FREEHOLD – A local man has been convicted at trial of committing an armed robbery of a Neptune Township convenience store last year, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced Wednesday.
A jury on Monday returned a guilty verdict against William A. Herndon, 41, of Neptune Township, following a trial before Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Christie Bevacqua.
Shortly after 1 a.m. on Friday, March 31, 2023, members of the Neptune Township Police Department responded to the 7-Eleven on Route 35 South near the intersection at West Lake Avenue for a report of an alarm activation. The investigation subsequently revealed that while a store employee attempted to give change to a customer, the suspect suddenly brandished a sawed-off shotgun and reached over the counter in an attempt to take money out of the cash register. The man then fled the area in an unknown direction.
The investigation resulted in Herndon being identified as the suspect, and he was arrested without incident on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 and lodged in the Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI).
At trial, the State presented physical evidence, witness testimony, and video evidence – including recovered video depicting Herndon sawing off the end of the shotgun he used in the robbery – in order to prove their case.
This case was prosecuted by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutors Nicole Wallace and Jamie Fitzgerald. Herndon was represented by Anthony Aldorasi, Esq., with an office in Freehold.
Sentencing in the case has been scheduled for Friday, August 30 before Judge Bevacqua, at which time Herndon will face a term of up to 20 years in state prison, subject to New Jersey’s No Early Release Act (NERA), which mandates that 85 percent of the sentence be served prior to the possibility of parole.
HOPEWELL, NJ (MERCER)–We are devastated to learn that Mercer County native, Lior Abramov of Hopewell was among the innocent victims tragically killed in the terrorist attack on Israel by Hamas. Lior was only 20 years old with his entire life before him. We grieve for all who whose lives have been taken, including children, the elderly and entire families, and condemn this shocking attack on Israel. I ask all our residents to join us in prayer for Lior’s family and for all who remain missing. — Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes
Devastated to learn that 20-year-old Hopewell native Lior Abramov was tragically killed during the Hamas terrorist attack. Lior had moved to Israel to follow in his father’s footsteps & become a successful DJ. Our prayers are with his family as they grieve this unimaginable loss. — Govenor Phil Murphy
Mercer County native, Lior Abramov of Hopewell was among the innocent victims tragically killed in the terrorist attack on Israel by Hamas.
“My heart aches on the death of our beloved Avramov” — David Abramov posted to Facebook
“My only son the love of my life passed from here. The world has come to a standstill.”- Michal Halev posted to Facebook
Devastated to learn that 20-year-old Hopewell native Lior Abramov was tragically killed during the Hamas terrorist attack. Lior had moved to Israel to follow in his father’s footsteps & become a successful DJ.
Our prayers are with his family as they grieve this unimaginable loss. pic.twitter.com/Eq46D4FIu0
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) October 12, 2023
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Statement Following Meeting with President Biden and National Security Team on Terrorist Attacks in Israel
The Justice Department issued the following statement from Attorney General Merrick B. Garland after his meeting with the President and members of his national security team regarding the terrorist attacks on Israel:
“Hamas’ horrific terrorist attacks on Israel mark the deadliest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust. My heart is with the families whose loved ones have been killed and those whose loved ones are still missing.
“Since these attacks began, the Justice Department has focused on working with the families of missing Americans to locate their loved ones. We continue to work on the return of all missing Americans, including those believed to be taken hostage.
“The Justice Department has offered assistance to the Israeli government, including through the FBI’s Critical Incident Response Group (CIRG), Operational Technology Division (OTD), and Laboratory Division. These highly trained hostage rescue specialists and other experts stand ready to advise their Israeli counterparts to help locate and bring home missing U.S. citizens.
“In addition, the FBI’s Victim Services Division will continue to coordinate with the State Department to provide support and information to the loved ones of Americans who are missing. For assistance or to report information about missing Americans, call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.
“And, as always, we remain focused on the threat terrorism poses to our country. Today, I briefed President Biden and his national security team on the Justice Department’s dedication of critical resources to monitor the potential threat of terrorism here at home.”
