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.
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.
5/27/2022 UPDATE from Hamilton Township Police Division:
On May 26, 2022 at approximately 9:10 pm, a 2016 Nissan Versa, driven by a 36yoa male from Easton Pennsylvania, was traveling northbound on E. State St Extension near Montana Ave when it entered into the right-side shoulder of the roadway and struck the rear of a 2020 EAS Trailer, owned and operated by David’s Express, of Hamilton NJ, which was parked and unoccupied in the shoulder of E. State St Extension. The driver of the vehicle was transported to Capital Health Hospital at Fuld where he succumbed to his injuries. His name is being withheld pending notification to family.
The crash is being investigated by Officers B. Wood, F. LaVacca, and C. Clugsten of the Hamilton Police Traffic Unit.
Any witnesses are asked to contact the Hamilton Police Traffic Unit at (609)581-4000.
Original MidJersey.News story here:
May 26, 2022
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Hamilton Police, Hamilton Township Fire Department, RWJ EMS and Captial Health Paramedics responded to East State Street Extension near Montana Avenue for a serious crash where a car rear ended a tractor trailer around 9:15 p.m. The occupant was extricated by the fire department and transported to the Trauma Center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton. Hamilton Township Police Division is conducting a serious crash investigation.
The story will be updated as information becomes available.
HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–On Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at 3:02 PM, Hopewell Township Police officers were dispatched to a single car motor vehicle crash on County Route 518 just outside of Hopewell Borough. Officers arrived on scene and found a grey colored Saturn sedan off the roadway in a wooded area between The Kings Path and Aunt Molly Road.
The initial investigation shows that the driver of the Saturn was traveling west on County Route 518, when he went off the roadway into a wooded area and struck a tree. The driver of the Saturn, a 21 year old from Pennington NJ, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The crash is being investigated by Officer George Peterson and Detective Steven Ciosek of the Hopewell Township Police Department, as well as Detectives from the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Serious Collision Response Team.
Anyone who may have witnessed this crash is asked to contact Detective Steven Ciosek at 609-737-3100 ext. 5500 or [email protected].
FREEHOLD – A Howell Township man has been arrested and charged with fatally stabbing his mother in their home yesterday, June 3, 2024, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced.
Robert Parody, 25, is charged with first-degree Murder and a related weapons offense in connection with the death of 61-year-old Loretta Parody.
Shortly before 1:30 a.m. on Monday, June 3, members of the Howell Township Police Department reported to the MCPO Major Crimes Bureau that a stabbing had taken place at a private residence on Porter Road. The first arriving officers quickly located Robert Parody and took him into custody without incident, while Loretta Parody was transported to a local hospital for emergency treatment, where she was later pronounced deceased.
An investigation involving members of the Major Crimes Bureau and the Howell Township Police Department revealed that Robert Parody had entered his mother’s bedroom and stabbed her in the chest while she slept. He remains lodged at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI) pending a detention hearing.
This case has been preliminarily assigned to Assistant Prosecutor Matthew Bogner, Director of the Major Crimes Bureau. Anyone with more information is being urged to contact MCPO Detective Joshua Rios at 800-533-7443 or Howell Township Police Sergeant Nick Saltzman at 732-938-4111.
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.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER) – The Murphy Administration is proposing to remove the bald eagle and osprey from the state’s list of endangered species, reflecting decades of work to restore these iconic birds to New Jersey’s landscape, Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette announced yesterday.
The proposed de-listing is contained within a Department of Environmental Protection rule proposal published today in the New Jersey Register and is based on a finding that populations of these birds have recovered to the point where the survival of these species in the state is no longer in jeopardy.
The rule proposal makes additions, deletions and conservation status updates to the state’s endangered species list and list of nongame wildlife. It also restructures the state’s endangered species list to be consistent with legislative intent. The DEP will accept public comment on the rule proposal through August 2, 2024.
“The de-listing of eagles and ospreys is a milestone in the history of wildlife conservation in New Jersey and is a testament to the dedication of DEP professionals and volunteers who over the years stood watch over nests in all forms of weather, nurtured hatchlings, and worked tirelessly to educate the public about the importance of sustaining wildlife diversity,” said Commissioner LaTourette.
