News

June 17, 2024

EDISON, NJ –Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone announced today that Yvenson Louis, 32, of Philadelphia, PA, was sentenced on June 12, 2024, in connection with a fatal crash that occurred on March 27, 2023.

On March 27, 2023, at approximately 2:42 A.M., the New Jersey State Police responded to the South-bound side of the New Jersey Turnpike at mile marker 87.5 following the report of a crash. Upon their arrival, authorities located two vehicles, a 2012 Dodge Journey that had impacted the rear of a 2019 Volvo TNR Tractor-Trailer. As a result of the crash Teyonna Balkman, 23, of Philadelphia, PA, a passenger in the Dodge, succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital.

An investigation was conducted by Detective Michael Silvestre of the New Jersey State Police which determined that Yvenson Louis, 32, of Philadelphia, PA., was under the influence of alcohol and marijuana while driving the 2012 Dodge Journey when he rear- ended the Tractor-Trailer at a high rate of speed. The impact of the crash caused the front seat passenger, Balkman to sustain serious injuries which led to her death. The driver, Louis, sustained minor injuries and was transported to Robert Wood Johnson University for treatment. The other passengers of the Dodge and the driver of the Tractor-Trailer were unharmed in the crash.

On June 22, 2023, Louis was arrested and charged with first-degree Aggravated Manslaughter and second-degree Vehicular Homicide. Louis pled guilty on April 8, 2024, to second-degree Vehicular Homicide and Driving Under the Influence. Louis was sentenced on June 12, 2024, by the Honorable Thomas Abode, J.S.C., to 3 years in the custody of the New Jersey Department of Corrections, subject to the No Early Release Act (NERA), which means he will have to serve 85 percent of his sentence before being eligible for parole. Louis will be on parole supervision for 3 years upon his release from prison and will have his New Jersey driving privileges suspended for 5 years upon his release.

Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com

November 29, 2023

PRINCETON, NJ (MERCER)—Princeton Police Department reported that on November 29, 2023, at 9:56 a.m., police responded to a motor vehicle crash on Red Hill Road where a vehicle struck and fatally injured pedestrian Meliton Hernandez-Morales, a 61-year-old male from West New York, NJ.

The preliminary investigation indicates that Huimei Qiu, a 53-year-old female driver from Princeton, NJ, reversed a 2011 Lexus GX in a residential driveway. Hernandez-Morales was in the driveway and was struck by the vehicle, pinning him between the vehicle and a detached garage. Hernandez-Morales succumbed to his injuries, while Qiu remained uninjured.

The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Serious Collision Response Team responded to the scene to assist with the ongoing investigation. Anyone with pertinent information directly related to this collision is asked to contact Ptl. Jonathan Myzie at (609) 921-2100 ext. 1875. The crash’s cause is still under investigation and police say updates will be provided with an additional update.

July 10, 2024-update

HAMILTON, NJ (MERCER)–Hamilton Police reported that on July 10, 2024 at approximately 6:00 a.m., a 2020 Honda Accord, driven by a 51-year-old female from Bordentown NJ, was traveling southbound on Route 130 near Klockner Road.  Upon entering the intersection with Klockner Rd, she struck a 2020 Ford Edge SUV, driven by a 55-year-old male from Voorhees NJ, which was traveling eastbound from Klockner Road.  The Ford Edge SUV was also occupied by a 44-year-old female from Hamilton NJ.  The occupants in both vehicles were transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center, where the driver of the Ford Edge succumbed to his injuries.  The occupant of the Ford Edge is listed in critical condition, and the driver of the Honda Accord is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.  The names of the involved individuals are being withheld pending notification to family. 

The preliminary investigation appears to indicate that the driver of the Honda Accord failed to observe a red traffic signal while traveling southbound on Route 130.

Assistance at the scene was provided by the Hamilton Township Fire Division, New Jersey State Police, Emergency Medical Services and the New Jersey State Department of Transportation. 

