May 2023

June 28, 2021

WALL TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–On Sunday, June 27, 2021 at approximately 10:09 a.m. the Wall Township Police Department responded to the area 2415 State Highway 35 for a report of a head-on collision.  The on scene investigation revealed that a 26-year-old Wall Township man, was operating a 2017 BMW on State Highway 35 southbound when he collided with a 2013 Toyota Camry being operated by an 82-year-old Brick Township man that was traveling northbound of State Highway 35.

The driver of the Toyota Camry was extricated from his vehicle by South Wall Fire Rescue.  He suffered serious injuries and was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center by Wall Township Police Emergency Medical Services.  Hackensack-Meridian paramedics were on scene and assisted with first aid.  The 26-year-old driver of the BMW was also transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center by Wall Township Police Emergency Medical Services for minor injuries.

State Highway 35 was shut down from the Manasquan Traffic Circle to Lakewood Road for approximately three and half hours while members of the Wall Township Police Department, Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office and Monmouth County Serious Collision Analysis Response Team investigated the collision.  The New Jersey State Police and the New Jersey Department of Transportation Emergency Response Team also responded to the scene.

The cause of the collision is still under investigation.  Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has information pertaining to the investigation is asked to contact Lieutenant Chad Clark at (732) 449-4500 ext. 1143 or Ptl. Megan Alexander at (732) 449-4500 ext. 1183.

For any additional information please contact the Wall Police Public Information Officer:

Captain Greg Carpino #130

[email protected]

(732) 449-4500 ext. 1130

January 27, 2022

HAMILTON, NJ (MERCER)-– This past Fall, the Hamilton Township Council voted in favor of the demolition of East State Street properties damaged in a 2015 six-alarm fire. Yesterday, Mayor Martin was joined by Council Vice President Chuddy Whalen, Councilman Anthony Carabelli, Jr., and Director of the Department of Community & Economic Development Fred Dumont as demolition began.

Seven of the eight condemned properties damaged in the fire that tore through the 1700 block of East State Street, displacing dozens of residents, are set to be demolished. A private developer purchased the eighth property prior to acquiring the other vacant properties in 2021 by the Township. When stepping into office, Mayor Martin promised to address the vacant and abandoned properties within the Township.

 “For six years, the residents of Hamilton have been reminded of the awful fire that took place in 2015,” stated Mayor Jeff Martin. “It is due time to move forward and rebuild. While we have more work to do on many other vacant and abandoned properties, this is a great place to start.”

Once demolition is complete, the Township will seek to convert the land to affordable housing units.  

Hamilton Township Photos 1/27/2022 Photos by: Brian McCarthy, OnScene News “I am going to mention one more thing about the Bromley Section of the city. We know that structure racism exists, houses burned down in the Bromley Section almost 5 years ago, those houses are still sitting there, that would happen in no other neighborhood in Hamilton but Bromley. That has to change. That’s racism. That’s separation. That’s underclass and we must speak up against that. We have some action items that we are going to demand Hamilton and Mercer County hold to before this is over.” –Black Lives Matter protester Tracey D. Syphax “I am going to mention one more thing about the Bromley Section of the city. We know that structure racism exists, houses burned down in the Bromley Section almost 5 years ago, those houses are still sitting there, that would happen in no other neighborhood in Hamilton but Bromley. That has to change. That’s racism. That’s separation. That’s underclass and we must speak up against that. We have some action items that we are going to demand Hamilton and Mercer County hold to before this is over.” –Black Lives Matter protester Tracey D. Syphax Photo taken June 15, 2020: Property remains abandoned 5 years after a “historic” 6-Alarm Fire in Hamilton. “Unsafe Structure Notice” are posted on several buildings in the 1700 Block of East State Street in Hamilton dated April 22, 2019

September 11, 2021

MONROE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Around 1:00 p.m. Monroe Township fire companies were dispatched to a house fire in the 1st Block of Sherry Lane. A column of smoke could be seen in the sky and a 2nd alarm was called around 1:04 p.m. Upon arrival firefighters reported having a large amount of fire showing on the second floor and extending to the attic. Three lines were pulled and in operation to knock down the fire according to radio reports. Jamesburg, Hightstown, East Windsor and Plainsboro were dispatched for mutual aid and a fire coordinator was called to the scene. Firefighters reported the bulk of the fire knocked down around 1:16 p.m. and an ALS unit was called for smoke inhalation.

