundMe see link below:
Go FundMe page here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/Francescorussocontractors
Hi everyone, my name is Fabiana Russo. I am a senior in highschool, some of you may know my father the contractor Francesco Russo. I am raising money for him and his truck that burned down into flames with him inside, on October 29th due to a head on three vehicle collision. My dad was in his truck on his way back home after finishing a job, and head on got hit by a trailer tractor. This occurred in Robbinsville on route130, his box truck went in flames and unfortunately so did my father. He is in critical condition and I don’t know how he is going to make it out. I’m praying and I’m asking for all of you who see this your prayers as well. This money will go towards any of the surgeries if not covered as well as his truck that he has nothing left of. Me and my family would be beyond grateful for your contributes and thank you for listening. If you cannot contribute, I would just ask you to pray for my strong Dad. Thank you all! If you’d like to know further details here you go.
Link down below. https://midjersey.news/2020/10/29/breaking-route-130-closed-by-voelbel-for-accident-investigation-driver-of-box-truck-rescued-from-fire-and-crash/amp/
February 12, 2020
On Scene News Photos and story provided by Brian McCarthy
Trenton, N.J. – The New Jersey State Police have arrested three men and one woman in connection to the shooting of a task force vehicle earlier today in Trenton.
Based on the preliminary investigation, at approximately 2:17 p.m., a Hamilton Township police officer assigned to the New Jersey State Police Crime Suppression Central Unit Task Force observed a shooting in progress in the area of West State Street and Parkside Avenue.
The officer, who was operating an unmarked task force vehicle, followed the suspect vehicle to the area of the Oakland Park Apartments on Coolidge Avenue when he was fired upon. The task force car was struck, but the officer was not injured.
When the suspect vehicle stopped, multiple occupants fled on foot. At this time, three male suspects and one female suspect are in State Police custody, and several weapons have been recovered.
This is an active investigation, and there is no additional information available.
Photos by Brian McCarthy
February 12, 2020
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–In continuing the process of putting together his new leadership team, Hamilton Township Mayor Jeff Martin announces his picks for Director of Law and Assistant Municipal Attorney, Deputy Business Administrator, and Deputy Chief of Staff.
The Department of Law will be led by Elissa Grodd Schragger, Esq. Grodd Schragger is a seasoned attorney and litigator with broad experience in municipal, civil and criminal matters. Most recently serving as an associate at Mason, Griffin, Pierson, P.C., she focused on litigation, local government, and land use law. Grodd Schragger is barred in the US District Court for the District of New Jersey, and the states of New Jersey and Florida where she earned her J.D. from the University of Miami School of Law.
Serving under Grodd Schragger as Assistant Municipal Attorney is Hamilton resident, Jennifer M. Eugene, Esq. Eugene most recently served as an Assistant Prosecutor for Mercer County in the Internet Crimes Against Children and Special Victim’s Units. She earned her J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law and is barred in New Jersey, the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, and the United State Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.
Schragger states: “I would like to thank Mayor Martin for this tremendous opportunity to serve the residents of Hamilton Township. Both Jennifer and I are eager to bring our experience to assist this Administration and the Township with its legal matters.”
For Deputy Business Administrator, Mayor Martin selected Hamilton resident, Mark Murranko. Murranko has previously worked with the New Jersey State Police for over thirty years, retiring at the rank of Major. He has over a decade of experience in various leadership roles within the law enforcement agency, including serving as the Commanding Officer to the Administrative Section. In this role, he provided oversight of administrative functions related to maintaining the daily operational needs of 4,500 employees. Murranko earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Administration of Justice and Human Services from Thomas Edison State College before receiving a Juris Doctorate from Rutgers University Law School.
“I am honored to be a part of Mayor Martin’s administration,” says Murranko. “I thank the Mayor for the opportunity to serve and look forward to working with the team he has put together to make a positive difference for the residents of Hamilton.”
For the position of Deputy Chief of Staff, Mayor Martin has selected Kate Bradley, a lifelong resident of Hamilton. Bradley has previously worked as Legislative Director to Assemblyman Dan Benson where she balanced the Assemblyman’s legislative agenda and constituent casework file. She is a graduate of Rider University.
