HAMILTON, NJ (MERCER)–A multi-vehicle collision left one of the vehicles on its side and sent at least one person to a hospital Saturday morning (June 29, 2004).
The crash on Johnston Avenue at Tipton Street occurred shortly before 11:20 a.m. Multiple 911 calls were received by both Hamilton and Lawrence police. At first it was unclear which municipality the accident was in, so Lawrence police hurriedly started checking both Johnson Avenue and Johnson Road in their town before Hamilton’s emergency services arrived on Johnston Avenue and confirmed it was in Hamilton.
Hamilton firefighters reported that no one was trapped in the overturned vehicle. One person was, however, reported to have suffered serious injuries and required the services of paramedics. That person was transported by ambulance to hospital. There was also a report of a second person with minor injuries but it was unclear if that person was also taken to hospital.
Hamilton police were on scene investigating the crash and blocking Johnston Avenue until the wrecked vehicles were removed by tow trucks.
Upon arrival, a large crowd of approximately 200 people were observed fighting in the street.
May 26, 2024
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department are investigating an incident that occurred early Sunday morning in Trenton, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported.
At approximately 2:10 a.m. on May 26, 2024, Trenton patrol units were dispatched to the Regal 1 Bar on N. Clinton Avenue in Trenton. Upon arrival, a large crowd of approximately 200 people were observed fighting in the street. Minutes later, responding officers heard multiple gunshots coming from the area of the bar and ShotSpotter activated for two separate shootings with multiple rounds in the 500 block of N. Clinton Avenue.
Three shooting victims were identified. Dwayne Penix, 20, of Trenton, was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead a short time later. Two additional adult males sustained gunshot wounds and are in stable condition.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact MCHTF Detective Ramon Santiago at (609) 508-6623 or Sgt. Roberto Reyes at (609) 256-0997. Information can also be emailed to [email protected].
Names of the 2024 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
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.
Robbinsville Schools to Receive $2.6 Million and Lawrence Township $923K in State Preschool Education Aid (PEA) to establish or expand high-quality preschool programs.
March 12, 2024
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Governor Phil Murphy was joined by Acting Commissioner of Education Kevin Dehmer at Millridge School in Secaucus to highlight the impact access to preschool is having on New Jersey families as part of his administration’s record investment to expand access to preschool statewide. The visit coincides with the announcement of another round of Fiscal Year 2024 (FY2024) Preschool Education Aid (PEA) that will allow an additional 16 school districts across the State to establish or expand high-quality preschool programs.
“Access to early childhood education helps set the tone for the rest of a child’s educational career by providing innumerable benefits that will follow young learners throughout their lives,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “From advanced literacy skills to enhanced social and emotional development, access to high-quality preschool programs has a tangible impact on our children. That is why I am proud to announce continued investments to expand access to preschool for families across the State. Today’s announcement builds upon our work to make universal preschool a reality in New Jersey so that more children have the tools and resources necessary to succeed.”
The funding is projected to provide 827 additional seats for children to access high-quality preschool education. This second round of funding for FY2024 builds on the $25 million investment in preschool funding announced last October that provided for an additional 1,715 preschool seats in 26 school districts. High-quality preschools are full-day programs that have a certificated teacher and aide, limited class size, curriculum aligned to the New Jersey Preschool Teaching and Learning Standards, and are inclusive of special needs children.
“We know that high-quality preschool sets the foundation for a child’s success and is linked to improved student outcomes for years to come,” said Kevin Dehmer, Acting Commissioner of Education. “That’s why bringing high-quality preschool to more communities can be so transformative, and one that is well worth our investment.”
Today’s announcement builds on the Murphy Administration’s campaign to put New Jersey on the path to universal preschool, providing every three- and four-year-old child in New Jersey with access to free, full-day preschool. Additionally, the Governor’s FY2025 budget proposes an additional $124 million for preschool education, including $20 million to expand high-quality, full-day preschool programs into new school districts. Since taking office, Governor Murphy has increased preschool funding by over $427 million and added more than 14,600 preschool seats in New Jersey school districts.
“I am thankful the Secaucus school system was chosen to receive pre-K Expansion Aid, which will provide the funding necessary to start a full day pre-K program for 3 and 4 year olds. As the pre-K program develops, I look forward to working with the Governor’s Office and our school administration to more completely understand and prepare for the impacts this expanded program will have on our school system. I have no doubt the early educational benefits afforded by this funding will help our children perform better as they advance. I am grateful to Governor Murphy and his administration for advancing this important educational initiative,” stated Secaucus Mayor Michael Gonnelli.