“Because of their efforts, people across the state today can thrill at the sight of bald eagles gliding above their massive tree-top nests or ospreys diving into a coastal creek to snare a fish,” Commissioner LaTourette continued. “While we celebrate these successes, we must remain vigilant in ensuring that these species continue to thrive and be ever mindful that endangered species continue to need our help.”
“The recovery of these species from near extirpation during the 1980s in New Jersey is a dramatic example of what is possible when regulations, science, and public commitment come together for a common purpose,” said David Golden, Assistant Commissioner of NJDEP Fish & Wildlife. “With focused attention on other species of greatest conservation need, future recovery success stories are also possible.”
proposal-20240603aDownload
Under the New Jersey Endangered and Nongame Species Conservation Act, which celebrated its 50th anniversary this past December, NJDEP Fish & Wildlife’s Endangered and Nongame Species Program (ENSP) is responsible for protecting threatened, endangered and nongame species.
The proposed de-listing of bald eagles and ospreys is made possible by work ENSP has implemented over the years with the help of many partners and volunteers that resulted in steady increases in the populations of these species, increases that became particularly pronounced over the past 10 to 15 years.
Today, bald eagles can be found in virtually every area of the state, with their highest numbers found along Delaware Bay, rich in protected marshlands and coastal creeks that provide ideal habitat.
In 2023, New Jersey boasted a record 267 nesting pairs of bald eagles, of which 255 laid eggs. In the 1970s and into the early 1980s, New Jersey had just one remaining bald eagle nest, a pair in a remote part of Cumberland County. The state’s population had been devastated by widespread use of DDT and other threats, including habitat degradation and human disturbances.
Once used widely to control mosquitoes, DDT is a synthetic insecticide that had lasting impacts on the food chain, accumulating in fish that eagles eat and causing eagles to lay thin-shelled eggs that could not withstand incubation. The federal government banned DDT in 1972, marking a pivotal step in the ultimate comeback of the species.
Recovery efforts in New Jersey began in the early 1980s, with reintroduction of eagles from Canada and artificial incubation and fostering efforts that started to pay discernible dividends throughout the 1990s. Active nests surpassed 100 for the first time in decades by hitting 119 in 2012. Ten years later, the total had more than doubled to 250. “The recovery and de-listing of bald eagles and ospreys is a huge milestone for our state,” said ENSP Chief Kathy Clark. “Many people have worked for years and decades to bring these species back from the brink, including biologists, volunteers, and all those who protect and steward habitat for rare wildlife. This is an achievement for all those who work on behalf of the natural ecosystems of New Jersey.”
The federal government removed the bald eagle from its list of endangered species in 2007, reflecting strong gains in the population throughout the nation. The current bald eagle protection status in New Jersey, however, remained state-endangered during the breeding season and state-threatened for the non-breeding season, reflecting caution about nest disturbance and habitat threats. Under the rule proposal, bald eagle status will be changed to species of special concern.
Osprey, also known as fish hawks, are typically found along the coast, where they hunt fish from marshes, creeks and bays. They are currently listed as threatened in New Jersey and will be classified as stable under the rule proposal.Also affected greatly by DDT use, the number of osprey nests left in the state dwindled to about 50 by the early 1970s. In the early 1970s, state biologists began an innovative recovery effort to place young and eggs from nests where DDT was not used as heavily into nests that failed to produce young. In addition, they coordinated efforts to supply nest platforms for the birds, substitutes for snags and trees that were lost as the coastline became more developed in the 1950s.In 2023, biologists for NJDEP Fish & Wildlife and Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ documented a record 800 occupied osprey nests.
Click here for more information from NJDEP Fish & Wildlife on bald eagles and ospreys in New Jersey, including annual population trend reports, biology and history. For a video about the DEP’s bald eagle project, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGD__79KUPQ
Press pool file photo: New Jersey Govenor Phil Murphy. The Murphy Administration is proposing to remove the bald eagle and osprey from the state’s list of endangered species
File Photo: A bald eagle flys over Robbinsville, New Jersey. The Murphy Administration is proposing to remove the bald eagle and osprey from the state’s list of endangered species.
NJ DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FISH AND WILDLIFE
Endangered and Nongame Species
Notice of Rule Proposal
Division of Fish and Wildlife Rules, N.J.A.C. 7:25
Public Notice
Take notice that the NJ Department of Environmental Protection is proposing amendments to the Lists of Endangered and Nongame Wildlife in the Division of Fish and Wildlife Rules, N.J.A.C. 7:25. A statement of the substance of the proposal follows: The proposal contains the listing, de-listing, and change of conservation status for species on the Endangered Species List, at N.J.A.C. 7:25-4.13, as well as the Nongame Species List, N.J.A.C. 7:25-4.17. There are also proposed amendments to the definitions for threatened and endangered species, minor scientific nomenclature changes throughout, and amendments to the Endangered and Nongame Species Advisory Council’s (ENSAC) rules at N.J.A.C. 7:25-4.18. The Department proposes corresponding amendments to the following: N.J.A.C. 7:3-1.3, Forestry (definition of “State listed threatened or endangered species”); N.J.A.C. 7:7-9.36, Coastal Zone Management Rules (description of endangered and threatened species); N.J.A.C. 7:15-1.5, Water Quality Management Planning (definition of “endangered wildlife species” and “threatened wildlife species”); N.J.A.C. 7:36-3.1, Green Acres Program (definition of “endangered species” and “threatened species”); and N.J.A.C. 7:38-1.3, Highlands Water Protections and Planning Act Rules (definition of “endangered species” and “threatened species”).
The proposal is scheduled to be published in the New Jersey Register dated June 3, 2024. A copy of the proposal is available from: DEP website at www.dep.nj.gov/rules; by request from DEP Fish and Wildlife email [email protected]; and LexisNexis (free public access to the New Jersey Register, www.lexisnexis.com/njoal).
Written comments may be submitted electronically by August 2, 2024, at www.nj.gov/dep/rules/comments; or
In hard copy to:
Alice A. Previte, Esq.ATTN: DEP Docket No. 04-24-05NJ Department of Environmental ProtectionOffice of Legal AffairsMail Code 401-04L; PO Box 402401 East State Street, 7th Floor
Sauickie Expresses Deep Frustration After State Police Drone Briefing
December 10, 2024
WASHINGTON, DC — In a letter today, Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) urged U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to immediately provide all capabilities at his disposal to identify and address the widespread drone activity across New Jersey as serious concerns continue to mount over potential threats to the homeland.
Smith’s letter comes after he was briefed by a U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Commanding Officer stationed in Barnegat Light that more than a dozen drones followed a USCG motor lifeboat in close pursuit over the weekend.
“As you no doubt are also aware, there have been numerous instances of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) flying over New Jersey, including in close proximity to sensitive sites and critical infrastructure, to include military installations located in my district,” said Smith.
“As you know, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JBMDL) possess capabilities to identify and take down unauthorized unmanned aerial systems and have utilized this capability to address overflights of the installation,” Smith said.
“I urgently request all capabilities possessed by the Department of Defense, especially those in use by JBMDL to be immediately deployed to identify and address the potential threats posed by UAS over the state of New Jersey,” said Smith.
Smith, who spent hours with Ocean County Sheriff Mike Mastronardy on Monday evening monitoring the New Jersey sky in the Sheriff’s Mobile Command Center, said he is deeply concerned by the potential threats posed by the drones.
“The serious concerns of New Jersey residents need to be put to rest with answers—not empty reassurances,” said Smith. “The time to act is now.”
Smith testified today that, “An officer from the Coast Guard stated that one of their 47 Foot motor lifeboats was followed by between 12 to 30 of these drones as they (the Coast Guard) went though the water, followed, right behind them.”