The crash is being investigated by Officers J. Galant and B. Mandelko of the Hamilton Police Traffic Unit.  Any witnesses are asked to contact the Hamilton Police Traffic Unit at (609) 581-4000.     

Hamilton Police Investigate Fatal Route 130 Crash

Original Midjersey.news story below:

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Sometime before 6:30 a.m. Hamilton Township Police, Hamilton Fire Department, and EMS responded to the intersection of Route 130 and Klockner Road for a serious two vehicle crash. There were reports of serious and life threating injuries. Hamilton Township Police Traffic Unit is actively investigating. Route 130 South Bound in the area of Klockner Road was closed during the investigation. Once official information is available the story will be updated.

January 26, 2024

LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–On Friday, January 26, 2024 at approximately 1:30 p.m., the Lawrence Township Police Department received a 9-1-1 call reporting smoke coming from a nearby neighbor’s residence at 175 Johnson Ave (Eggerts Crossing Village). Officers responded to find visible fire on the second floor of the home. The residents were not home at the time that the fire was reported.

There were no injuries, however the home sustained significant damage. The American Red Cross responded to the scene to aid the displaced family.

The fire was placed under control at 2:11 p.m. by Lawrence Township Fire Chief, Jack Oakley. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Lawrence Township Police Department, Lawrence Township Fire Marshal’s Office and the Mercer County Prosecutors Office.

Members of the Lawrence Township Fire Department were assisted by area fire departments from Hamilton Township, City of Trenton and Ewing Township.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Lawrence Township Police Detective Suzanne Girard at 609-844-7124 / [email protected]

January 26, 2024

EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri and East Windsor Police Chief Jason A. Hart announced today that a man has been charged in connection with his father’s death.

Yu Chavarria, 23, is charged with one count of second-degree manslaughter.  The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain Chavarria pending trial.

East Windsor police responded to a residence on Twin Rivers Drive North at approximately 7:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 25, on a report of an unconscious male.  Upon arrival, officers found a tenant of the property, identified as 58-year-old Edgar Chavarria, on the kitchen floor bleeding from the head and face.  He was pronounced dead at the scene.

An investigation revealed that the father and son got into a verbal argument Thursday morning that turned into a physical altercation, with Yu Chavarria striking his father in the face multiple times with his fist and then once with his head. 

The charges are the result of an investigation by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the East Windsor Township Police Department, specifically MCHTF Detective Tim Bruey and East Windsor Detective Joe Zucchero.

Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Yu Chavarria, 23, is charged with one count of second-degree manslaughter.  The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain Chavarria pending trial.

Police investigating the death of 58-year-old Edgar Chavarria at his residence on Twin Rivers Drive North. His son Yu Chavarria, 23, is charged with the crime. Photos by: Dennis Symons

January 26, 2024

BARNEGAT TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Police say that NJ State Troopers responded at 5:00 p.m. January 25, 2024, to a motor vehicle crash on the Garden State Parkway south bound milepost 68.2, Barnegat Township, Ocean County. Based on a preliminary investigation George M Francis, a 34-year-old male of Lanoka Harbor, NJ was operating a Infiniti EX35 south on the GSP with front passenger Bridget Francis, a 34-year-old female of Lanoka Harbor, NJ and two rear seat passenger juveniles. In the area of milepost 68.2 the vehicle ran off the road to the right, traveled down an embankment and impacted a retaining wall and multiple trees. During the collision sequence the driver was ejected and sustained fatal injuries, the front passenger sustained serious injuries and the juveniles sustained no injuries. The crash remains under investigation and there is no additional information available.

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)

July 19, 2023

CAPE MAY, NJ –The Coast Guard rescued a man from the water Tuesday, July 18, 2023, after his boat caught fire in the Delaware Bay. 

A Cumberland County, New Jersey, dispatcher called Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay watchstanders at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday and relayed that a 42-foot sport fisher, the Done Deal, was on fire near Delaware Bay’s main shipping channel.

