Manchester Township NJ- A visit to a popular privately-owned 7000-acre tract of land in Manchester on Saturday morning ended tragically for a 33-year-old Howell Township man, Edwin Toro-Mejia, who unlawfully visited the Heritage Mineral property and attempted to swim in the lake with other individuals around 09:30 am. Toro-Mejia and a juvenile family member were attempting to cross Crystal Lake when Toro-Mejia appeared to suffer from a muscle cramp in his leg and went into distress approximately thirty yards from the shoreline. Family members went to the aid of Toro-Mejia who eventually submerged underwater and disappeared in the current.
The Manchester Township Police Department, with the assistance of the Manchester Township EMS, the Manchester, Ridgeway, Whiting, Lakehurst, Lacey, Toms River, and South Toms River Volunteer Fire Departments, the Lanoka Harbor and Ocean Beach Search and Rescue Squads, and the New Jersey State Police Aviation Unit responded to the scene were search and rescue operations were conducted for approximately an hour and a half before Toro-Mejia was located unresponsive. He was pulled from the water where he was pronounced deceased. The preliminary investigation indicates the drowning to be accidental.
Assisting with this investigation is the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department Crime Scene Investigation Unit and the Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office. Anyone who may have been at “Crystal Lake” and witnessed this incident is asked to contact Detective Richard Jupinka of the Manchester Township Police Department’s Investigations Bureau at 732-657-2009 ext. 4206.
The Manchester Township Police Department would like to remind the public that the Heritage Minerals or “ASARCO” site is private property. It is closed for recreational and/or other use and it is a criminal offense to enter or remain on the property. In the interest of public safety, the Manchester Township Police urges everyone to obey the “No Trespassing” signs posted at the site. Trespassers are subject to substantial fines and penalties up to and including incarceration for being on the property.
Photo: Whiting Fire Company Sta. 33, Facebook Page
Past stories related to this site:
Cliffside Park Man Drowned In “Crystal Lake” On ASARCO Site
Allentown, NJ. The Allentown Village Initiative (TAVI) is happy to welcome back the “ManalaPans,” an 18-piece steel pan drum ensemble, for a free concert on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at 3 pm behind Allentown Methodist Church, 23 Church Street, Allentown, NJ. The concert is also the first ever “Brearley Birthday Bash” celebrating the 279th birthday of David Brearley, an Allentown resident and attorney who served as an advisor to George Washington in the Revolutionary War and later wrote part of the U.S. Constitution and served as New Jersey’s first chief justice. The ensemble will perform island favorites on the lawn behind the church – attendees are welcome to bring a picnic; TAVI will have hotdogs available and provide complimentary birthday cake. The concert’s rain date is Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 3 pm in the same location.
The ManalaPans, under the direction of David Geltch, showcase advanced high school music students from local school districts, including Upper Freehold Regional, on professional hand-hammered steel pan drums. TAVI is bringing the full ensemble to Allentown to celebrate the students’ accomplishments as part of its “Allentown Arts” program, made possible through the generosity of our community as well as a grant from Monmouth Arts, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, and the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners.
The Allentown Village Initiative (TAVI) is a volunteer-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose focus is on local history education and historic preservation, natural resource protection, economic development, and the arts and culture. A quaint and quiet town of 1,800 residents set apart from the bustle of urban New Jersey, Allentown is conveniently located just minutes from Exit 7a on the New Jersey Turnpike, one hour south of New York City, and less than an hour north of Philadelphia. For more information about this and other events, visit www.allentownvinj.org
HAMILTON (Mercer) – A medical helicopter was called out Saturday evening (Feb. 3, 2024) after a man was badly burned in what was reported to be some kind of fire pit accident. Hamilton firefighters and EMS personnel were initially dispatched to an address on Lehigh Avenue about 8:25 p.m. for a reported house fire. They arrived to find there was no house fire but instead a man who had been badly burned from what was said to be a backyard fire pit. A medical helicopter landed at a field behind Nottingham High School and the patient was flown to the burn unit at Temple University Medical Center in Philadelphia. No other details are available at this time.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)-Hamilton Police say that on November 7, 2023, at approximately 3:35 p.m., Officers Tim Young, Joshua Doan, Anthony Lucidi responded to a shoplifting in progress at the Home Depot located on Route 130 in Hamilton Township. Officers Young and Doan identified the vehicle and occupants described to Hamilton Police dispatch and approached the vehicle in the parking lot. Officer Young ordered the driver of the vehicle, Daray L. Wesby, out of the vehicle. When Daray exited the vehicle, the front-seat passenger, Eric D. Murphy, got into the driver’s seat and attempted to drive away. Officer Young immediately tried to stop Eric by grabbing him. Eric Murphy put the car into drive and dragged Officer Young, going backward and forward, with the vehicle numerous times until Officer Young was able to gain control of Eric and place him in custody. Once the vehicle was stopped, the rear passenger, Michael C. Brown, exited the vehicle and ran on foot. He was chased down and taken into custody by Officer Joshua Doan. During this altercation, the original driver of the vehicle, Daray L. Wesby, fled the area on foot towards Route 130.
