TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–There was onesecond-tier prizewinning ticket sold for the Tuesday, October 5, drawing that matched five of the five white balls drawn winning the $1,000,000 prize. The ticket was purchased at Adriano’s Liquor, 634 N. Clinton Ave., Trenton in Mercer County.
In addition to the second prize won, three tickets matched four of the five white balls and the Mega Ball drawn winning the $10,000 third-tier prize. Those tickets were sold at the following locations:
Bergen County: Super Shop Deli Mart, 809 Franklin Ave., Franklin Lakes;
Essex County: Quick Shop Food, 463 Mount Pleasant Ave., West Orange.
Moreover, 25 players matched four of the five white balls drawn making each ticket worth $500. One of those tickets was purchased with the Megaplier option, multiplying the prize to $1,500. Finally, 30,144 other New Jersey players took home $150,364 in prizes ranging from $2 to $600. The winning numbers for the Tuesday, October 5, drawing were: 07, 11, 18, 30, and 36. The Gold Mega Ball was 04, and the Megaplier Multiplier was 03.
The next drawing will be held Friday, October 8, at 11:00 pm. All New Jersey Lottery Mega Millions tickets must be purchased before 10:45 pm to participate in the drawing. Mega Millions tickets cost just two dollars; by adding the Megaplier option for an extra dollar per play, players can increase their non-jackpot winnings up to five times. Mega Millions tickets are sold in 46 participating jurisdictions. Drawings are held on Tuesdays and Fridays.
EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ – A Philadelphia woman was arrested by police after Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at Trenton-Mercer Airport detected a loaded handgun in her purse as she entered the airport security checkpoint on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023. The woman was not a ticketed traveler, but had been given a “gate pass” by the airline to allow her to escort her sister, who is visually impaired, to her gate.
The .38 caliber handgun was loaded with five bullets.
The gun was caught as the woman entered the security checkpoint. The X-ray unit alerted on her purse, which required a closer inspection. The firearm was confiscated by a Mercer County Sheriff’s Deputy and the woman was arrested on a weapons charge. The woman was not only cited by police, but she also faces a stiff financial civil penalty for bringing a gun to a TSA security checkpoint.
This gun was caught by TSA officers at the Trenton-Mercer Airport checkpoint on Nov. 7. (TSA photo) The .38 caliber handgun was loaded with five bullets.
“It is a privilege to be given a gate pass by an airline to allow an individual to escort a traveler to their gate if the circumstances warrant it,” explained Thomas Carter, TSA’s Federal Security Director for New Jersey. “However, individuals who present a gate pass at the checkpoint must go through the same security screening process as ticketed travelers and that means no weapons are allowed.”
The woman told officials that she did not think to remove her gun before coming to the airport because she always keeps it in her purse. However, “there are no acceptable excuses for bringing a gun to our checkpoints,” Carter said.
Bringing a gun to an airport checkpoint carries a federal civil penalty because TSA reserves the right to issue a civil penalty to individuals who have guns and gun parts with them at a checkpoint. Civil penalties for bringing a gun into a checkpoint can stretch into thousands of dollars, depending on mitigating circumstances. This applies to individuals with or without concealed gun carry permits because a concealed carry permit does not allow a firearm to be carried through a checkpoint. The complete list of civil penalties is posted online. Additionally, if an individual with a gun is a member of TSA PreCheck®, that individual will lose their TSA PreCheck privileges.
Unsure if an item should be packed in a carry-on bag, checked bag, either or neither? Download the free myTSA app, which has a handy “What can I bring?” feature that allows you to type in the item to find out if it can fly. Or ask on Twitter or Facebook Messenger at @AskTSA. Travelers may send a question by texting “Travel” to AskTSA (275-872).
CHESTERFIELD TOWNSHIP, NJ (BURLINGTON)–Around 8:32 p.m., August 10, 2024, several 9-1-1 calls were recived reporting a crash involving multiple vehicles and entrapment near mile post 56.3 on the south bound outer lanes of the New Jersey Turnpike. (about 2.5 miles north of Exit 7 and 4 miles south of Exit 7A). New Jersey State Police, Firefighters from Bordentown Township and Robbinsville, Paramedics and several BLS ambulances were detailed to the scene. From radio reports there were a total of six patients transported to local hospitals for treatment. Police, fire and EMS were on scene for about an hour until the crash was cleared up. No further details about the crash are available at this time.