“It is clear from their professional backgrounds that each individual in this new administration have an uncompromising devotion to public service,” says Mayor Martin. “Hamilton Township residents will be in trustworthy hands and I am thrilled that Elissa, Jennifer, Mark and Kate have accepted the offer to join us.”
In addition, these moves were made by filling vacant positions.
Deputy Business Administrator, Mark Murranko. Murranko has previously worked with the New Jersey State Police for over thirty years, retiring at the rank of Major. He has over a decade of experience in various leadership roles within the law enforcement agency, including serving as the Commanding Officer to the Administrative Section.
The Department of Law will be led by Elissa Grodd Schragger, Esq. Grodd Schragger is a seasoned attorney and litigator with broad experience in municipal, civil and criminal matters.Photos provided
February 12, 2020
FREEHOLD – A Neptune Township man who coached a competitive youth softball team is facing charges of theft after he misused about $14,000 of the team’s funds earmarked for traveling expenses and tournament costs, announced Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni.
Michael Lane, 54, of Neptune Township, was charged Monday with third degree Theft by Unlawful Taking and third degree Misapplication of Entrusted Property by detectives from the Tinton Falls Police Department with assistance from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office.
Lane, in his capacity as the coach for the Monmouth Surf softball team (a youth sports travel team) since 2013, received money from players to cover traveling expenses and tournament costs. But last July 2019, parents for the players were informed by Lane he misused the funds given to him for personal use and the money was no longer available. He then informed parents he would pay back the funds but the player’s participation would have to be cancelled. When money was not paid back, parents reported the crime to law enforcement and an investigation by the Tinton Falls Police Department, with assistance from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, revealed the defendant did not utilize the funds for the softball team and instead deposited approximately $14,000 of the stolen money into his personal account.
If convicted of the third degree crimes, Lane faces up to five years in a New Jersey state prison on each count.The case is assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Diane Aifer. Lane is represented by Jacqueline E. Cistaro, Esq. of New York.
Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.
FREEHOLD, NJ – The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders was recently notified by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs that the State reached the major milestone of 1,000 shared services agreements achieved since the beginning of 2019, 214 of these agreements stemming from Monmouth County.
“Since its creation in 2011, shared services in Monmouth County have generated more than $40 million,” said Freeholder Director Thomas A. Arnone, liaison to the Office of Shared Services. “Two of the County’s largest shared services agreements that I am most proud of include the 9-1-1 Communications Center, which I commend Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden for running the best 9-1-1 Communications Center in the State, and the agreement with Naval Weapons Station (NWS) Earle.”
The Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office 9-1-1 Communications Center serves as a hub for County-wide emergency services, generating a revenue of $4,360,766.38 in 2019. This agency handled communications and dispatching for 46 municipalities, 26 police departments, 43 fire districts as well as 38 EMS and rescue squads.
In 2018, the County entered into a shared services agreement with NWS Earle, which includes traffic signal maintenance, unimproved road maintenance, snow and ice control and storm drainage repairs among other services. This was the first shared services agreement in the State between County government and the U.S. Navy.
“All 53 municipalities share some type of service with the County and I cannot thank County Department and Division Heads enough for dedicating the time and energy to expanding shared services,” said Freeholder Director Arnone. “Whether it is municipal police departments, fire departments, first aid squads, authorities, commissions, public school or institutions of higher learning, all shared services have been positively impacting municipal budgets while delivering quality services to residents. “
“The County’s Office of Shared Services has truly paved the way for other counties to streamline the process, create greater cost savings for taxpayers and offer new revenue opportunities,” said Freeholder Director Arnone. “Throughout 2020, I plan to continue promoting shared services by meeting with municipal committees and elected officials with Monmouth County’s full-time Shared Services Coordinator, Liz Perez, to explain how shared service agreements benefit the taxpayer.”
For more information about Monmouth County Shared Services, call 732-431-7460, ext. 2115 or go to www.visitmonmouth.com.