Simultaneously, the Coast Guard command center received an alert that an emergency position indicating radio beacon, registered to the Done Deal, was activated near the same location. The dispatcher also reported that a nearby good Samaritan who reported the distress was providing detailed updates on the situation. The good Samaritan said the boat was fully engulfed in flames and the sole occupant was on the bow. 

An underway Coast Guard 29-foot Response Boat—Small crew, based out of Station Fortesque, New Jersey, immediately diverted to assist. The Coast Guard crew quickly arrived on-scene, located and recovered the man from the water. 

Response boat crews from the Downe Township Fire and Rescue, in New Jersey, and Little Creek Fire Company, in Delaware, arrived on-scene and fought the fire until it was extinguished.

The Coast Guard rescue crew took the survivor to Higbee’s Marina in Fortescue, New Jersey, where his care was transferred to awaiting emergency medical services personnel. No medical concerns were reported beyond possible smoke inhalation.

“It is important to highlight the teamwork involved in ensuring the safe recovery of the boater and extinguishing the fire,” said Lt. Cmdr. Kevin Higgins, the search and rescue mission coordinator at Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay. “The efficient and fast communications from everyone involved, especially from the good Samaritan, were critical in saving this man’s life today.” 

Coast Guard marine environmental responders from Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay are monitoring for environmental concerns.

The boat’s owner is arranging commercial salvage. The incident is under investigation. 

The U.S. Coast Guard, Down Township Fire Department, and Little Creek Fire Department respond to a 42-foot recreational boat fire in Delaware Bay, July 18, 2023. The mariner aboard was rescued by a U.S. Coast Guard Station Cape May 29-foot Response Boat-Small crew and safely brought to shore. (U.S. Coast Guard photo courtesy of U.S. Coast Guard Station Cape May/Released)

May 7, 2022

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — The Coast Guard rescued two people Friday night after their 33-foot sailing vessel, Free Bird, grounded and overturned near Little Egg Inlet.

A person aboard Free Bird used a VHF-FM marine radio Friday at about 8 p.m. to hail Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay watchstanders and report that they grounded in shoals and began heeling over while heading south toward Atlantic City. 

An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City, along with rescue boat crews from Coast Guard Stations Atlantic City and Barnegat Light, responded to the call for help. 

When Coast Guard responders arrived on the scene, they quickly located the Free Bird hard aground and on its side in breaking surf with both people aboard. Due to the shallow waters surrounding the vessel, the aircrew initiated hoisting the people. 

“With high winds, driving rain and thunderstorms in the area, our aircrew worked to quickly lower the rescue swimmer to help the couple,” said Lt. Humberto Hernandez, a pilot who flew on the rescue. “Our swimmer was able to walk in the shallow breaking surf to the Free Bird and assist the people away from the vessel to facilitate a safer hosting situation, away from the overturned vessel’s mast.” 

With each survivor safely hoisted into the aircraft, they returned to the air station and transferred to awaiting emergency medical personnel. Both people are reportedly in good condition and will coordinate salvage plans for their vessel.

The Coast Guard reminds all mariners that having reliable communication aboard your vessel can be the difference between life and death in an emergency. A VHF-FM marine radio is the best way to alert the Coast Guard to an emergency, especially on the water, where cell phone connectivity and weather are often unpredictable. 

An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City, New Jersey, stands with two survivors May 6, 2022, after the aircrew rescued the couple. The two people were aboard a 33-foot sailing vessel when it grounded and overturned in heavy weather offshore from Little Egg Inlet, New Jersey. (U.S. Coast Guard photo.)

May 28, 2024

NEWARK, N.J. –  A Newark, N.J., man was arrested by police after Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at Newark Liberty International Airport intercepted a loaded handgun among the traveler’s carry-on items on Saturday, May 25. The 9mm firearm was packed with two loaded gun magazines totaling 30 bullets.