Statement of Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin Regarding Continued Precautions Being Taken in New Jersey Due to the Terrorist Attacks in Israel
Since the terrorist attacks in Israel on Saturday, my office has been in regular communication with the FBI and our federal partners, the 21 County Prosecutors, and law enforcement leaders across this state, as well as community and religious leaders. It is our highest priority to keep the residents of the State of New Jersey safe during this time of increased tension, social media activity, and peaceful gatherings.
While we are aware of the call to violence against the Jewish community for tomorrow that has circulated online, there are no specific threats to safety in New Jersey. Nevertheless, law enforcement will continue to patrol sensitive areas – particularly houses of worship for both the Jewish and Islamic faiths, large gathering places, and our schools and other educational institutions – to ensure that everyone feels safe and secure in their communities. Law enforcement will be taking other steps – some that will be noticeable and others that may be taken out of view – and all out of an abundance of caution. We continue to call upon New Jersey residents to be extra vigilant, and if you see suspicious activity, please report it to your local authorities without delay. No information is too insignificant to report, and we take every piece of information seriously.
Please know that we will continue to work together and in the event that New Jersey’s threat level increases or that additional precautions need to be put in place, we will communicate those clearly through the appropriate channels.
We remain steadfast in our efforts to ensure that our state is not home to hate, intolerance, or violence. We stand in solidarity with our Israeli and Jewish family, friends and neighbors, as we grieve the loss of so many innocent lives lost in the atrocious terrorist attacks on Israel. And we pray for all innocent civilians who face the horrors of war.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Hamilton Police reported that on Wednesday September 20, 2023 at approximately 10:41 p.m., Officers were dispatched to the area of Waverly Place and Mervine Place on a report of a stabbing. Upon arrival Officers located two fifteen-year-old juvenile males who had been stabbed. The victims were treated on scene by responding Officers and personnel from the Hamilton Fire Department. An investigation revealed a red Toyota arrived in the area and five suspects exited the vehicle and began a physical confrontation with the victims. During the confrontation the victims were stabbed several times by one of the suspects. Both victims were transported to Capital Health at Fuld for further treatment. Their injuries are not considered life threatening. The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Tom Clugsten of the Hamilton Police Division Juvenile Unit at (609) 581-4027 or the Hamilton Police Crime Tip Hotline at (609) 581-4008.
TRENTON, NJ (Mercer County) – City firefighters responded to a two-alarm blaze involving three rowhouses in the Chambersburg neighborhood Saturday morning (Aug. 24, 2024).
The blaze, which was reported about 10:25 a.m., appeared to have originated in the vacant, boarded-up home at 259 Elmer Street and spread to the homes on either side (257 and 261 Elmer Street). Engines 3, 7 and 10, Ladder 2 and Rescue 1 were initially dispatched, but then Engine 1, Ladder 4 and Special Services 1 were added as the balance of the full first alarm after first-due companies reported a column of smoke visible in the morning sky as they responded in.
Multiple hoselines were put in services to attack the fire. Firefighters had not been on scene for long when they received a report from a bystander that a family might be trapped inside one of the homes. That prompted the incident commander, Battalion Chief John Soganic, to transmit a second alarm for additional manpower to help with searches. Engine 6 and Ladder 1 were dispatched on that second alarm.
Fortunately, no victims were located after primary and secondary searches of all three structures were completed. The blaze was officially declared under control at 11:09 a.m. The cause of the fire – which was so intense that it reportedly burned holes through the floor on both the first and second floors of 259 Elmer Street – is currently under investigation by fire marshals and law enforcement officials.
Trenton EMS, Capital Health paramedics, the Signal 22 canteen unit and city police were among the other emergency personnel on the scene.
August 24, 2024
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Trenton, N.J. – Yesterday August 23, 2024, Mayor Reed Gusciora, was joined by Department of Recreation Director Paul Harris, Business Administrator Maria Richardson, City Council President Crystal Feliciano, City Council Vice President and South Ward Councilwoman Jenna Figueroa Kettenburg, and Community Affairs Director Andrew Bobbitt at the grand opening of Trenton’s Marine Terminal Playground at 1501 Lamberton Rd.
