News

May 1, 2024

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–A two-month investigation into cocaine distribution in Trenton culminated this week with two arrests and the seizure of $70,000 in cocaine, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported.

On April 29, 2024, members of the Mercer County Narcotics Task force (MCNTF), with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, and the Ewing, Hamilton and Trenton police, located Dayron Vaughn, 48, of Bristol, Pennsylvania, operating a motorcycle in the 400 block of West Hanover Street in Trenton at approximately 4 p.m.  A motor vehicle stop was conducted and Vaughn was found to be in possession of approximately 10 grams of powder cocaine.  As Vaughn was being taken into custody, members of the Mercer County Tactical Response Team assisted the MCNTF with the execution of a search warrant at a residence in the 1300 block of Edgewood Avenue that was tied to the investigation.  Inside of the residence, detectives located a large amount of powder cocaine in a black safe and a significant amount of drug paraphernalia, including digital scales and packaging materials, in the basement.  Resident Barry Coles, 56, was present at the time of the search warrant execution and detained without incident.

Both Vaughn and Coles were charged with numerous first-degree narcotics offenses, including maintaining a drug manufacturing facility, and lodged in the Mercer County Correction Center.  The prosecutor’s office will file motions to detain both men pending trial.

According to Prosecutor Onofri, a total of 700 grams of cocaine was recovered from the Edgewood Avenue property.  The approximate street value of the confiscated narcotics is $70,000.

Despite having been charged, all persons are presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Dayron Vaughn, 48, of Bristol, Pennsylvania

Barry Coles, 56, Trenton

May 1, 2024

OLD BRIDGE, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Chief Thomas J. Montagna of the Old Bridge Police Department announced today that authorities are investigating an explosion in the Township of Old Bridge.

Today, May 1, 2024, at approximately 11:45 A.M., authorities responded to Superior Signal Company, LLC in Old Bridge following a report of an explosion. Upon arrival, authorities located Eileen Marco, 73, of South River, who had succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene and two other employees, who were injured during the explosion.

While the investigation is ongoing, a preliminary investigation lead by The New Jersey State Police, Old Bridge Police Department, the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, and local, state, and county Fire Marshals indicates that the explosion is not suspicious in nature and foul play is not suspected.

An investigation into the cause of the explosion is active and continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Keith Weiss of the Old Bridge Police Department at 732-721-5600 or Detective Matthew Colonna of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-745-3354.

July 18, 2024

Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw announced that a 55-year-old Willingboro man has been charged with possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).

Arthur Pitt was taken into custody at his residence on July 16 and lodged in the Burlington County Jail in Mount Holly. He was released yesterday following a first appearance in Superior Court. The case will be prepared for presentation to a grand jury for possible indictment.

The investigation began after detectives from the BCPO High-Tech Crimes Unit received a tip from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children concerning Pitt’s online activities. The investigation revealed that Pitt was in possession of more than 1,000 CSAM images and videos, and utilized an online cloud storage application to store the material.

The investigation was conducted by the BCPO High-Tech Crimes Unit, with assistance from the Willingboro Township Police Department and United States Homeland Security Investigations – Cherry Hill Office.

Pitt will be prosecuted by the BCPO Special Victims Unit.

All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Arthur Pitt, 55, was taken into custody at his residence on July 16 and lodged in the Burlington County Jail in Mount Holly. He was released yesterday following a first appearance in Superior Court. The case will be prepared for presentation to a grand jury for possible indictment.

January 12, 2024

Update from the Trenton Police Department:

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Trenton Police Department, Detective Lieutenant Brian Jones told MidJersey.news that at 7:54 p.m. Trenton Police received a call for a juvenile shot on the 100 Block of Frazier Street. Officers arrived on scene and located two victims, and eleven-year-old male and a sixteen-year-old female, who were sitting in the backseat on their mother’s vehicle. The vehicle was occupied by the victim’s mother, grandmother, and two other siblings. The two juvenile victims were transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center by Trenton Emergency Medical Services. Both victims were struck one time in their lower leg. Their injuries are non-life threatening. Preliminary investigation revealed that after the juveniles got into the backseat of their vehicle, a dark colored van or sport utility vehicle pulled alongside the victim’s vehicle and fired at the victim’s vehicle before fleeing on Frazier Street towards Prospect Street. The Mercer County Shooting Response Team is investigating this incident. 

