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
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the New Jersey State Police, the Division of Criminal Justice, the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Trenton Police Department today announced the arrest of a 26-year-old man suspected of three murders in Pennsylvania and two carjackings.
Law enforcement officials in New Jersey and Bucks County, Pennsylvania, were looking for Andre Gordon Jr., in connection with the fatal shootings of three people, including a 13-year-old girl, in two separate locations in Falls Township, Pennsylvania, on the morning of Saturday, March 16, 2024.
Gordon allegedly carjacked a vehicle in the parking lot of Donnelly Homes in Trenton around 8:40 a.m., drove to Falls Township and committed a series of shootings, carjacked a second vehicle in Morrisville, Pennsylvania, and returned to Trenton. He entered a residence on Phillips Avenue and was later apprehended on New York Avenue at approximately 5 p.m. Gordon is being lodged at the Mercer County Correction Center.
“The string of violent acts that took place yesterday, allegedly at the hands of a single armed individual, alarmed and terrorized communities in Bucks and Mercer counties. It is the latest in a horrific litany of illustrations of how illegal guns and assault rifles can empower one aggrieved and disturbed actor to do immense damage and leave a trail of tragedies in their wake,” said Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. “I am grateful to all the brave law enforcement officers who mobilized in the face of grave danger and helped ensure this incident ended without further harm. We will pursue justice for the victims and hold the defendant accountable for his reprehensible actions.”
“As law enforcement officers, we rely on our professional training and experience when handling events like this. These situations are challenging and show the dangers law enforcement officers face daily,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “I’d like to thank all of the agencies involved in safely bringing this violent and tragic incident to an end.”
“Yesterday’s events are a profound tragedy and a shock that instilled fear in many residents in two states,” said J. Stephen Ferketic, director of the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice. “Thankfully, they ended with the apprehension of the suspect without further gunfire. We will work closely with our partners in Bucks County to ensure that the defendant answers for his alleged crimes in both Trenton and Falls Township.”
“I’d like to extend my sincere appreciation to our federal, state, and local partners for their overwhelming response and assistance in apprehending this extremely dangerous individual,” said Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri. “We’ve been in constant contact with Bucks County authorities and will work expeditiously to ensure that Andre Gordon is returned to Pennsylvania to face his murder charges.”
“My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the victims and their families,” said Police Director Steve Wilson of the Trenton Police Department. “I’d like to thank the local, county, and state authorities for their immediate deployment of additional resources that helped prevent further injury and loss of life to the public and to any law enforcement officer. We are pleased that this incident ended with the peaceful apprehension of the suspect.”
Approximately 60 officers from the Mercer County Rapid Response Partnership (MCRRP) responded to assist. They included officers from East Windsor, Ewing, Hamilton, Hightstown, Hopewell, Lawrence, Princeton, Robbinsville, West Windsor, the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, The College of New Jersey, the New Jersey State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Gordon was charged by New Jersey authorities with first-degree carjacking, second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, second-degree unlawful possession of an assault firearm, third-degree unlawful possession of a firearm without a serial number, third-degree receiving stolen property, fourth-degree unlawful possession of large-capacity ammunition magazines, and fourth-degree possession of hollow-point ammunition.
The charges in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
First-degree carjacking carries a sentence of up to 30 years in New Jersey state prison and a fine of up to $200,000. Second-degree crimes carry a sentence of up to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000, third-degree crimes carry a sentence of up to five years in state prison and a fine of up to $15,000, and fourth-degree crimes carry a maximum sentence of 18 months and a fine of up to $10,000.
The potential sentences are provided solely for informational purposes, as any potential sentence is determined by a judge.
Andre Gordon Jr., 26-year-old man suspected of three murders in Pennsylvania and two carjackings.
Law enforcement officials in New Jersey and Bucks County, Pennsylvania, were looking for Andre Gordon Jr., in connection with the fatal shootings of three people, including a 13-year-old girl, in two separate locations in Falls Township, Pennsylvania, on the morning of Saturday, March 16, 2024.
Yesterday’s sory:
UPDATE: SUSPECT IN CUSTODY FOLLOWING FATAL SHOOTINGS, CARJACKING IN FALLS TOWNSHIP
UPDATE: Andre Gordon Jr was taken into custody in Trenton around 5 p.m. He will be charged in Bucks County at the appropriate time.
Law enforcement officials in Bucks County and New Jersey are actively looking for 26-year-old Andre Gordon Jr., for the fatal shootings of three people, one of them a 13-year-old girl, Saturday morning at two separate locations in Falls Township.
