Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on August 9, 2024, the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, P.J.Cr.P., sentenced Marc Manfredonia, 33, of Little Egg Harbor, to ten years New Jersey State Prison as a result of his previously entered guilty plea to Robbery in connection with an incident that occurred in Little Egg Harbor Township on September 9, 2023. This sentence will be subject to the terms of the No Early Release Act, meaning that Manfredonia will be required to serve at least 85 percent of his prison sentence before he may be considered for parole eligibility.
On September 9, 2023, at approximately 4:30 a.m., Officers from the Little Egg Harbor Township Police Department were summoned to a residence on East Hudson Drive for a report of gunshots having been fired. Responding Officers discovered a 36-year-old male victim who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in Pomona, New Jersey, for treatment of his injuries and subsequently released.
An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Little Egg Harbor Township Police Department Detective Bureau, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, revealed that in the early morning hours of September 9, 2023, the victim visited Manfredonia and Christopher Miller, 36, of Paterson, New Jersey – both of whom the victim was acquainted with – at the East Hudson Drive residence where they were staying. A short time later, Miller and Manfredonia physically forced the victim out of the residence and demanded money from him. Miller brandished a handgun, and informed the victim that he would shoot him if he did not transfer money through a mobile cash application. The victim effectuated transactions to Miller and Manfredonia through the cash application. Miller and Manfredonia then demanded more money from the victim. The victim refused, and a physical altercation ensued. Miller then fired four gunshots, striking the victim in the leg, groin and ear. Miller and Manfredonia continued to physically assault the victim before retreating to the inside of the residence. The victim thereafter ran to a nearby home and called the police.
Miller and Manfredonia were taken into custody without incident at the subject residence and transported to the Ocean County Jail, where they were subsequently released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.
The charges against Miller for Attempted Murder, Robbery, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, remain pending.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Mara Brater who handled the case on behalf of the State, and commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Little Egg Harbor Township Police Department, Little Egg Harbor Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and Mystic Island Volunteer Fire Department, for their combined and collective assistance in connection with this investigation, leading to Manfredonia’s arrest, guilty plea, and now his state prison sentence.
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
The Mercer County Association of School Administrators (MCASA) has recognized East Windsor Regional School District’s chief school administrator, Mark Daniels, as the 2024 Mercer County Superintendent of the Year.
Mr. Mark Daniels has served Mercer County and the East Windsor Regional School District proudly for the past five and a half years. Amongst Mr. Daniels numerous accomplishments is leading the EWRSD community through a 5-Strategic Planning process (2024-2029), engaging the EWRSD community through an identity rebrand process resulting in an updated brand narrative and district logo, successfully guiding the district through the 23-24 NJQSAC Review, leading the district related to all concerns and challenges related to COVID-19, and recently received the Best Communities for Music Education Award (5th time since 2019).
Under Mr. Daniels leadership EWRSD has completed a districtwide Equity Audit to identify programmatic barriers that may impede a student’s full participation, access, and opportunity for academic growth. Furthermore, in an effort to support the academic progress of our Multilingual Learners, supported the in-depth training of more than 100 EWRSD educators in the SIOP approach (Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol). In addition, EWRSD has committed to training elementary special education teachers in the Orton Gillingham multisensory reading approach.
Mr. Daniels has served as the Mercer County Association of School Administrators President since 2023.
Dr. Aderhold, Superintendent of West Windsor – Plainsboro Regional School District shared, “Mr. Daniels is a highly respected district leader. His work and leadership during the past five school years is a testament to Mr. Daniels’ dedication to the students and staff of EWRSD. He is an outstanding selection as the 2024 Mercer County Superintendent of the Year and we offer him our thanks and congratulations on his recognition.”
The Mercer County Association of School Administrators (MCASA) has recognized East Windsor Regional School District’s chief school administrator, Mark Daniels, as the 2024 Mercer County Superintendent of the Year.
June 26, 2024
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer recently announced that on June 24, 2024, Michele Nycz, 60, of Brick Township, pled guilty to two counts of Animal Cruelty before the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, P.J.Cr.P., in connection with an investigation that began on December 2, 2022 in Brick Township. Yesterday, Aimee Lonczak, 51, also of Brick Township, pled guilty before Judge Ryan to Child Neglect, as well as two counts of Animal Cruelty, in connection with the same investigation. At the time of their sentencing on August 16, 2024, the State will be seeking 364 days in the Ocean County Jail as a condition of probation as to each defendant, a lifetime ban on owning animals, a ban on working with animals, and community service not involving animals.