“Today marks a significant step forward in our commitment to early childhood education. Our recent acceptance of the Pre-K Expansion Aid marks a pivotal moment in offering free Pre-K to our families. This initiative is not just an investment but also a commitment to our community to lay the groundwork for universal access to early education. Our goal extends beyond the current horizon. In collaboration with our Mayor and Town Council, we are committed to expanding our district’s reach, to ensure that every family in Secaucus has access to high-quality pre-kindergarten programs. This move towards inclusive education reflects our dedication to nurturing the potential of every child. It fosters a community where every family has the support and resources to thrive. Together, we are building a brighter, more equitable future for Secaucus, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to Governor Murphy for his unwavering commitment to prioritizing education in New Jersey,” said Erick Alfonso, Ed.D., M.B.A., Superintendent of Secaucus Public Schools.
The following is a list of the 16 additional 2023-2024 school districts receiving PEA funding for preschool programs:
County
District
Projected Funding
Burlington
Cinnaminson Township
$290,280
Burlington
Tabernacle Township
$522,504
Cape May
Upper Township
$458,568
Hudson
Secaucus
$1,583,647
Hunterdon
Bloomsbury
$193,206
Hunterdon
Delaware Township
$341,826
Hunterdon
Holland Township
$535,032
Hunterdon
Union Township
$772,824
Mercer
Lawrence Township
$923,486
Mercer
Robbinsville
$2,661,014
Monmouth
Atlantic Highlands
$322,718
Salem
Oldmans Township
$171,600
Sussex
Fredon Township
$363,775
Sussex
Stanhope
$145,510
Union
Roselle
$934,496
Warren
Great Meadows Regional
$935,644
Total
$11,156,130
Locally Robbinsville Schools to Receive $2.6 Million and Lawrence Township $923K in State Preschool Education Aid (PEA) to establish or expand high-quality preschool programs.
March 12, 2024
CRANBURY, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Sometime after 7:00 a.m., Cranbury Police and EMS were dispatched to Route 130 south bound in the area of the Cranbury Circle for an overturned vehicle. A person was transported to a local hospital for treatment. No other information is available at this time. The story will be updated when official information is released.
March 12, 2024
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri announced today that an investigation conducted by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department has resulted in the arrest of a Trenton man for the shooting death of Shawn Moore.
Chelsey White, 38, of Trenton, is charged with first-degree murder, second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon and second-degree certain persons not to possess a weapon. He was arrested Sunday evening in Branchburg, NJ, by members of the U.S. Marshals New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detail him pending trial.
Shortly before 8 p.m. on February 28, 2024, Trenton police responded to a report of a shooting in progress at 428 Ardmore Avenue. Upon arrival, officers located an unresponsive male on the porch suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. The victim, later identified as Shawn Moore, 45, of Trenton, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact MCHTF Detective Tim Bruey at (609) 433-6540. Information can also be emailed to [email protected].
Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Chelsey White, 38, of Trenton, is charged with first-degree murder, second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon and second-degree certain persons not to possess a weapon.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Hamilton Police reported they placed Mathew Kerr and Javier Torres under arrest for burglary and theft of copper wire at an electric motor repair business. The pair were caught actively burglarizing Lockwood Electric at 2239 Nottingham Way at 4:30 a.m. on November 10, 2022. Both Parties were charged with burglary and theft for the incident and multiple other incidents involving the same business. Torres and Walker were transported to the Mercer County Workhouse to be held pending a detention hearing.
Arresting officers were Tim Donovan, Nick Avanzato, Joe Avanzato, Brandon Walker and Anthony Lucidi
All parties are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Chief Raymond Hayducka of the South Brunswick Police Department announced today that a fatal crash is under investigation in the area of Route 130 and Stults Road.
On January 31, 2024, at 5:25 P.M., authorities responded to Route 130 and Stults Road following the report of a crash. Upon their arrival, authorities located a 2011 Toyota Camry which had collided with a school bus. The Toyota Camry was occupied by Ellen Brotman, 86, Alba Olivencia, 87, and Wilson Olivencia, 90, all of Monroe Township. All three occupants of the Camry sustained serious injuries and were pronounced deceased at the scene. The school bus driver was transported to Princeton Medical Center with minor injuries and the two children that were on the bus ages 17 and 15 were uninjured and picked up by their parents and brought home.