No further information is available at this time.

Photos by: Steven Kadir

July 24, 2020

Previous MidJersey.News stories on this search here:

Massive Search Underway In West Windsor For Missing Person Cameron Ward

Police Ask For Assistance Locating Missing Person In West Windsor

WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)—On Wednesday July 22, 2020 at 8:54 pm, a 25-year-old resident was reported at missing/endangered. West Windsor Police responded, and the 25-year-old was believed to have been last seen at approximately 5:30 pm walking 3 family dogs and usually takes them to West Windsor Community Park-Dog Park. The victim’s mother contacted the West Windsor Police after “good Samaritans” found the 3 dogs wondering without any caretaker nearby and returned them to the mother’s residence.

West Windsor patrol units along with Sargent LaTorre began a search of the victim’s residence and the Community Park at 193 Princeton Hightstown Road. The missing person was not found during the initial search that night.

On Thursday July 23, 2020 another search was conducted during daylight with multiple officers and K-9 units from West Windsor Police, Robbinsville Township Police, and Mercer County Sheriff’s Office. Once again on Thursday after searching all day the person was not found.

Today, on Friday July 24, 2020 a task force of Search and Rescue teams set up for a massive search of Community Park and nearby neighborhoods. The West Windsor Community Park was closed to the general public by the Fire Police while the search continued as well as the investigation into the missing person. Patrol Sabatino who is a drone pilot and K-9 units working in unison were searching the banks of the Grover’s Mill Pond. At 2:27 pm, Drone Pilot Sabatino with K-9 support located the missing/endangered person in a very secluded (thick foliage) area. The man had been missing for approximately 45 hours. Those 45 hours included very heavy thunderstorms and extreme heat. The victim, who was conscious, was transported to a local hospital for evaluation by West Windsor Emergency Services Squad 45.

West Winsor Police Chief Garofalo wanted to thank each and every person who assisted in the successful outcome. They never game up in finding this person. Without the teamwork, incredible efforts from numerous agencies, and the usage of the latest technologies (including K-9s, and drones) this incident would have had a tragic ending.

Agencies responding, West Windsor Township Police including Patrol Division, Detective Bureau & Administration, West Windsor Emergency Services Squad 45, Princeton Junction Fire Company, West Windsor Fire Company, Fire Police, Plainsboro Fire Department, Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, Robbinsville Township Police, NJ State Police, New Jersey Search and Rescue, Mid-Atlantic Search and Rescue, Community Search and Rescue, Lambertville Search and Rescue, Ramapo Rescue Dogs, Central Jersey K-9, Mercer County Communications, Mercer County Communications Center.

After 45 Hours Missing Man Found Alive In West Windsor

**WWPD Press Release: Missing/Endangered Person FOUND Friday 7/24/2020 by Contingent of Multiple Agencies.–Lt. Lee https://t.co/PIUQJlzDpr

— West Windsor Police (@westwindsorpd) July 24, 2020

May 2, 2023

TRENTON — Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin today announced that a campaign manager for a would-be candidate in the 2021 governor’s race is facing election fraud charges after allegedly filing nearly 2,000 bogus petitions in an attempt to get his candidate on the ballot for the Democratic primary.

James Devine, 61, of Lambertville, was charged by summons with one count of third-degree offenses concerning nomination certificates or petitions, one count of third-degree tampering with public records or information and one count of fourth-degree falsifying or tampering with records.

“At a moment in our history when American democracy is facing some of its most formidable challenges from false claims about elections and questions about election integrity, my office will not tolerate any sort of fraud that attempts to deceptively and unfairly benefit a candidate or undermine free and fair elections in New Jersey,” said Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin.

“The voters need to have faith that when they go to the polls, the candidates listed on the ballot have gotten there legitimately and that they aren’t being scammed,” said Office of Public Integrity and Accountability Executive Director Thomas Eicher. “Fraudulent acts like this erode faith in our government and the rule of law, and there must be consequences.”

The crimes were allegedly committed on or about April 5, 2021 in a bid to get New Jersey gubernatorial hopeful Lisa McCormick on the ballot for the June 8, 2021 Democratic primary election.

The investigation found Devine emailed the Secretary of State’s Division of Elections roughly 1,948 fraudulent voter certifications in support of a petition for Governor of the State of New Jersey, in an attempt to nominate McCormick for the primary.