Michael C. Brown was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault, Resisting Arrest, and Shoplifting. He was placed on a warrant and transported to the Mercer County Corrections Center.
Eric Murphy was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault, Resisting Arrest, and Shoplifting. He was placed on a warrant and transported to the Mercer County Corrections Center.
Daray Wesby was placed on a summons for Obstructing the administration of law.
During this event, some of the initial proceeds of the shoplifting were dropped in the parking lot and picked up by Stephanie L. Diaz, who attempted to return the items for a refund. She was turned away because she could not produce a receipt, so she left the Home Depot with the aforementioned proceeds. Stephanie L. Diaz has been charged with shoplifting and placed on a summons.
All parties are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Manchester Township NJ- A visit to a popular privately-owned 7000-acre tract of land in Manchester on Saturday morning ended tragically for a 33-year-old Howell Township man, Edwin Toro-Mejia, who unlawfully visited the Heritage Mineral property and attempted to swim in the lake with other individuals around 09:30 am. Toro-Mejia and a juvenile family member were attempting to cross Crystal Lake when Toro-Mejia appeared to suffer from a muscle cramp in his leg and went into distress approximately thirty yards from the shoreline. Family members went to the aid of Toro-Mejia who eventually submerged underwater and disappeared in the current.
The Manchester Township Police Department, with the assistance of the Manchester Township EMS, the Manchester, Ridgeway, Whiting, Lakehurst, Lacey, Toms River, and South Toms River Volunteer Fire Departments, the Lanoka Harbor and Ocean Beach Search and Rescue Squads, and the New Jersey State Police Aviation Unit responded to the scene were search and rescue operations were conducted for approximately an hour and a half before Toro-Mejia was located unresponsive. He was pulled from the water where he was pronounced deceased. The preliminary investigation indicates the drowning to be accidental.
Assisting with this investigation is the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department Crime Scene Investigation Unit and the Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office. Anyone who may have been at “Crystal Lake” and witnessed this incident is asked to contact Detective Richard Jupinka of the Manchester Township Police Department’s Investigations Bureau at 732-657-2009 ext. 4206.
The Manchester Township Police Department would like to remind the public that the Heritage Minerals or “ASARCO” site is private property. It is closed for recreational and/or other use and it is a criminal offense to enter or remain on the property. In the interest of public safety, the Manchester Township Police urges everyone to obey the “No Trespassing” signs posted at the site. Trespassers are subject to substantial fines and penalties up to and including incarceration for being on the property.
Photo: Whiting Fire Company Sta. 33, Facebook Page
Past stories related to this site:
Cliffside Park Man Drowned In “Crystal Lake” On ASARCO Site
Brings Depth of Experience in Academic Medicine and Customer Service
October 18, 2021
NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH), an RWJBarnabas Health facility, has named Alan Lee as its Chief Operating Officer (COO).
A proven leader and expert in driving clinical excellence across integrated health care systems, Mr. Lee will draw on his experience at nationally distinguished academic medical centers and at internationally renowned hospitality brands to advance care at New Jersey’s largest academic medical center.