Gordon, who is currently homeless, was later tracked to Trenton, New Jersey. As of 3:30 p.m., Gordon was barricaded inside a home in the 100 block of Phillips Street. On Saturday, March 16, 2024, at approximately 8:52 a.m., Falls Township Police were dispatched to the unit block of Viewpoint Lane, Levittown, to investigate the report of a shooting.
The preliminary investigation determined that Gordon, driving a stolen vehicle, which was carjacked in Trenton, New Jersey, earlier in the morning, forcibly broke into the residence after which he shot and killed his 52-year-old stepmother, Karen Gordon, and his 13-year-old sister, Kera Gordon, who live at that residence. There were three other residents, including a juvenile, inside who were able to hide and avoid Gordon as he went through the house. Following the shooting, at approximately 9:01 a.m., Gordon drove to the unit block of Edgewood Lane, Levittown, where he forcibly broke into a residence after which he shot and killed 25-year-old Taylor Daniel, with whom he had two children. Following the shooting he fled the scene. At the time of the shooting, there were four other individuals present inside, one of which was injured after being bludgeoned by Gordon with the assault rifle. She was transported to Jefferson Hospital, Torresdale Campus, for injuries.
At approximately 9:13 a.m., Gordon committed a carjacking at gunpoint of a 44-year-old male Morrisville resident, in the parking lot of the Dollar General, Bristol Pike, Morrisville, the operator of the vehicle did not suffer any injuries as a result. Police issued a shelter in place a short time later. At approximately 11:38 a.m., the Honda CRV was located, unoccupied, in the 100 block of Miller Street, Trenton, New Jersey. At approximately 12:22 p.m., police received information that Gordon was barricaded, with hostages, inside a residence, in the 100 block of Phillips Street, Trenton, New Jersey. All information regarding that aspect of the investigation is being referred to the Trenton City Police Department. At approximately 12:25 p.m., Falls Township police lifted the shelter in place order. This is an active and ongoing investigation, and more information will be released when available.
TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention reports that on Wednesday June 26th, 2024 at approximately 11:37 a.m. units from Ocean Beach Fire Company No. 3 responded to Las Vegas Rd in the Monterey Beach section of Toms River for a reported fire involving an electric bike. First arriving units confirmed a fire involving the battery pack of an electric bike outside of the home. The fire was primarily extinguished by the homeowner prior to the fire department’s arrival. The fire was extinguished without incident and the nature of the damaged battery prompted a response from the Berkeley Township Hazmat Team. The scene was documented by Inspector Carlin and the damaged battery was packaged in a container for disposal.
After the battery was packed by the Berkeley Township Hazmat Team, the homeowner placed the container in his vehicle for disposal. Inspector Carlin was still on scene documenting the incident and observed the container on fire in the back of the vehicle. This prompted a second response from Ocean Beach Fire Company and the Berkeley Hazmat Team to repack the battery for a second time. Crews operated for several hours over the span of this incident.
The battery was original to the bike, not recently used, and only used with the manufacturer’s charger. The device was stored outside in direct sunlight at the time the fire occurred. Fires involving Lithium-Ion Batteries can be extremely dangerous to life and health.
The Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone about using safe practices in your home or business when utilizing Lithium-Ion batteries.
Visit www.batteryfiresafety.org for more information.
NEW HANOVER TOWNSHIP, NJ (BURLINGTON)–New Hanover Township Police report a two-vehicle motor vehicle accident occurred on Cookstown-Wrightstown Road (Rt. 616) at approximately 6:58 p.m. on October 5, 2022. A silver Nissan, driven by the victim Jeremy Schaffer, of Cookstown, NJ, collided with a GMC pickup being operated by Levi Scull of Westampton, NJ. The preliminary investigation revealed that the vehicle being operated by Jeremey Schaffer lost control and collided head on with the pick-up truck. Jeremy Schaffer succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Levi Scull was transported to Virtua Hospital in Mt. Holly, NJ with non-life threating injuries. The accident is being investigated by the New Hanover Township Police Department.
TAVI Hosts Free Concert on September 17, 2022 at 3:00 p.m.
August 30, 2022
ALLENTOWN, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Acclaimed as the premier touring jazz big band in the United States, the US Army Field Band’s Jazz Ambassadors will perform a free concert in Allentown, New Jersey on Saturday, September 17, 2022 beginning at 3 pm behind the Allentown United Methodist Church, 23 Church Street, Allentown, NJ. In case of rain, the concert will be held on the same date and time in the Allentown High School Auditorium at 27 High Street, Allentown, NJ 08501.
