TRENTON (Mercer) – Several people were displaced by a blaze that damaged two rowhouses Saturday afternoon (Dec. 23, 2023). It was the third working fire in Trenton in less than 24 hours.
It was just after 3 p.m. on Saturday when Trenton firefighters were alerted to a possible structure fire in the 100 block of Washington Street. A column of smoke rising up over the area signaled a working fire to responding firefighters.
Heavy smoke was billowing from the second and third floors of 133 Washington Street as firefighters from Engines 7, 3, 10 and 6, Ladders 4 and 2, Rescue 1 and Special Services 1 arrived on scene.
While all visible fire was quickly extinguished, firefighters spent some time opening up walls to expose and then douse hot spots after it was confirmed the fire had spread to the attached home at 131 Washington Street. The blaze was officially declared under control at 3:31 p.m.
While there were no reported injuries, the Red Cross was called out to assist a woman and four men who were left temporarily homeless because of the blaze.
On Friday night (Dec. 22), Trenton firefighters responded to a working fire in the rear of the vacant house at 13 Trent Street, and then fought a stubborn and very smoky blaze in an abandoned commercial building in the 300 block of North Olden Avenue.
The Trent Street blaze was reported just after 5:05 p.m. Friday as several companies of firefighters were already in the area investigating a reported odor of natural gas in a home in the 1500 block of Princeton Avenue.
As a result, crews from Rescue 1 and Engine 10 – released from the Princeton Avenue assignment – arrived on Trent Street very quickly and were able to easily subdue the blaze. They were assisted by Engines 8, 7 and 3, Ladders 4 and 2, and Special Services 1.
Later on Friday, just after 7:40 p.m., firefighters were alerted to a reported fire in a commercial building in the area of Dickinson Street and North Olden Avenue.
Coincidentally, several city fire companies were already busy investigating another odor of natural gas at a high-rise apartment building in the 500 block of Greenwood Avenue, so it was Engines 6, 1, 8 and 10, Ladders 4 and 1, Rescue 1 and Special Services 1 that were sent to the reported fire.
Those companies arrived to find smoke issuing from an abandoned commercial property that at first was believed to have a Taylor Street address but was eventually identified as 323 North Olden Avenue.
Firefighters had to cut a fence to gain access to the property. They soon confirmed that the fire was not in the large structure that dominated the site but was instead in a smaller, separate building on the property.
The incident commander reported that a large quantity of trash was burning in a pit inside the building and that heavy machinery from the city’s public works department would be needed to break up the pile to allow firefighters to get water on the material smoldering at the bottom of the pile.
Firefighters operated on scene for over three hours. Some companies were released, while others – including Engine 8 and Ladder 2 – were rotated in to assist with suppression operations. The blaze was officially declared under control about 10:45 p.m., a little over half-an-hour after a public works backhoe arrived to tear apart the pile of trash.
The causes of all three blazes were under investigation by city fire and police officials.
HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–On Sunday, December 17, 2023, at approximately 9:43 a.m., a house of worship in Hopewell Township, received and email stating that there were “multiple explosives” hidden throughout the building which would detonate within a few hours. The email was received by the spiritual leader while the building was occupied. The Hopewell Township Police Department was notified shortly thereafter and units were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, HTPD officers assisted the staff with evacuating the building occupants. With the help of the Pennington Police Department, Pennington Fire Department and Squad 154, all occupants were transported to an off-site reunification point and reunited with family members.
It was quickly determined that the email was distributed to multiple locations in NJ and throughout the country and there was no nexus to the house of worship. Out of an abundance of caution, HTPD requested assistance from other Mercer County agencies in the form of explosive detection K9 units. The Mercer County Sheriff’s Office provided a K9 unit who responded and cleared the building and the surrounding area.
Upon clearing the building, the investigation continued and it was determined that the email was sent from an unknown source who had distributed the email to numerous houses of worship in NJ. It does not appear, at this time that the threat was credible nor does it appear that there is any specific connection to the house of worship in Hopewell.
Officer Paul Alvaro #64 and Detective Michael Makwinski # 58 are continuing the investigating for Hopewell Township. Multiple federal, state and county agencies are involved in the investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Makwinski at 609-737-3100 ext. 5790.
FREEHOLD – A Tinton Falls woman has been criminally charged with organizing an online fundraiser for a Florida man severely injured in a car accident late last year and then stealing the more than $15,000 she raised, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced Monday.
Nicole C. Weidelman, 46, is charged with third-degree Theft by Deception.
An investigation led by Tinton Falls Police Department Detective William Rodriguez revealed that in November 2022, the intended fundraiser recipient was involved in a serious motor vehicle collision on I-95 in Florida. The recovery from the incident proved lengthy and costly, reportedly involving more than a dozen surgeries, a month and a half in the hospital, and the loss of an arm, necessitating a prosthetic.
The investigation revealed that Weidelman contacted the man’s mother, a longtime family friend, and offered to set up an online fundraiser to assist with the expenses incurred from the medical bills. But after raising slightly more than $15,000, Weidelman transferred the entirety of the raised sum into her own personal account via more than two dozen transactions, then provided numerous false explanations to the victims over the course of the next several months, before the theft was reported to authorities.
