HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Police say that on July 13, 2024 at approximately 9:35 p.m., Jose Guadron-Martinez, a resident of Hamilton NJ, was involved in a fatal motor vehicle collision. Guadron- Martinez was walking southbound across South Broad Street when he was struck in the area of the 2700 block. He was struck by a 2023 Honda Civic, driven by Naiquaon Ingraham, a resident of Willingboro NJ, who was traveling eastbound on South Broad Street. Guadron-Martinez was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Assistance at the scene was provided by the Hamilton Township Fire Division and Emergency Medical Services.
The crash is being investigated by Officers J. Galant and B. DiBiasi of the Hamilton Township Traffic Unit. Any witnesses to this collision are asked to contact the police non-emergency number at (609)581-4000.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–City firefighters braved frigid weather to battle a three-alarm blaze that destroyed four vacant rowhouses and damaged two other occupied attached buildings Wednesday evening (Jan. 17, 2024).
It was just after 8:35 p.m. Wednesday when multiple calls flooded the city’s 911 communications center reporting a fire in the area of Dye and South Broad streets. Additional calls, alternately reporting anywhere from one to three houses on fire, gave the location as Dye and Genesee streets. Due to the volume of 911 calls being received, a full first alarm was transmitted, sending Engines 3, 7, 10 and 6, Ladders 2 and 4, Rescue 1, Special Services 1, and both on-duty battalion chiefs were dispatched.
Firefighters quickly arrived to find heavy fire and smoke showing from the upper floors of the row of four vacant structures stretching from 115 to 121 Dye Street. Multiple hoselines were immediately put in service. Burning overhead power lines briefly hampered firefighting operations.
A second alarm was sounded at 8:45 p.m., sending Engine 9 to the scene. The third alarm was struck a little before 9:10 p.m., bringing in all remaining on-duty city fire companies (Engines 1 and 8 and Ladder 1) to the scene. At the height of the fire, the incident commander reported that firefighters had nine hoselines stretched and one aerial master stream flowing water on the flames from overhead. Police cordoned off several area streets as large diameter hoselines were laid from several different fire hydrants to supply all the water needed.
The extreme cold weather – about 10 degrees Fahrenheit with the wind chill factored in – caused water running off from hoselines, hydrants and fire apparatus to create icy conditions. Multiple crews from Trenton Emergency Medical Service were on scene in case anyone was hurt. While some firefighters were seen to slip on the ice, there were no immediate reports of any injuries.
Mutual aid firefighters from Hamilton, Lawrence and Ewing townships responded to man empty Trenton firehouses and provide coverage to the city. Those mutual aid cover companies responded to several other emergencies throughout the evening, including an accident in which a vehicle flipped over on Route 29 near Calhoun Street. Hamilton Fire Department’s Truck 10-1 was also called as a precaution to standby at the Roebling Market, a block from the fire scene on Dye Street, after one of the city’s ladder truck developed a mechanical fault.
Signal 22, the city’s volunteer fire and police canteen unit, was on scene serving hot chocolate and coffee to firefighters and police officers.
The blaze was officially declared under control at 10:24 p.m. In addition to the four rowhouses ravaged by the flames, the occupied home at 123 Dye Street was damaged by smoke and fire, while the upper floors of the last attached property in the row – an apartment at 125 Dye Street, located above a first-floor restaurant at the corner of Dye Street and South Clinton Avenue – reportedly sustained smoke damage.
Wednesday’s blaze occurred just a stone’s throw from where a large commercial building at the corner of Dye and South Broad streets was destroyed by another three-alarm blaze on Oct. 13, 2021.
Investigators from the Trenton Fire Department, city police, the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office and other agencies were on scene.
Employers recognized for commitment to veterans in the workforce
November 10, 2021
Within the greater MidJersey.news coverage area the following are listed:
Jingoli Power, Lawrenceville, NJ
EPS Corporation, Tinton Falls, NJ
Renaissance Global Services,Homdel, NJ
CMS Technology, Bridgewater, NJ
Messer North America, Bridgewater, NJ
Sigma Design Company, LLC., Middlesex Borough
Verizon, Basking Ridge, NJ
A complete list with map here:https://www.hirevets.gov/awardees
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today presented the 2021 Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans Medallion Award to 849 employers from across the nation at a virtual ceremony. The annual awards recognize employers across the nation for their investment in recruiting, employing and retaining veterans.