The TSA officer detected the handgun in the man’s backpack as it entered the checkpoint X-ray machine. Port Authority Police were alerted, came to the Terminal A checkpoint, confiscated the firearm and arrested the man on a state weapons charge. 

“It has been a very busy Memorial Day Holiday Weekend travel period here at Newark Liberty International Airport as well as other airports here in the New York metropolitan area as well as across the country,” said Thomas Carter, TSA’s Federal Security Director for New Jersey. “Our officers are good at their jobs and even with sky-high checkpoint volume, they remain alert and vigilant in screening individuals who are arriving at our checkpoints. I commend our officers on their good catch in preventing an individual from boarding a plane with a loaded firearm.”

In addition to being arrested, the individual also faces a stiff federal financial civil penalty for bringing a gun to a security checkpoint. The penalty for bringing a weapon to a TSA checkpoint can cost as much as $15,000, depending on the circumstances.

TSA reserves the right to issue a civil penalty to travelers who have guns and firearm parts with them at a checkpoint. This applies to individuals with or without concealed gun carry permits because even though an individual may have a concealed carry permit, it does not allow for a firearm to be carried onto an airplane. The complete list of civil penalties is posted online. If a traveler with a firearm is a member of TSA PreCheck®, that individual will lose their TSA PreCheck privileges.

“Travelers need to pay more attention to the items that they have inside their carry-on bags,” Carter added. “Travelers are responsible for the contents of their carry-on bags. In addition, responsible gun owners know where their firearms are at all times and they know not to bring them to a security checkpoint.”

TSA firearms catches at airport checkpoints at Newark Liberty International Airport, 2018 to 2024

Guns can be transported on a flight if they are unloaded, packed in a locked, hard-sided case and declared to the airline. The airline will be sure that the gun travels with checked baggage in the belly of the plane, never in the cabin of the plane. Additionally, replica firearms also are prohibited in carry-on baggage and also must be transported in checked luggage.

TSA reminds people to always know the contents of their carry-on bag prior to coming to the security checkpoint. TSA has multiple resources available to help determine whether an item is permitted in carry-on baggage, checked baggage, either or neither. Travelers can use the “Can I Bring?” feature on the TSA website or on the free downloadable myTSA app. Travelers can also tweet to @AskTSA or send a text message (275-872) if they have a travel question or are unsure if an item is allowed through security in a carry-on bag. Just snap a picture or send a question and get real-time assistance.

This loaded firearm was detected by TSA officers inside a traveler’s backpack at Newark Liberty International Airport on May 25. (TSA photo)

Update September 15, 2024

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–The New Jersey State Police reported that Troopers responded to a motor vehicle crash at 3:49 p.m. on the New Jersey Turnpike north on the outer roadway, milepost 61.7, Robbinsville, Mercer County. Based on a preliminary investigation, Jeffrey Ford, a 42-year-old male from Willow Grove, PA, was operating a Kawasaki motorcycle north on the NJTPK. Ford was traveling in a group with other motorcyclists when multiple collisions occurred. Ford’s motorcycle overturned, and he was ejected. Ford sustained fatal injuries. The crash remains under investigation, and no additional information is available.

WOODBRIDGE, NJ (MIDDLESEX)--In a separate crash on the Garden State Parkway, Troopers responded to a motor vehicle crash at 11:55 p.m. on the Garden State Parkway North, milepost 131.1, Woodbridge Twp., Middlesex County. Based on a preliminary investigation, David Dryerman, a 54-year-old male of Woodcliff Lake, NJ, was operating a Tesla Model S north on the GSP when it ran off the road to the left, struck a sign, struck a guardrail, and concrete bridge support. As a result of the crash, the driver, occupant Michele Dryerman, a 54-year-old female, and a 17-year-old juvenile female, all from Woodcliff Lake, NJ, sustained fatal injuries. The crash remains under investigation, and no additional information is available.