On December 2, 2022, Officers from the Brick Township Police Department were summoned to a residence on Arrowhead Park Drive in reference to an anonymous complaint that the residents at the address were running a puppy mill. While speaking with the residents – Lonczak and Nycz – in the driveway of the residence, responding Officers could detect a strong odor coming from the residence, and heard barking. Officers were subsequently permitted to enter the residence and immediately detected an intense odor and unsanitary conditions. Additionally, the Officers observed animal crates containing dogs and cats stacked on top of one another. Due to the conditions existing in the home at that time, the Officers were forced to exit the residence and requested that a Hazmat team respond. Rescuers in Hazmat equipment subsequently removed approximately 129 dogs and 43 cats located in the residence, and the bodies of two deceased dogs. Lonczak and Nycz – who resided at the residence with Lonczak’s 16-year-old child – were both taken into custody at the scene and transported to the Ocean County Jail. They were both subsequently released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Assistant Prosecutor Victoria Veni who is handling the case on behalf of the State, and commends the Brick Township Police Department and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office for their efforts in connection with this investigation leading to the defendants’ guilty pleas.
180 Animals Removed From Brick Township “Puppy Mill”
Photo by EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA on Pexels.com
“It was further determined that the one-year-old victim had been stabbed, and that both children had been drowned. “
June 26, 2024
LAKEWOOD, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on June 25, 2024, Naomi Elkins, 27, of Lakewood, was charged with two counts of Murder, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, all in connection with the deaths of her two children on June 25, 2024.
On June 25, 2024, at approximately 4:50 p.m., Officers from the Lakewood Township Police Department responded to a residence on Shenandoah Drive for a report of two children in cardiac arrest. Responding Officers found Hatzolah Medical Services attempting to render lifesaving aid to two minor children, ages one and three years-old; lifesaving efforts were unsuccessful, and both children were pronounced deceased at the scene. A subsequent investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Lakewood Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, revealed that both victims were Elkins’ children. It was further determined that the one-year-old victim had been stabbed, and that both children had been drowned. Continuing investigation revealed that Elkins was responsible for the deaths of both of her children.
Elkins was taken into custody at the scene without incident. She was transported to the Ocean County Jail, where she is presently lodged pending a detention hearing.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Lakewood Township Police Department, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office, for their combined and cooperative efforts in connection with this investigation.
The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).
June 26, 2024
EWING, N.J. — Ewing Township Mayor Bert H. Steinmann proudly announces that seven firefighter recruits from the Trenton/Ewing Fire Academy have successfully completed their mandatory N.J. Division of Fire Safety training and have started their new roles as firefighters with orientation sessions at Station 30 that began Monday, June 24, 2024. Mayor Steinmann expressed his pleasure that this group of eager recruits reflects the diversity of Ewing Township and emphasized that they will be an important part of the Ewing family, making the township proud.
“We wish all the recruits good luck, encourage them to stay safe, and extend our heartfelt congratulations,” Mayor Steinmann said. “We look forward to each of them becoming an integral part of our team.”
At the orientation sessions, recruits were issued their Probationary Training Packets and heard presentations from a variety of township department heads in the areas of Human Resources, Finance and Information Technology. Starting on Monday, July 1, the recruits will begin their formal in-service training and will be assigned to their respective Platoons and Stations.
Joining the ranks are firefighters Elizabeth Budge, William Person, Franklin Armstrong, Dade Rudzitis, DeAndre Santos, William Walker, Nykai Rambharan and William Sotovando.
“These recruits have received excellent training while attending the Trenton/Ewing Fire Academy and I am confident they all will be well prepared for their careers as firefighters,” said Ewing Fire Director Marc Strauss. “I thank Director Ken Douglas and his academy staff for the partnership we have developed, and I look forward to this partnership growing between these two great municipalities.”
The culmination of the recruits’ hard work and dedication will be celebrated at the Fire Academy Graduation on Friday, July 12, 2024, at 3 p.m. at the NJ State Museum.
Photo: From left, Ewing Fire Director Marc Strauss, Dade Rudzitis, William Sotovando, Franklin Armstrong, Elizabeth Budge, Nykai Rambharan, Mayor Bert H. Steinmann, DeAndre Santos, William Person, Ewing Fire Captain Kevin Wemple
MAYS LANDING, NJ – Taquaysha M. Bell, 31, of Trenton, NJ was sentenced yesterday by the Honorable Dorothy Garrabrant, J.S.C. to seven years in New Jersey State Prison for the June 19, 2020 vehicular homicide in which 53-year-old off-duty Human Services Police Officer Michael Luko, Sr. was killed. Bell was also sentenced to five years New Jersey State Prison for an aggravated assault on another victim, Chanelle Morgan, who was a passenger in Bell’s vehicle at the time of the crash.