As of 2021, the department has presented more than 2,200 HIRE Vets Medallion Awards to more than 1,400 employers.
During the event, Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh led a discussion with three employers who have received the award. Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Veterans’ Employment and Training James D. Rodriguez and Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Ramón Colón-López thanked this year’s recipients for their commitment to veterans in the workforce.
“More than 1,400 U.S. employers have now earned the HIRE Vets Medallion Award. These companies recognize the unique value that veterans bring to the workforce,” said Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh. “These employers are demonstrating their commitment to employ, retain and support America’s military veterans, and doing their part to recognize and repay the sacrifice made by those who have served our nation.”
Administered by the department’s Veterans Employment and Training Service, the department presents HIRE Vets Medallion Awards at the Platinum and Gold levels to large, medium and small employers. VETS assesses award nominees on criteria including veteran hiring and retention, providing veteran-specific resources, leadership programming, dedicated human resources, compensation programs and tuition assistance programs.
FREEHOLD – A Gloucester County man has been arrested and charged with endangering a 14-year-old from Monmouth County with whom he recently engaged in sexually explicit conversations online, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced Tuesday.
Jeremy M. Slickerman, 33, of West Deptford is charged with third-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child.
An investigation into this matter was initiated earlier this month by a referral from the Middletown Township Police Department to the MCPO High Tech Bureau’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit. The investigation determined that Slickerman had been communicating with the victim via several online chat applications, including Xbox Live, Skype, Discord, and Chat IB. In their conversations, Slickerman encouraged the juvenile to travel to a park near his home, where they could meet. He also suggested that the teen engage in sexual acts with relatives, neighbors, and classmates.
Assisted by members of the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office Search Warrant Entry Team and the West Deptford Police Department, members of MCPO located and arrested Slickerman without incident at his home on Friday, March 15.
Slickerman used the username “Blue Jay” on Chat IB, and the username “Tcencho” on the other aforementioned online platforms. A photo of Slickerman is being publicly circulated along with this news release. Anyone with information about his activities is being asked to contact MCPO Detective Dylan Lovgren at 800-533-7443 or Middletown Police Department Detective Janine Kennedy at 732-615-2100.
This case has been assigned to Assistant Prosecutor Kristen Anastos. Information about Slickerman’s legal representation was not immediately available.
Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.
Jeremy M. Slickerman, 33, of West Deptford is charged with third-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child.
PLAINSBORO, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Chief Eamon Blanchard of the Plainsboro Police Department announced today that a Fatal Crash is currently under investigation.
Today, at approximately 1:56 A.M., authorities received a 911 call reporting a multi-vehicle crash on Route One South in the area of College Road. As a result of the crash, Louisa Bradlow Carman, 25, of Princeton sustained serious injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The crash is still under investigation by the Plainsboro Police Department and The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office. An update will be provided with additional information when the investigation is completed.
Anyone with information or surveillance footage of the area is asked to call Detective Justin Kowalczyk of the Plainsboro Police Department at 609- 799-2333 ext 1644 or Detective Jim Alleva the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-745-4011.
Statement from Governor Murphy on the Passing of Louisa Carman
“Early this morning, one of our colleagues in the Governor’s Office, Louisa Carman, tragically died in a car accident on Route 1. Our hearts are broken as we grapple with this devastating news.
“Louisa served as a Policy Analyst in our Office of Health Care Affordability and Transparency, providing critical support for our work to make health care more affordable and accessible for all New Jerseyans. After graduating from Swarthmore College, she began as a Governor’s Office intern in the fall of 2021 and quickly impressed us with her dedication and policy acumen. Within four months, she was hired as a full-time staffer. Although she was just beginning her career, she quickly gained a reputation as someone who could tackle difficult policy topics and develop meaningful solutions — serving as a driving force behind our prescription drug affordability and medical debt relief work.
“Louisa will be remembered as a kind and caring colleague who approached her work with grace, integrity, and a deep commitment to making a difference in our world. I, and everyone on our team, will miss her terribly. Our prayers are with her family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.”
January 1, 2024
Washington, DC – Over the weekend, Congressman Van Drew learned from multiple law enforcement officials that ten buses from Texas and Louisiana brought illegal migrants to the state of New Jersey. This week, Congressman Van Drew will be demanding answers from Governor Murphy and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on whether there are additional buses that will be relocating illegal migrants to New Jersey.