Weidelman was arrested and charged last week.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Lawrence Nelsen, Director of the MCPO Financial Crimes and Public Corruption Bureau. Information about Weidelman’s legal representation was not immediately available.
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.
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–Firefighters were dispatched to Route 130 for a motor vehicle crash just after 5:00 p.m. It was unclear if there were any injuries and if anyone was transported to the hospital. East Windsor Police Department is investigating.
Photos by: Steven Kadir
December 18, 2023
CRANBURY, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Firefighters were dispatched to Old Trenton Road for a water rescue just before 4:00 p.m. with vehicles trapped in flood waters. Victims were removed and brought to safety. No other information is available.
Photos by: Steven Kadir
December 18, 2023
HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–On Sunday, December 17, 2023, at approximately 9:43 a.m., a house of worship in Hopewell Township, received and email stating that there were “multiple explosives” hidden throughout the building which would detonate within a few hours. The email was received by the spiritual leader while the building was occupied. The Hopewell Township Police Department was notified shortly thereafter and units were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, HTPD officers assisted the staff with evacuating the building occupants. With the help of the Pennington Police Department, Pennington Fire Department and Squad 154, all occupants were transported to an off-site reunification point and reunited with family members.
It was quickly determined that the email was distributed to multiple locations in NJ and throughout the country and there was no nexus to the house of worship. Out of an abundance of caution, HTPD requested assistance from other Mercer County agencies in the form of explosive detection K9 units. The Mercer County Sheriff’s Office provided a K9 unit who responded and cleared the building and the surrounding area.
Upon clearing the building, the investigation continued and it was determined that the email was sent from an unknown source who had distributed the email to numerous houses of worship in NJ. It does not appear, at this time that the threat was credible nor does it appear that there is any specific connection to the house of worship in Hopewell.
Officer Paul Alvaro #64 and Detective Michael Makwinski # 58 are continuing the investigating for Hopewell Township. Multiple federal, state and county agencies are involved in the investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Makwinski at 609-737-3100 ext. 5790.
December 18, 2023
WALL TOWNSHIP- On Saturday, December 16, 2023, the Wall Township Police were engaged in foot pursuit following an investigation into a suspicious person at an area motel.
At approximately 8:58 p.m. on Saturday, December 16th Patrolman Johan Moreno-Garcia and Sergeant Chris Mason were investigation a suspicious person incident at the Budget Inn Motel located on State Highway 35. While the above officers were speaking with the male subject identified as William Segars, 37-years-old of Neptune, he initiated a foot chase.
Segars was apprehended a short time later and he was found to have several active arrest warrants out of Tinton Falls, Eatontown, Neptune and Ocean Township. Once he was apprehended, he was also found to be in possession of a knife and heroin.
Segars was charged with resisting arrest, obstructing the administration of law, possession of heroin and unlawful possession of a weapon. He was later transported to Monmouth County Correctional Institution in Freehold.
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 the trial rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution and New Jersey State Law.
December 18, 2023
FREEHOLD – A Tinton Falls woman has been criminally charged with organizing an online fundraiser for a Florida man severely injured in a car accident late last year and then stealing the more than $15,000 she raised, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced Monday.
Nicole C. Weidelman, 46, is charged with third-degree Theft by Deception.
An investigation led by Tinton Falls Police Department Detective William Rodriguez revealed that in November 2022, the intended fundraiser recipient was involved in a serious motor vehicle collision on I-95 in Florida. The recovery from the incident proved lengthy and costly, reportedly involving more than a dozen surgeries, a month and a half in the hospital, and the loss of an arm, necessitating a prosthetic.
The investigation revealed that Weidelman contacted the man’s mother, a longtime family friend, and offered to set up an online fundraiser to assist with the expenses incurred from the medical bills. But after raising slightly more than $15,000, Weidelman transferred the entirety of the raised sum into her own personal account via more than two dozen transactions, then provided numerous false explanations to the victims over the course of the next several months, before the theft was reported to authorities.
Weidelman was arrested and charged last week.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Lawrence Nelsen, Director of the MCPO Financial Crimes and Public Corruption Bureau. Information about Weidelman’s legal representation was not immediately available.
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.
Photo by EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA on Pexels.com
December 18, 2023
TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–On Sunday morning, at approximately 12:45 a.m., multiple police units were dispatched to the Days Hotel on Route 37 for a large fight in progress in the parking lot area. While responding, officers received further information regarding possible gunshots. Further investigation revealed evidence that shots were fired but no victims were struck. The Ocean County Sheriff’ Department CSI unit responded to assist in processing the scene. One male suffered a seizure during the incident and was transported to Community Medical Center by Silverton First Aid. The investigation is ongoing at this time.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Toms River Police Department Detective Bureau at [email protected] or by calling 732-349-0150 x 1323. All information will remain confidential.
We’d like to thank our neighboring police departments in Manchester, Island Heights, Berkeley, South Toms River, Jackson, Brick, Seaside Heights, and Lavallette for providing assistance at the scene, as well as handling a variety of calls throughout the town during the investigation.