Luko, Sr. was also a former Egg Harbor City Police Officer.
On May 26, 2023, Defendant pleaded guilty to the following charges:
Count 1 – Vehicular Homicide – 2nd degree
Count 2 – Assault by Auto with Serious Bodily Injury – 3rd degree
Assistant Atlantic County Prosecutor Tiffany deGrandmaison prosecuted the case for the State.
Defendant will be required to serve 85% of the seven-year sentence before she will be eligible for parole. Bell’s driver’s license will also be suspended for five years after her release from prison.
Taquaysha M. Bell
Taquaysha M. Bell
Release Revoked For Trenton Woman Indicted Vehicular Homicide
Taquaysha M. Bell, 31, of Trenton, NJ was sentenced yesterday by the Honorable Dorothy Garrabrant, J.S.C. to seven years in New Jersey State Prison for the June 19, 2020 vehicular homicide in which 53-year-old off-duty Human Services Police Officer Michael Luko, Sr. was killed. Bell was also sentenced to five years New Jersey State Prison for an aggravated assault on another victim, Chanelle Morgan, who was a passenger in Bell’s vehicle at the time of the crash.
State of Emergency Declared Statewide Beginning 4:00 P.M. July 16, 2023
US 46 In North Jersey (within 2 miles of Hot Dog Johnny’s-Hot Dog Johnny’s is ok per witness that lives in the area) Roadway still closed as of July 17, 2023, 8:00 a.m.Check with 511nj.org if traveling in that direction today
July 16, 2023- Updated July 17, 2023
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Today, Governor Phil Murphy declared a State of Emergency effective at 4:00 p.m. due to severe storms experienced throughout the state and forecasted severe storms causing hazardous weather conditions including periods of intense rainfalls, flash flooding, and damaging wind gusts. These severe weather conditions are expected to cause excessive runoff which may result in landslides, rock slides, and damaged roadways.
“Throughout the state, we have seen heavy rainfalls resulting in hazardous conditions and we urge residents to remain vigilant around flooded roadways and downed trees and power lines,” said Governor Murphy. “The safety of our residents is our main priority, and we recommend everyone to be informed of local weather conditions and to take necessary precautions.”
“Our State Emergency Operations Center has been activated to coordinate and support our local, county, and state emergency management partners with any resources needed to effectively respond to the severe weather affecting our state. We remain ready to assist residents and drivers both on and off of the roads for the duration of this storm as needed,” said State Director of Emergency Management and Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police Colonel Patrick J. Callahan. “However, we cannot do it without the help of our communities, so please stay off the roads and let emergency response officials do their jobs. Also, prepare emergency kits for use at home and in your vehicle, check on your neighbors, and remember, turn around, don’t drown.”
The Governor encourages New Jerseyans to visit ready.nj.gov for important weather updates and safety information. Residents should also pay attention to local forecasts, warnings, and watches. For those living in Central and Southern New Jersey, visit the U.S. National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly at http://www.weather.gov/phi/
For those living in Northern New Jersey and the New York Metro area, visit the U.S. National Weather Service New York, N.Y. at http://www.weather.gov/okx/
Govenor’s Office File Photo
Land Slide on Route 46 near Ayers Towing Knowlton and White Townships Warren County. The mountain side washed out along Highway * Still Closed as of July 17, 2023.
NJ DOT – STMC: Landslide on US 46 both directions East of CR 609/Ramseyberg Rd (Knowlton Twp) All lanes closed and detoured eastbound; All lanes closed westbound from 511nj.org
Photos provided by: NJ Public Safety News Alerts Facebook Page
NJ DOT – STMC: Landslide on US 46 both directions East of CR 609/Ramseyberg Rd (Knowlton Twp) All lanes closed and detoured eastbound; All lanes closed westbound
July 16, 2023
HAMILTON, NJ (MERCER)–Around 11:15 a.m., it was reported that a vehicle ran off the roadway in the area of Mile Post 60 on I-295 crashing over 25-feet below the overpass between the north and south bound roadways. NJ State Police, Hamilton Township Fire Department, EMS responded to the scene. Additional water rescue units from Hamilton Township Fire Department and Trenton Fire Department were summoned to standby in case they were needed. After arriving on scene there were no reported injuries, but radio traffic reported that the vehicle was “40-feet off the roadway” below the overpass.
Heavy duty tow trucks with cranes were called to remove the vehicle below the roadway. The left lane of I-295 south bound near I-195 will be closed until the vehicle is removed.
The vehicle was recovered from below the overpass around 1:15 p.m.
Above photos are from 511nj.org
July 16, 2023
WEST WINDSOR-PRINCETON, NJ (MERCER)–An emergency bridge replacement is scheduled to start Friday involving the Washington Road (CR 571) Bridge over D&R Canal, between Princeton and West Windsor Township.
On or about Friday, July 21, 2023, an emergency bridge replacement project will be undertaken by the Department of Transportation (NJDOT) on Washington Road (CR 571) over D&R Canal in the Municipality of Princeton and West Windsor Township. Washington Road will be completely closed to traffic for the duration of the project, which is expected to be approximately 120 days, weather permitting. Motorists will be directed to use US Route 1, Harrison Street (CR 629) and NJ Route 27.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–TRENTON – Acting Mercer County Prosecutor Theresa L. Hilton announced that a Trenton man was convicted by a jury this week for the July 16, 2022 attempted murder of a 38-year-old Trenton man.
On September 25, 2024, Henry Hutchinson, 40, was convicted on all counts of the indictment, including first-degree attempted murder, possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a handgun and certain persons not to possess a firearm.
At approximately 11 p.m. on July 16, 2022, while in the 100 block of Chambers Street in Trenton, Hutchinson shot the victim twice with a handgun. After the victim fell to the ground, Hutchinson stood over him and shot him a third time. The victim was rendered a paraplegic as a result of the shooting. Trenton police arrested Hutchinson on July 18, 2022, and recovered the Smith & Wesson .38 caliber revolver used in the shooting.
Mercer County Assistant Prosecutors Michael J. Mennuti and Jeffrey C. McElwee Jr. represented the state during the two-week trial before Mercer County Superior Court Judge Peter E. Warshaw.
The investigation was led by the Mercer County Shooting Response Team and Detective Kevin Williams of the Trenton Police Department. The defendant was represented by Louis Mangione, Esq.
Hutchinson is scheduled to be sentenced on December 4. At that time, he will face a maximum sentence of life in prison because the jury found him to be a persistent offender pursuant to New Jersey’s “Three Stikes Law,” N.J.S.A. 2C:43-7.1.
On September 25, 2024, Henry Hutchinson, 40, was convicted on all counts of the indictment, including first-degree attempted murder, possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a handgun and certain persons not to possess a firearm.
TRENTON (Mercer) – Two more shootings, one Saturday night and another this evening (Sunday, Jan 14, 2024), have been reported, continuing a wave of violence in the capital city that in four days has left one man dead and more than a half-dozen others injured.
Tonight’s crime, reported as a shooting, occurred about 6 p.m. in the area of Greenwood and South Clinton avenues. A Trenton Emergency Medical Service crew quickly arrived, loaded the victim into their ambulance, and reported that they were transporting the person to the trauma center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center even before paramedics and other emergency personnel reached the scene. Details about the extent of the victim’s injuries were not immediately available.
Saturday night’s shooting was reported about 9:35 p.m. The victim, reported to be a female shot in the thigh, was found in the vicinity of the Delaware and Raritan Canal feeder off Calhoun Street. That victim was also rushed by ambulance to the trauma center.
The other recent shootings include:
Thursday (Jan. 11), about 6:50 p.m., 900 block of South Broad Street, near Chestnut Avenue: One person, suffering from a reported gunshot wound to the abdomen, was rushed to the trauma center. Authorities are still investigating and have not released any detailed information about this incident.
Friday (Jan. 12), about 5:30 p.m., 800 block of Southard Street: According to information released by Trenton police, 24-year-old Nasir Reed shot himself in the upper left thigh while allegedly struggling with officers. Police said officers had responded to investigate a report of an unruly group of males alleged to be gambling and in possession of a handgun. Reed was among the group and fled when officers approached, police said. After he received medical treatment for his wound, Reed was charged with weapons offenses and resisting arrest, police stated. According to emergency services radio communications, a second gunshot victim was reported during this incident and a second ambulance was called to the scene to transport that person to hospital. Police, however, have not released any details about a second victim.
Friday (Jan. 12), about 7:55 p.m., 100 block of Frazier Street: An 11-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl were shot as they were sitting in the back seat of their mother’s vehicle, Trenton police confirmed. The children, each suffering from a gunshot wound to a leg, were rushed to the trauma center. The other occupants of the vehicle – the children’s mother, their grandmother, and two siblings – were not injured. Police said they are looking to identify a dark-colored van or sport utility vehicle from which the shots were believed to have been fired.
Saturday (Jan. 13), about 12:15 a.m., 200 block of North Clinton Avenue: An ambulance was dispatched to Trenton police headquarters to transport a shooting victim to hospital. While it is believed that the shooting did not occur at police headquarters and that the victim instead went there looking for help, specific details are unknown as Trenton police have not released any information about this incident.
Saturday (Jan. 13), about 12:55 a.m., 1400 block of South Clinton Avenue: One man, reported to have been shot in the face, died as a result of his injuries, the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed. Authorities have not yet released the dead man’s name.
All of the above crimes remain under investigation by Trenton police and partner law enforcement agencies, including the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, the Mercer County Shooting Response Team, and the Mercer County Homicide Task Force.
Fatal Shooting Under Investigation In Trenton
Early Morning Shooting Victim in Trenton Reported Shot In Face
Additional Reported Shooting Leaves Two Children Injured in Trenton
Suspect With Handgun Flees From Police Shoots Self In Leg In Trenton
WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–West Windsor Police reported that on Saturday July 13, 2024 at 11:56 am, the WWPD’s Communications Center received a call from a resident that smoke and flames were emanating from the second-floor area of his home in the 300 block of Princeton-Hightstown Road. Patrol Officers from West Windsor Police Department, the West Windsor Division of Fire & Emergency Services, Princeton Junction Volunteer Fire Company, West Windsor Volunteer Fire Company, Plainsboro Fire Company, Princeton Fire Company, Princeton First Aid & Rescue Squad, Lawrence Rescue, East Windsor Tower, Hightstown Fire Company, Monroe Fire Company, Robbinsville Fire Department and EMS, Cranbury EMS, and Hamilton Fire Department all responded to the scene. The fire was extinguished in approximately (30) minutes. Det. Sgt. J. Jones, Det. Crawford, & Det. Buchanan had arrived on scene to continue the joint investigation with the West Windsor Fire Marshal Jamison. Preliminary findings were that the fire started on the second floor of the structure and is not considered suspicious at this time, pending further investigation. The residence sustained extensive damage. Three residents were transported by Ambulance 40 to Penn Medicine at Princeton Medical Center for precautionary reasons and ultimately released. One firefighter from the West Windsor Volunteer Fire Company sustained heat exhaustion and was transported by Cranbury EMS to Penn Medicine at Princeton Medical Center for treatment.
Fire Police, West Windor Police Department, and East Windsor Township Police Department closed Princeton-Hightstown Road between Southfield Road and Old Trenton Road for just under (3) hours.
Today’s high temperature in the area was 93F and 95% humidity, with a heat index just under 100F making firefighting extremely dangerous in the current heat wave. The National Weather Service Philadelphia-Mount Holly reports a Heat Advisory and Excessive Heat Watch are in effect for portions of the area for Sunday and Monday. The worst days are forecast to be Monday through Wednesday, with highs in the mid to upper 90s.
NJ Public Safety News Alerts
NJ Public Safety News Alerts
July 13, 2024-Updated
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri announced today that the Mercer County Homicide Task Force (MCHTF), the Mercer County Serious Collision Response Team (SCRT) and the Trenton Police Department are investigating a shooting and motor vehicle accident that occurred last night which left a man dead.
On July 12, 2024, at approximately 10:20 p.m., Trenton communications received several calls reporting an accident that involved an overturned vehicle in the area of Garfield and Farragut Avenues. Upon arrival, emergency personnel located a white Durango that had been overturned. They found the victim, Yoni Emmanuel Cruz-Rodrigez, inside the Durango suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, as well as two minor children who were strapped into car seats and were unharmed. According to witnesses to the incident, Cruz-Rodriguez was standing at the open back of the Durango when an unidentified suspect entered the vehicle and attempted to drive away. Cruz-Rodriguez attempted to climb in the rear of the vehicle when witnesses indicate multiple gun shots were fired and the vehicle crashed a short distance away. Cruz-Rodriguez was pronounced deceased at the scene at approximately 10:39 p.m.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact MCHTF Detective Chris Pullen at (848) 992-6436 or Sgt. Will Jett at (609) 331-5010. Information can also be emailed to [email protected]
Trenton Mayor W. Reed Gusciora said he was deeply saddened to address the tragic incident that occurred late last night at the intersection of Farragut Avenue and Garfield Avenue. A young father lost his life in a senseless act of violence, leaving his minor children to witness this horrific event.