In his new role, Mr. Lee is responsible for aligning hospital operations with the RWJUH mission of delivering world-class patient care at the highest standards of clinical quality, performance and patient experience. As COO, he is charged with fostering new collaborations among Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School faculty physicians, RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group physicians and community physicians that contribute to clinical innovation and that promote groundbreaking research.
“We’re excited to welcome Mr. Lee to our team at RWJUH,” said Bill Arnold, President and Chief Executive Officer of RWJUH. “As we work to strengthen RWJUH’s position as a premier academic medical center in our state and region, Mr. Lee brings a wealth of experience and knowledge as an administrative leader. He has a proven track record of leading teams known for exceptional quality, outcomes, patient experience and research programs. We are confident that his expertise will prove invaluable to RWJUH as we enter this phase of expansion and transformation.”
RWJUH Board of Directors Chair Jack Morris adds, “Throughout his career, Mr. Lee has demonstrated a strong bottom-up management style, empowering frontline healthcare providers to identify challenges and develop strategies for improvement. His diverse body of professional experience and outstanding collaborative skills align perfectly with our vision for what we want to achieve with our academic partners.”
RWJUH is a 614-bed academic medical center that serves as the principal teaching hospital for Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and the flagship Cancer Hospital of Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey. In addition, The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital at RWJUH is a 105-bed, dedicated children’s hospital that serves as the focal point of the growing pediatric academic medical campus in New Brunswick. This campus also features the Child Health Institute of New Jersey, PSE&G Children’s Specialized Hospital and Ronald McDonald House New Brunswick.
Mr. Lee joins RWJUH from New York-Presbyterian (NYP), where he served in multiple senior leadership roles since 2009. He was Vice President of Support Services and Patient Experience at NYP/Weill Cornell, then Vice President of Operations at NYP/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, before assuming the role of Chief Operating Officer at NYP Brooklyn Methodist Hospital. During his time there, Mr. Lee led strategic initiatives focused on patient experience, operations and capital expansion, environmental services, patient throughput and length of stay management.
Mr. Lee began his career in hotel management where he established a strong foundation in customer service and environmental standards at several New York City-based luxury and deluxe hotel brands, including the Millennium Broadway, the Regent Wall Street, and the Ritz-Carlton New York Battery Park and Hudson, an Ian Schrager Hotel.
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH), an RWJBarnabas Health facility, has named Alan Lee as its Chief Operating Officer (COO).
HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Police say that on Sunday February 11, 2024 at 10:48 p.m., Hopewell Township Police officers were dispatched to a motor vehicle crash on State Highway 31, at mile post 8.8, between Yard Road and Woosamonsa Road. Officers arrived on scene and found that a blue Jeep Grand Cherokee had struck a Grey Nissan Maxima.
The driver of the Jeep, 32-year-old Kongmi Khu, from Brooklyn, NY, was transported by ambulance from the scene and was later released after being treated for minor injuries at Capital Health Regional Medical Center. Khu remains in custody and will be charged with two counts of Vehicular Manslaughter and additional charges. The two rear seat passengers (a 32-year-old female and a 35-year-old female, from Brooklyn, NY) were transported by ambulance to St. Mary’s Hospital where they remain in serious but stable condition. The front seat passenger, a 13-year-old male, from Brooklyn, NY, was transported to the Capital Health Regional Medical Center by ambulance and then flown to Cooper University Medical Center where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
The driver of the Nissan, a 59-year-old male, from Ewing, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The initial investigation shows that the driver of the Jeep was traveling south on State Highway 31, when he attempted to pass two vehicles in a no-passing zone. As he began the pass, the Jeep struck the Nissan, which was traveling north. The investigation is ongoing at this time.
The crash is being investigated by Officer Robert Voorhees and Detective Christopher Collins of the Hopewell Township Police Department, as well as Detectives from the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office.
Anyone who may have witnessed this crash is asked to contact Detective Christopher Collins at 609-737-3100 ext. 5790.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER) – Acting Mercer County Prosecutor Theresa L. Hilton and Trenton Police Director Steve Wilson announced today the arrest of a former teacher and basketball coach for multiple counts of sexual assault between 2014 and 2019.