NEWARK, NJ — Commuters can expect a 45-minute delay for a steer on the North East Corridor because of a steer/cow on the tracks.
New Jersey Transit reported: NJ TRANSIT rail service is subject to up to 45-minute delays between Newark Penn and PSNY, due to Police activity near Newark Penn Station. NJ TRANSIT rail tickets and passes are being cross-honored by PATH and Hoboken, Newark Penn and 33rd Street New York.
NEC train #3833, the 11:28 AM arrival into Trenton, is up to 20 minutes late due to police activity near Newark Penn Station.
— Northeast Corridor (@NJTRANSIT_NEC) December 14, 2023
NEC train #3722, the 10:38 AM arrival into PSNY, is up to 20 min. late due to police activity near Newark Penn Station.
— Northeast Corridor (@NJTRANSIT_NEC) December 14, 2023
EWING (Mercer) – A detached garage located behind a home on Carlton Avenue was destroyed by fire today (Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023). Ewing Township career and volunteer firefighters were dispatched to the blaze at 78 Carlton Avenue at 2:57 p.m. A column of smoke that was visible from at least as far away as Quakerbridge Road and Sloan Avenue in Hamilton Township signaled a working fire to responding firefighters and mutual aid from Hamilton was called into the scene to assist. Three hoselines were placed in service to prevent flames from spreading to the adjacent home. The blaze was declared under control at 3:35 p.m. Initial reports of people trapped inside the burning structure proved to be unfounded and there were no injuries reported. The cause of the blaze was being investigated by Ewing police and fire officials.
HAMILTON, NJ (MERCER)–On Thursday December 14, 2023 at approximately 1:14 A.M., Officers Horne and Jewell were patrolling in the area of South Broad Street and Whitehorse Avenue when they observed a silver Toyota that was reported as a stolen vehicle. The Officers followed the vehicle that was occupied with two people and activated their overhead lights and sirens. The vehicle began to flee from the Officers. After a short pursuit the suspect vehicle struck a curb on South Broad Street near Irvington Place and came to a stop in a nearby parking lot. The two occupants then fled the vehicle on foot. Both Officers pursued the suspects on foot and arrested them. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Thomas Doyle, 44, of Bordentown. The passenger was identified as a 16-year-old juvenile from Bordentown.
Both Doyle and the juvenile were charged with Receiving Stolen Property, Obstructing the Administration of Law, Resisting Arrest and Eluding. Doyle was also issued numerous motor vehicle violations. Doyle was wanted out of Bordentown Township and was transferred to their custody. The juvenile was released to a guardian.
Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Kevin Krall of the Hamilton Police Division Juvenile Unit at (609) 689-5826 or the Hamilton Police Crime Tip Hotline at (609) 581-4008.
Thomas Doyle, 44, of Bordentown. Doyle and a 16-year-old juvenile were charged with Receiving Stolen Property, Obstructing the Administration of Law, Resisting Arrest and Eluding. Doyle was also issued numerous motor vehicle violations. Doyle was wanted out of Bordentown Township and was transferred to their custody. The juvenile was released to a guardian.
TRENTON, N.J. – U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger for the District of New Jersey and Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Civil Rights Division announced today that the Justice Department has opened a civil pattern or practice investigation into the City of Trenton and the Trenton Police Department (TPD).
The investigation will seek to determine whether there are systemic violations of the Constitution and federal law by TPD. The investigation will focus on TPD’s use of force and its stops, searches and arrests. The investigation will include a comprehensive review of TPD policies, training and supervision, in addition to complaint intake, internal investigation protocols, complaint reviews, complaint adjudications and disciplinary decisions.
“Police officers have the difficult job of keeping us safe, and most officers do this work with honor and distinction,” U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger said. “But if police officers abuse the trust the community places in them and fail to respect the constitutional rights of those in the community, and if the community feels threatened by those who wear the badge, it undermines public safety and endangers the very citizens they swore to protect and serve. Unfortunately, we have reviewed numerous reports that Trenton police officers may have used force inappropriately and conducted stops, searches, and arrests with no good reason in violation of individuals’ constitutional rights. Today’s announcement reflects our office’s commitment to ensuring effective, constitutional policing in Trenton and throughout New Jersey. Trenton residents should be assured that we will conduct a thorough and impartial investigation of the Trenton Police Department, and that we will address any unlawful conduct we find.”
“The public must have trust and confidence that police officers will treat them fairly and with respect,” said Assistant Attorney General Clarke. “The Justice Department is opening an investigation into the Trenton Police Department after an extensive review of publicly available information and other information provided to us suggesting that officers used force, stopped motorists and pedestrians and conducted searches of homes and cars in violation of the Constitution and federal law. Our experience has shown that policing practices that run afoul of the law and our Constitution can lead to distrust between police officers and the community. The Justice Department will conduct a full and fair investigation into these allegations, and if we substantiate those violations, the department will take appropriate action to remedy them.”
Before this announcement, officials from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey and the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division notified Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora, Director Steve Wilson of TPD and Director Wes Bridges of the Trenton Law Department, who have all pledged to cooperate with the investigation. As part of this investigation, the Justice Department and U.S. Attorney’s Office will conduct outreach to community groups and members of the public to learn about their experiences with TPD.