“It is crystal clear that the crisis at our southern border is not just a border state problem. Governor Murphy has continued to show a complete lack of leadership in the state of New Jersey and has opened the door for our state to become overrun by illegal immigration. We are all border states now,” said Congressman Van Drew. “South Jersey will continue to make it fully known to the Governor that we refuse to face the same fate as New York City, which has been forced to cut public safety and education funding in order to feed and provide housing to individuals who crossed our border illegally. Governor Murphy must make it clear that New Jersey is not a sanctuary state and I want to make this abundantly clear: illegal migrants are not welcome in South Jersey.
“In addition to Governor Murphy’s refusal to fight for the safety and security of New Jerseyans, the Biden administration’s disastrous border policies are also to blame. Secretary Mayorkas continues to aid and abet the collapse and takeover of our southern border through his gross mishandling and lack of action as Secretary. Now I am demanding that he answer to the people of New Jersey on whether the administration intends to have additional buses sent to our state, how much this will cost the taxpayer, and whether there is any plan to mitigate the continual influx of migrants at the border. I will be sending letters to both Governor Murphy and Secretary Mayorkas this week demanding that they provide answers to these questions and face complete accountability for their actions.”
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Assemblyman Ron Dancer’s bill expanding sports betting to e-sports competitions with a majority of players over 18 was signed into law by Gov. Phil Murphy today. “E-sports have exploded in recent years and we need to allow the casinos and racetracks in New Jersey to participate in this revenue generating business,” said Dancer (R-Ocean). Sports betting law had specifically forbidden wagering on electronic sports and competitive video games except for certain international sporting events. The new law (A637/S2670) revises the definitions of “sports event” and “prohibited sports event” to allow sports betting on e-sports where the majority of players are adults and even during such events as competitive eating contests. “New Jersey needs to stay competitive and this law will allow us to be a part of the growing popularity of e-sports,” said Dancer (R-Ocean). “I thank the governor for signing this.”
Several state casinos and two racetracks, the Meadowlands and Monmouth Park, have on-site sports wagering lounges and online sports pools. In 2019, sports wagering brought in more than $299 million in revenue for the casinos and racetracks.
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.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on May 14, 2024, the Honorable Kimarie Rahill, J.S.C., sentenced Ryan Thompson, 35, of Trenton, to seven years New Jersey State Prison as a result of his previously entered guilty plea to Manslaughter in connection with the death of a 55-year-old male in Berkeley Township on September 29, 2023. This sentence will be subject to the terms of the No Early Release Act, meaning that Thompson will be required to serve at least 85 percent of his prison sentence before he may be considered for parole eligibility. Thompson pled guilty to the charge before Judge Rahill on March 4, 2024.
On September 29, 2023, Officers from the Berkeley Township Police Department responded to a residence on Torrey Pines Drive for a report of an unresponsive male. Upon arrival, Officers discovered the body of the victim – already deceased from an apparent drug overdose.
A continuing investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, and Berkeley Township Police Department Detective Bureau, revealed that Thompson and his co-defendants, Michael Wormann, 38, of Toms River, and Tina Martinez, 61, of Trenton, were involved in the distribution of fentanyl to the victim on September 28, 2023.
On September 30, 2023, Wormann was charged with Distribution of Fentanyl, Possession of Less than One-Half Ounce of Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute, and Possession of Fentanyl. He was taken into custody without incident at his residence by Berkeley Township Police Officers, and released on a summons pending a future appearance in Ocean County Superior Court.
On October 17, 2023, Martinez was charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl. She was taken into custody without incident at her residence in Trenton, transported to New Jersey State Police Headquarters in Trenton, and released on a summons pending a future appearance in Ocean County Superior Court.
On October 20, 2023, Thompson was likewise charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl. He turned himself in to Berkeley Township Police Headquarters on that date, and was subsequently transported to the Ocean County Jail where he has remained lodged since.
Further investigation and toxicology analysis received by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed the presence of fentanyl in the victim’s system. Based upon the toxicology analysis, the Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office opined that the fentanyl found in the victim’s system was the cause of his death. As a consequence, Thompson, Wormann, and Martinez were all charged accordingly in connection with the victim’s death.