Darrell R. Moody, 51, of Plainfield, NJ, was arrested in Trenton on Monday. He is charged with one count of first-degree aggravated sexual assault, one count of second-degree sexual assault, two counts of third-degree aggravated criminal sexual contact, two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual contact and two counts of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain Moody pending trial.
In May 2024, the victim contacted the Trenton police to report incidents of sexual assault that began when the victim was in middle school. A joint investigation with the MCPO Special Victims Unit commenced. Detectives learned that the victim met Moody when Moody was teaching fifth grade at Parker Elementary School. Moody sexually assaulted the victim over the course of several years beginning in middle school and continuing to high school. Moody was also coaching basketball at Joyce Kilmer Middle School during that time.
In an unrelated incident, on June 27, 2023, South Plainfield Police Department charged Moody with one count of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child and one count of second- degree solicitation of a minor for prostitution.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the prosecutor’s SVU at (609) 989-6568 or [email protected].
Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Change Healthcare Offering Two Years of Free Credit Monitoring, Identity Theft Protection
July 10, 2024
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin today is sharing consumer protection reminders and raising awareness about the availability of free credit monitoring and identity theft protection services following Change Healthcare’s unprecedented February data breach.
The February cyberattack at Change Healthcare, a unit of UnitedHealth, resulted in millions of Americans’ sensitive health and personal data being leaked onto the dark web—a hidden portion of the Internet where cyber criminals buy, sell, and track personal information.
Change Healthcare is the nation’s biggest electronic data clearinghouse and is used by tens of thousands of providers, pharmacies, and insurers to verify insurance, confirm pre-authorization of procedures or services, exchange insurance claim data, and perform other administrative tasks. The cyberattack interrupted operations for thousands of doctors’ offices, hospitals, and pharmacies nationwide, and impacted delivery of care to patients.
While the definitive number and identities of affected patients are currently unknown, Change Healthcare has publicly stated that the data breach could impact up to one-third of the American population.
Typically, when there is a data breach impacting New Jersey residents, consumers receive an individualized letter or email if their data may have been leaked. However, Change Healthcare has not yet provided individual notice to consumers.
Given the delay between the data breach and notification to those impacted, Attorney General Platkin wants every New Jersey resident to know about the breach and the credit monitoring resources that Change Healthcare is offering to consumers. All New Jersey residents who think they may have been impacted are eligible for free credit monitoring and identity theft protections for two years.
To enroll in this free credit monitoring and identity restoration service, consumers should visit www.changecybersupport.com or call 1-888-846-4705.
Other steps consumers can consider taking include:
Placing a free credit freeze on your credit report. Identity thieves will not be able to open a new credit account in your name while the freeze is in place. You can place a credit freeze by contacting each of the three major credit bureaus:
Placing a fraud alert on your credit report. A fraud alert tells lenders and creditors to take extra steps to verify your identity before issuing credit. You can place a fraud alert by contacting any one of the three major credit bureaus.
The dedicated website and call center will not be able to provide individuals any specific details about whether their data was compromised, but representatives can guide consumers through getting set up for the free credit monitoring and identity theft protections.
Additionally, consumers should be aware of potential warning signs that someone is using their medical information. The signs include:
A bill from their doctor for services they did not receive;
Errors in their Explanation of Benefits insurance statement, such as medical services they never received or prescription medications they do not take;
A call from a debt collector about a medical debt they do not owe;
Medical debt collection notices on their credit report that they do not recognize;
A notice from their health insurance company indicating they have reached their benefit limit; or
They are denied insurance coverage because their medical records show a pre-existing condition they do not have.
More information about identify theft is available through the Office of Consumer Protection in the Division of Consumer Affairs.
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–An as-yet unknown number of people were left homeless by a three-alarm blaze that burned the roof off two-thirds of a 24-unit condominium building Monday afternoon (June 10, 2024) in the Twin Rivers section of town.
This is a breaking news story that will be updated as additional information becomes available.
The blaze in Building K of the American Way condominiums on Avon Drive, off Probasco Road, was reported about 4:30 p.m. Heavy smoke was showing from the two-story building when the first police and firefighters arrived. A short time later, flames were reported to be burning through the roof. Three alarms were transmitted to bring enough fire apparatus and manpower to the scene to fight the fire. Numerous hoselines and three aerial master streams were put in service to flow water on the flames.
