SHIP BOTTOM, NJ (OCEAN)–Estimates of 2,500 boats participated in a Trump Boat Parade that was also supporting Law Enforcement Officers and Veterans yesterday.
Boaters are congregated at the mouth of Tom’s River in Barnegat Bay and split into two major groups north bound and south bound.
The northbound parade started at the mouth of Toms River and past the Mantoloking Bridge, F-Cove and Bay Head.
The southbound parade started from the mouth of the Toms River and went past the Manahawkin Bridge all the way down to Beach Haven. A large group of boaters anchored in Ship Bottom after the parade.
Rep Smith joined the Law Enforcement Officers and Veterans Supporters of Trump Boat Parade in Barnegat Bay in Ocean County today in a boat captained by Ocean County GOP chairman Frank Holman. One report estimates that 2,500 boats participated in the show of support.
Some of the many Trump Boat Parade participants in the Ship Bottom area and Manahawkin Bridge
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on June 10, 2024, Anthony Collins, 41, of Seaside Heights, pled guilty to Manslaughter before the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, P.J.Cr.P., in connection with the death of Robert May, 70, of Seaside Heights, on October 1, 2023, in the Borough of Seaside Heights. At the time of his sentencing on August 9, 2024, the State will be seeking a term of three years New Jersey State Prison, subject to the terms of the No Early Release Act.
On September 18, 2023, at approximately 4:00 p.m., Officers from the Seaside Heights Police Department responded to the area of Central Avenue and Sumner Avenue for a report of a fall victim. Responding Officers found a male victim – later identified as Robert May – laying on the ground next to his bicycle. Mr. May was observed to be bleeding from a laceration to his head. Mr. May was initially treated at the scene and refused further medical assistance; he thereafter left the area and returned to his residence. A subsequent investigation by the Seaside Heights Police Department revealed that Mr. May was assaulted by another individual, which caused him to fall off his bicycle and strike his head on the pavement.
On September 18, 2023, at approximately 5:00 p.m., the Seaside Heights Police Department received information that Mr. May had been acting erratically subsequent to his fall, resulting in him being transported by the Tri-Boro First Aid Squad from his home to Community Medical Center in Toms River. Mr. May’s condition continued to deteriorate, and he was subsequently transferred to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick. On October 1, 2023, Mr. May succumbed to his injuries. A post-mortem examination conducted on that date by the Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office determined the cause of Mr. May’s death to be blunt force injury resulting from the assault which occurred in Seaside Heights on September 18, 2023, and the manner of his death to be homicide.
A continuing investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit and Seaside Heights Police Department determined that Collins was, in fact, the individual who assaulted Mr. May on September 18th, ultimately resulting in his death.
On October 4, 2023, a warrant was issued for Collins’ arrest, and his name was entered in the National Crime Information Center database. On October 15, 2023, Collins surrendered himself at Seaside Heights Police Department Headquarters. He was transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he has been lodged since that date.
“Certain proof problems in this case resulted in the State entering into a plea agreement with a recommended sentence that is below the normal sentencing range for manslaughter. The victim’s family recognizes and understands those issues, and is in support of this resolution. I commend them for their compassionate and forgiving nature,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Assistant Prosecutor Julie Peterson, and commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Seaside Heights Police Department Detective Bureau, Seaside Heights Police Department, Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office, and United States Marshals Service, for their collaborative assistance in connection with this investigation, leading to Collins’ arrest, guilty plea, and soon his state prison sentence.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Route 130 South Bound at Crosswicks-Hamilton Square Road/Klockner Road is closed for an accident investigation. The accident happened sometime around 10:00 p.m. when a FedEx delivery truck collided with a person. Hamilton Township Police, Hamilton Fire Department, and EMS responded to the scene. Police are conducting a traffic crash investigation and the roadway is closed south bound near the U.S. Post Office. No further information is available at this time.
ALLENTOWN – UPPER FREEHOLD TWP., NJ (MONMOUTH)–The New Jersey Fallen Firefighters Memorial and Fire Equipment Museum held the 2023 annual Memorial Service this afternoon at 1:00 p.m. This is a special tribute to Our Fallen Firefighters. “Those brave and courageous heroes who un-selflessly dedicated their lives, fighting to protect the lives and property of people, some of them they knew and many of them they would never meet. Their memory lives in our hearts and with the families left behind.”
Those who have died in the Line-of-Duty in New Jersey in 2022:
Harrison Fire Department – Vincent Doffont
Keyport Fire Department – Timothy Pfleger
Saddle Brook Fire Department – Basil Pizzuto
Upper Saddle River Fire Department – Alex Moss
Westwood Fire Department – Kevin May
According to The U.S. Fire Administration statistics there have been 30 firefighter fatalities in the United States in 2023 as of June 3, 2023.
Subscribe to the new Mid-Jersey.New YouTube Channel (still double posted on the old channel but needed its own account)
Photos: Anthony Greco
NJ Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service Held
5th Annual NJ Fire Museum Open House & Firefighters Memorial Services
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Four working structure fires, including one involving part of the abandoned Mercer Medical Center, kept members of the Trenton Fire Department busy this afternoon (Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023).
It was about 2 p.m. when the first of multiple 911 calls was received by the city’s communications center reporting smoke coming from the old Mercer Medical Center property. The hospital, the front of which has the street address of 446 Bellevue Avenue, closed its doors in December 2013.
Firefighters from Engines 1, 10, and 3, Ladder 4, and Rescue 1 were dispatched following the first 911 call. Other fire companies that would normally have been closer, including Engine 8, Engine 9, and Ladder 1, were unavailable as they were already committed to other assignments.
Heavy smoke was showing from part of the fenced-in complex when Engine 1 arrived. After forcing entry, firefighters realized the fire was better accessed from the rear of the old hospital off Rutherford Avenue.
Initially it was believed that the fire was only burning on the exterior of the structure but then it was determined there was heavy fire in a section of the basement.
Firefighters battled the blaze using multiple hoselines and the aerial master stream from Ladder 4’s bucket. Engine 8, having cleared up from an earlier medical assignment, responded to Rutherford Avenue and was assigned rapid intervention team duties.
At 2:30 p.m., as the blaze at the derelict hospital was still being fought, other 911 calls started coming in reporting another structure fire on the opposite end of the city at 1221 South Broad Street. With Engine 9 and Ladder 1 still busy on other assignments, the only available on-duty city companies – Engines 6 and 7 and Ladder 2 – were dispatched.
Engine 7 arrived and reported heavy smoke showing from the top floor of a three-story home. As Engine 7 stretched a hoseline to attack the fire and Engine 6 laid a large diameter supply line to a nearby hydrant, Engines 3 and Rescue 1 were released from the hospital fire and Engine 9 and Ladder 1 cleared up from their earlier assignments and all responded to the South Broad Street fire.
An engine company and truck company from Hamilton Township also responded to the South Broad Street fire and stood by at the scene in case needed.
The blaze at 1221 South Broad Street was declared under control at 2:55 p.m.. Red Cross was requested to the scene to assist displaced residents.
As soon as individual companies cleared up from the South Broad Street fire, they either returned to the scene of the hospital fire to help with overhaul or they were dispatched to other emergency assignments, including a reported natural gas odor on Bellevue Avenue and a carbon monoxide incident on Edgewood Avenue. The fire at the old hospital was declared under control at 3:10 p.m.
Then, about 4:30 p.m., another structure fire was reported at 521 Emory Avenue. Responding to that job were numerous units including Engines 7, 6, 3 and 10, Ladder 2 and Rescue 1, as well as a ladder truck from Yardley, PA. and engine from Bordentown City that had relocated to Trenton Fire Headquarters to help cover the city while Trenton firefighters were busy handling the earlier fires and other assignments.
Firefighters arrived to find a working kitchen fire. That blaze was quickly knocked down and declared under control at 4:48 p.m.
The same shift of firefighters fought yet another blaze on Sunday. About 11:45 p.m., the fourth working fire of the day was reported in the 100 block of Cleveland Avenue.
The fire was in 110 Cleveland Avenue and was vacant, boarded up structure. Heavy smoke on arrival and firefighters had to force entry to extinguish the fire. Fire was on first floor, and extended to second floor, interior stairs compromised
Arson investigators called to the scene and fire was placed under control 12:37 a.m.
Fire above at old Mercer Medical Center Bellevue Avenue
Above photos from Emory Avenue fire.
Above photos from South Broad Street fire.
Above photos from 110 Cleveland fire.
Additional photos above from today’s fires by Brian McCarthy
EWING, NJ (MERCER)–Colonel Patrick J. Callahan regrets to announce the untimely death of Trooper II Marcellus E. Bethea, badge #7829, Troop “D”, Moorestown Station, who passed away during training.Trooper Bethea served with the New Jersey State Police for over eight years and was a member of the 156th State Police Class. His commitment and passion for serving the citizens of New Jersey exemplified Honor, Duty, and Fidelity.
Please keep Trooper Bethea and his family in your prayers. Details with regard to his viewing and funeral arrangements will be forthcoming.
Governor Murphy stated this evening, “Tammy and I are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of New Jersey State Trooper Marcellus Bethea, who died during training at NJSP Headquarters in Ewing.
“Trooper Bethea showed a passion and spark for service from a young age, participating in New Jersey State Police Trooper Youth Week while a student at Burlington Regional High School, and later graduating from the State Police Academy as part of the 156th class. He embodied Honor, Duty, and Fidelity in its highest form every day and in everything he did.
“An investigation into his death is underway. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and his fellow troopers at this difficult time.”
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin stated this evening, “This evening our hearts are heavy as we mourn the devastating loss of Trooper II Marcellus E. Bethea, a dedicated member of New Jersey State Police Troop D who was training to join the elite TEAMS Unit. I extend my sincerest condolences to his family and loved ones, and together, New Jersey grieves with them and with every member of the New Jersey State Police.