The U.S Attorney’s Office and the Special Litigation Section of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division will jointly conduct this investigation pursuant to the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, which prohibits state and local governments through their law enforcement officers from engaging in a pattern or practice of conduct by law enforcement officers that deprives people of rights protected by the Constitution and federal law. If the Justice Department has reasonable cause to believe that the law enforcement officers of a state or local government have engaged in a prohibited pattern or practice, the department is authorized to bring a lawsuit seeking court-ordered changes to remedy the violations. In this investigation, the department will assess the law enforcement practices under the Fourth and 14th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution.
Individuals with relevant information are encouraged to contact the Justice Department via email at [email protected] or by phone at 973-645-2801. Individuals can also report civil rights violations regarding this or other matters using the reporting portal of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, available at https://www.civilrights.justice.gov/ or the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey’s civil rights reporting portal, available at https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/civil-rights-enforcement/complaint.
Additional information about the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division is available on its website at https://www.justice.gov/crt. Additional information about civil rights enforcement at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, including the Office’s Civil Rights Division, is available at https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/civil-rights-enforcement.
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Mayor W. Reed Gusciora releases statement following an announcement by the U.S. Attorney’s Office of an investigation into the Trenton Police Department
Trenton, N.J. – U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger for the District of New Jersey and Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Civil Rights Division announced today that the Justice Department has opened a civil pattern or practice investigation into the City of Trenton and the Trenton Police Department (TPD).
The investigation will seek to determine whether there are systemic violations of the Constitution and federal law by TPD. The investigation will focus on TPD’s use of force and its stops, searches and arrests. The investigation will include a comprehensive review of TPD policies, training and supervision, in addition to complaint intake, internal investigation protocols, complaint reviews, complaint adjudications and disciplinary decisions.
Mayor W. Reed Gusciora issued the following statement regarding the announcement, “I was informed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office this morning that his office will be conducting a civil pattern and practice investigation of the Trenton Police Department. I’ve instructed all levels of City government to fully cooperate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and its investigation. My administration knows all-too-well the difficulty and danger police officers face on a daily basis. We thank and support the overwhelming majority of officers at the city, county, and state level who do the right things every day to keep Trentonians safe. These officers have been instrumental in taking guns off the streets and preventing senseless acts of violence. In the past few months, over 214 firearms, 2,868 grams of crack-cocaine, and 26,066 decks of heroin, and $133,722 dollars were seized from drug and firearm traffickers. But we also recognize that the community’s trust in our police force is critical. If any members of law enforcement violate the public trust or act in contravention of our state and federal laws, they should and must be held accountable.”
Before the announcement, officials from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey and the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division notified Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora, Director Steve Wilson of TPD and Director Wes Bridges of the Trenton Law Department, who have all pledged to cooperate with the investigation. As part of this investigation, the Justice Department and U.S. Attorney’s Office will conduct outreach to community groups and members of the public to learn about their experiences with TPD.
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–International Association of Fire Fighters, IAFF-Local 3786 members with the coordination of Robbinsville Twp. Meals on Wheels Executive Director, John Ward and Meals on Wheels volunteer Paul, delivered prepared meals to our home-bound residents. On some holidays the regular kitchen where the meals are prepared is closed. IAFF Local 3786 members, with the gracious assistance of Dolce & Clemente’s and The Robbinsville Starbucks helped prepare the meals so our members could deliver them this New Years Eve Day.
Photos Provided
December 27, 2019
By: Dennis Symons, Jr.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP NJ (MERCER)—A crane being used for a backyard tree removal on Miry Brook Road lost its footing and toppled over causing it to crash into the home and a neighbor’s home during the process. The Hamilton Township Special Operations Command team and Hamilton Township Police Department Hazardous Materials Team were on scene controlling a fuel leak and overseeing the operation. Another crane was called to the scene to upright the toppled over crane as well as heavy duty tow units from Hawks Towing & Recovery. Hamilton Township Fire Department stations 12, 13, 19 and 16 responded to the scene.
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December 27, 2019
By: Dennis Symons, Jr.
HIGHSTOWN, NJ (MERCER)—A sport utility type vehicle traveling North Bound Outer Lanes just prior to Exit 8 (Highstown-East Windsor) lost control, crashed though a barrier, went over the retaining wall of the bridge and crashed into the “Rocky Brook” creek below a tributary of Peddie Lake. Highstown and Robbinsville Fire Departments and EMS were detailed to the scene at 10:52 a.m. December 27, 2019. Firefighters gained access to the vehicle using ladders to climb down to the patient in the vehicle. The patient was carried out from the area along the banks of the “Rocky Brook” to an area off Ward Street to a waiting ambulance. The patient was transported to the hospital. No other information is available at this time. Check back for further details when it becomes available.
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Vehicle runs off bridge and crashes into creek below near Exit 8 of New Jersey Turnpike. Photos by: Dennis Symons, Jr.
December 24, 2019
By: Dennis Symons, Jr.
ALLENTOWN, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Santa has a long standing tradition of visiting Allentown just prior to embarking on his world wide tour on Christmas Eve. According to Hope Fire Company life member Buddy Farmer the tradition started around 1955 and has been a yearly tradition in the borough since.