Assisting East Windsor firefighters with battling the blaze were fire companies from Robbinsville, Allentown-Upper Freehold Hope Fire Company, Plainsboro, Monroe, Hightstown, West Windsor, Hamilton, Lawrence, Ewing, North Brunswick, Millstone, Manalapan, Cranbury, and Howell.
By the time the blaze was brought under control several hours later, the roof of the parts of the building containing units 9 through 24 had been burned away. Extensive damage was visible to most second second-floor units in those areas, while water and smoke damage was probable in the first-floor units there. It appeared that firefighters had been mostly successful in preventing significant damage to units 1 through 8.
Several firefighters reportedly suffered minor injuries and were being treated on scene by emergency medical personnel from Hightstown, Capital Health System, Princeton, and elsewhere. Signal 22, the volunteer fire and police canteen unit from Trenton, was on scene providing firefighters with refreshments.
The Red Cross was requested to the scene to help shelter displaced residents. The cause of the blaze is under investigation by township police and fire officials and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office.
The blaze sent up a large column of smoke that was visible on the other side of the county, while hundreds of local residents watched the firefighting effort up close from behind police line tape.
Updated story at link below:
47 Left Homeless from East Windsor 3-Alarm Blaze, Investigation Continues
Several families left homless after this 3-Alarm fire on Avon Drive in East Windsor, New Jersey
Above photos: Dennis Symons, MidJersey.news
Above photos by: Michael Ratcliffe, MidJersey.news
June 10, 2024
MANCHESTER, NJ (OCEAN)–Police say that on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at approximately 1:11 pm, officers from the Manchester Township Police Department responded to a motor vehicle crash at the intersection of County Route 571 and Beacon Street involving a motorcycle and a car.
Upon arrival, officers observed a male, identified as 30-year-old Collins Oluleti of Toms River, lying in the roadway with a severe head injury. Collins was unresponsive to first responders, and he was transported via medevac helicopter to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, where he is listed as critical. Officers also observed a silver 2004 Toyota Camry stopped slightly past the stop bar located at the intersection of Beacon Street and County Route 571. A motorcycle, identified as a 2024 black Kawasaki Vulcan S, was observed facing eastbound in the eastbound lane of County Route 571, lying on the right side. Collins was identified as the operator of the Kawasaki. The Toyota was observed with damage to the front driver side bumper corner and the Kawasaki was observed with damage across the right side.
The investigation revealed that the Kawasaki was traveling eastbound on County Route 571 in the left lane. The Toyota was traveling northbound on Beacon Street and stopped at the stop sign located at the intersection of County Route 571. The Toyota then proceeded into the intersection and Collins observed the Toyota entering his lane of travel. At that time, Collins began to brake to avoid a collision, which caused him to lose control and fall to the pavement. Collins and the Kawasaki began to slide on the pavement and detach from each other. The Kawasaki continued sliding forward approximately 287 feet where it stopped. Collins continued sliding forward and impacted the front end of the Toyota. Following the impact, the Toyota reversed approximately 32 feet to the area of the stop bar at the intersection. This caused Collins to be dragged approximately 11 feet due to him being stuck underneath the Toyota. It was determined that Collins was wearing an approved DOT helmet, but the helmet fell off while he was sliding on the pavement prior to him impacting the Toyota.
The driver of the Toyota, identified as 26-year-old Andy Hernandez-Cheneaux of Toms River, was uninjured as a result of the crash. The Toyota’s three additional passengers, identified as 25-year-old Xiomara Lezama-Briceno of Toms River, 24-year-old Geraldine Requena-Carrasco of Manchester, and 28-year-old Juan Lezama-Briceno of Toms River, were also uninjured. There was no airbag deployment from the Toyota.
Assisting at the scene were EMTs from the Manchester Township Division of Emergency Services, firefighters from Ridgeway Volunteer and Manchester Volunteer Fire Departments, as well as Robert Wood Johnson Paramedics and Life Flight. The investigation into this crash is still on going, however, failure to yield right of way at an intersection appears to be the primary contributing factor. This crash is being investigated by Ptl. Michael O’Hara and Ptl. Sage Sysol of the department’s Traffic Safety Section.