An investigation led by Patrolman First Class Jesse Blake of the South Brunswick Police Department and Detective Matthew Colonna of The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office determined that the Toyota Camry was attempting to make a left turn from Route 130 South onto Stults Road when it struck the school bus traveling on Route 130 North.
The investigation is active and continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Officer Blake of the South Brunswick Police Department at 732-329-4000 ext. 7474 or Detective Matthew Colonna of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 745-3317.
FREEHOLD – A fugitive has been located, arrested, and charged with being responsible for a July 2023 motor vehicle collision in Wall Township that took the life of a local man, Monmouth County First Assistant Prosecutor Julia Alonso and Wall Township Police Chief Sean O’Halloran jointly announced Tuesday.
Thomas A. Redding, 45, of Howell Township is charged with second-degree Death by Auto, third-degree Possession of Cocaine, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, a disorderly persons offense.
At approximately 5 a.m. on Saturday, July 29, 2023, members of the Wall Township Police Department responded to a three-vehicle collision in the area of Old Mill Road and State Route 138. At that location they found that two vehicles, a 2016 Ford Fusion operated by 55-year-old Leonard Akers of Wall Township and a 2016 Dodge Ram pickup truck operated by a 62-year-old male resident of Howell Township, had been fully stopped at a red light when Redding approached them from behind, operating a 2023 Toyota 4Runner.
Redding collided directly into the rear of the vehicle being driven by Akers, propelling it into the rear of the pickup truck in front of him and severely damaging both vehicles. Akers was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center for medical treatment, but despite lifesaving efforts, he was pronounced deceased.
An investigation into this matter involving members of the Monmouth County Serious Collision Analysis Response Team (SCART), the Prosecutor’s Office, the Wall Township Police Department, and the New Jersey State Police determined that Redding was under the influence of intoxicating substances at the time of the collision, and he was criminally charged earlier this month. He remained at large until members of the Prosecutor’s Office, Wall Township Police Department, and the U.S. Marshals Service located and arrested him in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania early yesterday, Monday, July 29. He currently remains in custody there pending extradition to New Jersey and future proceedings in Monmouth County Superior Court.
Redding is additionally charged with summonses for Speeding, Reckless Driving, Careless Driving Likely to Endanger Persons or Property, Following Too Closely, Operation of a Motor Vehicle while in Possession of Narcotics, and Driving While Intoxicated.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Joseph Cummings of the MCPO Major Crimes Bureau. Information about Redding’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.
Booker Concluded the 2022 Jersey Summer Road Trip yesterday and visited all 21 counties during the trip, focused on his ongoing work to serve the people of New Jersey
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–Mayor Janice S. Mironov and Shiseido Americas executives welcomed U.S. Senator Cory Booker to a tour of the East Windsor facility and a town hall with local employees. Shiseido, celebrating its 150th Anniversary, opened in East Windsor in 1998 and is now home to the company’s North American manufacturing center and one of its Global Innovation Centers. Senator Booker toured the East Windsor Shiseido facility, one of the Township’s premier employers, and conducted a Town Hall Question & Answer forum with a packed room of company employees, among 21 county events in New Jersey.
The Shiseido East Windsor 350,000 square foot facility employs over 340 workers, produces over 2,600 products, and includes manufacturing and innovation with three shifts/five days per week. Shiseido is an environmental leader, with installation of their solar array, and LED upgrades. Shiseido cosmetic and perfume brands include: Shiseido Ginza Tokyo, NARS, Drunk Elephant, Cle de peau, Tory Birch, Serge Lutens, Issey Miyake, Dolce & Gabbana, and Narciso Rodriguez.
Mayor Mironov stated, “East Windsor is proud of the beneficial partnership we have enjoyed with the global cosmetics giant Shiseido, which is a great business model, community model and a pro-active environmental leader. Shiseido represents for East Windsor the best of our high-tech, high-growth companies within our Einstein’s Alley corridor. Shiseido, with a long company history of promoting and protecting our green environment, directed by the dedicated corporate leadership and staff of Shiseido Americas, has set an admirable model for businesses in our community and around the world. We are pleased to welcome and bring together another partner in Senator Booker to learn more about Shiseido’s business operations, innovative ideas and sustainable practices and leadership.”
