News

December 15, 2024

TRENTON, NJ — New Jersey now has a song dealing with all the recent drone sightings. The New Jersey Drone Song has been released by YouTube user Toon Trap today and has been posted to YouTube today. Check it out below:

July 7, 2023

By: U.S. Coast Guard

PORT NEWARK, New Jersey — The Unified Command consisting of The Coast Guard, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Newark Fire Department, and Gallagher Marine Systems is continuing its response to the fire aboard the vessel at Port Newark, Friday. 

The Unified Command, response personnel and assisting agencies continue to ensure the safety of the public and first responders, conduct fire suppression, protect the environment, and minimize any economic and operational activities in the port area.

As of Friday evening, marine fire fighting specialists are actively conducting fire suppression. Fire fighting efforts are being supported by fire agencies through the Port of New York and New Jersey region, both pierside and on the water. The fire is still contained to the upper decks of the vessel.

The vessel continues to list to the starboard side due to water build up from firefighting activities, but remains stable. Salvage teams are working to remove water from the vessel and counter the list resulting from the fire fighting activities.

Air monitoring continues to be a top priority and the Unified Command has deployed three air monitoring devices, proximate to the ship, to monitor air quality at the incident site. There are additional air monitoring devices setup on the west side of Corbin Street to measure air quality over one mile away from the vessel. Additional air monitoring equipment and staff are scheduled to be deployed to the west side of Newark Airport, Saturday, to ensure a greater range of air quality testing.

At this time, there are no reports of waterway pollution. Response personnel are testing water samples as fire fighting efforts continue.

A security zone is being enforced by the Coast Guard within the Port Newark channel. The Port of New York and New Jersey remains open with limited restrictions. The Port Newark Channel from Berth 18 inward is closed.

A formal investigation will be conducted to identify what caused the fire and subsequent fatalities and all parties at the federal, state, and local levels as well as the owners are working closely together during this process.

Support the families of FF Acabou & FF Brooks

The Newark Firefighters Union mourns the loss of our brothers Augusto (Augie) Acabou and Wayne (Bear) Brooks Jr., who bravely dedicated their lives to keeping the people of Newark safe. We come together today to support the Acabou and Brooks families in their time of profound grief. Augie and Bear served the city with bravery, courage, and honor. As a community, we can rally around their families, offer our support, and alleviate some of the financial burdens they face. That is why the Newark Firefighters Union has established this GoFundMe campaign to raise funds directly benefiting the Acabou and Brooks families. All donations will be split equally, 50/50, between the two families. This is the only fundraising campaign connected to the family. Please join us in supporting our brothers’ families. Together, we can honor the memory of our brave firefighters and offer a tangible expression of our thanks to their loved ones. No contribution is too small. Thank you for your support.

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS for Newark Firefighters Augusto Acabou and Wayne Brooks, Jr. Firefighter Augusto Acabou’s viewing will take place WEDNESDAY, July 12, 2023 from 4pm-8pm at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, 89 Ridge Street (off Clifton Avenue), Newark, NJ The Funeral Mass will take place THURSDAY, July 13, 2023 at 10am at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, 89 Ridge Street (off Clifton Avenue), Newark, NJ Firefighter Wayne Brooks, Jr’s viewing will take place THURSDAY, July 13, 2023 from 4pm-8pm at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, 89 Ridge Street (off Clifton Avenue), Newark, NJ The Funeral Mass will take place FRIDAY, July 14, 2023 at 10am at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, 89 Ridge Street (off Clifton Avenue), Newark, NJ

July 16, 2024

MONROE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Police say that on Tuesday July 16th, 2024 at approximately 11:00 a.m. Monroe Township Police Dispatch received several 911 calls reporting a motor vehicle accident at the intersection of Route 33 and Applegarth Road involving a motorcycle.

Monroe Twp. Police Department, Monroe Twp. Fire Department & Monroe Twp. EMS arrived on scene within minutes and located the motorcycle (2023 Harley Davidson) and a SUV (2024 Ford Expedition) which collided within the intersection. The 74-year-old male motorcyclist of Monroe Twp. was lying in the intersection next to his motorcycle and suffered from a head, leg and arm injury. He was subsequently transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick by Monroe Twp. EMS with Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital paramedics on board. The 58-year-old driver of the Ford Expedition (from Virginia) sustained a minor hand injury and was transported to Centra State Hospital in Freehold Twp. by Monroe Twp. EMS.