Crash on New Jersey Turnpike Outer Roadway southbound North of Interchange 7 – US 206 (Chesterfield Twp) 2 Left lanes of 3 lanes blocked https://t.co/qn9AYWMsA4
— 511NJ TPK (@511njtpk) August 11, 2024
Crash on New Jersey Turnpike Outer Roadway southbound North of Interchange 7 – US 206 (Chesterfield Twp) 1 Left lane of 3 lanes blocked https://t.co/PD33VzKTH9
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, NJ (SOMERSET)—Burn the Jukebox a band with over 2.5 million followers on social media platforms and a repertoire that spans five decades, will rock the stage this Saturday, August 17, 2024, for a special fundraising event for the Villagers Theater in Somerset, New Jersey. Tickets for this special fundraising event are available for a $25.00 donation. A portion of the proceeds go to the Villagers Theater as a fundraiser, and any additional amount donated above the full amount will be donated to the Villagers Theater.
Tickets are available at the following link. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and Burn the Jukebox takes the stage at 8:00 p.m.
Burn the Jukebox hails from the Wilkes-Barre area of Pennsylvania. The band is currently in the middle of their “Playing with Fire” tour with stops all around the country. The artists consist of Virginia Franks (bass, vocals), Ethan Cutillo (keys, guitar, vocals), Luke Vanchure (guitar), and Carter Dennis (drums). Burn the Jukebox formed in 2020 after Virgina who wanted to start a band met Luke. Soon after Carter and Ethan joined the group.
Burn The Jukebox kickstarted 2024 with “Turbulence” and “Sugarcoat” before leveling up again on “Homesick.” The track revolves around loose and lively guitar licks and an unshakable livewire groove. A chantable chorus takes hold, “I’m feeling kind of homesick, and it’s not gonna go quick,” giving way to a fret-scorching solo.
Besides their own original music, Burn the Jukebox has a deep line up of old favorites spanning five decades. The group has even recorded a cover song per day and posted it on social media for over a year.
Burn the Jukebox is more than just a band; they are a cultural phenomenon. By intertwining their extraordinary social media presence with their innovative musical approach, they have created a unique and immersive experience for their audience. Each performance is not just a display of musical talent but a celebration of the new era in pop-rock, resonating deeply with fans across the globe. BTJ truly embodies the spirit of rock and roll, with infectious energy and a magnetic stage presence that leaves audiences begging for more.
Burn the Jukebox at Musikfest in Bethlehem, PA on Sunday, August 11, 2024. Photos: Dennis Symons, MidJersey.news
Burn the Jukebox at Sweeny’s Station in Philadelphia on June 20, 2024. Photos: Dennis Symons, MidJersey.news
Burn the Jukebox at F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts in Wilkes-Barre, PA, Photos: Dennis Symons MidJersey.news
The Gig Bag is a new category on MidJersey.news that will cover local bands and events in our area. The name came from the late Brian McCarthy a news photographer and contributor to MidJersey.news who started a local publication called The Gig Bag so we will continue that tradition covering bands and shows under that category on MidJersey.news
August 12, 2024
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on August 9, 2024, the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, P.J.Cr.P., sentenced Marc Manfredonia, 33, of Little Egg Harbor, to ten years New Jersey State Prison as a result of his previously entered guilty plea to Robbery in connection with an incident that occurred in Little Egg Harbor Township on September 9, 2023. This sentence will be subject to the terms of the No Early Release Act, meaning that Manfredonia will be required to serve at least 85 percent of his prison sentence before he may be considered for parole eligibility.
On September 9, 2023, at approximately 4:30 a.m., Officers from the Little Egg Harbor Township Police Department were summoned to a residence on East Hudson Drive for a report of gunshots having been fired. Responding Officers discovered a 36-year-old male victim who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in Pomona, New Jersey, for treatment of his injuries and subsequently released.
An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Little Egg Harbor Township Police Department Detective Bureau, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, revealed that in the early morning hours of September 9, 2023, the victim visited Manfredonia and Christopher Miller, 36, of Paterson, New Jersey – both of whom the victim was acquainted with – at the East Hudson Drive residence where they were staying. A short time later, Miller and Manfredonia physically forced the victim out of the residence and demanded money from him. Miller brandished a handgun, and informed the victim that he would shoot him if he did not transfer money through a mobile cash application. The victim effectuated transactions to Miller and Manfredonia through the cash application. Miller and Manfredonia then demanded more money from the victim. The victim refused, and a physical altercation ensued. Miller then fired four gunshots, striking the victim in the leg, groin and ear. Miller and Manfredonia continued to physically assault the victim before retreating to the inside of the residence. The victim thereafter ran to a nearby home and called the police.
Miller and Manfredonia were taken into custody without incident at the subject residence and transported to the Ocean County Jail, where they were subsequently released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.
The charges against Miller for Attempted Murder, Robbery, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, remain pending.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Mara Brater who handled the case on behalf of the State, and commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Little Egg Harbor Township Police Department, Little Egg Harbor Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and Mystic Island Volunteer Fire Department, for their combined and collective assistance in connection with this investigation, leading to Manfredonia’s arrest, guilty plea, and now his state prison sentence.
Photo by EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA on Pexels.com
August 12, 2024
PHILADELPHIA, PA – Philadelphia Police say that on August 10, 2024, at approximately 9:45 p.m., Philadelphia Police officers responded to the intersection of Torresdale and Adams Avenues to disperse crowds in reference to a car meet.
Upon arrival, officers encountered a large crowd engaged in reckless driving activities, including multiple vehicles performing burnouts. While attempting to disperse the crowd, a patrol vehicle from the 15th Police District was struck by a fleeing vehicle driven by a 19-year-old male, identified as Chase Possert of Hamilton, NJ. The impact caused damage to the police vehicle but resulted in no injuries to the officers, Possert, or the occupants of his vehicle.
Possert was apprehended after driving his vehicle into heavy traffic. Possert has been charged with Criminal Mischief (M2), Institutional Vandalism (M2), Resisting Arrest (M2), Fleeing Police (M2), Reckless Driving (M3), and Careless Driving (S). Four additional 17-year-old male occupants in Possert’s vehicle were issued citations and released.
In a separate incident at the same location, two additional officers encountered a 2023 gray Dodge Charger involved in drag racing. The driver, a 33-year-old male, identified as David Wycheof West Norriton, PA was arrested and charged with Recklessly Endangering Another Person (REAP) (M2), Disorderly Conduct-Hazard (S), and Reckless Driving (S).
Additionally, a patrol vehicle from the 26th District sustained damage when an unknown individual threw a bottle of tequila at the vehicle, striking the hood and cracking the windshield.
The incident remains under investigation by the Northeast Detectives.
Police say while attempting to disperse the crowd, a patrol vehicle from the 15th Police District was struck by a fleeing vehicle driven by a 19-year-old male, identified as Chase Possert of Hamilton, NJ. The impact caused damage to the police vehicle but resulted in no injuries to the officers, Possert, or the occupants of his vehicle.
Possert was apprehended after driving his vehicle into heavy traffic. Possert has been charged with Criminal Mischief (M2), Institutional Vandalism (M2), Resisting Arrest (M2), Fleeing Police (M2), Reckless Driving (M3), and Careless Driving (S). Four additional 17-year-old male occupants in Possert’s vehicle were issued citations and released.
In a separate incident at the same location, two additional officers encountered a 2023 gray Dodge Charger involved in drag racing. The driver, a 33-year-old male, identified as David Wycheof West Norriton, PA was arrested and charged with Recklessly Endangering Another Person (REAP) (M2), Disorderly Conduct-Hazard (S), and Reckless Driving (S).
TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on June 5, 2024, Sorah Tyner, 37, of Toms River, was charged with two counts of Vehicular Homicide, Manslaughter, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Assault by Auto, Hindering, and Obstruction, all in connection with a motor vehicle crash that occurred on May 30, 2024, in Jackson Township.
On May 30, 2024, at approximately 5:00 p.m., Officers from the Jackson Township Police Department responded to the area of Cleveland Court and East Veterans Highway for a report of a serious motor vehicle crash. An initial investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Vehicular Homicide Squad and Jackson Township Police Department revealed that a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica being operated by Tyner and containing two minor passengers was traveling westbound on East Veterans Highway. While trying to negotiate a left-hand curve, Tyner crossed into the eastbound lane – striking a 2010 GMC Terrain operated by Carolina Bonilla-Hernandez, 36, of Jackson Township. As a result of the crash, Tyner and the two minors in her vehicle were transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune for treatment of their injuries. Upon arrival at the hospital, one of the juveniles was pronounced deceased. The second juvenile remains hospitalized and is listed in stable condition. Tyner was treated for her injuries and released.
Ms. Bonilla-Hernandez was transported to Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus in Lakewood, where she succumbed to her injuries.
Detectives determined that Tyner’s vehicle was in the oncoming lane for some distance prior to impact, and that she did not take corrective actions to avoid the crash. The investigation also revealed that only one of the minors was seated in an appropriate child car seat. The second minor, who died as a result of the crash, was restrained only by a seatbelt – notwithstanding the fact that due to his age and weight, he should have been retrained in a rear/front facing child car seat.
Detectives executed a court-authorized search warrant for Tyner’s cell phone. A forensic extraction of the device by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit revealed that Tyner was using her cell phone at the time of the crash. Detectives determined that Tyner made inconsistent statements at the scene of the crash.
On June 6, 2024, Tyner was taken into custody at her residence without incident. She was transported to the Ocean County Jail, where she is presently lodged pending a detention hearing.
Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Vehicular Homicide Squad, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Jackson Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Jackson Township Police Department Patrol Division, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and Ocean County Medical Examiner’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.
Manchester Twp NJ – Manchester Police Department swiftly responded to the sound of gunshots early Sunday morning, leading to the apprehension of a suspect involved in the reckless discharge of a firearm.
On Sunday, May 12, 2024, at approximately 0209 hours, Ptl. Maliff was conducting patrols in the area of Manchester Boulevard and Wranglebrook Road, when he heard several gunshots. Ptl. Maliff quickly identified a vehicle coming from the area and conducted a motor vehicle stop. During the on-scene investigation, a 9mm handgun and ammunition were seized from the vehicle. It is suspected that the driver, Nathaniel Chudkowski, fired the weapon into the wooded area of Manchester Boulevard while driving in the area. Due to the swift response and decisive actions of our officers any public safety threat was quickly eliminated.
As a result of the investigation, Chudkowski was charged with possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, failure for a permit to carry holder to disclose to a law enforcement officer that they are carrying a handgun or that a handgun is stored in the vehicle, and consumption of alcohol by an authorized holder of a permit to carry a handgun. He was lodged in Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
The criminal charges are merely an accusation, 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.
Residents are reminded that they may report suspicious activity to the Manchester Police anonymously at 732-657-6111 or online via the Department’s website, www.manchesterpolicenj.com, by clicking the “Tip Line” link.
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.
Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri and Trenton Police Director Steve Wilson announced today that an investigation conducted by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force (MCHTF) and the Trenton Police Department has resulted in the arrest of a Trenton man for the fatal shooting of Stephon Fisher on May 19, 2024.
Jozef Field, 29, of Trenton, is charged with one count of first-degree murder, two counts of first-degree attempted murder, two counts of second-degree aggravated assault and weapons offenses. He was arrested at the Kingsbury Apartments in Trenton on Monday, July 29, 2024, by members of the U.S. Marshals New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain Field pending trial.
At approximately 5:52 p.m. on May 19, 2024, Trenton police received a ShotSpotter activation for multiple rounds and several calls reporting two individuals shot in the area of 2 Kingsbury Square. Trenton police, fire and emergency services responded to the area and located two 18-year-old males outside suffering from gunshot wounds. Both were transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center. Fisher, of Trenton, was pronounced dead a short time later. The second 18-year-old victim, also a city resident, sustained three gunshot wounds.
As a result of the investigation, a second individual was identified and charged with this homicide. However, Steven Key, 30, of Trenton, died on July 14, 2024, in Philadelphia, Pa., prior to his arrest.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact MCHTF Detective Paulina Way at (609) 722-0170 or Sgt. William Jett Jr. at (609) 331-5010. Information can also be emailed to [email protected].
Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Jozef Field, 29, of Trenton, is charged with one count of first-degree murder, two counts of first-degree attempted murder, two counts of second-degree aggravated assault and weapons offenses. He was arrested at the Kingsbury Apartments in Trenton on Monday, July 29, 2024, by members of the U.S. Marshals New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain Field pending trial.
Names of the 2024 Trenton Homicide Victims
01/13/2024 Eduardo Lopez-Cruz, 38, of Trenton, Shooting
01/16/2024 Stefon Locke, 33, Shooting on 1/16 died 2/8/2024
02/28/2024 Shawn Moore, 45, Trenton, Shooting
03/19/2024 Donnell Jenkins age 52, Stabbing
04/04/2024 Jose Alfredo Azcona Garcia, 46, of Trenton, Shooting
05/01/2024 Jerome Francis, 43, of Hamilton
05/01/2024 Chevaughn Fagan, 28, of Trenton
05/19/2024 Stephon Fisher, 18, of Trenton, Shooting
05/26/2024 Dwayne Penix, 20, of Trenton, Shooting
06/11/2024 Johnathan Applegate
06/23/2024 Samier Vincent, 30, of Trenton, Shooting, died 6/27/2024
07/04/2024 Amir Williams, 32, of Trenton, Shooting
07/02/2024 Capriest Ruiz, 23, of Camden, Shooting, died on 2/3/2024
07/12/2024 Yoni Emmanuel Cruz-Rodrigez, Shooting
July 30, 2024
FREEHOLD – A fugitive has been located, arrested, and charged with being responsible for a July 2023 motor vehicle collision in Wall Township that took the life of a local man, Monmouth County First Assistant Prosecutor Julia Alonso and Wall Township Police Chief Sean O’Halloran jointly announced Tuesday.
Thomas A. Redding, 45, of Howell Township is charged with second-degree Death by Auto, third-degree Possession of Cocaine, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, a disorderly persons offense.
At approximately 5 a.m. on Saturday, July 29, 2023, members of the Wall Township Police Department responded to a three-vehicle collision in the area of Old Mill Road and State Route 138. At that location they found that two vehicles, a 2016 Ford Fusion operated by 55-year-old Leonard Akers of Wall Township and a 2016 Dodge Ram pickup truck operated by a 62-year-old male resident of Howell Township, had been fully stopped at a red light when Redding approached them from behind, operating a 2023 Toyota 4Runner.
Redding collided directly into the rear of the vehicle being driven by Akers, propelling it into the rear of the pickup truck in front of him and severely damaging both vehicles. Akers was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center for medical treatment, but despite lifesaving efforts, he was pronounced deceased.
An investigation into this matter involving members of the Monmouth County Serious Collision Analysis Response Team (SCART), the Prosecutor’s Office, the Wall Township Police Department, and the New Jersey State Police determined that Redding was under the influence of intoxicating substances at the time of the collision, and he was criminally charged earlier this month. He remained at large until members of the Prosecutor’s Office, Wall Township Police Department, and the U.S. Marshals Service located and arrested him in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania early yesterday, Monday, July 29. He currently remains in custody there pending extradition to New Jersey and future proceedings in Monmouth County Superior Court.
Redding is additionally charged with summonses for Speeding, Reckless Driving, Careless Driving Likely to Endanger Persons or Property, Following Too Closely, Operation of a Motor Vehicle while in Possession of Narcotics, and Driving While Intoxicated.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Joseph Cummings of the MCPO Major Crimes Bureau. Information about Redding’s legal representation was not immediately available.
Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.
July 30, 2024
Manchester Township, NJ- A visit to a popular privately-owned 7000-acre tract of land in Manchester on Monday evening ended tragically for a 18-year-old Perth Amboy Township man, Victor Arias- Peralta, who unlawfully visited the Heritage Mineral property and attempted to swim in the lake with other individuals around 6:00 p.m. Arias- Peralta and a friend were attempting to cross Crystal Lake when Arias- Peralta appeared to suffer from severe fatigue and went into distress approximately twenty yards from the shoreline. Friends went to the aid of Arias- Peralta who eventually submerged underwater and disappeared in the current.
The Manchester Township Police Department, with the assistance of the Manchester Township EMS, the Manchester, Ridgeway, Whiting Volunteer Fire Departments, and the New Jersey State Police Aviation Unit responded to the scene were search and rescue operations were conducted for approximately forty-five minutes before Arias- Peralta was located unresponsive. He was pulled from the water where he was pronounced deceased. The preliminary investigation indicates the drowning to be accidental.
Assisting with this investigation is the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department Crime Scene Investigation Unit and the Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office. Anyone who may have been at “Crystal Lake” and witnessed this incident is asked to contact Detective Victoria Guarino of the Manchester Township Police Department’s Investigations Bureau at 732-657-2009 ext. 4201.