The New Jersey Democratic State Committee on April 9, 2021 filed a written challenge to that effort, listing numerous issues with the voter certifications. According to that challenge, at least one voter was dead; every single voter certification used the same fonts and signature style — with not a single voter using an electronic signature that differed from the typed name; one purported voter included a number in his name; and in nearly every instance the same number of extra spaces appeared between the city name and “NJ” in the address line, which the Division of Elections found suspicious and seemed to indicate a computer program had filled out the forms in an identical manner.

Following a hearing, Administrative Law Judge Jeffrey N. Rabin issued a decision on April 13, 2021 removing McCormick from the ballot, citing those irregularities.

Detectives from OPIA subsequently launched an investigation, conducting interviews with multiple individuals whose names appeared on the petitions submitted by Devine, but who said they did not submit a petition or authorize one in support of McCormick’s nomination.

Devine then admitted multiple times to detectives that he uploaded erroneous voter information onto petition forms that were submitted to the Division of Elections on behalf of McCormick’s campaign.

Third-degree crimes can carry a prison sentence of three to five years and a $15,000 fine. Fourth-degree offenses could lead to up to 18 months in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

The case is being prosecuted by deputy attorneys general Andrew Wellbrock and Max Lesser, under the supervision of OPIA Corruption Bureau Deputy Chief Heather Hausleben, Chief Peter Lee, OPIA Deputy Director Anthony Picione and OPIA Executive Director Tom Eicher.

Defense attorney: Melissa Karabulut, Esq.

March 24, 2023

TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced on March 24, 2023, Charles Sharkey, Jr., 33, of Jackson Township, was charged with four counts of Aggravated Assault, four counts of Assault by Auto, Unlawful Taking of a Means of Conveyance, Causing Death or Injury While Driving with a Suspended or Revoked Driver’s License, and multiple motor vehicle summons, in connection with a serious motor vehicle crash that occurred on March 23, 2023, in Toms River.

On Thursday, March 23, 2023, at approximately 4:00 p.m., Officers from the Toms River Police Department responded to the area of Route 70 and Massachusetts Avenue for a report of a serious motor vehicle crash.  Initial investigation by responding officers revealed that a 2022 Dodge Ram 1500, operated by Sharkey, was traveling eastbound on Route 70 approaching the cross street of Massachusetts Avenue.  Sharkey failed to stop at the red light at the intersection, and grazed the rear of a 2016 Honda CRV which had been travelling westbound on Route 70 and turning left onto Massachusetts Avenue.  Sharkey then struck a 2017 Subaru Impreza – also attempting to make a left-hand turn onto Massachusetts Avenue from Route 70 westbound – which contained a male adult driver and three juvenile passengers.  As a result, the Impreza was pushed backward and rotated in a clockwise manner.  The Dodge Ram operated by Sharkey overturned and came to final rest on the driver-side; the vehicle caught fire and sustained heavy fire damage. In the process of the vehicle overturning, a 2021 Lexus RX 350 was grazed and sustained minor damage. 

As a consequence of the crash, the adult driver of the Impreza and two of the juvenile passengers were taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center (JSUMC) in Neptune Township for treatment of minor injuries; they were subsequently released.  The third juvenile passenger of the Impreza was also taken to JSUMC with serious injuries, and is presently listed in critical condition. 

Further investigation revealed that Sharkey had been driving erratically and was utilizing a cellular device just prior to the crash.   Additionally, it was learned that Sharkey had a suspended driver’s license at the time of the crash, as well as two active warrants for his arrest.  It was also determined that the Dodge Ram was a rental vehicle – taken by Sharkey without the renter’s consent.  Sharkey was placed under arrest at the scene.  He was transported to Monmouth Medical Center-Southern Campus in Lakewood for treatment of his injuries.  While at the hospital, Detectives obtained a warrant for a draw of Sharkey’s blood; the laboratory results relative to the blood draw remain pending.  Sharkey was transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he is currently lodged pending a detention hearing.  Further charges may be forthcoming.

Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Squad, Toms River Township Police Department, Toms River Township Police Department Detective Bureau, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their combined and collective effort in connection with this investigation.

The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

R.P.C.  3.6(b)(6).