State troopers, and other members of law enforcement, enter their profession knowing its risks but put themselves on the line because they believe in serving the residents of our state. We owe Trooper Bethea our deepest gratitude and can honor his memory by living our lives with his same reverence for Honor, Duty, and Fidelity.”
Trooper II Marcellus E. Bethea, badge #7829, Troop “D”, Moorestown Station
UPDATE: NWS Mount Holly/Philadelphia reports cloudy skies though morning and it is not looking good to view the aurora tonight or tomorrow morning.
Viewing an aurora photos vs eye:
Many people have asked can you see the aurora with your eyes and the answer is yes you can. You don’t need a camera to see the aurora with your eyes but cameras capture it better. Modern cameras capture more of the light and color that is available. You can see the aurora with your naked eye but colors won’t be as vivid or bright as compared to a modern camara.
Camera phone:
Above: Two photos were taken with a Samsung S24 Ultra phone camera hand held. Camera data: Galaxy S24 Ultra, f-stop 1.7, Exposure time 1/2 second, ISO-3200, Focal length 6mm or 35mm focal length 23mm. Was used in normal mode that activated night mode.
Full frame DSLR Camera:
Above: Two photos taken with a Canon 5D Mark IV DSLR camera on a tripod. Camera data: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, Exposure time 2 seconds, ISO 1600, f-stop 2.8, focal length 16mm,
UPDATE: Several asked by direct messages what time and location to view the aurora and there is no specific time or place. There are multiple things that need to align for the aurora to be visible. I use the following methods to determine the best chance to see an aurora.
We need a geomagnetic storm from the sun strong enough that you can see the aurora this far south and we have that for the next 24 hours or so.
You need to plan ahead and find a dark place with very little light pollution as possible and a clear view to the north sky. Usually elevated rural areas, parks without lights, open fields, work best for that. Use a compass or compass application to find North. The best time is during complete darkness and this time of year most likley after 10:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.
A good weather forecast with clear skies. This morning the sky was clear just before sunrise and it made the aurora visible. Prior to 4:00 a.m. the sky was full of clouds and it was not visible in our area but it was visible in other places around the world that had clear skies.
The next thing you need to do is check with the SPACE WEATHER PREDICTION CENTER and look at the forecast. The forecast has a lead time of 28-minutes. There is usually a red line shown and areas above the red line could see the aurora. There is also green and red showing where the aurora is predicted to be look in that direction.
Go to your dark place let your eyes adjust to the darkness, confirm clear skies and a view to the north using the compass. If the aurora is not visible relax and wait and hopefully you will see it. Sometimes the aurora arrives in waves.
You also need some luck, out of the past 10+ predictions for NJ, this morning was the first I have ever seen an aurora in New Jersey. I have been above the redline shown on the prediction maps before and have not seen the aurora in NJ until this morning. The last aurora I seen was in Vermont two years ago.
Something that is nice to have is a red flashlight. White light will screw up your night vision so avoid regular flashlights if possible while in the field. When you use red flashlights it takes less time for your eyes to readjust to the darkness. According to the National Park Service, “It is an interesting trait that deep red lights do not trigger the neutralization of the rhodopsin, so astronomers and safety officials use red lights for night lighting to allow night vision to continue.”
Good luck finding the aurora tonight and tomorrow night. If that does not work out many take trips to Iceland to see the aurora during the early spring, late fall and winter months when there is longer darkness. Trips to Iceland in the summer have daylight 24/7 and the aurora is not usually seen during the summer. When I was in Vermont I seen an aurora at night in August 2022 a friend was in Iceland at the same time could not see the aurora because it was daylight for close to 24 hours during that time of year.
Update: As of 6:00 p.m. GOES-EAST Satellite is showing cloud cover that will most likely increase overnight. National Weather Service Mount Holly/Philadelphia reports Showers likely, mainly after 5am. Increasing clouds, with a low around 47. We need a mostly clear view to the northern sky. If this does not happen tonight Sunday night may be good since there are still active X-Class Flares from the sun and the aurora should continue to be active. The Space Weather Prediction Center issued a Geomagnetic Storm Watch for May 12, 2024 see below:
SPACE WEATHER PREDICTION CENTER
Tomorrow: SEVERE AND EXTREME (G4-G5) GEOMAGNETIC STORMS LIKELY ON 12 MAY 2024
published: Saturday, May 11, 2024 17:54 UTC
Another series of CMEs associated with flare activity from Region 3664 over the past several days are expected to merge and arrive at Earth by midday (UTC) on 12 May. Periods of G4-G5 (Severe-Extreme) geomagnetic storms are likely to follow the arrival of these CMEs.
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–UPDATE: NOAA NWS Space Weather Prediction Center reports that X-Class Flares continue to occur making tonight another good viewing opportunity to see the Aurora Borealis Northern Lights over New Jersey.
The photos from this morning were taken with a Canon 5D MKIV SLR camera with a very wide 2.8f lens, some photos were even taken with a Samsung S24 Ultra and were good out of camera and phone.