Founded in 1872 by Arinobu Fukuhara with its origins as a western pharmacy in Ginza, Tokyo, Shiseido is one of the oldest and largest cosmetics companies in the world. Shiseido employs 42,000 employees in 120 countries and regions, with over $7.5B in net sales. Shiseido operates in six regions: Americas, Europe, China, Japan, Travel Retail, and Asia-Pacific (APAC). Their mission includes “beauty innovations for a better world”.
From visits to businesses to local farms, roundtable discussions to townhalls, press conferences to small business walks, U.S. Senator Cory Booker concluded his 2022 Jersey Summer Road Trip yesterday. Over six days, Booker visited all 21 counties in New Jersey and highlighted his efforts to secure congressionally directed spending for critical New Jersey projects and organizations, his support of local industries, and his continued commitment to serving the state’s residents.
Booker launched his tour in Stafford Township to discuss the On P.O.I.N.T. program, which provides on-site social workers for police departments to address the high volume of social service-related calls and incidents they receive. He then announced legislation that would expand the VA’s Supportive Services for Veteran Families program, which promotes housing stability among very low-income veteran families, to former members of the National Guard and Reserves.
Booker hosted a listening session with New Jersey stakeholders to discuss food insecurity and hunger in New Jersey, the need to reform our nation’s food system, and the rising incidence of diet-related diseases. Booker will use the comments and feedback he received at the listening session, cohosted with New Jersey Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, for the upcoming White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health that he successfully secured funding for. Booker also announced over $1 million in federal grant money for Norwescap Food Bank to increase its capacity to distribute food and build a more modern facility.
To close out his road trip, Booker hosted a roundtable discussion in Cumberland County to discuss the county’s work to implement community violence intervention strategies that aim to reduce and prevent gun violence. Booker has been a proponent of such strategies; in 2019, he introduced the Break the Cycle of Violence Act, legislation that would provide federal grants to communities for gun violence intervention and prevention programs designed to interrupt cycles of violence. Research has shown that a combination of community-oriented intervention programs and commonsense gun control policies can reduce gun violence rates.
“Over the past days, I’ve had the chance to meet with advocates, elected officials, and residents of the Garden State who have graciously shared their feedback, concerns, and stories with me,” said Sen. Booker. “These conservations will stay with me and help me further advocate for our state as I return to Washington. It’s an honor to serve the people of New Jersey, and I know that together, we will address the unique challenges our state and nation faces.”
Mayor Janice S. Mironov and Shiseido Executive Team welcome U.S. Senator Cory Booker to the East Windsor Shiseido Americas facility for a tour and an employee Q&A Town Hall. Pictured (from left to right) are: Gail Boye, Executive Vice-President, Product Innovation & Commercialization; Ross Hammond, Vice-President, Manufacturing & Plant Manager; U.S. Senator Cory Booker; Max Bogaert, Executive Vice-President, Operations Shiseido Americas; Mayor Janice S. Mironov; and Takahiro Iwabuchi, Senior Vice-President, Regulatory & Americas Innovation Center.
Mayor Janice S. Mironov and U.S. Senator Cory Booker address a packed room of employees for a Q&A Town Hall meeting at Shiseido Americas East Windsor facility.
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.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–A Bucks County, Pennsylvania, man made his initial court appearance on charges of producing videos and images depicting child sexual abuse and coercing and enticing a minor to engage in criminal sexual conduct, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Gregory J. Barger, 38, of Morrisville, Pennsylvania, was indicted on Feb. 15, 2024, on one count of sexual exploitation of a child – production of child pornography – and one count of coercion and enticement – online enticement of a minor. Barger had previously been charged by criminal complaint with the production offense. Barger was arraigned On Feb. 28, 2024, before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp in Trenton federal court and was detained pending trial.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From Aug. 5, 2020, through April 7, 2022, Barger – a previously convicted, registered sex offender – used an electronic messaging application to communicate with a minor victim located in the United Kingdom. He induced, enticed, and coerced the minor victim to engage in sexual conduct with Barger. In February 2022, Barger traveled to the United Kingdom and produced images and videos of Barger engaged in sexual conduct with the minor victim. Law enforcement later recovered those images and videos from Barger’s cellular phone, which was seized from Barger at the time of his arrest on April 7, 2022, in Hamilton, New Jersey.
Because of Barger’s prior conviction, the charge of production of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 25 years in prison and a maximum potential penalty of 50 years in prison, as well as a $250,000 fine. The charge of online enticement of a minor carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum potential penalty of life in prison, as well as a $250,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of Homeland Security Investigations Newark, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso, and members of the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri, with the investigation leading to the charges.