Original MidJersey.news story below:

TRENTON (Mercer) – Two children were reportedly shot this evening (Friday, Jan. 12, 2024), just a little over two hours after two other people were wounded by gunfire in the city.

This latest incidence of violence was reported about 7:55 p.m. in the 100 block of Frazier Street. City police, EMS personnel and firefighters responded and located two juveniles – one initially reported to be about 16, and the other said to be about 11 – suffering from what were described as gunshot wounds to their “lower extremities.”

Both pediatric victims were said to be “conscious and alert” and were quickly taken by ambulance to the trauma center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center.

Earlier this evening, around 5:45 p.m., two people were found shot in the area of the 900 block of Southard Street, which is about a mile away from Frazier Street. And last night (Thursday, Jan. 11) around 6:50 p.m. a person was found shot in the area of the 900 block of South Broad Street.

This is a breaking news report, based on emergency services radio transmissions. All three incidents are under investigation by law enforcement officials. Additional details will be posted as soon as they are released by authorities.

Two People Reported Shot In Trenton

Trenton Shooting Under Investigation

December 11, 2024

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Assemblyman Alex Sauickie left a State Police headquarters briefing Wednesday on the ongoing drone sightings in New Jersey with more questions than answers, expressing frustration over the lack of information and a coherent response plan from state authorities. “The public deserves to know that their safety is being actively protected,” said Sauickie (R-Ocean). “After sitting through that briefing, I am gravely concerned. We still don’t know who is behind these drone flights, where they are coming from, or what the state plans to do to figure it out. This level of uncertainty is unacceptable.” State Police officials provided limited details about the nature of the drone sightings, offering no clear timeline or actionable strategy for identifying the operators or mitigating future threats. Officials from the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness appeared unprepared and failed to present a plan, deepening Sauickie’s concerns. “When our homeland security experts can’t provide even basic assurances about what’s happening in our airspace, it sends a chilling message about our preparedness,” Sauickie added. Sauickie, a New York City commuter on September 11, 2001, reflected on how critical intelligence failures can have devastating consequences. “I was in lower Manhattan on 9/11. I’ve seen firsthand what happens when we aren’t vigilant about emerging threats,” he said. “We cannot afford complacency when unknown aircraft are operating above our communities. New Jerseyans deserve better than vague answers and shrugged shoulders.” Sauickie called on Gov. Phil Murphy, who did not attend the briefing, to prioritize a swift and transparent investigation into the drone activities, urging federal and state agencies to work together more effectively. 

“The time for vague briefings and indecisiveness is over. We need action, accountability, and real answers before something serious happens,” Sauickie concluded.

Assemblyman Alex Sauickie. Photo by Assembly Republican Office/Jennifer Peacock.

Assemblymen Clifton & Sauickie
Our Message on the Drones Over New Jersey

Today’s legislative briefing on the drone activity across our state was disappointing. The governor didn’t attend which underscored the lack of seriousness being given this matter. We take this matter seriously as we know our constituents do, and despite hoping to get answers to share with you, we left feeling that our state administration and the federal administration are not effectively communicating and do not have an organized effort to solve this mystery. The State claims they can’t do anything without federal assistance or direction, and until we know where these drones are coming from, who is operating them, and what their intent is, the federal representative from the Department of Homeland Security clearly is not treating this with the level of seriousness it deserves. Both of us will continue to fight for all of you to get the answers you deserve, and will not let up until then.

Critical Update on the Mysterious Drone Activity

Today, I attended an in-person briefing in Ewing with representatives of the NJ State Police and the NJ Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness. While the meeting provided some insights, it also raised more alarming questions. Here are the key takeaways:

• Congressman Chris Smith from South Jersey reported drones following Coast Guard ships. The Coast Guard witnessed 50 drones flying from the ocean to land and back.