The Manchester Township Police Department would like to remind the public that the Heritage Minerals or “ASARCO” site is private property. It is closed for recreational and/or other use and it is a criminal offense to enter or remain on the property. In the interest of public safety, the Manchester Township Police urges everyone to obey the “No Trespassing” signs posted at the site. Trespassers are subject to substantial fines and penalties up to and including incarceration for being on the property.
Whiting Fire Company Station 33 reported:
July 29, 2024 At approxamately 6:53 p.m. Stations 33, 32, and 34 were dispatched to Heritage Minerals (ASARCO) for a reported submersion. Ridgeway Chief 3400 was the first on location and confirmed the last known location of the submerged individual. Special Operations Unit 3317, Utility 3337, Brush 3339, and Brush 3329 responded to the scene. Whiting Fire divers and surface swimmers entered the water along with 3220. A brief grid search with a search line was performed and the individual was located/surfaced and transferred to EMS. The scene was subsequently turned over to MPD and the OCSD for investigation purposes.
Howell Township Man Tragically Drowns in Lake on Heritage Mineral Property
Cliffside Park Man Drowned In “Crystal Lake” On ASARCO Site
Howell Man Charged With Vehicular Homicide
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Trenton Police reported that on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at approximately 10:17 a.m., Trenton Police Patrol Bureau Officers responded to a report of a male stabbed in the area of Southard Street and New Willow Street. Upon arrival, officers located a male victim bleeding heavily from a severe laceration to his midsection. Officers rendered medical assistance until Trenton Emergency Medical Services arrived and transported the victim to Capital Health Regional Medical Center for treatment. Criminal Investigation Bureau Robbery/Assault Unit Detectives Roberto Ramos and Vincent Gribbin responded and investigated this incident under the supervision of Detective Sergeant Michael Cipriano.
The investigation revealed that Kwadwo Veh Asare was walking his pit bull when he came across the victim, whom he knew, and an argument ensued. Asare set his pit bull loose to attack the victim and the dog attacked, knocking the victim to the ground and biting him in the process. Asare ran up to the victim during the dog attack and stabbed the him. The victim suffered a deep and approximately 8” long laceration to his midsection, exposing his organs and causing significant blood loss. Asare took control of his dog and fled the scene. The victim sought help nearby.
Responding patrol units located Asare in the area, without his pit bull, and took him into custody after a foot pursuit. Criminal complaints were filed against Asare for the following charges: Criminal Attempt-Murder, Aggravated Assault (2 Counts), Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose, Endangering Another Person, and Resisting Arrest. Asare also had several active warrants for his arrest. Anyone with additional information on this investigation is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Michael Cipriano at (609) 575-2235.
Kwadwo Veh Asare, 29. Criminal complaints were filed against Asare for the following charges: Criminal Attempt-Murder, Aggravated Assault (2 Counts), Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose, Endangering Another Person, and Resisting Arrest. Asare also had several active warrants for his arrest.
The juvenile is charged with one count of first-degree felony murder, one count of first-degree carjacking, two counts of second-degree aggravated assault, two counts of third-degree endangering the welfare of a child, and weapons offenses.
July 30, 2024
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri and Trenton Police Director Steve Wilson announced today that an investigation conducted by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force (MCHTF), the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Serious Collision Response Team (SCRT) and the Trenton Police Department has resulted in the arrest of a 17-year-old Lawrence male for the shooting death of Yoni Emmanuel Cruz-Rodriguez.
The juvenile is charged with one count of first-degree felony murder, one count of first-degree carjacking, two counts of second-degree aggravated assault, two counts of third-degree endangering the welfare of a child, and weapons offenses. He was arrested Monday without incident in Trenton by members of the U.S. Marshals New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force, the MCHTF and New Jersey State Police. He will be held in the Middlesex County Juvenile Detention Center pending a court hearing. His name is being withheld because he is a minor.
On July 12, 2024, at approximately 10:20 p.m., Trenton communications received several calls reporting an accident that involved an overturned vehicle in the area of Garfield and Farragut avenues. Upon arrival, emergency personnel located a white Dodge Durango that was overturned. They found the victim, Yoni Emmanuel Cruz-Rodriguez, 27, of Trenton, inside the Durango suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, as well as two minor children who were strapped into car seats and unharmed. According to witnesses to the incident, Cruz-Rodriguez was standing at the open back of the Durango when an unidentified suspect entered the vehicle and attempted to drive away. Cruz-Rodriguez attempted to climb in the rear of the Durango when witnesses indicate multiple gunshots were fired, the vehicle crashed into two parked cars a short distance away and the suspect fled the scene. Cruz-Rodriguez was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact MCHTF Detective Chris Pullen at (848) 992-6436 or Sgt. William Jett Jr. at (609) 331-5010. Information can also be emailed to [email protected].
Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
A Go Fund Me is set up here for the victim’s family:
YONI EMANUEL CRUZ RODRIGUEZ
Buen día Me llamo Roger Cruz Rodríguez hermano de Yoni estoy recaudando fondos para poder enviar el cuerpo de mi hermano a su tierra natal La Iguala Lempira Honduras ayúdenme no tenemos recursos para repatriar
a mi hermano ya que la familia espera por el y dejó una niño de 3 años de edad y una niña de dos mesecitos
el día Sábado 14 de julio una persona le quitó la vida cuando iba saliendo de la iglesia
ayúdeme por favor con lo poco que puedan Dios les multiplicará
1 los fondos de los 12 mil serán utilizados para enviar el cuerpo
2 se han recaudado hasta el momento 1900 dólares
3 y 310 por medio de Zelle
4 esperamos terminar al 100% las ayudas
YONI EMANUEL CRUZ RODRIGUEZ Good morning My name is Roger Cruz Rodríguez brother of Yoni I am raising funds to be able to send my brother's body to his homeland La Iguala Lempira Honduras help me we do not have resources to repatriateto my brother since the family is waiting for him and left a 3-year-old boy and a two-month-old girlOn Saturday, July 14, a person took his life when he was leaving the church.Please help me with the little you can, God will multiply you1 the funds of the 12 thousand will be used to send the body2 have raised so far $19003 and 310 via Zelle4 we hope to finish the aid 100%
Names of the 2024 Trenton Homicide Victims
01/13/2024 Eduardo Lopez-Cruz, 38, of Trenton, Shooting
01/16/2024 Stefon Locke, 33, Shooting on 1/16 died 2/8/2024
02/28/2024 Shawn Moore, 45, Trenton, Shooting
03/19/2024 Donnell Jenkins age 52, Stabbing
04/04/2024 Jose Alfredo Azcona Garcia, 46, of Trenton, Shooting
05/01/2024 Jerome Francis, 43, of Hamilton
05/01/2024 Chevaughn Fagan, 28, of Trenton
05/19/2024 Stephon Fisher, 18, of Trenton, Shooting
05/26/2024 Dwayne Penix, 20, of Trenton, Shooting
06/11/2024 Johnathan Applegate
06/23/2024 Samier Vincent, 30, of Trenton, Shooting, died 6/27/2024
07/04/2024 Amir Williams, 32, of Trenton, Shooting
07/02/2024 Capriest Ruiz, 23, of Camden, Shooting, died on 2/3/2024
EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–New Jersey State Police reported that on August 8, 2024, at approximately 7:42 a.m., Marine Service Troopers were dispatched to the area of the Raritan River and South River in East Brunswick Township for the report of a person in the water. Troopers located the body of a deceased male floating in the water. This is an active investigation, and no additional information is available.
According to radio reports, Fire Department and NJ State Police Marine Service units made recovery in the area of Raritan River Day Beacon #39 in the Raritan River near the intersection of South River. (near the landfill)
By: by Assemblywoman Victoria Flynn, 13th Legislative District of New Jersey
March 15, 2024
If New Jersey hopes to accomplish real victories to combat climate change, one thing is clear: it won’t get there by filing pointless lawsuits against New Jersey’s energy producers.
That is the avenue the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office chose to resolve the statewide debate on climate change, suing all in-state fossil fuel energy producers to seek damages for the losses incurred from Superstorm Sandy.
New Jersey should learn from what just happened in Delaware, where a court rejected claims filed by the Delaware Attorney General to advance an aggressive “green” energy policy, reminding the State of Delaware that these issues are to be decided on the federal level, not through state-based claims.
The lesson learned from Delaware and other court decisions demonstrate that it is incumbent upon the elected officials in New Jersey to work alongside all interested groups to develop a common sense and cooperative plan to address our energy and environmental needs. It should not be the judiciary’s job to resolve policy decisions steeped in political differences of opinion.
I am struck by the state’s decision to choose litigation to somehow resolve this debate, especially since New Jersey is not blameless in mismanaging environmental needs. Why is the State relying upon the Attorney General’s Office to solve these environmental concerns, when that State is also simultaneously advancing laws that will result in overdevelopment in towns across Monmouth County and statewide?