This grand opening marks a significant milestone in the City’s ongoing efforts to enhance recreational facilities and provide quality outdoor spaces for Trentonians and visitors.
“We are excited to officially announce the grand opening of Marine Terminal Playground. I want to thank our Recreation Director Paul Harris and our City Council for working together and recognizing the need for more playground equipment to keep our children active and outdoors. We look forward to seeing the community come together and enjoy all this park has to offer,” Mayor Gusciora said.
“I believe in visualization and as I ride through the City and I see all of the many different improvements that are taking place, it makes me proud to serve on this Council with my colleagues and to serve this administration to make sure Trenton get its fair share,” City Council President Feliciano said.”
“I am pleased to be here because we are reporting on positivity in Trenton,” City Council Vice President Figueroa Kettenburg said. “We are getting things done, things are moving in the right direction, and today to be improving things for our youth and our kids, it’s a wonderful day.”
The Marine Terminal Playground project was made possible through the acquisition of a $146,000.00 grant from the DCA Local Recreational Improvement Grant, awarded over two years. These funds, combined with an additional $70,000 provided by the City of Trenton, were utilized to construct the playground, develop and install historic interpretive signage, and upgrade park amenities including benches, picnic tables, grills, and the restroom facility.
Additionally, Parks & Recreation will continue the restoration of the park by dedicating supplementary funds for a new bathroom roof, doors, a complete interior renovation, a four foot fence surrounding the park, new planks, and an asphalt path.
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.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Police say that on August 21, 2024 at approximately 4:10 p.m., a 2002 Chrysler Town & Country mini-van, driven by Charles Cavallo, a 72-year-old male from Trenton NJ was traveling westbound on Hamilton Ave near the intersection with Donald Drive. At that time, Mohamed Ahmed, a 63-year-old male from Hamilton NJ was walking his dog on the westbound side of Hamilton Ave. The preliminary investigation appears to indicate Mr. Ahmed attempted to cross Hamilton Ave by walking southbound from a mid-block location. While Mr. Ahmed was positioned in the westbound lane, he was impacted by the mini-van. Mr. Ahmed was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center via ambulance where he was declared deceased. The dog was not injured in the crash.
Based upon the initial investigation and evidence from the scene, it appears traffic on Hamilton Ave had the green light at the intersection with Donald Drive. The nearby crosswalk was not utilized by the pedestrian and the speed of the mini- van does not appear to be a contributing factor. The investigation is on-going.
Assistance at the scene was provided by the Hamilton Township Fire Division.
The crash is being investigated by Officer C. Clugsten of the Hamilton Police Traffic Unit. Any witnesses are asked to contact the Hamilton Police Traffic Unit at (609) 581-4000.
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.
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–East Windsor Police say that on Monday, June 10, 2024, at approximately 4:28 p.m., members of the East Windsor Township Police Department responded to a reported structure fire at building K of the American Way Condos on Avon Drive. The first responding police officers observed heavy smoke and flames coming from the second floor on the 1101ih end of the structure. Police evacuated all residents from the K building.
Fire personnel from several fire departments responded and began fire suppression. Eventually, the fire was extinguished by responding fire personnel. Each of the twenty-four condos within the K building sustained fire and/or water damage and the entire structure was deemed uninhabitable. No injuries to residents or fire personnel were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the East Windsor Township Police Department and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office. At this time, the fire is believed to be non-suspicious.
The Red Cross responded and is assisting with housing for the numerous displaced residents.
The Red Cross confirmed that 47 have been displaced from 24 families. The Red Cross is meeting with families today. East Windsor Township provided hotel rooms for some last night.
East Windsor Volunteer Fire Company 1 – Rescue 42
East Windsor Volunteer Fire Company 2 – Engine 46-1
Hightstown Fire Department – Ladder 41
Robbinsville Fire Department – Squad 40
West Windsor Fire Department – Engine 43 and 44
Cranbury Fire Department – TW48
Plainsboro Fire Department – Engine 49
Hamilton Fire Department -Truckl0-1, El0-4, BCl0-1, SS-18
Lawrence Fire Department – Rescue 202
Prospect Heights Fire Company (Ewing) – Engine 31
Monroe Fire Department – Ladder 23-8, R51
Millstone Fire Department – Squad 32180
Manalapan Fire Department – TW26
Hope Fire Company (Upper Freehold) – E8276
North Brunswick Fire Department – Truck209
Southard Fire Department (Howell) – El 9-2-76
Mercer County Fire Coordinators – FC8 l-2, FC8 l-10
Monmouth County Fire Coordinator – 81-10
Mercer County – Canteen 22
Capital Health Paramedics – M179
Capital Health Ambulance – Al 79-27
Hightstown First Aid Squad – A14112
Princeton First Aid Squad – RHU168
We will update the story as to where to help as the information becomes available.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–St. Michael’s Church, with the support of Mercer County Culture & Heritage Commission, is holding a 3-day festival of music and talks from Friday August 16 to Sunday August 18, 2024 See https://www.stmichaelstrenton.org/announcements/
Beginning on Friday evening is a “musical talk” structured like an old Southern sermon –songs and jazz improvs on a theme: “Technology & Mental Health for Tomorrow’s Children.”
This continues on Saturday afternoon with a celebration of Marcus Garvey’s birthday, telling his story between music & dance acts of the Rhythm & Motion Festival, including drill teams and a performance by one of America’s top young award-winning drummers – Kwesi Robinson. This is followed by a gospel concert brought to us by music producer Sheldon Price and a band made up of the joint ministries of North Phila’s Baptist churches. Sunday at 4:30 is the writer of Marvel Comics’ Spiderman, Daredevil & Echo along with Marvel collectible creator for Hazbro Toys, Dave Vonner (both S. Jersey guys) talking about the impacts of A.I. on the industry, and how we shall surf this new world. Equally exciting, however, is that their panel talk will occur between sets of 3000-year-old African harp of Malang Jabarta from NYC/Senegal, one of the nation’s top kora players.
There is a spiritual connection holding the weekend events together….which is the spiritual role of narrative in holding people, and the experience of life together.
Dave Posmontier (Fri 8/16 @ 6:30)
Magnetic Force Drill Team (start at 1:25) (Sat 8/17 @ 2:30)
Kwesi Robinson (Sat 8/17 @ 3:30 outside)
Tracy Shy (Sat 8/17 @ 4:30 inside)
Malang Jabarta (Sun 8/18 @ 4:30)
St Michael’s Church140 North Warren St
Trenton NJ 08608 Phone: 609-392-8086
August 12, 2024
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, NJ (SOMERSET)—Burn the Jukebox a band with over 2.5 million followers on social media platforms and a repertoire that spans five decades, will rock the stage this Saturday, August 17, 2024, for a special fundraising event for the Villagers Theater in Somerset, New Jersey. Tickets for this special fundraising event are available for a $25.00 donation. A portion of the proceeds go to the Villagers Theater as a fundraiser, and any additional amount donated above the full amount will be donated to the Villagers Theater.
Tickets are available at the following link. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and Burn the Jukebox takes the stage at 8:00 p.m.
Burn the Jukebox hails from the Wilkes-Barre area of Pennsylvania. The band is currently in the middle of their “Playing with Fire” tour with stops all around the country. The artists consist of Virginia Franks (bass, vocals), Ethan Cutillo (keys, guitar, vocals), Luke Vanchure (guitar), and Carter Dennis (drums). Burn the Jukebox formed in 2020 after Virgina who wanted to start a band met Luke. Soon after Carter and Ethan joined the group.
Burn The Jukebox kickstarted 2024 with “Turbulence” and “Sugarcoat” before leveling up again on “Homesick.” The track revolves around loose and lively guitar licks and an unshakable livewire groove. A chantable chorus takes hold, “I’m feeling kind of homesick, and it’s not gonna go quick,” giving way to a fret-scorching solo.
Besides their own original music, Burn the Jukebox has a deep line up of old favorites spanning five decades. The group has even recorded a cover song per day and posted it on social media for over a year.