• No known credible threat, according to the NJ Office of Homeland Security, but the situation remains unresolved.

• State Police have been investigating for three weeks:

• First sighting: November 18th

• Last night: 4 sightings

• Night before: 180 sightings

• The drones:

• Fly for 6-7 hours at night.

• No RF signals, so they can’t be detected.

• Lights shut off when approached.

• No daytime sightings reported.

• State Police lack the authority to take them down—only federal agencies can act.

I asked the tough questions:

Can you confirm these drones have nothing to do with the U.S. military? They said yes.

Can you confirm these drones aren’t tied to large tech companies like Google, Amazon, or Elon Musk? They said yes.

Are you telling me that in this day and age, drones of this size can fly over us and we have no idea who they belong to, where they’re taking off from, or what their purpose is? They said we don’t know.

Adding insult to injury, Governor Phil Murphy didn’t even attend the meeting. We’re dealing with unidentified drones entering our airspace, and our state leader doesn’t show up to address it.

During the Cuban Missile Crisis, the mere presence of missiles 100 miles from our shores brought us to the brink of war. Yet today, drones can hover over our neighborhoods, and we remain complacent. This generational gap in recognizing threats is alarming.

If these drones’ payloads were to change, our lives could change instantly. This is a wake-up call that we cannot afford to ignore.

We must demand answers. The safety and security of our community depend on it. If you have any information or footage, call 18664SAFENJ to report it.

— Mayor Ryan Herd

SHERIFF URGES GOVERNOR TO DECLARE STATE OF EMERGENCY AMID MYSTERIOUS NIGHTTIME DRONE SIGHTINGS

Monmouth County: Sheriff Shaun Golden is calling on Governor Phil Murphy to take immediate action in response to the escalating concerns regarding unidentified drones over New Jersey. He is urging the Governor to declare a State of Emergency and issue an Executive Order banning recreational drone use during nighttime hours.

“Residents are increasingly alarmed by the surge in drone activity after dark, raising concerns about public safety and security,” said Sheriff Shaun Golden. “We cannot wait any longer. The Governor must act now, and the Air National Guard needs to step in to protect our communities. In addition, we are asking Congress to immediately pass federal legislation for state police and sheriff’s offices nationwide which would enable them to address this issue head on.”

The proliferation of recreational drones has created a host of challenges for law enforcement and emergency response teams. Nighttime drone activity makes it difficult to identify operators and assess potential risks, including illegal surveillance, interference with critical infrastructure, and aviation hazards. Therefore, de-drone equipment must be made available at the state level.

The Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office and partners in law enforcement need swift and decisive action from the State of New Jersey. A State of Emergency will help address these growing concerns and restore peace of mind in communities.

NJ Senate Republicans Demand Immediate Federal Action on Drone Sightings in New Jersey

“First and foremost, our top priority is the safety and security of New Jersey residents. Unfortunately, today’s briefing provided no additional clarity, leaving us frustrated and with no further information regarding these troubling incidents since they began. New Jersey State Police and local law enforcement have done an incredible job with the limited information they have, but their efforts to intervene have been severely hampered by the Federal Government’s jurisdiction over engagement with these aircraft. This restriction, along with the Biden Administration’s slow-rolled response, has fueled growing concerns and left residents to speculate the worst-case scenario as they await answers.”

“It is irresponsible for federal representatives to assert that there is no threat to public safety while simultaneously asserting they have no information about who is operating the drones, where they originate, or where they are going. This contradiction is eroding public trust and only deepens the sense of uncertainty that many of our constituents have expressed.”

“We share the frustrations of our constituents and feel the same urgency to act. That is why we are calling on Governor Murphy to demand, in the strongest terms possible, the full support of the Federal Government. He must insist that the Biden Administration immediately provide the tools and resources needed to safeguard our state—up to and including authorization to neutralize any drone that poses a threat to our residents. New Jerseyans deserve swift and effective action to ensure their safety and the security of our nation.”