NJ Public Safety News Alerts

May 27, 2021

UPPER FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP-ALLENTOWN, NJ (MONMOUTH)–At the entrance of Stone Bridge Middle School, student Dylan Lacroix, a Cadet Airman 1st Class in the Civil Air Patrol, has set up a “Missing Man Table.” He brought up the idea to Mrs. Folino and Mr. Myslinski.

The missing man table is traditionally part of military dining ceremonies and may also be performed for Veterans Day and Memorial Day services. The table has many different items to symbolize the missing soldiers.

The sign in front of the table reads:

“The table that stands before you is a place of honor. In setting this table, we acknowledge those missing from our celebration tonight. And, we remember them.”

* The table is small, and set for one — symbolizing the vulnerability of a lone prisoner against his captors.

* The tablecloth is white — symbolizing purity of intention in responding to the nation’s call to arms.

* The chair is empty, for they are not here.

* The wine glass is inverted — they cannot toast with us this night.

* The slices of lemon — reminding us of their bitter suffering.

* The grains of salt — representing the countless tears of the families.

* The single red rose — reminding us of loved ones who keep the faith awaiting their return.

* The burning candle and yellow ribbon — symbolizing everlasting hope of a reunion with the missing.

At the entrance of Stone Bridge Middle School, student Dylan Lacroix, a Cadet Airman 1st Class in the Civil Air Patrol, has set up a “Missing Man Table.” Story and photo UFRSD

February 5, 2021

By: Tyler Eckel

FREEHOLD (MONMOUTH)– An Ocean Township man is facing charges for the possession and distribution  of child pornography following a tip he uploaded the materials to his social media account, announced  Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni. 

Alexander Mejia, 35, of the 3100 block of Willow Drive in Ocean Township, is charged with  second degree distribution of child pornography and third degree possession of child pornography.  Mejia was taken into custody on Feb. 4, 2021, and transported to the Monmouth County Correctional  Institution in Freehold Township pending a detention hearing. 

The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Computer Crimes Unit/Internet Crimes Against  Children Task Force received a referral from the New Jersey Internet Crimes Against Children (NJ ICAC) Task Force in June 2020. The referral came after a complaint was filed by the social media  platform Instagram reporting a user utilized the platform to upload child pornography. Further  investigation traced the account to Mejia at his Willow Drive address.  

A search warrant was executed on Jan. 22, 2021, at his Ocean Township address where  evidence was recovered, including eight (8) electronic devices. 

If convicted of distribution of child pornography, Mejia faces a sentence of five to ten years in  a New Jersey state prison. If convicted of possession of child pornography, he faces a sentence of  three to five years in prison.  

The case is assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Kristen Anastos. 

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. 

September 14, 2021

LAKEWOOD, NJ (OCEAN)–A bus crash occurred on Forrest Avenue carrying at least 15 students on board around 8:00 a.m.

The Lakewood Scoop (see link for more photos and updates) reports that there were 15 girls on board the bus at the time of the crash. Luckily it appears to be minor injuries and did not require immediate hospitalization. Dozens of emergency personnel were on scene evaluating the students.

Photos provided by: The Lakewood Scoop:

Photos provided by: The Lakewood Scoop

May 8, 2023

WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–West Windsor Police Department reported at 1:50 p.m., today, the West Windsor Police Department Communications Center received a 9-1-1 call regarding a structure fire at a residence in Benford Estates.  The call originated from a landscaper who was to perform work across the street from the blaze.  Patrol Units were dispatched and arrived at the scene shortly thereafter and observed an active fire that had engulfed the kitchen area of the of the home.  West Windsor Division of Fire & Emergency Services, West Windsor Volunteer Fire Company, Princeton Junction Fire Company, Plainsboro Fire Department, Princeton Fire Department and Hamilton Fire Department arrived at the scene to battle the fire.  West Windsor Township Division of Fire & Emergency Services Chief Lynch deemed the fire as under control at 2:07 p.m.

                     The West Windsor Police Department Drone Unit responded to assist in locating any potential hot spots for the firefighters.  In addition, the West Windsor Police Department Detective Bureau and the West Windsor Fire Marshal responded to conduct a thorough investigation.  The initial investigation determined that the fire was accidental in nature.  The West Windsor Township Construction Office determined that the residence was uninhabitable as a result of the fire.  There were no injuries reported to any persons including all first responders during the incident.  The residents were making alternate arrangements for shelter at the time of this release.  

Photos above by: NJ Public Safety News Alerts