The best way to capture the aurora is to use a SLR or mirrorless camera with a tripod if you do not have one of the latest Samsung or Apple phones should do. Get to a dark location away from city lights as much as possible. You should have a compass or compass application on your phone and find North. Once you find North look in that direction and you will need clear skies or at least broken clouds to see the aurora. Point your camera in that direction.
Camera settings this morning was 1/2 second at 2.8f at iso 3,200 on the Canon 5D Mark IV and some of the photos were adjusted a little depending on the sky. On the Samsung S24 Ultra night mode was used. There was no tripod used for the cell phone and there is some slight movement seen in the stars when using the camera phone. Tonight, if the skies are clear I will bring a second tripod for the phone camera.
NOAA 30-minute forecast link:
AURORA – 30 MINUTE FORECAST
For tonight some have been asking and it is looking like it might be cloudy but there are some holes in the clouds so hopefully we see something.
GOES-EAST Satellite check images on the link below for cloud cover.
GOES-East – Continental U.S. (CONUS) Images
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, was seen over New Jersey early this morning after skies cleared last night. Pillars of light in purple, red and green were observed this morning just before dawn.
According to NOAA we are experiencing the aurora because of large Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) on the Sun. They are large expulsions of plasma and magnetic field from the Sun’s corona.
If you missed this morning’s aurora you should have another opportunity tonight.
MidJersey.news has had reports of the aurora seen as far south as Florida.
Photo of the sun this morning May 11, 2024
Large sunspots can be seen on the sun this morning causing X-class solar flares and Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) creating conditions for the aurora.
According to NASA, Flares happen when the powerful magnetic fields in and around the sun reconnect. They’re usually associated with active regions, often seen as sun spots, where the magnetic fields are strongest. Flares are classified according to their strength. The smallest ones are B-class, followed by C, M and X, the largest. X-class flare like that can create long lasting radiation storms, which can harm satellites and even give airline passengers, flying near the poles, small radiation doses. X flares also have the potential to create global transmission problems and world-wide blackouts.
YET ANOTHER X-CLASS FLARE!
Space Weather Message Code: ALTK08Serial Number: 37Issue Time: 2024 May 11 0944 UTCALERT: Geomagnetic K-index of 8, 9- Threshold Reached: 2024 May 11 0940 UTCSynoptic Period: 0900-1200 UTC Active Warning: YesNOAA Scale: G4 - SevereNOAA Space Weather Scale descriptions can be found atwww.swpc.noaa.gov/noaa-scales-explanationPotential Impacts: Area of impact primarily poleward of 45 degrees Geomagnetic Latitude.Induced Currents - Possible widespread voltage control problems and some protective systems may mistakenly trip out key assets from the power grid. Induced pipeline currents intensify.Spacecraft - Systems may experience surface charging; increased drag on low earth orbit satellites, and tracking and orientation problems may occur.Navigation - Satellite navigation (GPS) degraded or inoperable for hours.Radio - HF (high frequency) radio propagation sporadic or blacked out. Aurora - Aurora may be seen as low as Alabama and northern California.
According to NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center:
Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) are large expulsions of plasma and magnetic field from the Sun’s corona. They can eject billions of tons of coronal material and carry an embedded magnetic field (frozen in flux) that is stronger than the background solar wind interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) strength. CMEs travel outward from the Sun at speeds ranging from slower than 250 kilometers per second (km/s) to as fast as near 3000 km/s. The fastest Earth-directed CMEs can reach our planet in as little as 15-18 hours. Slower CMEs can take several days to arrive. They expand in size as they propagate away from the Sun and larger CMEs can reach a size comprising nearly a quarter of the space between Earth and the Sun by the time it reaches our planet.
The more explosive CMEs generally begin when highly twisted magnetic field structures (flux ropes) contained in the Sun’s lower corona become too stressed and realign into a less tense configuration – a process called magnetic reconnection. This can result in the sudden release of electromagnetic energy in the form of a solar flare; which typically accompanies the explosive acceleration of plasma away from the Sun – the CME. These types of CMEs usually take place from areas of the Sun with localized fields of strong and stressed magnetic flux; such as active regions associated with sunspot groups. CMEs can also occur from locations where relatively cool and denser plasma is trapped and suspended by magnetic flux extending up to the inner corona – filaments and prominences. When these flux ropes reconfigure, the denser filament or prominence can collapse back to the solar surface and be quietly reabsorbed, or a CME may result. CMEs travelling faster than the background solar wind speed can generate a shock wave. These shock waves can accelerate charged particles ahead of them – causing increased radiation storm potential or intensity.
Important CME parameters used in analysis are size, speed, and direction. These properties are inferred from orbital satellites’ coronagraph imagery by SWPC forecasters to determine any Earth-impact likelihood. The NASA Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) carries a coronagraph – known as the Large Angle and Spectrometric Coronagraph (LASCO). This instrument has two ranges for optical imaging of the Sun’s corona: C2 (covers distance range of 1.5 to 6 solar radii) and C3 (range of 3 to 32 solar radii). The LASCO instrument is currently the primary means used by forecasters to analyze and categorize CMEs; however another coronagraph is on the NASA STEREO-A spacecraft as an additional source.
Imminent CME arrival is first observed by the Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) satellite, located at the L1 orbital area. Sudden increases in density, total interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) strength, and solar wind speed at the DSCOVR spacecraft indicate arrival of the CME-associated interplanetary shock ahead of the magnetic cloud. This can often provide 15 to 60 minutes advanced warning of shock arrival at Earth – and any possible sudden impulse or sudden storm commencement; as registered by Earth-based magnetometers.
Important aspects of an arriving CME and its likelihood for causing more intense geomagnetic storming include the strength and direction of the IMF beginning with shock arrival, followed by arrival and passage of the plasma cloud and frozen-in-flux magnetic field. More intense levels of geomagnetic storming are favored when the CME enhanced IMF becomes more pronounced and prolonged in a south-directed orientation. Some CMEs show predominantly one direction of the magnetic field during its passage, while most exhibit changing field directions as the CME passes over Earth. Generally, CMEs that impact Earth’s magnetosphere will at some point have an IMF orientation that favors generation of geomagnetic storming. Geomagnetic storms are classified using a five-level NOAA Space Weather Scale. SWPC forecasters discuss analysis and geomagnetic storm potential of CMEs in the forecast discussion and predict levels of geomagnetic storming in the 3-day forecast.
If you missed this morning’s aurora you should have another opportunity tonight. The following links will be helpful for those trying see Aurora Borealis tonight:
SPACE WEATHER PREDICTION CENTER AURORA DASHBOARD (EXPERIMENTAL) https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/communities/aurora-dashboard-experimental
NOAA 30-minute forecast link:
AURORA – 30 MINUTE FORECAST
AURORA VIEWLINE FOR TONIGHT AND TOMORROW NIGHT (EXPERIMENTAL)
Northern Lights, Aurora Borealis as seen from the Robbinsville – Allentown, New Jersey area. (The earlier set of photos had wrong date posted. Photos were taken around 4:30 a.m. in Robbinsville – Allentown area May 11, 2024.)
Manchester Township NJ – On Tuesday, at approximately 10:35am officers of the Manchester Township Police Department were dispatched to Horicon Ave approximately a half-mile east of County Route 530 for the report of an overturned pick-up truck.
Upon arrival at the scene, officers observed a white 2020 Toyota Tacoma overturned on its driver side with extensive front-end damage. The investigation revealed that the vehicle was traveling west on Horicon Ave. The Toyota crossed over the center line and left the roadway to the left and impacted several trees. Due to the impact with the trees, it caused the vehicle to rotate approximately 180 degrees and overturn onto its driver’s side. The Toyota came to final rest on its driver’s side facing east partially in the eastbound travel lane of Horicon Ave.
The driver of the Toyota, identified as 42-year-old, Jeremy D. Bier of Pennsauken, NJ, suffered multiple severe injuries to his entire body. Mr. Bier was transported via Medevac to Jersey Shore University Medical Center. It was determined that Mr. Bier at the time of the crash was not wearing a seatbelt. Mr. Bier is listed in critical condition at this time.
Assisting at the scene were EMTs and firefighters from the Manchester Township Division of Emergency Services, firefighters from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Fire Department, firefighters from Whiting Volunteer Fire Department, and Robert Wood Johnson LifeFlight. The investigation into this crash is still on going, however, failure to maintain lane and failure to wear a seatbelt appear to be the primary contributing factors. This crash is being investigated by Ptl. Conner Yatauro of the department’s Traffic Safety Section.
May 14, 2024
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on May 14, 2024, the Honorable Kimarie Rahill, J.S.C., sentenced Ryan Thompson, 35, of Trenton, to seven years New Jersey State Prison as a result of his previously entered guilty plea to Manslaughter in connection with the death of a 55-year-old male in Berkeley Township on September 29, 2023. This sentence will be subject to the terms of the No Early Release Act, meaning that Thompson will be required to serve at least 85 percent of his prison sentence before he may be considered for parole eligibility. Thompson pled guilty to the charge before Judge Rahill on March 4, 2024.
On September 29, 2023, Officers from the Berkeley Township Police Department responded to a residence on Torrey Pines Drive for a report of an unresponsive male. Upon arrival, Officers discovered the body of the victim – already deceased from an apparent drug overdose.
A continuing investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, and Berkeley Township Police Department Detective Bureau, revealed that Thompson and his co-defendants, Michael Wormann, 38, of Toms River, and Tina Martinez, 61, of Trenton, were involved in the distribution of fentanyl to the victim on September 28, 2023.
On September 30, 2023, Wormann was charged with Distribution of Fentanyl, Possession of Less than One-Half Ounce of Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute, and Possession of Fentanyl. He was taken into custody without incident at his residence by Berkeley Township Police Officers, and released on a summons pending a future appearance in Ocean County Superior Court.
On October 17, 2023, Martinez was charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl. She was taken into custody without incident at her residence in Trenton, transported to New Jersey State Police Headquarters in Trenton, and released on a summons pending a future appearance in Ocean County Superior Court.
On October 20, 2023, Thompson was likewise charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl. He turned himself in to Berkeley Township Police Headquarters on that date, and was subsequently transported to the Ocean County Jail where he has remained lodged since.
Further investigation and toxicology analysis received by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed the presence of fentanyl in the victim’s system. Based upon the toxicology analysis, the Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office opined that the fentanyl found in the victim’s system was the cause of his death. As a consequence, Thompson, Wormann, and Martinez were all charged accordingly in connection with the victim’s death.
On March 18, 2024, both Wormann and Martinez pled guilty to Distribution of Fentanyl before Judge Rahill; the State is recommending they be sentenced to 364 days in the Ocean County Jail as a condition of probation. Both Wormann and Martinez are scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Rahill on June 7, 2024.
Prosecutor Billhimer commends Assistant Prosecutor Stephen Burke who handled the case on behalf of the State, and acknowledges the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Berkeley Township Police Department, Berkeley Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Trenton City Police Department, New Jersey State Police, Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office, and Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office’s Victim Witness Unit, for their combined and collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation, ultimately resulting in Thompson’s guilty plea, and now his state prison sentence.
Photo by EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA on Pexels.com
May 14, 2024
HAMILTON – (May 14, 2024) – The ninth edition of Robbinsville Township Mayor Dave Fried’s groundbreaking “Pay it Forward” initiative produced another milestone Tuesday at The Stone Terrace by John Henry’s.
As part of his annual State of Robbinsville Township address to benefit Robbinsville Meals on Wheels, the mayor announced the total amount raised for individuals and organizations in need since 2015 has eclipsed $500,000.
“That is something I never imagined in my wildest dreams, said Fried, who also presented “Pay it Forward Community Partner Awards” to Christine O’Brian of David Bradley Chocolatier and local non-profit Be Kind Inc. “We love this event. We transformed something we had to do by law into something we look forward to doing. We’ve made a tangible difference in people’s lives and that’s really cool.”
With Meals on Wheels founder Josephine Parr, 87, a surprise attendee, the mayor – with the help of current MOW Executive Director Jodi Marra – bestowed Mrs. Parr with just the third David L. Fried Humanitarian Award.
“None of this could be possible without the vision, compassion and kindness of Josephine Parr,” he said. “We have only given out two of these (Humanitarian Awards) in my nearly 20 years as mayor, so this is as special as it gets. Her vision, compassion and kindness shown to every single homebound resident of Robbinsville over the past three decades is an inspiration.”
As for Township business, Fried announced that the May 9 introduced municipal budget includes the 10th flat or reduced tax rate in the past 13 years. A public hearing and vote for adoption on the $28.5 million budget is scheduled for June 13.
“Getting there was not easy, it almost never is on either side of the balance sheet, but we are staying flat despite the worst inflation battle since the 70s, which as you all know has led to price hikes everywhere you turn,” Fried said. “We are doing this while also improving our services and adding initiatives. No one hates raising taxes more than me, and I am very happy to be able to stay flat this year.”
The mayor, who was introduced by the evening’s emcee – Mercer County Commissioner and William Penn Bank Senior Vice President Nina Melker – also unveiled his revised vision for moving Robbinsville’s municipal court and police department into the former Roma/Investors Bank Building next door to the existing municipal building at 2298 Route 33.
“Logistically speaking, the decision is a no-brainer,” he said. “Financially speaking, leasing the building for 10 to 12 years – compared to buying it outright at what we consider an inflated price – seems to be the way to go. Even after retrofit and other renovations, we will still save compared to building new. We also leave open the option of owning the building via condemnation when the lease expires. we desperately need a new court and police station – which will be shared both in terms of space and costs – with our neighbors in Hightstown. We cannot kick this can down the road any further because there is no more road.”
Past Pay it Forward recipients include the Shepherd Family, Quilts for Comfort, Deborah Dauer, C.A.R.E., Mercer Street Friends Food Bank, the We Love Our R’ville Neighbors campaign, the Breden Family and the McLaughin family.
Donations to Meals on Wheels are still being accepted. Please make checks payable to C.A.R.E. and send to: 2298 Route 33, Robbinsville, NJ 08691. Attn: Jodi Stephens. Please write “2024 Pay it Forward” in the check notes.
This is the second fatal explosion in Middlesex County in just over 24 hours. Another explosion happened yesterday May 1, 2024 in Old Bridge. One person was killed and two others injured in Wednesday’s explosion.
May 2, 2024
SOUTH RIVER, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Chief Mark Tinitigan of the South River Police Department announced today that authorities are investigating an explosion in the Borough of South River.
Today, Thursday, May 2, 2024, at approximately 7:03 P.M., authorities responded to a residence on Continental Court following a report of an explosion. Upon their arrival, authorities located two male victims who had sustained serious injuries from the explosion. One of the victims was transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital for treatment. The other victim, Kevin Gilbert, 62, of South River, was discovered with fatal injuries. Gilbert succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
An investigation into the cause of the explosion is active and continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Patrick Molina of the South River Police Department at 732-238-1000 or Detective Matthew Colonna of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-745-3354.
Yesterday in Old Bridge one person was killed and two others injured in another explosion.
Yesterday, May 1, 2024, at approximately 11:45 A.M., authorities responded to Superior Signal Company, LLC in Old Bridge following a report of an explosion. Upon arrival, authorities located Eileen Marco, 73, of South River, who had succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene and two other employees, who were injured during the explosion.
While the investigation is ongoing, a preliminary investigation lead by The New Jersey State Police, Old Bridge Police Department, the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, and local, state, and county Fire Marshals indicates that the explosion is not suspicious in nature and foul play is not suspected.
One Dead, Two Injured in Explosion in Old Bridge
Photos by: NJ Public Safety News Alerts
The scene tonight in South River, Middlesex County, New Jersey.
Photos by: NJ Public Safety News Alerts
May 2, 2024
TRENTON (Mercer) – Neighbors teamed up to help a mother and her two children escape from their burning home in South Trenton this evening (Thursday, May 2, 2024).
During a particularly frightening moment at the scene on Daymond Street, a city firefighter collapsed shortly after he helped extinguish the blaze.
The mother and children, who reportedly suffered smoke inhalation, and the downed firefighter were all transported via ambulance to hospital. Specific information about their conditions was not available at the time of this report.
It was about 6:55 p.m. when Engines 3, 10 and 7, Ladder 2, and Rescue 1 were dispatched for a reported fire at 59 Daymond Street. While enroute, firefighters spotted smoke rising into the evening sky. The “All Hands” signal for a working fire was immediately ordered and the remainder of the first alarm assignment – Engine 1, Ladder 4 and Special Services 1 – was dispatched.
When they reached the scene, firefighters found a fire burning at the rear of 59 Daymond Street and learned that neighbors had already helped a woman, an infant and another older child out of the smoky interior. While some firefighters immediately went to work fighting the flames, others began caring for the woman and children.
The blaze was quickly extinguished and was declared under control at 7:14 p.m. Multiple Trenton Emergency Medical Service ambulance crews and Capital Health paramedics responded to care for and transport the woman and children.
The medical staff also immediately went to work after a member of Rescue 1 collapsed while he was removing his breathing apparatus shortly after he exited the fire building. For several tense minutes, bystanders watched as fellow firefighters quickly stripped the downed firefighter of his protective clothing and medical personnel assessed his condition. He was quickly placed into an ambulance and rushed to hospital.
Thankfully, the firefighter appeared to have regained consciousness prior to leaving the scene. It was a particularly warm and humid evening, however it was not immediately clear if the weather conditions, on top of the physical exertions of battling the blaze, contributed to his condition.
Afterward, several neighbors praised the fire department and offered prayers for the downed firefighter and the mother and children.
“The Trenton Fire Department is the best,” one woman could be heard saying.
Due to damage caused by the fire, power to 59 Daymond Street and the adjacent residence at 57 Daymond Street was shut off by PSE&G. The Red Cross was contacted to respond to assist the displaced residents with temporary shelter, clothing and food.
The cause of the blaze was under investigation at the time of this report.
May 2, 2024
West Windsor, NJ – On the unseasonably cold afternoon of April 13, Mercer County’s Park Commission and Planning Department hosted their fourth annual Bike Drive for the benefit of the Mercer County Bike Exchange (BEX) and Boys & Girls Club (BGC). Over 150 bikes were contributed by donors from all over the county and surrounding area.
BEX is a volunteer-run organization whose primary objective is to raise funds that support after-school programs at the Mercer County BGC. The non-profit repairs donated bicycles and sells them at modest prices from its Ewing location at Capitol Plaza on Olden Avenue, promoting biking for transportation and pleasure.
“The annual bike drive is a wonderful example of county government partnering with nonprofits to give back to our community.” said Mercer County Executive Dan Benson. “I’m grateful to all of the volunteers who made this event a tremendous success, and to all of the generous residents who donated their bikes for a good cause.”
“Once again, the Mercer County Park Commission, in cooperation with the Mercer County Bike Exchange and the Mercer County Planning Department, have come together in support of this annual event,” said Acting Executive Director Joseph Pizza. “Thank you to all the volunteers and participants on another successful bike drive.”
According to Ira Saltiel, the BEX volunteer director, 50 volunteers support the organization by working in sales, repairing, picking up, and delivering bikes. Tech-savvy volunteers manage the BEX social media and Craigslist postings. Others harvest parts off bikes that are beyond repair.
Since 2009, the Bike Exchange has sold approximately 27,000 bikes, raising $1.6 million dollars for the BGC. During the past several years, they have also donated approximately 300 free bikes annually to youth in Trenton and other urban areas throughout New Jersey.
Interested BGC teens get training in bike repairs. Some of the teens who are learning how to rehabilitate bikes volunteered their time at the Bike Drive by helping donors unload bikes from their vehicles, handing out informational materials, and loading donated bikes onto Bike Exchange trailers at the end of the day.
“Over 15 BEX volunteers and four interns from the Boys & Girls Club helped with the Mercer County bike drive this year,” said Saltiel. “The quality of the bikes this year was amazing and the 150 bikes donated will result in over $18,000 in sales, all going directly to the Boys and Girls Club. It was a hugely successful event.”
Mercer County is proud to support the Bike Exchange and the Boys & Girls Club through the County’s annual bike drives. The contributions of the two non-profit organizations help to make Mercer County the best place in New Jersey to buy and ride a bike.
For information on Mercer County Park Commission parks and trails, visit https://www.mercercounty.org/departments/mercer-county-park-commission/recreation-events/passive-recreation.
May 2, 2024
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department are investigating a Wednesday night shooting (May 1, 2024) in Trenton that left two men dead, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported.
At approximately 7:45 p.m. on May 1, 2024, Trenton police responded to the area Prospect Street and Pennington Avenue on a ShotSpotter activation for multiple rounds.
Upon arrival, officers located a male victim, later identified as Chevaughn Fagan, in the side parking lot of 812 Prospect Street suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. A second male victim, later identified as Jerome Francis, 43, of Hamilton, was discovered in the same parking lot in the driver’s seat of a blue Infiniti QX60 with gunshot wounds to the chest. The vehicle appeared to have heavy front-end damage and several airbags were deployed. Detectives located three handguns, two cell phones and multiple shell casings at the scene.
Fagan, 28, of Trenton, and Francis were transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center where they were pronounced dead a short time later.
No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact MCHTF Detective Chris Pullen at (848) 992-6436 or OIC William Jett Jr. at (609) 331-5010. Information can also be emailed to [email protected].
In an earlier shooting yesterday, Trenton Police reported that at approximately 4:48 p.m., May 1, 2024, Trenton Police Department patrol officers responded to a report of multiple shots fired in the area of Brunswick Avenue and Southard Street. They discovered an elderly woman was shot in the leg. She was taken to the hospital for treatment and subsequently released. A vehicle and two residences were also struck but, thankfully, no other injuries were reported. The Trenton Police Department Shooting Response Team is investigating this incident.
Names of the 2023 Trenton Homicide Victims
01/13/2024 Eduardo Lopez-Cruz, 38, of Trenton, Shooting
02/28/2024 Shawn Moore, 45, Trenton, Shooting
03/19/2024 Donnell Jenkins age 52, Stabbing
04/04/2024 Jose Alfredo Azcona Garcia, 46, of Trenton, Shooting
05/01/2024 Jerome Francis, 43, of Hamilton
05/01/2024 Chevaughn Fagan, 28, of Trenton
05/19/2024 Stephon Fisher, 18, of Trenton, Shooting
May 2, 2024
TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Vehicular Homicide Squad, Toms River Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, are currently investigating a fatal pedestrian strike that occurred on May 1, 2024, at approximately 8:25 p.m., in the area of Route 166 and Hilltop Road in Toms River Township.
Prosecutor Billhimer urges anyone in possession of information regarding this investigation to please contact Sergeant Brad Frank of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-929-2027, extension 3689, or Officer William Resetar of the Toms River Township Police Department at 732-349-0150.
Police Warn About Moving Over to Emergency Vehicles
May 17, 2024
South Brunswick Police Department is sounding the alarm about motorists’ needing to Move Over while police conduct motor vehicle stops. “In the past 3 weeks, we have had 2 patrol officers SUVs struck while conducting motor vehicle stops. We are lucky that in both cases no officers were injured, but one police car was totaled,” said Chief Raymond Hayducka. He added, “It is dangerous to be stopping vehicles on the highways sometimes only feet from trucks and cars going 55 mph. We need drivers help at moving over or reducing their speed when they see a police car with its lights on.” The first case took place on April 29, 2024 at 3:37 am. South Brunswick Officers Jorge Robles, Ben Salihi, and Sgt Jesse Blake were already on a car stop for an impaired driver on Route 130 near Viking Way. As they were evaluating the driver with field sobriety test, a second vehicle crashed into the rear of the police SUV at a high rate of speed. (See video). The driver of the second vehicle, Gonzalo Najera age 30 of Princeton was found to be driving while intoxicated and arrested. The patrol SUV was totaled in the crash. Najera was charged with multiple offenses including driving while under the influence. The second crash occurred Thursday at 8:30 am on Route 130 near Broadway Road. Patrolman First Class Jason Gassman was conducting a motor vehicle stop with his emergency lights activated. While the officer was speaking to the driver of his traffic stop, a Grey Honda Odyssey minivan side-swiped police SUV damaging its driver’s side. The driver continued northbound without stopping. South Brunswick Police Traffic Safety Bureau is still investigating the hit-n-run.
“These two incidents highlight the danger officers face every day. If PFC Gassman had been on the driver’s side yesterday, this would be a much different story,” said Chief Hayducka. New Jersey law is clear on the requirements to MOVE OVER or slow down as you approach an emergency vehicle operating in the roadway. Chief Hayducka added, “It only takes seconds to slow down and move over, but the difference by not doing so can be a tragedy.”
Photo by EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA on Pexels.com
Photo by EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA on Pexels.com