Booker Pens Letter Requesting Greater Transparency, Comprehensive Briefing on Drone Activity Over New Jersey
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) sent a letter to Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), FBI Director Christopher Wray, and Secretary Pete Buttigieg of the Department of Transportation (DOT) requesting the agencies provide municipal and county officials with a comprehensive briefing regarding the unauthorized drone activity over New Jersey communities. He also requested that officials make any available information accessible to the public.
Senator Booker wrote, “Over the past several weeks, there have been multiple confirmed sightings of unexplained drone activity over New Jersey communities and military installations. These sightings have been confirmed by local and state authorities, prompting the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to open an investigation into the sightings and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to impose flight restrictions over Picatinny Arsenal in Morris County and Trump National Golf Club Bedminster in Somerset County. On December 4th, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy convened a briefing with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, state agencies, and members of the New Jersey Congressional delegation. The unexplained drone activity in and around New Jersey continues, however, with reports on December 9th of drone sightings over Naval Weapons Station Earle in Monmouth County.”
The letter continued, “I recognize the need to maintain operational security of ongoing investigations and that this situation requires complex interagency coordination. However, there is a growing sense of uncertainty and urgency across the state—from constituents and local officials alike—despite assurances that the drones pose no known threats to public safety. As such, I urge you to share any relevant information about these drone sightings with the public. Without transparency, I believe that rumors, fear, and misinformation will continue to spread.”
“I also request that the DHS, the FBI, and the FAA provide a briefing to New Jersey’s municipal and county officials on the current situation, to include the federal government’s response to date, in accordance with appropriate classification restrictions.”
Senator Booker’s letter concludes, “It is our shared obligation to ensure that our airspace is safe and secure, and I am committed to giving New Jerseyans peace of mind about these activities. I am eager to assist with investigations into the origins of these activities and to work with you to develop policies to protect New Jersey’s population and infrastructure from malicious drone activity.
Recorded Drone sightings around Monmouth County
SHERIFF URGING FEDERAL & STATE OFFICIALS TO TAKE PROMPT ACTION IS ADDRESSING RECENT DRONE SIGHTINGS
As reported sightings of drones continue throughout Monmouth County, Sheriff Shaun Golden is asking federal and state officials to collaborate in identifying the source of activity across the region.
The Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office and partners in law enforcement are actively monitoring the situation which doesn’t appear to be a threat to public safety. However, additional tools are needed at the state level to identify the source, as well as more transparency federally, regarding drone operations over critical infrastructure and sensitive areas.
“We are aware of the unease these drone sightings have caused in our communities,” said Sheriff Shaun Golden. “The safety and security of our residents are our top priorities. We urge federal and state authorities to work together in locating the source of these drones and determining their intent. It is essential that we address these incidents swiftly to prevent any concerns or disruptions.”
Anyone with relevant information is asked to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit it online at tips.fbi.gov
Map includes reports of drone sightings in Monmouth County.
In a letter yesterday, December 9, 2024, Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) urged U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to immediately provide all capabilities at his disposal to identify and address the widespread drone activity across New Jersey as serious concerns continue to mount over potential threats to the homeland.
Smith’s letter comes after he was briefed by a U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Commanding Officer stationed in Barnegat Light that more than a dozen drones followed a USCG motor lifeboat in close pursuit over the weekend.
“As you no doubt are also aware, there have been numerous instances of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) flying over New Jersey, including in close proximity to sensitive sites and critical infrastructure, to include military installations located in my district,” said Smith.
“As you know, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JBMDL) possess capabilities to identify and take down unauthorized unmanned aerial systems and have utilized this capability to address overflights of the installation,” Smith said.
“I urgently request all capabilities possessed by the Department of Defense, especially those in use by JBMDL to be immediately deployed to identify and address the potential threats posed by UAS over the state of New Jersey,” said Smith.
Smith, who spent hours with Ocean County Sheriff Mike Mastronardy on Monday evening monitoring the New Jersey sky in the Sheriff’s Mobile Command Center, said he is deeply concerned by the potential threats posed by the drones.
“The serious concerns of New Jersey residents need to be put to rest with answers—not empty reassurances,” said Smith. “The time to act is now.”
The Ocean County Sheriff’s Office continues to get reports of low flying Drones over Ocean County- we have a Drone Unit that is assigned to review these complaints.