July 25, 2024

The Robbinsville Fire Department reported that they responded to a motor vehicle crash today July 25, 2024 on the New Jersey Turnpike near mile post 63 north bound outer lanes at 1:07 p.m. Responding firefighters came upon an incident involving several tractor trailers roughly a half mile before the original dispatch location, which was later found to be a secondary incident. While on scene it was noted that a major incident occurred at the original dispatch location further north on the roadway. Utilizing assistance from Bordentown Township Station 322, the second incident was also found to be a serious motor vehicle accident involving two tractor trailers. Several patients were evaluated and treated for minor injuries as a result of both incidents.

Photos: Robbinsville Township Fire Department Facebook Page

September 3, 2024

U.S. Navy Story By Chief Mass Communication Specialist Elizabeth Reisen

KEFLAVÍK AIR BASE, Iceland – Steelworker 3rd Class Chase Iorio joins U.S. Sailors and Marines for U.S.-led Exercise NORTHERN VIKING 2024 (NV24) in Keflavik, Iceland, from Aug. 26 to Sept. 3, 2024.

As a native of Hamilton, New Jersey, Iorio is a graduate of Steinert High School with parents and many other relatives still residing in the area.

Iorio is currently a U.S. Navy Seabee assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11 where he completes construction duties such as wielding, grinding metal and handling rebar. Iorio’s skills were needed at NV24 to help clear out crater damage and cut rebar into dowels during airfield damage repair training on Keflavik Air Base.

While supporting NV24, Iorio was part of exercise activities with servicemembers from Denmark, France, Iceland, Norway, and Poland as well as components of Standing NATO Maritime Group One and Allied Maritime Command.

“What I got out of Northern Viking was the teamwork. We couldn’t have done this without everyone working together,” said Iorio about the construction projects he supported. “If we had one person missing, I don’t think we would have gotten the job done.”

NV24 will strengthen interoperability among NATO Allies through a variety of contingency situations including humanitarian crisis response caused by a simulated volcanic eruption and other training opportunities to further enhance safety and sustainment operations, expeditionary and construction capabilities, medical responses, and search and rescue, as well as humanitarian assistance.

Through NV24, the U.S., Iceland and Allied nations are better prepared to execute in a multi-domain command and control of joint and coalition forces in the defense of Iceland and the Sea Lines of Communication in the Greenland, Iceland, United Kingdom (GIUK) gap, a vital shipping hub for commerce between North America and Europe.

Participation in multinational exercises such as NV24 enhances professional relationships and improves overall coordination for the U.S. with Allied militaries during times of crisis. It also allows U.S. servicemembers the ability to experience new cultures and visit a foreign country.

While in Iceland, Iorio enjoyed seeing the landscape and learning more about the culture.

“I really enjoyed just driving down the road and seeing all the towns and cities and seeing all of the culture, also going out to eat and seeing what they food is like,” said Iorio.

Northern Viking is a biennial exercise that has been held since 1982 and is based on the provisions of the 1951 Defense Agreement between Iceland and the United States.

U.S. European Command directed and U.S. Naval Forces Europe-led, NV24 is a U.S. Sixth Fleet planned and executed Joint and Coalition live exercise. U.S. Sixth Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts a full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with Allies, in order to advance security and stability in Europe and Africa.

240828-N-GF351-1014 KEFLAVIK AIR BASE, Iceland (Aug. 28, 2024) Steelworker 3rd Class Chase Iorio, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11, operates a handheld hammer drill to clear out crater damage for an airfield repair on Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, during Northern Viking 24 (NV24) Aug. 28. NV24 strengthens interoperability and force readiness between the U.S., Iceland and Allied nations, enabling multi-domain command and control of joint and coalition forces in the defense of Iceland and sea lines of communication in the Greenland, Iceland, United Kingdom (GIUK) gap. (U.S. Navy photo by Utilitiesman 2nd Class Joshua Oun)