Yesterday’s MidJersey.news story:

September 14, 2024

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Around 3:49 p.m. the Robbinsville Township Fire Department, EMS, Paramedics and NJ State Troopers responded to the New Jersey Turnpike north bound outer roadway near Exit 7A and mile post 61.5 for a serious crash. There were reports that three motorcycles were involved in the crash and that the motorcyclists were transported to the Trauma Center at Captial Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton. Additional mutual aid ambulances from Bordentown and Capital Health EMS-Upper Freehold were called to the scene.

New Jersey State Police and the New Jersey Turnpike Authority have two of three lanes closed on the roadway north bound for the crash investigation.

Details will be updated as information becomes available.

https://twitter.com/511njtpk/status/1835053398728515897

January 24, 2024

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX) – The Attorney General’s Office is investigating a fatal police-involved shooting that occurred on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at a South Brunswick, New Jersey, motel. A man sustained fatal injuries after exchanging gunfire with officers. His identity is not being released at this time.

According to the preliminary information, members of the United States Marshals Service NY/NJ Regional Task Force, assisting the New York office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, arrived at the motel on Route 1 South in Monmouth Junction at approximately 2:05 p.m. to execute an arrest warrant for a suspect in several felony offenses. At approximately 2:47 p.m., the individual to be arrested exchanged gunfire with officers. The individual was pronounced deceased at approximately 4:29 p.m. Authorities recovered two firearms near the decedent. No officers were hit during the shooting.

This investigation is being conducted pursuant to Attorney General Directive 2019-4, which implements the statutory requirement that the Attorney General’s Office conduct the investigation of any death that occurs during an encounter with a law enforcement officer acting in the officer’s official capacity or while the decedent is in custody, and which establishes clear standards and procedures for conducting such investigations.

The investigation is ongoing and no further information is being released at this time.

January 24, 2024

NORTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Around 3:35 p.m. today January 24, 2024, firefighters were detailed to 633 Nassau Street near Wilson Street and Rt 171 Georges Road for a fire at Dream Well Inc. Arriving firefighters found fire showing and immediatly called for a 2nd Alarm. With in a few minutes a 4th Alarm was called with fire showing all sides of the building and firefighters set up defensive operations on the large warehouse. Several tanker task forces, strike teams and multiple fire departments are operating on the scene. As of 7:15 p.m. the fire is now reported at 8-Alarms.

Fire departments and water tankers have responded from Middlesex, Mercer, Monmouth, Somerset, Ocean and Burlington Counties.

NJ Public Safety News Alerts

January 24, 2024-Updated January 25, 2024

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Police are continuing to investigate a motor vehicle crash that occurred on January 24th shortly after 6:50am on Route 1 southbound just prior to New Road.

A 2009 Ford, being operated by a 54 year old man from North Brunswick working as an Uber driver, was travelling in the left lane of southbound Route 1 and was approaching New Road, when the driver abruptly changed lanes, striking a 2001 Mack dump truck stopped in traffic, being operated by a 52 year old man from South Brunswick.

The crash left the driver of the Ford in critical condition with serious injuries. His passenger, a 64 year old woman from Franklin Park who had been sitting in the back seat, suffered significant injuries. The driver of the dump truck suffered minor injuries. The occupants of the Ford were transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital by ambulance.

Due to the severity of the crash, Route 1 southbound was closed for several hours, causing significant traffic congestion in the area.

Anyone with information on the crash is asked to contact PFC Jesse Blake of the South Brunswick Police Department’s Traffic Bureau at (732)329-4000 x7474.

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–South Brunswick Police reported that there was a serious crash on Route 1 near New Road around 6:56 a.m. A Uber Driver ran into the back of a dump truck and both the passenger and driver were seriously injured. South Brunswick Police is investigating the crash.

Serious Crash – Rt 1 South near New Rd. At 6:56 AM, an Uber driver ran into the rear of a dump truck. Uber driver and passenger seriously injured. Traffic investigators remain on scene.#Traffic pic.twitter.com/ebHemkkDqy

— So Brunswick PD (@SoBrunswickPD) January 24, 2024