The East Brunswick Police Department is aware of the frequent drone (UAS) sightings throughout the Township. While it is not illegal to fly UAS in any unrestricted airspace, authorities are requesting information regarding any UAS sightings, including images and videos.
This is a statewide issue, and the FBI has urged the public to report sightings via its tips line. The number is 1-800-CALL-FBI (800 225-5324). Photos and videos of the drones are encouraged and can be uploaded at tips.fbi.gov. For online reports, click “submit a tip” and then use the “other FBI crimes” tab.
If you observe drones impacting critical infrastructure, report it by calling 732-390-6901 or 9-1-1 if there is an emergency.
Currently, there is no information indicating any specific, immediate, credible threats.
Thank you for playing an essential role in maintaining a safe community!
MONMOUTH COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT ACKNOWLEDGES DRONE SIGHTINGS
FREEHOLD – Mirroring a broader trend, local law enforcement agencies have received multiple reports of drone sightings in municipalities across Monmouth County late this week, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago and Monmouth County Police Chiefs Association President/Spring Lake Heights Police Chief Edward Gunnell jointly announced Friday.
Acknowledging concerns voiced by the public, the Prosecutor’s Office and local police are actively sharing information about the sightings with partner agencies as it is received.
As of now, the drones are not known to pose any specific threat to public safety. The aforementioned sightings have taken place along the Bayshore Region, the Atlantic Coast, and interior sections of Monmouth County.
Anyone concerned about a potentially suspicious drone sighting should call the non-emergency line of their local police department to report it. The FBI’s Newark Office and the New Jersey State Police are also asking civilians to please report any information related to such matters directly to a dedicated tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225- 5324), or submit information online at www.tips.fbi.gov (videos can also be uploaded at that URL).
For more information about drones, also known as Unmanned Aircraft Systems, (UAS), including background on civilian usage, licensing, relevant laws and regulations, and restricted airspace zones in New Jersey, go online to the State Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (OHSP) dedicated UAS web page at https://www.njohsp.gov/threat-landscape/drones-and-unmanned-aircraft-systems.
Point Plesant Police reported that on December 5, 2024, three drones were observed throughout town predominantly along the coastline and the train tracks near the south end of town. This agency made notifications to the appropriate State and Federal agencies as per protocols disseminated from the NJSP ROIC. We will continue to monitor and notify the appropriate agencies of any and all drone activity.
TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force collaborated with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration – High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas-Monmouth/Ocean Post of Duty (HIDTA/MOPOD) Group 5, Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, New Jersey State Police Crime Suppression Unit, Toms River Township Police Department Patrol Division, Toms River Township Police Department Special Enforcement Unit, Toms River Township Police Department K-9 Unit, Manchester Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Manchester Township Police Department Narcotics Enforcement Team, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, to conduct a two month-long investigation into the distribution of illegal narcotics in the Ocean County area. This cooperative, multi-agency investigation identified Jireh Mathis, 27, and Tashawn McDonald, 23, both of Trenton, as being involved in the distribution of Heroin/Fentanyl and Cocaine in Ocean County.
In early December 2023, Detectives from the aforementioned law enforcement agencies established stationary and mobile surveillance on both Mathis and McDonald. On January 22, 2024, Detectives observed Mathis and McDonald arriving at the Green Meadow Apartment Complex in Toms River in a vehicle operated by Mathis. Mathis and McDonald both exited the vehicle, and they were approached by Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force. As Detectives made contact with Mathis, he attempted to flee the scene but was subsequently apprehended and taken into custody. McDonald was taken into custody without incident. In a subsequent search incident to his arrest, Mathis was found to be in possession of approximately 500 wax folds of Heroin/Fentanyl and ten grams of Cocaine. In total, law enforcement seized approximately 1,500 wax folds of Heroin/Fentanyl and 25 grams of Cocaine throughout the course of the investigation.