The Mayor stated this was a carjacking that tragically escalated, resulting in the fatal shooting of the male victim. The victim heroically intervened to protect his children, leading to a struggle that ended in tragedy. The suspect fled the scene after the vehicle crashed into parked cars and overturned.
Gusciora said, Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and loved ones of the victim during this incredibly difficult time. We are working closely with law enforcement to bring those responsible to justice swiftly. Due to the sensitivity of the ongoing investigation, specific details cannot be disclosed at this time.”
“As a community, we stand united against such acts of violence. Trenton is a resilient city, and we will support each other as we navigate through this tragedy together. I urge anyone with information about this incident to come forward and assist law enforcement in their investigation.”
Mercer County Homicide Task Force is investigating and confidential tips can be sent to [email protected] or (609) 331-5010
Together, we can ensure that justice is served and that such heart-wrenching incidents do not happen again in our community, said Mayor W. Reed Gusciora.
Names of the 2024 Trenton Homicide Victims
01/13/2024 Eduardo Lopez-Cruz, 38, of Trenton, Shooting
01/16/2024 Stefon Locke, 33, Shooting on 1/16 died 2/8/2024
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
05/26/2024 Dwayne Penix, 20, of Trenton, Shooting
06/11/2024 Johnathan Applegate
06/23/2024 Samier Vincent, 30, of Trenton, Shooting, died 6/27/2024
07/04/2024 Amir Williams, 32, of Trenton, Shooting
07/02/2024 Capriest Ruiz, 23, of Camden, Shooting, died on 7/3/2024
WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–West Windsor Police reported that yesterday, Sunday June 30, 2024 at 10:41 a.m., the Communications Center received a call from a resident that smoke was emanating from the roof area of their neighbor’s residence on Cranbury Road.
West Windsor Police Department, the West Windsor Division of Fire & Emergency Services, Princeton Junction Volunteer Fire Company, West Windsor Volunteer Fire Company, Plainsboro Fire Company, Princeton Fire Company, Princeton First Aid & Rescue Squad, Lawrence Rescue, East Windsor Tower, and Hamilton Fire Department all responded to the scene to battle the blaze.
Fire Police closed Cranbury Road between Millstone Road and Sunnydale Way (approximately 2 1/2 hours) . The West Windsor Police Department Drone Unit continued to assist by looking for hot spots to assist the firefighters. The fire was deemed under control after approximately two hours and fully extinguished (including hot spots) after approximately four hours.
Sgt. W. Jones and Det. Crawford had arrived on scene to continue the joint investigation with West Windsor Fire Marshal Jamison. Preliminary findings were that the fire started in the basement area of the residence, while the cause was Undetermined/Non-Suspicious pending further investigation.
The residence, which was unoccupied at the time of the incident, sustained extensive damage. The resident made alternate shelter arrangements. No injuires were reported to any of the First Responders. Chief Garofalo would like to thank all of the responding agencies for quickly working together during especially challenging hot/humid conditions while bringing this incident to a safe outcome.
FREEHOLD – An Asbury Park man has been arrested and charged in connection with a nonfatal shooting that took place last month, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced Tuesday.
Nazzir Wallace, 18, is charged with first-degree Attempted Murder, three second-degree weapons offenses, two third-degree drug offenses, fourth-degree Eluding, fourth-degree Obstruction of Justice, a fourth-degree weapons offense, and Resisting Arrest, a disorderly persons offense.
At approximately 11 p.m. on Wednesday, August 30, members of the Asbury Park Police Department responded to the 100 block of Memorial Drive on a report of shots fired. Minutes later, authorities received notification that an adult male with a gunshot injury had been admitted to a nearby local hospital.
An investigation involving members of the MCPO Major Crimes Bureau and the Asbury Park Police Department resulted in Wallace being identified as a suspect. He was apprehended in Asbury Park late last week following a brief pursuit – after which he was found to be in possession of a loaded firearm and a quantity of cocaine and heroin. Wallace was then lodged in the Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI) pending future proceedings in Monmouth County Superior Court.
This case is being prosecuted by MCPO Assistant Prosecutor Michael Luciano of the Major Crimes Bureau. Information about Wallace’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
Taquaysha M. Bell
Govenor’s Office File Photo 