This crash is being investigated by Officer Matthew Mangarella of the Monroe Twp. Police Department Traffic Safety Division. At this time the cause of the crash is unknown. Anyone who might have witnessed this crash or has any information pertaining to this crash is asked to contact Officer Mangarella at 732-521-0222 Ext: 249.

July 16, 2024

BURLINGTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (BURLINGTON)–Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw announced that a 35-year-old Burlington Township man has been arrested on charges of possession and distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).

Gregory Chesko was charged with Distribution of CSAM (Second Degree), Possession of CSAM with Intent to Distribute (Second Degree), and Possession of CSAM (Third Degree).

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

The investigation began after the BCPO High-Tech Crimes Unit received a tip from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children concerning Chesko’s online activities. The investigation revealed that Chesko had sent multiple CSAM images and videos from his phone using an instant messaging application. The investigation further revealed that electronic devices belonging to Chesko that were seized during the execution of a search warrant at his residence contained CSAM.

The investigation was conducted by the BCPO High-Tech Crimes Unit, with assistance from the Burlington Township Police Department, the New Jersey State Police TEAMS Unit, and United States Homeland Security Investigations – Cherry Hill Office. The lead investigator is BCPO Detective Tiffany Lenart.

Chesko will be prosecuted by the BCPO Special Victims Unit.

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

Gregory Chesko, 35, was charged with Distribution of CSAM (Second Degree), Possession of CSAM with Intent to Distribute (Second Degree), and Possession of CSAM (Third Degree).

July 16, 2024

LAKEWOOD, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that Avraham Chaitovsky, 28, of Jackson Township, was charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Child, in connection with an incident that occurred in Lakewood Township on July 15, 2024.

On July 15, 2024, at approximately 1:45 p.m., Officers from the Lakewood Township Police Department responded to the area of New Egypt Road for a report of a pediatric patient in cardiac arrest.  Responding Officers found Hatzolah Medical Services attempting to render lifesaving aid to an eight week-old female infant.  The infant was pronounced deceased at the scene.

A thorough 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, determined that the infant – Chaitovsky’s daughter – was left alone in his vehicle for an extended period of time.  The investigation further determined that the act of leaving the infant in the car unattended for such a long period of time was the cause and manner of the infant’s death.

Chaitovsky was taken into custody and transported to the Ocean County Jail.  This remains an active and ongoing investigation, and additional charges may be forthcoming.

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.  R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).

February 16, 2024

UPPER FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Sgt. Charles Marchan, from the New Jersey State Police, Public Information Unit told MidJersey.new that yesterday, February 15, 2024, Troopers responded to a motor vehicle crash at 9:32 a.m. on County Road 539, Upper Freehold Twp., Monmouth County. Based on a preliminary investigation, a pickup truck was initially attempting to make a left turn, and a Dump truck was trying to pass on the right when they collided, causing the Dump truck to overturn and push the pickup truck into oncoming traffic where it collided with a tractor-trailer. The Dump truck was carrying sand, which spilled on the roadway.

Upper Freehold Township Firefighters/Hope Fire Company, Millstone Township Fire Department, New Egypt-Plumsted Township Fire Department, New Egypt EMS, Captial Health EMS, Atlantic Health EMS, responded to the crash. It was reported that two people were extricated from the wreckage.

Police say the driver of the Dump truck and the driver of the pickup truck were transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The crash remains under investigation, and there is no additional information available. 

Georges Garage, Haines Towing and Cranbury Service all responded to the accident for cleanup.