KEFLAVIK AIR BASE, Iceland (Aug. 28, 2024) Steelworker 3rd Class Chase Iorio, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11, operates a handheld hammer drill to clear out crater damage for an airfield repair on Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, during Northern Viking 24 (NV24) Aug. 28. NV24 strengthens interoperability and force readiness between the U.S., Iceland and Allied nations, enabling multi-domain command and control of joint and coalition forces in the defense of Iceland and sea lines of communication in the Greenland, Iceland, United Kingdom (GIUK) gap. (U.S. Navy photo by Utilitiesman 2nd Class Joshua Oun)

240826-N-GF351-1002 KEFLAVIK AIR BASE, Iceland (Aug. 26, 2024) U.S. Navy Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11, construct an Alaskan tent on Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, during Northern Viking 24 (NV24) Aug. 26. NV24 strengthens interoperability and force readiness between the U.S., Iceland and Allied nations, enabling multi-domain command and control of joint and coalition forces in the defense of Iceland and sea lines of communication in the Greenland, Iceland, United Kingdom (GIUK) gap. (U.S. Navy photo by Utilitiesman 2nd Class Joshua Oun) 240826-N-GF351-1003 KEFLAVIK AIR BASE, Iceland (Aug. 26, 2024) U.S. Navy Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11, construct an Alaskan tent on Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, during Northern Viking 24 (NV24) Aug. 26. NV24 strengthens interoperability and force readiness between the U.S., Iceland and Allied nations, enabling multi-domain command and control of joint and coalition forces in the defense of Iceland and sea lines of communication in the Greenland, Iceland, United Kingdom (GIUK) gap. (U.S. Navy photo by Utilitiesman 2nd Class Joshua Oun) 240827-N-GF351-1011 KEFLAVIK AIR BASE, Iceland (Aug. 27, 2024) Equipment Operator Constructionman Coalton West, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11, familiarizes himself on operating an excavator with jackhammer attachment on Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, during Northern Viking 24 (NV24) Aug. 27. NV24 strengthens interoperability and force readiness between the U.S., Iceland and Allied nations, enabling multi-domain command and control of joint and coalition forces in the defense of Iceland and sea lines of communication in the Greenland, Iceland, United Kingdom (GIUK) gap. (U.S. Navy photo by Utilitiesman 2nd Class Joshua Oun) 240828-N-GF351-1003 KEFLAVIK AIR BASE, Iceland (Aug. 28, 2024) Builder 3rd Class Hania Germannguyen, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11, marks the cutting line for an airfield repair on Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, during Northern Viking 24 (NV24) Aug. 28. NV24 strengthens interoperability and force readiness between the U.S., Iceland and Allied nations, enabling multi-domain command and control of joint and coalition forces in the defense of Iceland and sea lines of communication in the Greenland, Iceland, United Kingdom (GIUK) gap. (U.S. Navy photo by Utilitiesman 2nd Class Joshua Oun) 240828-N-GF351-1004 KEFLAVIK AIR BASE, Iceland (Aug. 28, 2024) Equipment Operator 3rd Class Grant Sanford, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11, operates an excavator with jackhammer attachment to clear out crater damage for an airfield repair on Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, during Northern Viking 24 (NV24) Aug. 28. Builder 2nd Class Parker Goodwin, right, also assigned to NMCB 11, provides safety supervision of the operations. NV24 strengthens interoperability and force readiness between the U.S., Iceland and Allied nations, enabling multi-domain command and control of joint and coalition forces in the defense of Iceland and sea lines of communication in the Greenland, Iceland, United Kingdom (GIUK) gap. (U.S. Navy photo by Utilitiesman 2nd Class Joshua Oun) 240828-N-GF351-1006 KEFLAVIK AIR BASE, Iceland (Aug. 28, 2024) U.S. Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11, operate an excavator with jackhammer attachment to clear out crater damage for an airfield repair on Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, during Northern Viking 24 (NV24) Aug. 28. NV24 strengthens interoperability and force readiness between the U.S., Iceland and Allied nations, enabling multi-domain command and control of joint and coalition forces in the defense of Iceland and sea lines of communication in the Greenland, Iceland, United Kingdom (GIUK) gap. (U.S. Navy photo by Utilitiesman 2nd Class Joshua Oun) 240828-N-GF351-1011 KEFLAVIK AIR BASE, Iceland (Aug. 28, 2024) U.S. Navy Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11, complete operations with a handheld hammer drill to clear out crater damage for an airfield repair on Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, during Northern Viking 24 (NV24) Aug. 28. NV24 strengthens interoperability and force readiness between the U.S., Iceland and Allied nations, enabling multi-domain command and control of joint and coalition forces in the defense of Iceland and sea lines of communication in the Greenland, Iceland, United Kingdom (GIUK) gap. (U.S. Navy photo by Utilitiesman 2nd Class Joshua Oun) 240828-N-GF351-1012 KEFLAVIK AIR BASE, Iceland (Aug. 28, 2024) U.S. Navy Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11, complete operations to clear out crater damage for an airfield repair on Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, during Northern Viking 24 (NV24) Aug. 28. NV24 strengthens interoperability and force readiness between the U.S., Iceland and Allied nations, enabling multi-domain command and control of joint and coalition forces in the defense of Iceland and sea lines of communication in the Greenland, Iceland, United Kingdom (GIUK) gap. (U.S. Navy photo by Utilitiesman 2nd Class Joshua Oun) 240828-N-GF351-1013 KEFLAVIK AIR BASE, Iceland (Aug. 28, 2024) U.S. Navy Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11, complete operations to clear out crater damage for an airfield repair on Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, during Northern Viking 24 (NV24) Aug. 28. NV24 strengthens interoperability and force readiness between the U.S., Iceland and Allied nations, enabling multi-domain command and control of joint and coalition forces in the defense of Iceland and sea lines of communication in the Greenland, Iceland, United Kingdom (GIUK) gap. (U.S. Navy photo by Utilitiesman 2nd Class Joshua Oun) 240828-N-GF351-1014 KEFLAVIK AIR BASE, Iceland (Aug. 28, 2024) Steelworker 3rd Class Chase Iorio, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11, operates a handheld hammer drill to clear out crater damage for an airfield repair on Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, during Northern Viking 24 (NV24) Aug. 28. NV24 strengthens interoperability and force readiness between the U.S., Iceland and Allied nations, enabling multi-domain command and control of joint and coalition forces in the defense of Iceland and sea lines of communication in the Greenland, Iceland, United Kingdom (GIUK) gap. (U.S. Navy photo by Utilitiesman 2nd Class Joshua Oun) 240828-N-GF351-1015 KEFLAVIK AIR BASE, Iceland (Aug. 28, 2024) U.S. Navy Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11, cut around crater damage with a concrete saw to complete an airfield repair on Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, during Northern Viking 24 (NV24) Aug. 28. NV24 strengthens interoperability and force readiness between the U.S., Iceland and Allied nations, enabling multi-domain command and control of joint and coalition forces in the defense of Iceland and sea lines of communication in the Greenland, Iceland, United Kingdom (GIUK) gap. (U.S. Navy photo by Utilitiesman 2nd Class Joshua Oun) 240828-N-GF351-1016 KEFLAVIK AIR BASE, Iceland (Aug. 28, 2024) Equipment Operator 3rd Class Grant Sanford, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11, operates an excavator with jackhammer attachment to clear out crater damage for an airfield repair on Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, during Northern Viking 24 (NV24) Aug. 28. NV24 strengthens interoperability and force readiness between the U.S., Iceland and Allied nations, enabling multi-domain command and control of joint and coalition forces in the defense of Iceland and sea lines of communication in the Greenland, Iceland, United Kingdom (GIUK) gap. (U.S. Navy photo by Utilitiesman 2nd Class Joshua Oun)