Burn the Jukebox is more than just a band; they are a cultural phenomenon. By intertwining their extraordinary social media presence with their innovative musical approach, they have created a unique and immersive experience for their audience. Each performance is not just a display of musical talent but a celebration of the new era in pop-rock, resonating deeply with fans across the globe. BTJ truly embodies the spirit of rock and roll, with infectious energy and a magnetic stage presence that leaves audiences begging for more.
Burn the Jukebox at Musikfest in Bethlehem, PA on Sunday, August 11, 2024. Photos: Dennis Symons, MidJersey.news
Burn the Jukebox at Sweeny’s Station in Philadelphia on June 20, 2024. Photos: Dennis Symons, MidJersey.news
Burn the Jukebox at F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts in Wilkes-Barre, PA, Photos: Dennis Symons MidJersey.news
The Gig Bag is a new category on MidJersey.news that will cover local bands and events in our area. The name came from the late Brian McCarthy a news photographer and contributor to MidJersey.news who started a local publication called The Gig Bag so we will continue that tradition covering bands and shows under that category on MidJersey.news
BERKELEY TOWNSHIP, SEASIDE PARK, NJ (OCEAN)–Around 6:45 p.m., Seaside Park along with Seaside Heights were dispatched to 14th Avenue Beach for a boater in distress, the vessel was located in South Seaside Park-Berkley Township off 5th Lane Midway Beach. First reports from PD were that the boat was 100 yards offshore doing circles with the 3-4 swell it was slowly pushed in. Seaside Park & Seaside Heights deployed their rescues swimmers into the ocean as there were two victims onboard the vessel. Batting the surf the water rescue team was quickly able to get them off the vessel and to safely. Two victims were removed and checked by Toms River EMS. It is unknown what caused the power failure at this time.
Just after 11:00 p.m. the Seaside Park Fire Department was dispatched back to the beach for a “boat fire” No boat fire was found but it was reported that the sailboat was out of the water and on the beach.
Photos, video and story by: Ryan Mack, Jersey Shore Fire Response
Trenton Shooting Update, 15 Year Old Victim Identified
September 25, 2021
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department are investigating a shooting that occurred tonight in the first block of Bellevue Avenue in Trenton. Police responded to a Shot Spotter activation for multiple rounds at approximately 6:45 p.m. At this time, three shooting victims have been identified, including a teenage girl who was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Mercer County Homicide Task Force at (609) 989-6406. Tips can also be emailed to [email protected]
Midjersey.news has learned that one of the injured, a 19-year-old is in critical condition at the hospital and that the teen age girl that died from the shooting was only 15-years-old. There is no additional information about the third victim available.
Trenton Mayor W. Reed Gusciora said, “My thoughts and prayers are extended to the families affected by this senseless act of violence. The incident is currently under investigation by the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Task Force. We’ll use every tool at our disposal to help bring these criminals to justice.”
This is the second known shooting in Trenton today. This afternoon just after 3:00 p.m. shots rang out in the area of MLK Boulevard, Beakes Street and Evans Avenue. Multiple shell casings were found on the ground. A vehicle was found in front of Capital Health Regional Medical Center riddled with bullet holes. It was reported a man was shot in the leg in the gunfire and transported by private vehicle to the hospital.