June 7, 2024-Update

EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–Sgt. Jeffrey Lebron, of the New Jersey State Police, Office of Public Information told Midjersey.news that Troopers responded to a motor vehicle crash on June 7 at 6:37 a.m. on the New Jersey Turnpike north outer roadway milepost 65.5 in East Windsor, Mercer County. Based on a preliminary investigation, a Toyota pickup truck was traveling northbound on the New Jersey Turnpike. In the area of milepost 65.5, the Toyota ran off the roadway right, collided with the guard rail and overturned. During the collision, the driver was ejected from the vehicle. As a result of the crash, the driver, Jesse Nobre, a 33-year-old male of Delran, NJ, sustained fatal injuries. The crash remains under investigation and there is no additional information available at this time.

Original MidJersey.news story below:

Fatal Crash Investigation on New Jersey Turnpike in East Windsor, NJ

The scene this morning on the New Jersey Turnpike in East Windsor.

July 21, 2024

MONROE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–New Jersey State Police, Sgt. Charles Marchan, told MidJersey.news that Troopers responded to a motor vehicle crash at 12:47 a.m. on the New Jersey Turnpike North, milepost 73, Monroe, Middlesex County, Saturday July 20, 2024. Based on a preliminary investigation, two tractor-trailers were traveling north when they were involved in a collision. After the collision, one of the tractors began to catch on fire. No injuries were reported on scene. The crash remains under investigation, and there is no additional information available. 

Monroe Fire District #3 reported that yesterday just after 1:00 a.m., Monroe Twp Fire District #3 responded to the NJ Turnpike for a motor vehicle crash involving two tractor trailers assisting Monroe Township EMS. When Ladder 23 arrived New Jersey State Police advised that one of the tractor trailers was on fire. Command requested Engine 5 and Monroe Township Fire District #2 for Squad 57 and Tanker 57. Thank you to Monroe Township Volunteer Fire Company #1 – Station 51 for town coverage and Plainsboro Fire Company Jamesburg Fire Department for providing Tankers.

Photos from Monroe Fire District #3 Facebook Page

June 2, 2024

OLD BRIDGE, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Chief Thomas J. Montagna of the Old Bridge Police Department announced today that a fatal crash is under investigation.

Today, June 2, 2024, at approximately 1:05 A.M., authorities responded to the area of Route 9 and Ferry Road in Old Bridge following a report of a fatal collision. Upon arrival, authorities located several vehicles that were involved in a serious crash. One of the vehicles was a Ford Mustang with four occupants, all of whom were transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital for treatment and are all in stable condition. Another vehicle involved was a BMW its driver was transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in critical condition. The passenger of the BMW Kristina Godich, 31, of Manalapan, was pronounced deceased at the scene. All other drivers and occupants that were involved in the crash were treated at the scene and released.

Anyone with information is asked to call Officer Steve Connolly of the Old Bridge Police Department at 732-721-5600 ext. 3820 or Detective Matthew Colonna of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-745-3354.

June 11, 2024

Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone announced today, that four arrests were made in “Operation Cruel Summer,” a multi-agency undercover operation targeting people who allegedly were using social media in an attempt to lure underage children for sexual activity.

Operation Cruel Summer was led by the Internet Crimes Against Children Unit of The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, with assistance from, the East Brunswick Police Department, Carteret Police Department, Highland Park Police Department, New Brunswick Police Department, Perth Amboy Police Department, Piscataway Police Department, Sayreville Police Department, South Brunswick Police Department, South River Police Department, the United States Secret Service, and the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office. Four men were arrested without incident and charged over the course of five days, June 3, 2024, through June 6, 2024, and June 10, 2024.

The underage “children” that the perpetrators were speaking with were, in fact, undercover officers. The defendants were arrested when they arrived at a location in East Brunswick, where they expected to find the child. Instead, they were met with several law enforcement officers prepared to arrest them.

“This operation’s success is a beacon of hope for our community and a stark warning to those who attempt to victimize our most vulnerable population: we will relentlessly pursue justice.” – Chief Frank LoSacco

Mohamed Mohamed, 41, of Jersey City, was charged with one count of second- degree Luring.

Peter Wissemann, 27, of Colonia, was charged with one count of second-degree Luring and one count of third-degree Criminal Attempt – Endangering Sexual Conduct with a Child.

Malyar Baron, 32, of Jersey City, was charged with one count of second-degree Luring, one count of second-degree Criminal Attempt -Endangering, one count of third- degree Distributing Obscene Material to a Minor, and one count of third-degree Criminal Attempt – Endangering Sexual Conduct with a Child.

