December 25, 2021
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Yesterday December 24, 2021 the Trenton Fire Department along with Mayor Reed Gusciora and Fire Director Kenneth Douglas presented several thousand toys at Trenton Fire Headquarters between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. The toys were distributed on a first come, first served basis.
Photos by: Brian McCarthy, OnScene News
December 10, 2021
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Around 10:05 p.m. the Trenton Police Department, Trenton EMS, Capital Health Paramedics responded to Calhoun Street originally reported as 19 Calhoun for a shooting victim. TEMS and Capital Health Paramedics transported to the Trauma Center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center and a “Trauma Alert” was called.
According to Sgt. Ponticiello from the Trenton Police Department, a gas station attendant was shot one time in the back. He was responsive when officers arrived and is being treated at the Trauma Center at Captial Health Regional Medical Center, condition unknown at this time. Only one round was fired. That is all the information that is available at this time.
Check back for further updates as information becomes available.
December 4, 2021
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, AL DHAFRA AIR BASE–Airman forward deployed from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst were seen performing maintenance on a KC-10 and other equipment with the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing at Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates yesterday and today.
Chief Master Sgt. Olatokunbo Olopade, command chief of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, is instructed by Senior Airman Charles Hennage in proper maintenance of a generator used to provide ground power to aircraft at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates, Dec. 4, 2021. Olopade and other senior leaders from the 380th AEW routinely visit work spaces around the base, rolling up their sleeves and working alongside Airmen. Hennage, an aerospace ground equipment specialist, is forward deployed to ADAB from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Dan Heaton) Chief Master Sgt. Olatokunbo Olopade, command chief of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, is instructed by Senior Airman Charles Hennage in proper maintenance of a generator used to provide ground power to aircraft at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates, Dec. 4, 2021. Olopade and other senior leaders from the 380th AEW routinely visit work spaces around the base, rolling up their sleeves and working alongside Airmen. Hennage, an aerospace ground equipment specialist, is forward deployed to ADAB from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Dan Heaton) Senior Airman Charles Hennage, an aerospace ground equipment specialist with the 380th Expeditionary Maintenance Group, and Chief Master Sgt. Olatokunbo Olopade, command chief of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, pause while performing maintenance a generator used to provide ground power to aircraft at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates, Dec. 4, 2021. Olopade and other senior leaders from the 380th AEW routinely visit work spaces around the base, rolling up their sleeves and working alongside Airmen. Hennage is forward deployed to ADAB from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Dan Heaton) U.S. Air Force photos by Master Sgt. Dan Heaton, 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs Airman 1st Class Nicholas Carson, a crew chief with the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, perform maintenance inside the wing of a KC-10 Extender at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates, Dec. 3, 2021. Carson is forward deployed to ADAB from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Dan Heaton) 
Staff Sgt. Michael Smith and Airman 1st Class Nicholas Carson, both crew chiefs with the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, perform maintenance inside the wing of a KC-10 Extender at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates, Dec. 3, 2021. Both Airman are forward deployed to ADAB from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Dan Heaton) Staff Sgt. Michael Smith and Airman 1st Class Nicholas Carson, both crew chiefs with the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, perform maintenance inside the wing of a KC-10 Extender at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates, Dec. 3, 2021. Both Airman are forward deployed to ADAB from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Dan Heaton) U.S. Air Force photos by Master Sgt. Dan Heaton, 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
December 14, 2021
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–Mayor Janice S. Mironov, Deputy Mayor Peter Yeager, Council Members Denise Daniels, Alan Rosenberg, and John Zoller, as well as Chief of Police James Geary and police officers participated with The Peddie School students and residents in the 2021 Township Womanspace “Communities of Light” event at the East Windsor Municipal Building. The purpose of “Communities of Light” is to raise funds for Womanspace and raise public awareness of domestic violence and resources and services available to abuse victims. Participants purchased luminary kits and joined together at the municipal building to light candles around the entire perimeter and walkways of the municipal building.
Mayor Mironov stated, “‘Communities of Light’ is intended to serve as a beacon of hope for individuals and families who are impacted by the dreadful situation of domestic violence. Our participation is to demonstrate our support of victims and their families, as well as recognition that domestic violence knows no boundaries and impacts every community regardless of race, religion or socio-economic background.”
Mayor Mironov added, “As a community we wish to express our strong support for organizations like Womanspace and our local Domestic Violence Victim Response Team and to recognize the important assistance they provide to victims of domestic violence. We hope that our participation will help focus public attention on the important subject of domestic violence and to encourage residents to become more aware of support efforts and resources available to victims and families.”
Communities of Light raises funds for Womanspace, the primary non-profit organization in Mercer County providing crisis intervention and support for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. The mission of Womanspace is to provide a comprehensive array of services to individuals impacted by domestic violence and dedicated to improving the quality of life for women and their families.
Mayor Janice S. Mironov and Council Members join with members of the Police Department at the municipal building for Township participation in “Communities of Light” event to raise funds and public awareness for Womanspace, the primary regional provider of services for victims of domestic abuse. Pictured (from left to right) are: (front row) Sergeant Ryan Ballard; Mayor Janice S. Mironov; Council Member Denise Daniels; Detective Michelle McCandrew; Detective Sergeant Paul Wille; (back row) Police Officer Tim Purpuri; Lieutenant Jason Hart; Council Member John Zoller; Chief of Police James Geary; Council Member Alan Rosenberg; Deputy Mayor Peter Yeager; Animal Control Officer James St. John; Detective Sergeant Thomas Meyer; Detective Robert Davison; Lieutenant Ryan Mattek, and Detective Joseph Carabelli.
Mayor Janice S. Mironov is joined by members of The Peddie School Girls Basketball Team to light the first candle kicking off the Township Womanspace “Communities of Light” ceremony.
Mayor Janice S. Mironov and Council Members issue Proclamation designating December 6, 2021 as “Communities of Light” day on which East Windsor Township participated by lighting up the municipal building, to raise funds for Womanspace and focus public awareness on the important subject of domestic violence and support for victims and families. Pictured (from left to right) are: Council Member John Zoller; Mayor Janice S. Mironov; Chief of Police James Geary; Council Member Denise Daniels; Council Member Alan Rosenberg; Deputy Mayor Peter Yeager, and Township Manager James Brady.
January 10, 2022
PRINCETON, NJ (MERCER)–Around 3:15 p.m. the Princeton Fire Department was dispatched to an apartment fire at 37 Wiggins Street. Firefighters arrived to find heavy fire showing from the 3rd floor and roof area in the rear of the building and a full first alarm was called. Fire departments including Princeton Junction, Plainsboro, Princeton Plasma Physics Lab, Hamilton, Rocky Hill, Montgomery, Kingston, Kendall Park, Hopewell, West Windsor Fire and Emergency Services and others were sent to the scene. Princeton First Aid Squad and West Windsor Emergency Services stood by for EMS services. Princeton was covered by Lawrenceville and Pennington Fire Departments.
By 3:30 p.m. most of the fire was knocked down but there was extensive overhaul to be done.
There were no injuries reported and five occupants were displaced.
The fire is under investigation by the Princeton Fire Marshal. No further information is available at this time. Check back for further information and updates.
Photos by: Dutch J Greensweight, NJ Public Safety News Alerts 
December 7, 2021
FLORENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ (BURLINGTON)—Police say that last night December 6, 2021, around 5:50 p.m. police, fire and EMS responded to a house fire at 120 Coachmans Drive. Upon their arrival they observed fire through second floor roof. The 73-year-old resident Linda Jensen was found deceased as firefighters were extinguishing the fire. The fire is currently being investigated by the Florence Township Fire Marshal’s Office, the Florence Township Police Department’s Fire Investigation Team, the Burlington County Fire Marshal’s Office, New Jersey State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office. Police say that the fire does not appear to be suspicious. The fire is still under investigation to find the cause and origin.
December 8, 2021
LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–On Wednesday December 8, 2021, at approximately 0830hrs, the administration at Lawrence High School was informed that a student was possibly in possession of a weapon. They, along with Lawrence Township Police Department School Resource Officer Steven Austin located the student and recovered a loaded handgun. The student was immediately taken into custody without incident.
The Lawrence Township Police Department in conjunction with the Lawrence High School administration, Mercer County Prosecutors Office and Mercer County Sheriffs Department began conducting a detailed investigation. At this time, the school was placed in lockdown and a K-9 sniff of all student’s book bags was conducted. No other weapons were located during this investigation. The exterior of the school and the surrounding area were also searched by officers which yielded negative results.
The student who was taken into custody is being charged with the following offenses:
• Possession of a Weapon
• Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purposes
• Possession of a firearm on school grounds
• Possession of a defaced firearm
All other questions can be directed to Chief Brian Caloiaro at (609)844-7101 or PIO Lt. Christopher Longo at (609)844-7128
The scene at Lawrence Township High School this morning.
Photos by Brian McCarthy, OnScene News
This morning’s MidJersey.News story:
DEVELOPING: Lawrence High School Locked Down When Weapon Brought to School
December 22, 2021
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–A vehicle ran under a tractor trailer at the intersection of Route 130 and Fresh Ponds Road this evening. There were reported injuries in the collision. More details to follow as they become available. South Brunswick Police Department is investigating the crash.
December 3, 2021
TRENTON, N.J. – A Monmouth County, New Jersey, man today admitted distributing cocaine in Monmouth County and conspiring to illegally sell firearms, including multiple handguns and a semi-automatic rifle, in and around Monmouth and Ocean counties, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Enrique Quijada, 24, aka “El Enano 13,” aka “Kike,” of Freehold, New Jersey, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Anne E. Thompson to a superseding information charging him with one count of conspiracy to engage in firearms trafficking, one count of possession of a firearm by an alien unlawfully present in the United States, and one count of distribution of cocaine.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From May 2020 through September 2020, Manuel Espinosa-Ozoria, Waldin Espinosa-Ozoria, Enrique Quijada, Javier Rodriguez-Valpais, and Jacquelyn DeJesus were members of a gun trafficking conspiracy that spanned from Florida to New Jersey. DeJesus allegedly assisted Manuel Espinosa-Ozoria – the alleged leader of the conspiracy – by acting as a “straw purchaser” of firearms in Florida. Manuel Espinosa-Ozoria and DeJesus then transported the firearms from Florida to Monmouth County, where members of the conspiracy, including Quijada, sold the firearms to individuals working at the direction and supervision of the FBI. Rodriguez-Valpais sold a .223 caliber semi-automatic rifle to Quijada, who in turn sold the rifle to an individual working at the direction and supervision of the FBI. In addition to gun trafficking, Quijada admitted selling cocaine to an individual working at the direction and supervision of the FBI.
Three other members of the gun trafficking conspiracy – Javier Rodriguez-Valpais, Waldin Espinosa-Ozoria, and Jacquelyn DeJesus – previously have pleaded guilty in connection with this case. The charges against Manuel Espinosa-Ozoria remain pending.
The count of conspiracy to engage in firearms trafficking carries a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The count of possession of a firearm by an alien unlawfully present in the United States carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The court of distribution of cocaine carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and $1 million fine. Quijada’s sentencing is scheduled for April 5, 2022.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, Newark Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr., with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. She also thanked the FBI Tampa Division, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark and Tampa Field Divisions, and the Freehold Borough, New Jersey, police department for their assistance in the investigation.
In July 2021 the U.S. Department of Justice launched five cross-jurisdictional strike forces to help reduce gun violence by disrupting illegal firearms trafficking in key regions across the country. Leveraging existing resources, the regional strike forces will better ensure sustained and focused coordination across jurisdictions and help stem the supply of illegally trafficked firearms from source cities, through other communities, and into five key market regions: New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area/Sacramento Region and Washington, D.C. According to gun trace data, a significant number of firearms recovered in the New York/northern New Jersey area originate from outside the area. The new strike force will help ensure sustained and focused coordination between law enforcement and prosecutors in the New York/northern New Jersey area with their counterparts in those other locations.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ian D. Brater of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton.
For the defendant whose charges remain pending, the charges and allegations are merely accusations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
21-556
Defense counsel: S. Emile Lisboa IV Esq., Hackensack, New Jersey
Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com
December 19, 2021
LAKEWOOD, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on December 19, 2021, Tyshaun Drummond, 39, of Toms River, was charged with two counts of Murder in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3a (1), in connection with the deaths of Nicholas Hardy, 36, of Toms River, and Sergio Chavez-Perez, 32, of Lakewood, in the early morning hours of December 19, 2021, in Lakewood Township. Drummond was also charged with Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4a (1), Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5b (1), and Burglary in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:18-2b (1).
On December 19, 2021, at approximately 7:20 a.m., Officers from the Lakewood Township Police Department were summoned to an apartment complex on River Avenue for a report of shots having been fired. Police Dispatch was able to supply the Officers with a description of the suspect who fired the shots. Responding Officers located an individual matching the description – later identified as Drummond – in front of the apartment complex. Officers ordered Drummond to lay on the ground; when Drummond refused to comply, he was subdued by way of a department-issued Conducted Energy Device (CED).
Upon entering the apartment building, Officers discovered the deceased bodies of Nicholas Hardy and Sergio Chavez-Perez; both men were observed to have been shot in the head. An 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, identified Drummond as the individual responsible for the victims’ deaths.
Drummond is currently in custody at a nearby hospital. Prosecutor Billhimer wishes to stress that this remains an active and ongoing investigation.
“The deaths of these two men are senseless and tragic. The responding Lakewood Township Police Officers should be commended for their bravery and their use of less than lethal force in taking Drummond into custody. They prevented a bad situation from getting worse,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of all of the men and women from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Lakewood Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their cooperative efforts in connection with this investigation resulting in Drummond’s swift apprehension.
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).
Tyshaun Drummond, 39, of Toms River Tyshaun Drummond, 39, of Toms River, was charged with two counts of Murder in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3a (1), in connection with the deaths of Nicholas Hardy, 36, of Toms River, and Sergio Chavez-Perez, 32, of Lakewood, in the early morning hours of December 19, 2021, in Lakewood Township. Drummond was also charged with Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4a (1), Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5b (1), and Burglary in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:18-2b (1).
Double Homicide Being Investigated in Lakewood