The band is coming to Allentown at the invitation of The Allentown Village Initiative (TAVI) through its “Allentown Arts” program, a series of performances and exhibits throughout the year designed to highlight the artistry of Allentown and Upper Freehold in the historic setting of the village of Allentown. Allentown Arts is 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.
Established in 1969, the 19 piece Jazz Ambassadors orchestra has performed in all 50 states and around the globe. From Carnegie Hall to London, and now to Allentown New Jersey, the Jazz Ambassadors have brought America’s original art form – jazz – to audiences of all ages. Please bring a chair and join us for a program of favorites. Come early and browse TAVI’s “Makers Market” featuring the creativity of our area’s artisans and small businesses. Make it an afternoon and enjoy a stroll down historic Main Street with its unique shops and restaurants. More information on the band is available at https://www.armyfieldband.com/about/ensembles/jazz-ambassadors
Visit www.allentownvinj.org for news and information about TAVI’s ongoing community service programs. A volunteer driven, 501(c)(3) organization, TAVI welcomes everyone’s input and participation.
FREEHOLD – A Middlesex County man has been criminally charged with repeatedly practicing law in Monmouth County without a license, Monmouth County First Assistant Prosecutor Julia Alonso announced Thursday.
Allen Yusufov, 37, of Monroe Township is charged with four counts of third-degree Unauthorized Practice of Law and a single count of fourth-degree Uttering a Forged Instrument.
An investigation initiated in January by the MCPO Financial Crimes and Public Corruption Unit determined that Yusufov had provided legal services associated with four real-estate transactions taking place from August 2020 to September 2022, while working out of offices located on Gordons Corner Road in Manalapan and on Newman Springs Road in Middletown (though the latter location had a Red Bank mailing address).
The transactions involved properties on Randall Drive in Manalapan, Devon Place in Marlboro, McKinley Drive in Ocean Township, and Woodruff Place in Hillside (Union County). A check of records revealed that throughout the time Yusufov performed the legal services, he was never in possession of a legitimate New Jersey law license; yet he was in possession of a forged document with grammatical errors falsely indicating that he was in “good standing” to practice law. However, Yusufov is legitimately licensed to perform law in the State of New York.
Yusufov was arrested without incident yesterday and released on a complaint-summons pending future proceedings in Monmouth County Superior Court.
Anyone with information about Yusufov’s activities is urged to contact MCPO Detective Robert Afanasewicz toll-free at 1-800-533-7443. This case has been assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Lawrence Nelsen, Director of the MCPO Financial Crimes and Public Corruption Unit.
Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendants have all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.
Allen Yusufov, 37, of Monroe Township is charged with four counts of third-degree Unauthorized Practice of Law and a single count of fourth-degree Uttering a Forged Instrument.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri, Lawrence Township Police Chief Christopher Longo and Trenton Police Director Steve Wilson announced today that a complex investigation into multiple sexual assaults in Mercer County has resulted in the arrest of a local restaurant owner.
Gerald Araya, 44, of Ewing, NJ, was arrested in Trenton on Wednesday afternoon. He is charged with five counts of first-degree aggravated sexual assault, one count of first-degree sexual assault, two counts of second-degree sexual assault, one count of first-degree kidnapping, two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual contact and one count of third-degree endangering the welfare of a child. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain Araya pending trial.
On Wednesday afternoon, June 19, 2024, search warrants were executed at Araya’s residence in Ewing Township, along with three establishments he owns and operates in Trenton: El Catador Lounge Restaurant on New York Avenue, Dubai Restaurant & Lounge on New York Avenue, and Mill Hill Restaurant & Lounge on South Broad Street. He was taken into custody without incident outside of his Mill Hill Restaurant & Lounge.
Last month, a young woman contacted the Trenton police to report a sexual assault and a joint investigation with the MCPO Special Victims Unit ensued. The victim informed detectives that she met Araya during a job interview at Dubai Restaurant & Lounge. Araya wanted the victim to see his other establishments in Trenton so they left Dubai. They arrived at another bar in Trenton where Araya began making the victim drinks and insisting she try them so she knew what she was serving patrons. The victim reported feeling ill and telling Araya she wanted to go home.
The next memory the victim had was of waking up in a room naked and being sexually assaulted by Araya. Further investigation revealed that the assault took place at a motel in Lawrence Township while the victim was physically helpless.
Through an intricate, sensitive investigation by the MCPO SVU, the TPD and the LTPD, detectives were able to identify three more victims who previously worked for Araya.