September 3, 2024

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Firefighters from Robbinsville and Bordentown Township responded to a vehicle fire on the New Jersey Turnpike north bound outer roadway near mile post 60 just north of Exit 7A at 6:40 p.m. Upon arrival firefighters found Jeep well involved in fire and stretched a hose line to extinguish the fire. No other information about the fire is available.

September 3, 2024

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–South Brunswick Police Chief Raymond Hayducka announced the arrest of Leonard Jones IV age 50 of South Brunswick for aggravated arson. Jones is accused of setting fire to a home at 155 Old Beekman Road at 3am Tuesday morning after a dispute with his girlfriend. South Brunswick Police received a 911 call at 2:58am from a resident of the home asking police to respond to make Jones leave the home following an argument. As officers were responding a second 911 call reported the house was on fire. The first officer arrived within a minute and observed fire through the roof of the home. Three people in the home in addition to Jones made it out safely.

Officer Nicole Clark, Detective Rick Delucia, and South Brunswick Deputy Fire Marshal Eric Murnieks investigated the fire which resulted in the arrest of Jones on scene. He was charged with aggravated arson and domestic violence. Jones was lodged in the Middlesex County Correction Center pending his first court appearance.

The 2-alarm fire was fought by all three Township fire companies – Kendall Park, Monmouth Junction, Kingston along with several surrounding communities fire department. The Kendall Park, Monmouth Junction, and North Brunswick EMS all responded.

The investigation remains active. Anyone with information is asked to call (732) 329-4000 ext. 7469.

July 18, 2024

CAMDEN, N.J. – A Guatemalan man was indicted by a federal grand jury for traveling to Cape May County, New Jersey, to kidnap a minor, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.

Sergio Gomez, aka “Abner Abigail Chub-Choc,” 22, of Guatemala, made his initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew J. Skahill in Camden federal court and was detained. Gomez was indicted on July 17, 2024, on one count each of enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, transportation of a minor to engage in sexual activity, and kidnapping.

According to the indictment:

Gomez used the internet and cellphone to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity. On July 30, 2023, Gomez arrived in Cape May County, New Jersey, and took the minor to Georgia with the intent to engage in sexual activity with the minor. The FBI recovered the minor in Georgia on Aug. 3, 2023.

The count of enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; the count of transportation of a minor to engage in sexual activity carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum sentence of life in prison; and the count of kidnapping carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. All of the counts also carry a maximum fine of $250,000 per count.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy, in Newark. He also thanked the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office and Middle Township Police Department.

The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn R. Waegener of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Camden.

The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

24-276

Defense counsel: James Maguire Esq, Assistant Federal Public Defender, Camden

Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com

September 21, 2024

HIGHTSTOWN, NJ (MERCER)–Around 9:00 a.m. Hightstown firefighters responded to the 400 Block of Stockton Street for a reported garage fire and automatic mutual aid fire departments from East Windsor and Cranbury along with EMS from Robbinsville were dispatched to the scene.

Upon arrival it was determined that there was an active fire in the roof of the garage and additional units were called from Robbinsville, Monroe and Plainsboro fire departments. An engine from Jamesburg also provided extra fire coverage for the town.

Hightstown Engine 41 established a supply line while firefighters advanced two hose lines into the garage and quickly brought the fire under control. The firefighters remained on scene mopping up hot spots as well as overhauling.

No additional information is available about the fire at this time.

June 8, 2024

See update at link below:

Trenton Man Fatally Struck by FedEx Truck on Route 130 in Hamilton

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Route 130 South Bound at Crosswicks-Hamilton Square Road/Klockner Road is closed for an accident investigation. The accident happened sometime around 10:00 p.m. when a FedEx delivery truck collided with a person. Hamilton Township Police, Hamilton Fire Department, and EMS responded to the scene. Police are conducting a traffic crash investigation and the roadway is closed south bound near the U.S. Post Office. No further information is available at this time.

February 14, 2024

LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Police say that on Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at approximately 6:40 p.m., the Lawrence Township Police Department responded to the 3300 block of Brunswick Pike on a report of a motor vehicle crash involving a single vehicle and a pedestrian. The 39-year-old driver from Ewing, NJ and occupants in the vehicle were not injured. The pedestrian succumbed to injuries and was pronounced deceased on-scene.

The identity of the pedestrian is unknown at this time. As a result, all lanes on Brunswick Pike southbound between the area of the Quakerbridge Road overpass and the incident were closed.

Details of the crash are still under investigation by Lawrence Police and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Serious Collision Response Team.

Any witnesses are asked to contact Detective Dean Sawasky at 609-844-7125 / [email protected]

Photo 511nj.org