Mathis was charged with Possession of More than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Heroin with Intent to Distribute, Possession of More than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute, Conspiracy to Distribute More than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Heroin, Conspiracy to Distribute More than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Cocaine, Possession of Heroin, Possession of Cocaine, and Resisting Arrest. Mathis is presently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending trial.
McDonald was charged with Conspiracy to Distribute More than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Heroin, and Conspiracy to Distribute More than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Cocaine. McDonald was served with the charges via summons pending an upcoming first appearance in Ocean County Superior Court.
Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Asset Forfeiture Unit, United States Drug Enforcement Administration – High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas-Monmouth/Ocean Post of Duty (HIDTA/MOPOD) Group 5, Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, New Jersey State Police Crime Suppression Unit, Toms River Township Police Department Patrol Division, Toms River Township Police Department Special Enforcement Unit, Toms River Township Police Department K-9 Unit, Manchester Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Manchester Township Police Department Narcotics Enforcement Team, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, for their combined and collective assistance 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.
Event Will Address Mental Health Issues, New Feelings of Anxiety and Fear Due to COVID, and Share Community Resources
September 9, 2021
LONG BRANCH, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Monmouth Medical Center, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, will host a free virtual expert panel event titled “Managing Your Mental Health” on Friday, September 10th at 11 a.m., coinciding with World Suicide Prevention Day. The event will provide support and behavioral health resources to members of the community who are coping with existing mental health issues or who may be facing new feelings of anxiety, stress, and fear due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to the physical toll the COVID-19 pandemic has taken on New Jersey residents and individuals across the country, the pandemic has also had a substantial impact on mental health. According to survey data from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) and the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 30% of adults aged 18 and over reported symptoms of anxiety or depression between late July and early August 2021, an increase of nearly 20% from the same period in 2019.
Monmouth Medical Center has the largest and most comprehensive behavioral health program in Monmouth County, with treatment provided to adults, children and adolescents and adults diagnosed with psychiatric disorders. The panel will feature Monmouth Medical Center mental health experts Stan Evanowski, LCSW, LCADC, Administrative Director of Behavioral Health; Stephanie Petrucha, LCSW, Director of Outpatient Behavioral Health; Donna Martini, LCSW, Program Director, Early Intervention Support Services Program; Tia A. Susak, BSN, RN, Children’s Crisis Intervention Services Unit; and Johnna Malter, MA, Child and Family Crisis Clinician, Psychiatric Emergency Screening Services.
Moderated by Emmy-nominated journalist and former NY1 News political reporter Molly Kroon, the free community panel event will explore the effect COVID-19 has had on mental wellness. During the event, panelists will answer frequently asked questions around coping with mental health issues, the additional mental health challenges brought on by the pandemic, and how to manage your mental health. Experts will also share information on the variety of mental health resources and support available to the community.
“Our goal as a hospital and as a system is to deliver quality, patient-centered care, which means that in addition to prioritizing our patients’ physical health and safety amid the pandemic, it is equally important to identify and address the toll it has taken on our community’s mental well-being,” said Eric Carney, President and CEO of Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus. “By hosting this expert panel, we’re continuing to raise awareness around the heightened mental health challenges our community is currently facing as well as serve as an educational resource for people who are struggling by letting them know there is help available and how they can access it.”
The webinar is free and open to all. Those interested in attending can register at: https://www.mmcevents.org/managing-your-mental-health
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Hamilton Police say that on June 08, 2024 at approximately 10:00 p.m., a 2021 FedEx Ford Van, driven by a 38-year-old male from Trenton, was traveling southbound on Rt 130 near Klockner Rd, when he struck a 27-year-old male pedestrian from Trenton, who was walking westbound across Rt 130. The pedestrian suffered serious injuries and was declared deceased at the scene.
The names of all involved parties have been withheld pending notification to family members.
Assistance at the scene was provided by the Hamilton Township Fire Division and the New Jersey Department of Transportation.
The crash is being investigated by Officers F. LaVacca and J. Anaya of the Hamilton Township Traffic Unit. Any witnesses to this collision are asked to contact the police non-emergency number at (609)581-4000.
Original MidJersey.news story below:
Route 130 South Bound Closed in Hamilton for Accident Investigation