June 10, 2024
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Trenton Police say that on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at approximately 4:30 a.m. Trenton Emergency Medical Services (TEMS) were dispatched to a person down on the street in the 800 block of S. Clinton Ave. It was believed at the time that the person suffered a cardiac arrest. TEMS arrived, found an unresponsive unidentified female in the street, and transported her to Capital Health Regional Medical Center.
At approximately 8:12 a.m., Trenton Communications received a call from a nurse at Capital Health Regional Medical Center. The nurse requested an officer respond to the hospital for a patient who arrived in the early morning with traumatic injuries which appeared consistent with being struck by a vehicle. The victim sustained multiple fractures and other serious injuries.
Detective Vincent Gribbin, from the Trenton Police Department Fatal Crash Unit, was contacted to begin an investigation. Trenton police officers, learning the victim was brought in from the 800 block of S. Clinton Ave, responded to the area. The officers located debris that was consisted with a motor vehicle crash. No vehicles in the immediate area had damage consistent with being involved in a hit and run. Detective Gribbin arrived at the hospital only to be informed that the victim had just been pronounced after suffering from a cardiac arrest. The victim was identified as 26-year-old Shydasia Merrick of Trenton.
The Trenton Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating the vehicle that fatally struck a pedestrian. The vehicle has been identified as a 2019 – 2024 Toyota Rav 4, white in color, possibly an XLE or higher trim with a sunroof and color-keyed mirrors. The vehicle should have sustained damage to the driver’s side, including the sideview mirror and headlight assembly.
This investigation is ongoing and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Serious Collision Response Team is assisting. Anyone with information on this crash is asked to please contact the Trenton Police Department non-emergency line at 609-989-4000 or text our tipline at CRIMES (274637) and enter the word TPDTIPS. Alternatively, tips/information can be emailed to: [email protected] .
June 10, 2024
EWING — The Township of Ewing Emergency Medical Services (EMS) celebrated its first Gala Dinner on June 7, 2024, at the Mountainview Golf Course and Country Club. The event, an evening of recognition, appreciation and community spirit, acknowledged the achievements of Ewing EMS and their unwavering dedication to the safety and health of the community.
Established in 1977, Ewing EMS has grown from its humble beginnings with just four employees to a dedicated team of 12 full-time professionals who respond to more than 5,000 calls annually, making a significant impact on countless lives in the community.
Mayor Bert H. Steinmann — taken by surprise when EMS Director Delorfette Clark presented him with a plaque in appreciation of the mayor and council’s ongoing support of the department — shared his thoughts on the importance of recognizing EMS technicians. “The technicians are the backbone of Ewing EMS, consistently showing exceptional dedication and compassion,” Mayor Steinmann said. “This gala is a way to honor their tireless efforts and the vital role they play in safeguarding our community’s health and well-being, and I believe they are among the best around.”
Director Clark also expressed a heartfelt thank you to all first responders. “I extend my deepest gratitude to all our first responders,” Clark said. “Your unwavering commitment, bravery, and selflessness make a profound difference in the lives of so many. Every day, you put others before yourselves, and for that, we are eternally grateful. This gala is not just a celebration of your achievements but a recognition of the heart and soul you pour into serving our community.”
Also in attendance were Council President Kevin Baxter, Council Vice President Jennifer Keyes-Maloney, Councilmember Kathleen Wollert, Sarah Steward and David Schroth; Police Chief Albert Rhodes; Fire Director Marc Strauss, and Township Administrator Aaron T. Watson.
AWARD RECIPIENTS
Years of Service Awards:
Captain Stephen Stackhouse – 5 years
EMT Christopher Biache- 5 years
Captain Charles Sista – 10 years
Captain Nicholas Portella – 10 years
EMT Jessica Cheverez – 10 years
Captain Grady C.L. Griffin, 20 years
2023 EMS Chief’s Award Recipient
2023 People’s Choice Award (As chosen by staff)
2023 Per Diem of the Year Award
2023 Medical Director of the Year Award
About Ewing EMS:
Ewing EMS is committed to delivering excellent pre-hospital care with compassion and respect. The organization advocates for each patient, ensuring they receive the highest standard of care and attention.