See this afternoon’s shooting at this link: Shooting In Trenton, MLK Blvd and Evans Avenue; Reports Man Shot In Leg, Vehicle Found Riddled With Bullet Holes
Names of 2021* homicide victims:
2/18/2021 Jabree Saunders, 26, from shooting on May 14, 2018
2/22/2021 Khalil Gibbs, 25, of West Windsor, shooting
2/25/2021 Lovelle Laramore, 60, of Trenton shooting
4/15/2021 Kaheem Carter, 22, of Trenton, shooting
4/20/2021 Shaquan McNeil, 25, of Trenton, shooting
4/24/2021 Cheryl Jones, 65, of Trenton, shooting
4/29/2021 Ramire Harvey, 25, of Trenton, shooting
5/15/2021 David Williams 36, of Trenton, shooting
5/29/2021 Edgar Geovani Sis-Luis, 34, of Trenton, aggravated manslaughter
7/05/2021 Dion Ellis, 16, Trenton, Shooting
7/14/2021 Pablo Herrera Chun, 53, Trenton, Shooting
7/19/2021 William Mitchell, 33, Trenton, Shooting
7/19/2021 Jermel Carter, 38, Trenton, Shooting
7/29/2021 Leonard Pettigrew, 58, Trenton, Shooting
7/30/2021 Shaquil Loftin, 23, Shooting, Trenton
8/01/2021 Daquan Basnight, 30, of Ewing, Shooting
8/13/2021 Javier Chaj-Ajtun, 33, of Trenton, Shooting
8/19/2021 Herberth Ramirez Pimentel, 37, of Trenton, Shooting
8/23/2021 Yanquai Edwards, 25, of Rancocas, NJ, Shooting
8/25/2021 Daron Cheston, 18, Trenton, Shooting
8/30/2021 Fred Davis, 43, Trenton, Shooting
9/06/2021 Shamiem Young, 26, Trenton, Shooting
9/17/2021 Jeff Charles, 37, Trenton, Shooting
9/25/2021 Shemiah Davis, 15, Trenton, Shooting
*Updated to reflect the person who died in 2021 from complications from a shooting on May 14, 2018 as per medical examiner report.
Photos and video by: Brian McCarthy OnScene News
Photos by: Brian McCarthy OnScene News
September 25, 2021
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Trenton Police responded to a multiple shots fired call at MLK Boulevard and Beakes Street/ Evans Avenue just after 3:00 p.m. When Trenton Police arrived they found numerous shell casings on the ground on MLK Boulevard. It was reported one person was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center by private vehicle with a gunshot wound to the leg.
A vehicle was found riddled with bullet holes in front of Capital Health Regional Medical Center on Brunswick Avenue by Miller Street.
A witness at the scene told MidJersey.News that he thought the man was shot in the leg.
No further information is available at this time. Trenton Police Department is investigating the shooting.
September 25, 2021
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Last evening, the Mercer County Correction Center was notified that Clark Green Jr. an inmate being held at the Correction Center, was mistakenly released from custody on Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021 at approximately 8:30 p.m. in the City of Trenton.
Mr. Green, whose date of birth is Oct. 8, 1966, was being held at Mercer on a charge of theft by deception and while that case has been resolved, inmate Green also had robbery offenses out of Ohio. Through an interstate agreement with Ohio, Mr. Green, since Aug. 31, 2021 was being housed in Mercer on the local charge.
The matter is under investigation. The U.S Marshal’s NY/NJ Regional Fugitive Task Force is the lead agency.
Anyone who sees the suspect should not engage him or approach him and should call 911.
September 25, 2021
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–South Brunswick Police continue to investigate the Friday evening crash on Route 130 that claimed the life of a Somerset County man. At 7:16 PM police responded to Route 130 south at the intersection of Deans Rhode Hall Road for a motor vehicle crash involving a passenger car and a tractor-trailer. Officers arrived to find a 2015 Dodge Dart had run into the rear of a 2015 Volvo tractor-trailer. The driver of the Dodge, a 52-year-old man from Somerset County was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the tractor-trailer was uninjured. The preliminary investigation revealed the tractor-trailer was stopped at the traffic signal when the Dodge ran under the back of the tractor-trailer.
The Monmouth Junction Fire Department, South Brunswick EMS, Middlesex County Medical Examiner, and the New Jersey State Department of Transportation responded to the crash. The highway southbound was closed for five hours during the investigation.
Anyone with information on the crash is asked to call South Brunswick Police Traffic Safety PFC Jesse Blake at (732) 329-4646.
September 25, 2021
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ — Multiple fire departments responded to Big Snow at American Dream Mall for a roof fire around 4:15 a.m. Upon arrival there was a reported “working fire” on the roof of Big Snow the indoor ski slope. Additional aid was called to the scene including Carlstadt, Secaucus, Wallington, Mahwah, Woodridge, Moonachie and many others. Fire crews charged a stand pipe system and charged hand lines to get water on the fire.