Santa is known to land his sleigh in the sod field just behind the firehouse. While reindeer snack and get ready for their Christmas Eve duties Santa hitches a ride on the back of Hope Fire Company’s engine and delivers special gifts throughout town. By the time Santa completes his special visit to Allentown Borough the reindeer have been fed and are well rested to start their world journey on Christmas Eve.
December 23, 2019
HOWELL, NJ — Congressman Chris Smith today joined representatives from the Stephen Siller Tunnels to Towers Foundation, local elected officials, members of law enforcement and local veterans in honoring United States Marine Corporal Scott Nokes. Nokes received the keys from the foundation to a new “smart home” which was built specifically for him and his needs as a blind double amputee resulting from his service in Afghanistan.
In 2003, Smith authored the Veterans Benefit Act (PL 108-183) that increased government funding to $50,000 for Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) programs for severely disabled servicemembers. The SAH government program helps veterans like Cpl. Nokes live independently but doesn’t cover the entire cost of home ownership. That’s where the Tunnels to Towers Foundations stepped in. Through a strong and committed network of donors and corporate partners, the Tunnels to Towers Foundation conveyed the home to Cpl. Nokes free of mortgage.
“No one deserves this more than Corporal Nokes,” Smith said. “He is a courageous marine with an indomitable spirit.”
PICTURED: Rep. Chris Smith addresses a crowd of more than 200 people who turned out to honor former Marine Clp. Scott Nokes as he was presented with keys to his new home that was built to accommodate his service injuries. Photo provided by Chris Smith’s office.
December 24, 2019
Allentown, NJ (MONMOUTH)– Allentown-Upper Freehold, Scout, Pack 180 had some busy scouts at the December meeting. Scouts participated in the NJ101.5 Better Bears collection, creating beaded candy canes, one to keep for a family tradition and one to pass along to the Princeton Hospital’s Cancer Center, and distributed to patients.
Scouts also assembled small wooden Christmas Trees for local first responders.
Here are some photos of our boys hard at work, our amazing volunteer parents and the some of our first responders recipients, Allentown Police Department, Hope Fire Company, and Allentown First Aid Squad. Pack 180 wishes all our scout families a happy holiday break! Pinewood Derby season is next!!!
Scouts made Christmas ornaments for the UMC Christmas Tree
Here are some photos of our boys hard at work, our amazing volunteer parents and the some of our first responders recipients, Allentown Police Department, Hope Fire Company, and Allentown First Aid Squad. Pack 180 wishes all our scout families a happy holiday break! Pinewood Derby season is next!!! Photos and story by Allentown Upper Freehold Pack 180
December 23, 2019
By: Dennis Symons, Jr.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Hamilton Township Police and Fire Departments as well at the Robbinsville Township Fire Department were sent to the area of 8 Marlen Drive for a serious accident around 4:30 pm this afternoon. A car driven at high speeds in a 25 mph zone collided with a parked car and the driver fled the scene. A manhunt continued and it appeared an arrest was made as fire trucks were clearing the scene. It was unsure if the arrest being made was the driver of the vehicle that caused the accident.
No further information is available at the time of this report. Once more information becomes available an update will be given. Please check back for corrections and updates.
Robbinsville, NJ– Robbinsville’s Pond Road Middle School was filled with laughter and cheer as Ability Tree New Jersey hosted its annual Christmas Party. More than 200 guests and 50 volunteers from across the state created beautiful crafts, snapped festive photos in the photo booth, played games, caroled with the Lifetree Community Church choir, shared a meal from Chicken Holiday and coffee from the Robbinsville Starbucks, received gifts, played with therapy dogs from The Golden Halo Outreach, and of course spent time with the big man himself, Santa! Even Frosty the Snowman made an appearance this year! Toys for Tots and Autism NJ (with help from Amazon) generously donated hundreds of gifts!
A faith-based, community-focused, 501c3 organization, Ability Tree New Jersey envisions families impacted by disability being accepted and supported in their local community, and enjoying healthy relationships in their neighborhoods, schools, workplaces and churches. Ability Tree reaches out to families with special needs through recreation, education, support, and training (R.E.S.T.). Programs include recreation and respite nights for children with special needs and their siblings, sibling scholarships for graduating seniors, and helping community organizations and events become more accessible. For adults with disabilities, Ability Tree NJ offers their hallmark Ability Camp each summer (July 13-17, 2020) and SociAbility events throughout the year.
Robbinsville resident Dr. Natalie Schuberth, a practicing psychologist and Ability Tree New Jersey’s President, worked with a great team to organize the Christmas celebration. “The Ability Tree NJ Christmas party one of my favorite days of the year and feels like a family reunion where we can connect with old friends and make new ones,” explained Schuberth.
To participate, volunteer, or donate to Ability Tree New Jersey, visit their website at www.abilitytree.org/newjersey.