“This investigation was truly a cooperative effort and a perfect example of how successful law enforcement can be when we work together,” said Prosecutor Onofri. “From the lead detectives who operated with unwavering commitment on this case from the beginning to the four brave woman who came forward to share their stories and work with investigators to ensure this predator was taken off of the streets. No one can do it alone. We will continue to work with our partners and our communities to make Mercer County safe.”
“First and foremost, I want to acknowledge the victims of these heinous acts. They are survivors. It took a great deal of courage, trust in our detectives, and patience with the process to get to this point,” said Director Wilson. “I appreciate the tremendous work of all the personnel involved, specifically Trenton Police SVU Detective Lizmary Rivera and Trenton Police ABC Detective Cathiria Colon, for their months of tireless hard work and dedication to this investigation. This was a collaborative effort that could not have been achieved without the resources and assistance of the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, under the leadership of Prosecutor Angelo Onofri, and the Lawrence Township Police Department under the leadership of Chief Christopher Longo. This investigation is a testament to our dedication to bringing criminals to justice, regardless of who they are or how much money they have.”
“The investigation and subsequent arrest of Gerald Araya is the result of a strong partnership and collaboration between the Lawrence Township Police Department, the Trenton Police Department and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office,” said Chief Longo. “The arrest in this case underscores our collective dedication to bringing justice to victims of sexual assault.”
Prosecutor Onofri commended all of the individuals and agencies involved in this extensive investigation. He thanked the members of his Special Victims Unit who led and coordinated the operation for the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, particularly Detective Sergio Sanchez, Sergeant Ahmad Mansur, Assistant Prosecutor Brett Berman and Assistant Prosecutor Alycia Beyrouty, SVU chief; and lead detectives Suzanne Girard of the Lawrence Township Police Department, and Cathiria Colon and Lizmary Rivera of the Trenton Police Department.
Prosecutor Onofri also thanked the following local, county and federal agencies for their investigative support and assistance with yesterday’s search warrant executions:
• Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office• Mercer County Prosecutor’s Special Investigations Unit• Mercer County Tactical Response Team• Ewing Police Department• Lawrence Township Police Department• Trenton Police Department
CRANBURY TOWNSHIP, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Around 10:25 p.m. January 3, 2025 firefighters were dispatched to Cranbury Neck Road for a reported chimney fire. Responding firefighters called for an additional alarm while still responding since flames and smoke were visable from a distance. When firefighters arrived found heavy fire coming from a large two story single family home. Multiple additional fire departments were called to the scene as well as seting up a tanker task force to bring water to the scene. EMS units from several agencies set up a rehab unit. Firefighters and EMS units oprated for about six hours at the scene.
Once additional details become available the story will be updated.
HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER) –Police say that on August 21, 2023 around 7:30 a.m. the Pennington Police Department received a missing person complaint. The complainant reported the missing person was last seen on Friday August 18, 2023. Through investigative efforts, the missing person’s personal vehicle was located unoccupied in the parking lot of Baldpate Mountain. Due to the lapse of time since they were last seen, immediate search efforts were put into action.
Multiple agencies and personnel responded to assist with the search, including those with aerial and rough terrain capabilities. Those who responded were the Mercer County Prosecutors Office, Mercer County Sheriff’s Department, West Windsor Police Department, Lawrence Township Police Department, Hamilton Township Police Department, New Jersey State Police Aviation Unit, New Jersey State Park Police, and Mercer County Park Rangers. Additionally, personnel from Hopewell Valley Emergency Services, Union Fire, Pennington Fire, Princeton Fire, West Amwell Fire, and Signal 22 assisted with the search efforts.
Through search efforts, the victim was located and found to be deceased. Police are not releasing the victim’s information at this time. There are no signs of foul play, however the investigation is ongoing. Baldpate Mountain was closed during the police operations but is now open to the public.
Police say both that this is a joint investigation by the Hopewell Township Police Department and Pennington Borough Police Department.
EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–According to New Jersey State Park Police (NJDEP), the body of an unidentified man was recovered from the Delaware River on Monday, July 18, 2022, in the vicinity of the D&R Canal State Park and Scudders Fall Bridge in Ewing Township. The New Jersey State Parks Police is leading the investigation. Agencies assisting in the search and recovery efforts included Hopewell Township Police Department, the Upper Makefield Police Department (Pennsylvania), and the State Police Marine Unit. Identification of the victim is pending confirmation.
Numerous fire departments from NJ and PA searched the river Sunday night and a NJ State Police Helicopter was called to assist in the search. The initial search was close to the visitors center on the Pennsylvania side and rescue crews searched north of the Scutters Falls Bridge.