Reflecting the diversity of Ewing Township, Ewing EMS supports a team of professionals from various backgrounds and cultures, fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment. The service also prides itself on embracing innovation and leveraging the latest advances in critical care and technology to provide cutting-edge medical services to residents.
About Ewing Township:
Ewing Township is dedicated to maintaining a quality place of life for its residents through excellent public services, community engagement, and continuous improvement. For more information, visit our website at www.ewingnj.org
Ewing Township. Where Community Meets Progress
Clockwise, from left, Mayor Bert H. Steinmann, Chris Steinmann, Council members Sarah Steward and Kathy Wollert, Business Administrator Aaron T. Watson, Human Resources Director Raissa Walker
June 10, 2024 — UPDATE
HIGHTSTOWN, NJ (MERCER)–Hightstown Police say that on Monday, June 10, 2024, at approximately 11:40 a.m., Hightstown Police Department was dispatched to the rental office of the Deerfield/Westerlea Arms Apartment complex, Westerlea Avenue, for a thirty-nine (39) year old female with severe stomach pain. Upon the officers’ arrival, it was determined that the injury was sustained from an inert-type grenade that had detonated, once the pin was removed/tampered with. Robbinsville EMS arrived on scene, performed an evaluation, and transported the patient to Capital Health-Fuld Campus for non-life-threatening injuries.
As a result of the unknown device detonating and causing injury, the NJSP Bomb Squad, along with Hightstown Fire Department and Hightstown First Aid Squad were summoned to the scene to stand by until the scene was rendered safe by NJSP Bomb Squad. Officers from the Hightstown Police Department evacuated the immediate area and secured access points as a precautionary measure.
NJSP Bomb Squad personnel, shortly after arrival, rendered the scene safe, stating the device was a practice grenade that still had a fuse in the grenade that caused the detonation when the pin was removed or tampered with. No other citizens, residents, or emergency responders were injured during the incident.
This is a reminder for all that devices that seem inert or safe, may not be, and have the potential for serious injuries.
Anyone that comes in possession of such devices should contact their local police department, and/or NJSP Bomb Squad to assure the devices are safe.
Hightstown Police Department members are thankful that this incident was not more serious and wish the victim well in her recovery.
Earlier MidJersey.news story here:
Heavy Police Presence at Emergency Scene in Hightstown, NJ
Update – The area has been deemed safe and there is no danger to the public. Updates will be provided at a later time.
See latest update at below link:
June 10, 2024
HIGHTSTOWN, NJ (MERCER)-There is heavy police presence including what appeared to be bomb squad activity at an apartment on Westerlea Avene. Hightstown Police, Hightstown Fire Company, Hightstown First Aid Squad and NJ State Police are on scene at this incident.
UPDATE: Update – The area has been deemed safe and there is no danger to the public. Updates will be provided at a later time.
Hightstown Police released this statement on Facebook: “Public Safety Announcement – Heavy Police and Fire Department presence on Westerlea Ave and Grape Run Road. Please stay away from the area. Active investigation following a medical call for service at an apartment building is underway. Updates will be provided when the area is deemed to be safe.”
No additional information is available at this time.
June 10, 2024–Update
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–South Brunswick Police Department responded at 7:45 pm Saturday evening to a report of a home on fire at 4 Beryl Court in the Kendall Park section of the Township. Upon arrival, officers and firefighters observed heavy flames at the rear of the home. The homeowner said he was able to get his wife, two sons, and pets out of the home before police arrived. He explained he was outside his home when he noticed smoke from the rear of his ranch-style home. Flames started to show and quickly spread up the rear of the home to the attic.
The Kendall Park, Monmouth Junction, and Kingston fire companies, with mutual aid assistance from North Brunswick and Franklin townships battled the blaze. Kendall Park First Aid also responded to the fire. The fire left the home uninhabitable. There were no injuries.
South Brunswick Fire Marshall John Funcheon indicated the fire was not suspicious but remains under active investigation.