I’m also deeply concerned about the ripples this lawsuit will have upon an important component of our state’s economy. New Jersey has championed renewables and pushes unattainable policies, but we’re still one of the top 15 largest petroleum consuming states. For good or for bad, New Jersey’s economy is dependent upon fossil fuel companies. It is not conducive to sue companies that we depend upon to support our vast energy needs.
In light of the irreparable harm that may be caused to New Jersey’s energy industry by this lawsuit, it begs the question: Is legal action really about combating climate change or do they just simply serve the goal of positive talking points for PR purposes?
These frivolous suits only serve to line the pockets of trial lawyers who prey upon states who are engaged in a false crusade of climate change legal actions for their own self-interests.
Consider who is really behind these lawsuits – a San Francisco-based plaintiffs’ attorney firm, Sher Edling, LLP., is initiating more than 20 lawsuits nationwide, including the one filed by New Jersey’s Attorney General’s Office. These lawyers know that the likelihood of success on advancing these actions relying on state nuisance and trespass laws is ridiculously low, especially because anyone who is sincerely concerned about taking credible action to address the climate needs for our country understands it can only be addressed on a larger scale.
I question how New Jersey’s lawsuit against companies in its State – which support its economy – will address damage caused to the climate by other countries. For instance, China emits 27% of all carbon dioxide – a third of the world’s greenhouse gases. Yet, New Jersey seeks to torpedo a significant contributor to its own economy without a chance of making so much as a dent in carbon emissions.
Ironically, the energy producers named in these suits have also committed billions to renewable technology. Just recently, ExxonMobil announced a commitment to invest $17 billion towards its low carbon business, while Chevron earmarked $10 billion for carbon capture investments. Shell and BP have recently delved into an emerging renewable industry, agrivoltaics, which combines solar energy production with agricultural activities.
We should seek practical, bipartisan solutions – with input from our business community – to make New Jersey’s energy policies more resilient, rather than haphazardly sue the state’s energy producers. That’s obviously not going to be the answer.
March 15, 2024
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER) – The New Jersey Lottery experienced a mechanical difficulty that occurred during the Pick-4 evening drawing for Thursday, March 14. All of the balls did not release into the chamber before a winning number was selected, resulting in an incomplete draw. The numbers drawn were 8826. The Fireball number was 2.
The machine was replaced with a secondary Pick-4 machine. The second machine was tested and reset before a second drawing occurred without incident. The second set of winning numbers was 8782. Players can watch the videos of both drawings on the Lottery’s social media pages. Both sets of drawn numbers will be honored. Winners from the second draw should mail in a claim form to the Lottery with their tickets. Claim forms can be found at any Lottery retailer and downloaded from the Lottery’s website at NJLottery.com/ClaimAPrize.
The Fireball number, 2, that was drawn during the first drawing was drawn from a separate machine and remains valid for Pick-3 and both Pick-4 drawings.
For the afternoon Pick-4 drawing occurring on Friday, March 15, a secondary machine will be used as the primary machine is checked to ensure functionality. The Lottery maintains a secondary machine for such circumstances.
Mark Your Calendars for March 21
March 15, 2024
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER) All are invited to attend the first-ever – and hopefully annual – Art Auction, set for Thursday, March 21 at Robbinsville High School.
The auction is the brainchild of the high school’s Art Club, which has been looking for ways to raise money to bring in professional artists for workshops and to offset the costs of field trips. The Art Club, with about 20 members, includes students in grades 9-12.
The auction, to be held 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the media center, will present about 50 pieces of artwork from the students. The art is diverse: oil paintings, mosaics, photography, Shrinky-Dink key chains and even hand-knit axolotls made from yarn. The starting bids will be $5.
“Our students have noticed that other high schools host art auctions; it is a great way to raise money and awareness about the Art Club,” said Jaela Johnson, an art teacher and club advisor. “So, we thought this would be a wonderful way to raise money for the club year after year.”
Johnson said there has also been a donation from Raissa Djoursanaliva, the grandmother of student Kat Kharnitonov, who donated five oil paintings with bids beginning at $100
Admission is free, but attendees are being asked to bring food for the Robbinsville Food Pantry. Anyone who donates is eligible to win door prizes.
Ample parking to be provided outside of the media center.
Photo by EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA on Pexels.com