Photo credit Deborah Blakely
December 20, 2019
The Mercer County Narcotics Task Force concluded a month-long investigation recently withthe seizure of more than $100,000 in heroin, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofrireported.Onofri stated that, on Wednesday morning, December 18, 2019, detectives with the MCNTFinitiated surveillance of the investigation’s target, Bryan Capellan, as well as two residences heutilizes in Hamilton. Detectives proceeded to execute search warrants at both locations, andMercer County Prosecutor’s Sergeant Joe Angarone utilized his K9 partner Bela to conductdrug searches. Bela gave positive indications for the presence of a narcotics in a 2007 CrownVictoria located at the residence in the 100 block of Marshall Avenue. During the search,detectives located 11,650 bags of heroin, 400 grams of raw heroin, 50 grams of fentanyl, threegrams of marijuana and $19,291 in cash.Onofri stated that the total amount of heroin seized has an approximate street value of$107,000. The fentanyl has an approximate street value of $800.Capellan, 31, was arrested at his residence on Deutz Avenue, Hamilton, and charged withfirst-degree narcotics offenses. He is being held at the Mercer County Correction Center.Officers with the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, U.S.Homeland Security Investigations, and the Hamilton, Princeton and Trenton police, under thecommand of the prosecutor’s Special Investigations Unit, assisted with the investigation.Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond
a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Bryan Capellan, 31, was arrested at his residence on Deutz Avenue, Hamilton, and charged with first-degree narcotics offenses. He is being held at the Mercer County Correction Center.
December 19, 2019
By: Dennis Symons, Jr.
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)—After over a month of rumors and speculation of another tenant coming to Foxmoor Shopping Center it is now official, Planet Fitness is coming to Foxmoor Shopping Center. Planet Fitness will occupy at least half the space of the former Marrazzo’s Thriftway after signing a 10 year lease with , Pennmark Properties. The building will be shared with the STEM Academy a school and childcare facility.
The project is expected to cost $4 to $5 million to renovate the building and get the space outfitted for both tenants, the project could be completed as early as May 2020.
As of September 30, 2019 Planet Fitness has 14.1 million members and 1,899 locations in 50 states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada, the Dominican Republic, Panama, and Mexico. The Company’s mission is to enhance people’s lives by providing a high-quality fitness experience in a welcoming, non-intimidating environment, which they call the “Judgement Free Zone”
At Planet Fitness standard membership fees run $10. Per month with access to the local location. To access all 1,899 clubs, all amenities, and bring a guest every workout, the PF Black Card runs $22.99 per month. Many Planet Fitness locations are open 24 hours a day 7 days a week, while some locations are open 24 hours a day 5 days a week with a modified weekend schedule.
Thumbs Up Logo from the Barnegat location and the clock from the Hamilton location. Overall outside photo is from Planet Fitness website.
Ed Note: Author is a member of the Hamilton Township, NJ Planet Fitness. In the spring several e-mails were sent to Planet Fitness for suggesting club locations, including contact information for Robbinsville-Foxmoor Shopping Center and also information was given to a regional manager at the Morrisville, PA location. Earlier last month (November) Mid-Jersey.news reached out to the press office at Planet Fitness and has not received any communication back about the Robbinsville, NJ location.
November 25, 2019, Foxmoor Shopping Center File Photos
December 18, 2019
TRENTON — A Mercer County grand jury returned a nine-count indictment this week charging Billy M. Woodard, 54, in connection with five residential burglaries in Mercer and Middlesex counties, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri announced. The charges include three counts of burglary in West Windsor Township and two counts of burglary in Plainsboro Township.
In September 2019, a Mercer County grand jury returned a 55-count indictment charging Woodard with 19 burglaries in West Windsor, four in Robbinsville, six in Princeton, four in Lawrence and two in Hopewell. He was also indicted on many third- and fourth-degree theft charges related to the burglaries.
Assistant Prosecutor Kathleen M. Petrucci presented both cases to the grand jury.
Prosecutor Onofri stated that, between June 2018 and May 2019, West Windsor Township and surrounding jurisdictions were inundated with a rash of residential burglaries. A comprehensive and massive investigation was conducted by the West Windsor Police Department’s Detective Bureau, under the leadership of Chief Robert Garofalo, to determine if they were the acts of the same person or persons, and to identify those responsible and apprehend the culprits. The exhaustive efforts led to identifying Woodard as the lone actor in more than 20 residential burglaries during the aforementioned time frame. In almost every single case, the burglaries took place while the residents were at home and asleep.
During the extensive investigation, lead West Windsor Detectives Eric Woodrow and Jason Jones sought assistance from the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Special Investigations Unit (SIU). Ultimately, Woodard was apprehended during the commission of a residential burglary in Lower Makefield Township, Pennsylvania, on May 30, 2019. He remains in custody in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and is charged with numerous burglaries in that jurisdiction.
“Although Woodard has been linked to 22 residential burglaries in West Windsor Township, the investigation is ongoing,” Chief Garofalo said. “The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office and the WWPD ask residents to continue your vigilance and be observant and considerate to your neighbors. If you feel something is abnormal in your community, please don’t hesitate to contact your local police department immediately.”