On March 18, 2024, both Wormann and Martinez pled guilty to Distribution of Fentanyl before Judge Rahill; the State is recommending they be sentenced to 364 days in the Ocean County Jail as a condition of probation. Both Wormann and Martinez are scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Rahill on June 7, 2024.
Prosecutor Billhimer commends Assistant Prosecutor Stephen Burke who handled the case on behalf of the State, and acknowledges the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Berkeley Township Police Department, Berkeley Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Trenton City Police Department, New Jersey State Police, Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office, and Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office’s Victim Witness Unit, for their combined and collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation, ultimately resulting in Thompson’s guilty plea, and now his state prison sentence.
PHILADELPHIA, PA – Philadelphia Police say that on August 10, 2024, at approximately 9:45 p.m., Philadelphia Police officers responded to the intersection of Torresdale and Adams Avenues to disperse crowds in reference to a car meet.
Upon arrival, officers encountered a large crowd engaged in reckless driving activities, including multiple vehicles performing burnouts. While attempting to disperse the crowd, a patrol vehicle from the 15th Police District was struck by a fleeing vehicle driven by a 19-year-old male, identified as Chase Possert of Hamilton, NJ. The impact caused damage to the police vehicle but resulted in no injuries to the officers, Possert, or the occupants of his vehicle.
Possert was apprehended after driving his vehicle into heavy traffic. Possert has been charged with Criminal Mischief (M2), Institutional Vandalism (M2), Resisting Arrest (M2), Fleeing Police (M2), Reckless Driving (M3), and Careless Driving (S). Four additional 17-year-old male occupants in Possert’s vehicle were issued citations and released.
In a separate incident at the same location, two additional officers encountered a 2023 gray Dodge Charger involved in drag racing. The driver, a 33-year-old male, identified as David Wycheof West Norriton, PA was arrested and charged with Recklessly Endangering Another Person (REAP) (M2), Disorderly Conduct-Hazard (S), and Reckless Driving (S).
Additionally, a patrol vehicle from the 26th District sustained damage when an unknown individual threw a bottle of tequila at the vehicle, striking the hood and cracking the windshield.
The incident remains under investigation by the Northeast Detectives.
Police say while attempting to disperse the crowd, a patrol vehicle from the 15th Police District was struck by a fleeing vehicle driven by a 19-year-old male, identified as Chase Possert of Hamilton, NJ. The impact caused damage to the police vehicle but resulted in no injuries to the officers, Possert, or the occupants of his vehicle.
Possert was apprehended after driving his vehicle into heavy traffic. Possert has been charged with Criminal Mischief (M2), Institutional Vandalism (M2), Resisting Arrest (M2), Fleeing Police (M2), Reckless Driving (M3), and Careless Driving (S). Four additional 17-year-old male occupants in Possert’s vehicle were issued citations and released.
In a separate incident at the same location, two additional officers encountered a 2023 gray Dodge Charger involved in drag racing. The driver, a 33-year-old male, identified as David Wycheof West Norriton, PA was arrested and charged with Recklessly Endangering Another Person (REAP) (M2), Disorderly Conduct-Hazard (S), and Reckless Driving (S).
“It was further determined that the one-year-old victim had been stabbed, and that both children had been drowned. “
June 26, 2024
LAKEWOOD, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on June 25, 2024, Naomi Elkins, 27, of Lakewood, was charged with two counts of Murder, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, all in connection with the deaths of her two children on June 25, 2024.
On June 25, 2024, at approximately 4:50 p.m., Officers from the Lakewood Township Police Department responded to a residence on Shenandoah Drive for a report of two children in cardiac arrest. Responding Officers found Hatzolah Medical Services attempting to render lifesaving aid to two minor children, ages one and three years-old; lifesaving efforts were unsuccessful, and both children were pronounced deceased at the scene. A subsequent investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Lakewood Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, revealed that both victims were Elkins’ children. It was further determined that the one-year-old victim had been stabbed, and that both children had been drowned. Continuing investigation revealed that Elkins was responsible for the deaths of both of her children.
Elkins was taken into custody at the scene without incident. She was transported to the Ocean County Jail, where she is presently lodged pending a detention hearing.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Lakewood Township Police Department, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office, for their combined and cooperative efforts in connection with this investigation.
The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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