The fire went to three alarms before the main body of fire was knocked down just after 6:00 a.m. Fire crews are still on scene reporting that they have smoldering roof material on fire.
According to New Jersey State Police Sgt. Alejandro Goez, “The fire at the American Dream was reported at 4:15 a.m. inside the Big Snow ski slope. The fire was contained to the top of the ski slope and several area fire departments responded to extinguish the fire. The building was unoccupied at the time and there are no injuries reported. Preliminary investigation revealed that the fire has been deemed nonsuspicious at this time.”
Hugh Reynolds, a Big SNOW Representative said, “We can confirm that there was a fire at Big SNOW overnight. Thankfully there were no injuries as the incident occurred outside of our normal hours of operation. We are tremendously thankful for the quick response and efforts of the local fire departments in working to contain this fire. As such, Big SNOW will be closed today while we assess the damage. We will release more details soon.”
This is still a developing story, please check back for further updates. MidJersey.News has reached out to Big Snow, American Dream Mall and NJ Sports and Exposition Authority for additional information.
From the Big Snow website:
Please note that Big SNOW will be closed today, Saturday September 25th. We apologize for this inconvenience and any disappointment this unexpected closure may cause for those guests who were planning to visit today. If you had a pre-purchased reservation, we will be refunding your order. We look forward to welcoming you back to Big SNOW soon. Please contact [email protected] with any additional questions.
E905 to the American Dream mall for a working fire at Big Snow at 05:20 hours this morning.
— Wood-Ridge Fire Dept (@WRFire) September 25, 2021
Photos from Mahwah Res1cue Facebook Page MidJersey.News file photos of Big Snow American Dream
September 25, 2021
PLAINSBORO TOWNSHIP, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Yesterday, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Chief Fred Tavener of the Plainsboro Police Department announce that a Lawrence Township man has been charged with the sexual assault of a minor known to him.
On September 23, 2021, Dezheng Ping, 57, of Lawrence was arrested and charged with one count of second-degree sexual assault, one count of third-degree endangering the welfare of a child, and one count of fourth- degree criminal sexual contact.
Following an investigation by Detective Patrick Miller of the Plainsboro Police Department and Detective Linda Infusino of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office as well as assistance from the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office and the West Windsor Police Department, authorities determined that, in 2016, Ping inappropriately touched a child, approximately 12 years of age, during violin lessons held at what was then Ping’s Plainsboro residence.
Ping is employed by Rider University at the Westminster Choir College and provides private violin instruction in West Windsor and Plainsboro.
The investigation is active and continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Miller of the Plainsboro Police Department at (609)799-2333 or Detective Infusino of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732)745-4340.
As is the case with all criminal defendants, the charges against Ping are merely accusations and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
September 25, 2021
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–At approximately 9:05 p.m. last night September 24, there was a report of a person struck by the River Line train at the Cass Street crossing. Trenton Police, NJ Transit Police, TEMS, Trenton Fire and Capital Paramedics responded to the scene. It was unclear of the condition of the victim. The River Line had a 30 delay during the accident investigation. No further information is available at this time.
River Line light rail service is subject to up to 30-minute delays in both directions due to a pedestrian strike at Cass Street.
— River Line (@NJTRANSIT_RL) September 25, 2021
Photos by: Brian McCarthy OnScene News
Photos by: Brian McCarthy OnScene News
September 25, 2021
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–A serious accident happened on Route 130 south bound near Deans Rhode Hall Rd, at approximately 7:15 p.m. last night September 24, 2021. Fire Departments and the first aid squad responded to the scene for reported entrapment.
South Brunswick Police sent at NIXLE Alert at 7:36 p.m. to Avoid Route 130 Southbound between Distribution Way and Deans Rhode Hall Road due to a motor vehicle crash.
The serious accident investigation team was on scene investigating the accident.
No further details are available at this time. There was no official word of the condition of the occupant of the car.
Photo by EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA on Pexels.com
Photos from Mahwah Res1cue Facebook Page 
MidJersey.News file photos of Big Snow American Dream