Prosecutor Onofri and Chief Garofalo thanked the following agencies for the support and resources provided during the investigation:
West Windsor Police Department
Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office
Hopewell Township Police Department
Lawrence Township Police Department
Princeton Police Department
Robbinsville Township Police Department
Plainsboro Township Police Department
Lower Makefield Township (PA) Police Department
Despite having been indicted, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
A Mercer County grand jury returned a nine-count indictment this week charging Billy M. Woodard, 54, in connection with five residential burglaries in Mercer and Middlesex counties, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri announced. Photo provided by: Mercer County Prosecutors Office
Two major health bills authored by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) were attached to an end-of-year, must-pass spending package today and will become law by the end of the week.
The first bill—the TICK Act—creates a “new whole-of-government national strategy to combat Lyme” and other tick borne diseases. It authorizes $150 million in federal funding for Centers of Excellence and important Lyme initiatives at the local level.
“It’s taken 21 years—and over a dozen bills I’ve introduced in Congress beginning with the Lyme Disease Initiative Act of 1998 to get here.” Smith said. “This marks a major victory for hundreds of thousands—especially and including children—who suffer from this horrific disease.”
Smith introduced the TICK Act earlier this year joined by Rep. Colin Peterson (D-MN) in the House and Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) and Tina Smith (R-MN) in the Senate. As included in the end-of-year bill, the legislation is now named for former Senator Kay Hagan (D-NC) who tragically passed away from a tick-borne disease in October.
“The national strategy provision coupled with $150 million for research, prevention and treatment programs will enable additional federal agencies to step up and coordinated their efforts in the fight against Lyme,” said Smith, the co-chair of the House Lyme Disease Caucus. “The new law will open doors to innovative therapies, treatments, better diagnosis and more accurate information for doctors, and their patients with Lyme.”
“With a whole-of-government approach, all patients, including those suffering with chronic Lyme will get more answers and hopefully relief from this debilitating disease.”
According to the Department of Health and Human Services 2018 Report to Congress, there are approximately 300,000 new cases of tick borne disease each year—with an estimated 40,000 new cases annually in New Jersey alone.
Smith’s second bill to become law this week, the End Neglected Tropical Diseases Act(HR 3460), supports the treatment, control, and elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). It ensures that that United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID’s) programs effectively integrate NTD treatment, control and elimination efforts with other development issues, such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, water and sanitation and education.
“More than 10 million Americans living in extreme poverty—and 1.4 billion people worldwide—are currently infected with at least one of these awful, but preventable diseases which blind, disable, disfigure and sometime kill victims” Smith said. “My bill breaks down silos and integrates critical therapies USAID is already doing to help those suffering from NTDs such as West Nile Virus, Zika, dengue or severe dengue fever, leprosy, scabies and soil-transmitted helminthiases (STH) (roundworm, whipworm, and hookworm).”
Photo from Chris Smith Press Release from C-Span
December 14, 2019
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–The Robbinsville Township Fire Department, IAFF Local #3786 escorted Santa via fire engine though town. A “Santa Tracker” was available to help residents know when Santa would be in their area. The fire department also collected can goods and other items for the Robbinsville Food Pantry.
Photos: Provided
December 12, 2019
By: Dennis Symons, Jr.
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)—Firefighters from Robbinsville and surrounding towns battled a truck-car carrier fire on the New Jersey Turnpike around 11:53 am today. The fire was at Mile Marker 61.6 South Bound outer lanes (truck lanes) just prior to Exit 7A. Robbinsville “Squad 40” Highstown and Groveville (Hamilton Twp. Station 19) responded with engines, tankers responding were Allentown, East Windsor, Cranbury and Monroe Township. The truck was carrying several vehicles at the time of the fire and all were consumed. Firefighters were still on scene at time of this report. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Video by: Dennis Symons, Jr.
Photos by Dennis Symons, Jr and Alex Nebbia Advertisement: JUST CBD COUPON SAVE 20% AT THIS LINK at Buy CBD Online – CBD Oil, Gummies, Vapes. Use coupon code dennis during checkout.
December 11, 2019
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–A presentation on “Alternative Approaches to Pain” was held at the Robbinsville Township Senior Center today. The event was sponsored by Prevention Resources, Inc. and the Mercer Council on Alcoholism and Drug Addiction and over 40 seniors were in attendance.
Seniors learned about the risk of opioids such at Vicodin, Oxycontin, and Codeine. The presentation to seniors also went over Rx misuse and safety suggestions. Alternative options for pain management were presented such as acupuncture, yoga, physical therapy, chiropractics, massage, meditation and more.
The Robbinsville Township Police Department was also there with Project Medicine Drop Box for seniors to dispose of expired and unused medicines.
Provided by: Robbinsville Township Senior Center Advertisement: SAVE 20% COUPON at Buy CBD Online – CBD Oil, Gummies, Vapes. Use coupon code dennis during checkout.
Amid National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Decades-Old Mystery of East Windsor Teen’s Death Is Solved
April 26, 2023
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER) — Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri announced that a collaborative, multi-agency investigation by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force in conjunction with the New Jersey Attorney General’s Cold Case Network and the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) has resulted in the conclusive identification of Nathaniel Harvey, formerly of East Windsor, as the individual responsible for the sexual assault and murder of Donna Macho in 1984. Harvey died in South Woods State Prison in Bridgeton in November 2020.
Ms. Macho, 19, went missing from the East Windsor home where she resided with her parents and sisters on or about February 26, 1984. Her skeletal remains were discovered in a wooded area in Cranbury, N.J., on April 2, 1995, and she was positively identified using dental records.
Throughout the initial and subsequent investigation by the East Windsor Township Police Department, with assistance from the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, persons of interest were developed in the case. Harvey, who was arrested around the same time Ms. Macho went missing and held in connection with several sexual assaults as well as an unrelated murder in the Windsor/Plainsboro, N.J. area, was identified early on as a possible suspect, but investigative leads dissipated and the case went cold. During the commission of his crimes, prosecutors say Harvey typically entered unlocked homes, where he would hold captive and rape young women.
In February 2022, at the direction of Prosecutor Onofri, the case was presented to the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability’s Central Regional Cold Case Task Force, one of the task forces statewide that makes up the Cold Case Network, formed in 2019. The investigation was reopened.
All viable physical evidence was resubmitted to the NJSP Central Regional Laboratory, including DNA evidence and fingerprints. During the initial investigation police found Harvey’s semen in Ms. Macho’s bedroom. But DNA testing was less precise at the time, and the testing conducted on that evidence was unable to match the bodily fluid to one specific individual. The reinvestigation of the case, and reexamination of the evidence using present-day DNA technology, matched it to Mr. Harvey, and determined that his DNA was the only DNA evidence in the room that should not have been present.
Ms. Macho’s body was found in April 1995 in a wooded area by a farm that Harvey briefly worked at around the time of her disappearance. Her vehicle was found abandoned by a nearby sewer plant, within walking distance of Harvey’s residence.
Though the initial autopsy ruled Ms. Macho suffered a gunshot wound to her head, further examination of her remains by the Middlesex Regional Medical Examiner’s Office during this cold case investigation determined that, although it was clear a head injury caused the victim’s death, it was not conclusively a gunshot wound. The cause of death was amended to evidence of homicidal violence and Ms. Macho’s manner of death remained recorded a homicide.
Harvey was sentenced to life imprisonment in connection with a different homicide in Middlesex County, and he remained incarcerated from the time of his arrest in 1985 until his death in 2020.
“By sharing personnel, expertise, and technological resources, the Central Regional Cold Case Task Force took a fresh look at this decades-old mystery and identified the suspect in this horrific crime,” said Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. “We are grateful Prosecutor Onofri referred this case to the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability, and that all the agencies involved collaborated as a team to bring some resolution to the victim’s family. The life and the loss of Donna Macho was not forgotten, and this announcement illustrates the Cold Case Network will not relent in its pursuit of justice.”
“This case illustrates the importance and effectiveness of the Cold Case Network, and its ability to dedicate resources, including cutting-edge technology, to revive cold cases, apply previously unavailable tools to reexamine evidence and bring resolution to grieving families long haunted by unanswered questions,” said Carolyn Murray, Director of the Integrity Bureau of OPIA, which includes the Cold Case Network. “It also ensures with greater accuracy that the proper suspects are identified in connection with these cases, and those who are innocent are not falsely accused of criminal conduct.”
“Nearly 40 years have passed since the life of a 19-year-old was mercilessly stolen by a predator who discarded her remains in a shallow grave, leaving them unrecovered for more than 10 years,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “Time does not erase the quest for justice, and although this murderer was imprisoned for another killing and died in custody in 2020, it does not make this conclusion any less meaningful. I applaud the Central Regional Cold Case Task Force and the State Police forensic scientists who were hopefully able to offer the slightest measure of consolation to the victim’s family after all these years.”
“All of the evidence that was viable to be tested has been tested and all leads have been exhausted,” said Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri. “After a comprehensive, cooperative investigation, cold case detectives were able to eliminate other potential suspects and are confident that Nathaniel Harvey is the perpetrator in the sexual assault and murder of Ms. Macho and the case is now closed.”
“I’m grateful to the Attorney General’s Office and the NJSP for the formation of the Cold Case Task Force,” said Prosecutor Onofri. “The technological and investigative resources made possible through this collaboration of law enforcement agencies are invaluable and allow us to bring some closure to families like the Machos after decades of questions and uncertainty.”
Attorney General Platkin and Prosecutor Onofri commended all of the Central Regional Cold Case Task Force’s participating agencies, including the Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability under the leadership of OPIA Executive Director Tom Eicher, the New Jersey State Police, the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office.
They also expressed their appreciation to the NJSP Office of Forensic Sciences, the NJSP Central Regional Laboratory, the Middlesex Regional Medical Examiner’s Office, the New Jersey Department of Corrections’ Special Investigations Division, and the East Windsor Township Police Department for their assistance.
Photo by EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA on Pexels.com
Scouts made Christmas ornaments for the UMC Christmas Tree
A Mercer County grand jury returned a nine-count indictment this week charging Billy M. Woodard, 54, in connection with five residential burglaries in Mercer and Middlesex counties, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri announced. Photo provided by: Mercer County Prosecutors Office
Photo from Chris Smith Press Release from C-Span