Edgar Rivera, 65, of Piscataway, was charged with one count of second-degree Luring and one count of third-degree Criminal Attempt – Endangering Sexual Conduct with a Child.

The investigation is active and continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call the Internet Crimes Against Children Unit of The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 745-3300.

Prosecutor Ciccone would like to commend the agencies involved in Operation Cruel Summer, thanks to their dedication to public safety and tenacious hard work, four alleged child predators have been arrested.

As is the case with all criminal defendants, the charges against Mohamed, Wissemann, Baron and Rivera are merely accusations, and they are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

August 26, 2024

WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)—West Windsor Police Department reported that an 18-year-old male from West Windsor has died on August 24, 2024, from injuries sustained in a serious motor vehicle crash on August 20, 2024.

Police say that on August 20, 2024 at 3:49 a.m. the West Windsor Police Department received reports of a serious motor vehicle crash on Lanwin Boulevard in the area of Providence Drive. Upon arrival police officers rendered aid to occupants of a 2024 Tesla Model Y. The vehicle had left the roadway and impacted a tree which caused significant intrusion into the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Both occupants were entrapped inside the vehicle and West Windsor Emergency Services, West Windsor Fire Company and Princeton Junction Fire Department worked to extricate the occupants of the Tesla. Robbinsville EMS, East Windsor EMS and Capital Health Paramedics also responded to the scene to treat and transport the injured to a local medical center.

At the time police reported that both occupants of the Tesla received life threatening injuries and were transported to the Trauma Center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton. Police have now reported that the 18-year-old passenger of the Tesla, Daniel P. Haas succumbed to his injuries four days after the crash. The driver of the Tesla, whose name is not being released at this time, remains in serious condition, according to police.

Police say that the initial investigation at the scene revealed the following, the 2024 Tesla Model Y was traveling in the north bound lane of Lanwin Boulevard when for unknown reasons, left the roadway and impacted a tree just past the intersection of Providence Drive and came to its final resting place.  

Lanwin Boulevard was closed for approximately six hours during the investigation.  The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Serious Collision Response Team (MCPO SCRT) responded to the scene to assist with the ongoing investigation.  If anyone has any pertinent information to share about this collision, please contact Traffic Officer E. McQuade #97 at (609) 799-1222, the West Windsor Police Anonymous Tipline at (609) 799-0452, or [email protected].

Notre Dame High School posted on Facebook: Our school has suffered a great loss with the passing of our beloved Danny Haas ’24. Danny was an exceptional student who significantly impacted our community. He was actively involved in Campus Ministry, Catholic Athletes for Christ, student government, and played football and lacrosse. We will all deeply miss his vibrant spirit, dedication, and contagious smile. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers. Once arrangements have been made we will share that information.

August 26, 2024

LONG BEACH ISLAND – HARVEY CEDARS, NJ (OCEAN)–The New Jersey State Police reported that on August 25, 2024, at approximately 4:30 p.m., troopers responded to a vessel incident in the waters off Sunset Park in Harvey Cedars Boro, Ocean County. Based on a preliminary investigation, a female boater was on a raft being pulled by a boat. While attempting to board the vessel, she was struck by the vessel’s propeller. As a result of the impact, the victim, Zeina Mahafzah, 18-year-old female from Wayne, NJ, sustained fatal injuries. The incident remains under investigation, and no additional information is available at this time.

June 30, 2022

FALLS TOWNSHIP/FAIRLESS HILLS, PA (BUCKS)–A large fire at a scrap yard in the Fairless Hills section of Falls Township send smoke billowing into Mercer and Burlington Counties this afternoon. The fire appeared to be coming from behind Mazza Iron & Steel a family owned and operated metal recycling company based in Fairless Hills. A large column of smoke could be seen for miles and 9-1-1 centers fielded calls about the smoke condition. Falls Township Fire Company along with many mutual aid fire departments were on scene combating the fire. Fire departments called it a “rubbish” fire on Solar Drive in Falls Township.

A video from Levittown Fire Company Facebook page here: