News

February 19, 2020

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–The Robbinsville boys basketball team defeated West Windsor Plainsboro North with a final score of 59-44 in their Mercer County Tournament game tonight.

Photo gallery:

HIGHTSTOWN, NJ (MERCER)–The Allentown Redbird wrestling team fell to the Highstown Rams with a final score of 21-52 tonight.

It was Hightstown’s Senior Night and the Rams locked up the Colonial Division Title at the last home meet of the season. The next match ups for most local teams will be at Robbinsville High School this Saturday for the Mercer County Wrestling Tournament.

Team Score Allentown 21 Hightstown 52

126lbs.  Allentown Kolin O’grady 3, Hightstown Gio Morina 6 (w )

132lbs.  Allentown Joey Lamparelli (Pin 2:18), Hightstown Anthony Orlando

138lbs.  Allentown Jack McDonough, Hightstown Kether Thornton (Pin 0:37)

145lbs.  Allentown Parker Schloss 6, Hightstown Elijah Rodriguez 17 (w )

152lbs.  Allentown Matt Paglia 6 (w ), Hightstown Alex Stavrov 3

160lbs.  Allentown Doug Fusco 7, Hightstown Robert Doss 14 (w )

170lbs.  Allentown Nick Golden (Pin 0:57), Hightstown Nico Leaver

182lbs.  Allentown Paskal Miga (Pin 4:22), Hightstown Juan Cobos

195lbs.  Allentown Walter Diebel (Pin 4:49), Hightstown Chris Stavrov

220lbs.  Allentown Dan Schweitzer, Hightstown Brenden Hansch (Pin 1:34)

Heavy weight Allentown Jake VanDenBogart (Pin 1:16), Hightstown Bryan Bonilla

106lbs. Allentown FFT, Hightstown Robert Fattore

113lbs.  Allentown Vinny Grassullo, Hightstown Sean Baur (Pin 2:45)

120lbs.  Allentown Vinny Datello, Hightstown Joe Obst (Pin 1:27)

126lbs.  Allentown Kolin O’grady 3, Hightstown Gio Morina 6

126lbs.  Allentown Kolin O’grady 3, Hightstown Gio Morina 6

126lbs.  Allentown Kolin O’grady 3, Hightstown Gio Morina 6

126lbs.  Allentown Kolin O’grady 3, Hightstown Gio Morina 6

132lbs.  Allentown Joey Lamparelli (Pin 2:18), Hightstown Anthony Orlando

132lbs.  Allentown Joey Lamparelli (Pin 2:18), Hightstown Anthony Orlando

138lbs.  Allentown Jack McDonough, Hightstown Kether Thornton (Pin 0:37)

138lbs.  Allentown Jack McDonough, Hightstown Kether Thornton (Pin 0:37)

145lbs.  Allentown Parker Schloss 6, Hightstown Elijah Rodriguez 17

145lbs.  Allentown Parker Schloss 6, Hightstown Elijah Rodriguez 17

145lbs.  Allentown Parker Schloss 6, Hightstown Elijah Rodriguez 17

145lbs.  Allentown Parker Schloss 6, Hightstown Elijah Rodriguez 17

145lbs.  Allentown Parker Schloss 6, Hightstown Elijah Rodriguez 17

152lbs.  Allentown Matt Paglia 6 (w), Hightstown Alex Stavrov 3

152lbs.  Allentown Matt Paglia 6 (w), Hightstown Alex Stavrov 3

152lbs.  Allentown Matt Paglia 6 (w), Hightstown Alex Stavrov 3

160lbs.  Allentown Doug Fusco 7, Hightstown Robert Doss 14

160lbs.  Allentown Doug Fusco 7, Hightstown Robert Doss 14

160lbs.  Allentown Doug Fusco 7, Hightstown Robert Doss 14

160lbs.  Allentown Doug Fusco 7, Hightstown Robert Doss 14

170lbs.  Allentown Nick Golden (Pin 0:57), Hightstown Nico Leaver

170lbs.  Allentown Nick Golden (Pin 0:57), Hightstown Nico Leaver

170lbs.  Allentown Nick Golden (Pin 0:57), Hightstown Nico Leaver

170lbs.  Allentown Nick Golden (Pin 0:57), Hightstown Nico Leaver

182lbs.  Allentown Paskal Miga (Pin 4:22), Hightstown Juan Cobos

182lbs.  Allentown Paskal Miga (Pin 4:22), Hightstown Juan Cobos

182lbs.  Allentown Paskal Miga (Pin 4:22), Hightstown Juan Cobos

182lbs.  Allentown Paskal Miga (Pin 4:22), Hightstown Juan Cobos

182lbs.  Allentown Paskal Miga (Pin 4:22), Hightstown Juan Cobos

220lbs.  Allentown Dan Schweitzer, Hightstown Brenden Hansch (Pin 1:34)

220lbs.  Allentown Dan Schweitzer, Hightstown Brenden Hansch (Pin 1:34)

Heavy weight Allentown Jake VanDenBogart (Pin 1:16), Hightstown Bryan Bonilla

Heavy weight Allentown Jake VanDenBogart (Pin 1:16), Hightstown Bryan Bonilla

Heavy weight Allentown Jake VanDenBogart (Pin 1:16), Hightstown Bryan Bonilla

113lbs.  Allentown Vinny Grassullo, Hightstown Sean Baur (Pin 2:45)

113lbs.  Allentown Vinny Grassullo, Hightstown Sean Baur (Pin 2:45)

113lbs.  Allentown Vinny Grassullo, Hightstown Sean Baur (Pin 2:45)

113lbs.  Allentown Vinny Grassullo, Hightstown Sean Baur (Pin 2:45)

120lbs.  Allentown Vinny Datello, Hightstown Joe Obst (Pin 1:27)

120lbs.  Allentown Vinny Datello, Hightstown Joe Obst (Pin 1:27)

February 19, 2020

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Narcotics Task Force concluded a month-long investigation on Tuesday with the seizure of more than $8,000 in drugs, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported.

Onofri stated that, on Monday evening, February 18, 2020, detectives with the MCNTF executed a search warrant at a residence in the 100 block of Genesee Street utilized by the target of the investigation, Juan Marrero.  After numerous attempts to gain entry to the residence made difficult by a fortified entrance, detectives secured the house.  Mercer County Prosecutor’s Sergeant Joe Angarone utilized his K9 partner Bela to conduct a narcotics search.  During the search, detectives located 40 grams of cocaine, 21 bags of heroin, 20 oxycodone pills, six milligrams of promethazine, a .45 caliber handgun, a cocaine press and $950 in cash.

Onofri stated that the total amount of cocaine seized has an approximate street value of $4,100.  The heroin, oxycodone and promethazine have approximate street values of $4,000, $600 and $120, respectively.

Marrero, 34, was arrested and charged with first- and second-degree narcotics offenses, possession of a stolen firearm, unlawful possession of a weapon, and unlawful fortification of a structure while manufacturing a controlled dangerous substance.  He is being held at the Mercer County Correction Center pending a detention hearing.

Officers with the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations and the Hamilton Police Division, under the command of the prosecutor’s Special Investigations Unit, assisted with the investigation.

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

January 14, 2020

UPPER FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–

The New Jersey State Police is seeking the public’s assistance with identifying a second suspect wanted in connection to an aggravated assault investigation in Monmouth County.

On Saturday, December 21, 2019 at 2:53 a.m., two men confronted an Uber driver who pulled over to rest on Phillip Court in Upper Freehold Township. An altercation began and one of the suspects began to kick the driver’s vehicle. While the driver was attempting to drive away, one of the suspects threw a hammer at the vehicle and struck the victim in his face. The driver dialed 9-1-1 and drove himself to the hospital where he was treated for facial injuries.

On Monday, January 6, during the course of an ongoing investigation, detectives located and arrested one of the suspects, Colin Roy, 20, of Allentown, N.J.

Roy was charged with aggravated assault resulting in serious bodily injury, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, terroristic threats, criminal mischief, criminal attempt, and harassment. He was lodged at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution pending a bail detention hearing.

The second suspect is described as a white male and is pictured in the composite sketch below, which was done by a trooper from the New Jersey State Police Forensic Photography and Composite Artist Unit.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Hamilton Station Detective Bureau at 609-584-5000 ext. 5286.

Anonymous tips are welcomed.

Roy was charged with aggravated assault resulting in serious bodily injury, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, terroristic threats, criminal mischief, criminal attempt, and harassment. He was lodged at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution pending a bail detention hearing.

NJ State Police are looking for this man.

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

February 14, 2020

Updated to include town in NJ and additional information.

Special thanks to Vail Daily for contributing to this report.

VAIL COLORADO (EAGLE)–According to reports a New Jersey man has died by Chair 37 Skyline Express Lift in the Blue Sky Basin area of Vail’s legendary back bowls. Jason Varnish, 46, of Short Hills, New Jersey, died Thursday on Vail Mountain, coroner Kara Bettis has confirmed.

Update from Vail Daily:

Coroner Kara Bettis said the death has been ruled an accident.

Bettis, in a text, wrote: “We are still investigating how this whole situation happened. According to our initial investigation, the deceased slipped through the seat of the chair lift and his ski coat got caught up in the chair. The coat ended up going up around his head and neck area putting his neck in a position that compromised his airway.”

See Vail Daily for further updates on the investigation

Blue Sky Basin was closed after the incident:

Please also follow this breaking story at Vail Daily for the latest information.

February 25, 2020

By: Dennis Symons, Jr.

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)— On Thursday February 20, 2020 around 7:12 pm. the Robbinsville Township Police Department received a call for two cars broken into at Jersey Strong on Route 130. While responding one of the victims whose car was broken into received information via cell phone application their credit card was used at Rite-Aid on Route 33. Robbinsville Police responded to Rite-Aid to gather evidence as well as check other surrounding stores for the suspect.Robbinsville police quickly checked other stores and found a person matching the description in Walgreens on Route 33 and was noticed gathering gift cards and put them back when police arrived. Police located subject and subject and had in possession credit cards from the broken into vehicles at Jersey Strong.Robbinsville Township Police have charged Paige Leddick, Age 19 from Middle Village, NY with two counts of theft. Patrolwoman Allisoin Ricci was the investigating officer.

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

Theft (two separate vehicles)Date: February 20, 2020Time: 1912Location: Jersey Strong

Reporting Officer: Patrolwoman Allison Ricci

Accused: Paige Leddick Age 19Middle Village NYCharged: 2 Counts of theft

Charged and released pending Court.

February 15, 2020

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–The Hamilton Township Fire Department was on Cedar Lane this morning when they noticed a car crashed into a home in the 800 Block of Cedar Lane across from Berg Avenue just before 11 am this morning. The firefighters checked the home for occupants and helped one get out of their home and summoned the Hamilton Township Fire Department Special Operations Team, Hamilton Township EMS and Police Departments.

The fire department is still on scene at the time of this report shoring up the foundation and front of the home to keep it from collapsing.

PSE&G cut power and gas to the home and Hamilton Township Building Department was en route to evaluate the structure.

Hamilton Township Police are on scene investigating the crash.

Firefighter can be seen in the basement shoring up the structure.

Hamilton Township FD Special Operations

Hamilton Township Police are investigating the cause of the crash.

March 10, 2020

EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–Route 130 and Route 33 closed due to accident investigation. East Windsor and Hightstown Fire Companies on scene and were detailed there approximately 10:30 pm. Police have area closed. No further details are available at this time.

UPDATE: 12:30 am., Vehicles have been removed from the roadway and roadway has reopened.

Updated March 11, 2020 –Press Release from East Windsor Township Police:

March 10, 2020, Route 130 North at Route 33 (Mercer Street), Time 10:24 PM

On Tuesday March 10, 2020, the East Windsor Police responded to a report of a motor vehicle collision on Route 130 north at the intersection of Route 33 (Mercer Street). Upon patrol arrival two vehicles (MV#l) and (MV#2) were found to have been involved in a motor vehicle collision. The preliminary investigation revealed that MV#l was traveling north on Route 130, approaching the intersection of Route 33 (Mercer Street) and collided with MV#2. The driver of MV#l suffered serious injuries and was transported to Helene Fuld Hospital by East Windsor District Volunteer Rescue Squad #1. The driver of MV#2 suffered no injuries. East Windsor District I and II Fire also responded and extinguished MV#l that had caught fire after reaching its final resting place on the southbound side of Route 130, south of Hickory Comer Road. This incident remains under investigation by the East Windsor Township Police Department Traffic Safety Unit.

Operator MV#l: Erica Cintron (Age 30) Voorhees NJ Vehicle #12017 Ford Fusion (Blue)

Operator MV#2 Charles Cyrus (Age 68) Trenton NJ Vehicle #2 2002 Honda Accord (Green)

Responding Agencies:East Windsor Township Police DepartmentEast Windsor Volunteer Fire Company #1East Windsor Volunteer Fire Company #2East Windsor Volunteer Rescue Squad #1

East Windsor Volunteer Rescue Squad #2

Capital Health EMS – Paramedics

Hightstown Volunteer Fire Company

Route 130 and Route 33 Closed due to accident investigation. This is only part of scene another location a few hundred yards north of this location. ADVERTISEMENT: 20% OFF COUPON ON CBD PRODUCTS SAVE $$$ FOLLOW THIS LINK: at Buy CBD Online – CBD Oil, Gummies, Vapes. Use coupon code dennis during checkout. ADVERTISEMENT: 20% OFF COUPON ON CBD PRODUCTS SAVE $$$ FOLLOW THIS LINK: at Buy CBD Online – CBD Oil, Gummies, Vapes. Use coupon code dennis during checkout.

March 5, 2020

WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–At 5:33 pm, March 4, 1010, Police Dispatch advised all available Units that an 29 year old, Autistic adult male had run away from his caregiver in the parking lot of Wegmans.  Further information was relayed via the Communications Center that the adult male had a disagreement with his caregiver and ran away in the direction of the Target store.  K9 Officer Zicha arrived on scene and met with the caregiver who advised him that the victim commonly runs away after an argument, but usually this occurs when they are in Hamilton Township.  Therefore, the male was unfamiliar with the area of Nassau Park (including the surrounding wooded area/waterways with sundown approaching at 5:52 pm).  In addition, the adult male would sometimes not return until the next day.      Multiple units arrived and began a systematic search of the nearby stores and the walking paths in & around the Nassau Park Pavilion.  Traffic Officer/Drone Pilot McQuade deployed his Drone while K9 Officer Zicha & his partner K9 Hodge began a search along the wooded areas surrounding Nassau Park Pavilion including the area of the D&R Canal (*see attached photo, using thermal imaging, of K9 Officer Zicha & K9 Hodge as provided by Drone Pilot McQuade*).              The Communications Center advised Princeton PD and Lawrence Twp. of the unfolding incident and requested they check their areas that abut the Nassau Park border.  As the WWPD continued their arduous store to store search for the missing man, Ptl. Pollini and Ptl. LaForge were advised by staff at Michael’s that there was a subject fitting the description of the individual.  Ptl. LaForge subsequently located the male at the rear of the store.  The male was ultimately reunited with the Program Manager without any further incident.  

     Chief Garofalo wanted to thank our partners at Princeton PD and Lawrence Twp. PD for their assistance.  In addition, Chief Garofalo wanted to praise the actions  of our Communications Center & our Officers who worked together seamlessly and with all of our resources to locate the man.  Chief Garofalo is fully aware how this situation could have easily had a much different and tragic ending.

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Wrestling Tournament was held today at Robbinsville High School. Joey Lamparelli (Allentown) received the 2020 Most Outstanding Wrestler award. (more to follow on Joey). Hopewell Valley High School was first place team.

126 Pounds Drake Torrington (Robbinsville) 26-1, Jr. over Allen Lopez (Hopewell Valley) 19-8, So. (Fall 0:41)

126 Pounds Drake Torrington (Robbinsville) 26-1, Jr. over Allen Lopez (Hopewell Valley) 19-8, So. (Fall 0:41)

126 Pounds Drake Torrington (Robbinsville) 26-1, Jr. over Allen Lopez (Hopewell Valley) 19-8, So. (Fall 0:41)

132 Pounds Kether Thornton (Hightstown) 27-0, Sr. over chris Sockler (Princeton) 19-8, Jr. (Fall 2:57)

132 Pounds Kether Thornton (Hightstown) 27-0, Sr. over chris Sockler (Princeton) 19-8, Jr. (Fall 2:57)

132 Pounds Kether Thornton (Hightstown) 27-0, Sr. over chris Sockler (Princeton) 19-8, Jr. (Fall 2:57)

132 Pounds Kether Thornton (Hightstown) 27-0, Sr. over chris Sockler (Princeton) 19-8, Jr. (Fall 2:57)

132 Pounds Kether Thornton (Hightstown) 27-0, Sr. over chris Sockler (Princeton) 19-8, Jr. (Fall 2:57)

138 Pounds Aaron Munford (Princeton) 24-3, So. over Alejandro Lopez (Hopewell Valley) 16-11, So. (Dec 10-5)

138 Pounds Aaron Munford (Princeton) 24-3, So. over Alejandro Lopez (Hopewell Valley) 16-11, So. (Dec 10-5)

138 Pounds Aaron Munford (Princeton) 24-3, So. over Alejandro Lopez (Hopewell Valley) 16-11, So. (Dec 10-5)

138 Pounds Aaron Munford (Princeton) 24-3, So. over Alejandro Lopez (Hopewell Valley) 16-11, So. (Dec 10-5)

145 Pounds Dominic Riendeau-Krause (Princeton) 19-7, Sr. over Careem Frost (Lawrence) 15-4, Jr. (Fall 3:00)

145 Pounds Dominic Riendeau-Krause (Princeton) 19-7, Sr. over Careem Frost (Lawrence) 15-4, Jr. (Fall 3:00)

145 Pounds Dominic Riendeau-Krause (Princeton) 19-7, Sr. over Careem Frost (Lawrence) 15-4, Jr. (Fall 3:00)

152 Pounds James Romaine (Princeton) 12-3, Jr. over Matt Paglia (Allentown) 28-3, Sr. (Dec 1-0)

152 Pounds James Romaine (Princeton) 12-3, Jr. over Matt Paglia (Allentown) 28-3, Sr. (Dec 1-0)

152 Pounds James Romaine (Princeton) 12-3, Jr. over Matt Paglia (Allentown) 28-3, Sr. (Dec 1-0)

152 Pounds James Romaine (Princeton) 12-3, Jr. over Matt Paglia (Allentown) 28-3, Sr. (Dec 1-0)

152 Pounds James Romaine (Princeton) 12-3, Jr. over Matt Paglia (Allentown) 28-3, Sr. (Dec 1-0)

160 Pounds Nicholas Golden (Allentown) 29-1, Sr. over Alex Stavrou (Hightstown) 23-4, Sr. (MD 10-0)

160 Pounds Nicholas Golden (Allentown) 29-1, Sr. over Alex Stavrou (Hightstown) 23-4, Sr. (MD 10-0)

160 Pounds Nicholas Golden (Allentown) 29-1, Sr. over Alex Stavrou (Hightstown) 23-4, Sr. (MD 10-0)

170 Pounds Ryan Bennett (Hamilton West) 23-2, Sr. over Jake Dallarda (Lawrence) 24-3, Jr. (MD 14-4)

170 Pounds Ryan Bennett (Hamilton West) 23-2, Sr. over Jake Dallarda (Lawrence) 24-3, Jr. (MD 14-4)

170 Pounds Ryan Bennett (Hamilton West) 23-2, Sr. over Jake Dallarda (Lawrence) 24-3, Jr. (MD 14-4)

170 Pounds Ryan Bennett (Hamilton West) 23-2, Sr. over Jake Dallarda (Lawrence) 24-3, Jr. (MD 14-4)

170 Pounds Ryan Bennett (Hamilton West) 23-2, Sr. over Jake Dallarda (Lawrence) 24-3, Jr. (MD 14-4)

182 Pounds Josh Beigman (Hopewell Valley) 24-3, Jr. over Connor Verga (Lawrence) 22-4, Sr. (Dec 8-5)

182 Pounds Josh Beigman (Hopewell Valley) 24-3, Jr. over Connor Verga (Lawrence) 22-4, Sr. (Dec 8-5)

195 Pounds Chris Stavrou (Hightstown) 25-2, So. over Brian LaCross (Hopewell Valley) 20-7, Jr. (Dec 13-8)

195 Pounds Chris Stavrou (Hightstown) 25-2, So. over Brian LaCross (Hopewell Valley) 20-7, Jr. (Dec 13-8)

220 Pounds Bryan Bonilla (Hightstown) 27-0, Jr. over Christian Cacciabaudo (Hopewell Valley) 21-6, Sr. (Dec 5-0)

220 Pounds Bryan Bonilla (Hightstown) 27-0, Jr. over Christian Cacciabaudo (Hopewell Valley) 21-6, Sr. (Dec 5-0)

Heavyweight Brenden Hansen (Hightstown) 25-1, So. over Matthew Moore (West Windsor-Plainsboro North) 18-6, Sr. (Dec 2-0)

Heavyweight Brenden Hansen (Hightstown) 25-1, So. over Matthew Moore (West Windsor-Plainsboro North) 18-6, Sr. (Dec 2-0)

106 Pounds Shailen Savur (Robbinsville) 23-2, Jr. over Robert Fattore (Hightstown) 17-9, Jr. (TF-1.5 3:35 (16-0))

106 Pounds Shailen Savur (Robbinsville) 23-2, Jr. over Robert Fattore (Hightstown) 17-9, Jr. (TF-1.5 3:35 (16-0))

113 Pounds Sudesh Gurung (Nottingham) 17-6, Sr. over Christian Micikas (Hopewell Valley) 19-6, Sr. (Dec 7-4)

113 Pounds Sudesh Gurung (Nottingham) 17-6, Sr. over Christian Micikas (Hopewell Valley) 19-6, Sr. (Dec 7-4)

113 Pounds Sudesh Gurung (Nottingham) 17-6, Sr. over Christian Micikas (Hopewell Valley) 19-6, Sr. (Dec 7-4)

113 Pounds Sudesh Gurung (Nottingham) 17-6, Sr. over Christian Micikas (Hopewell Valley) 19-6, Sr. (Dec 7-4)

120 Pounds Joey Lamparelli (Allentown) 31-0, Sr. over Jacob Venezia (Hopewell Valley) 23-2, Jr. (Dec 8-3)

120 Pounds Joey Lamparelli (Allentown) 31-0, Sr. over Jacob Venezia (Hopewell Valley) 23-2, Jr. (Dec 8-3)

120 Pounds Joey Lamparelli (Allentown) 31-0, Sr. over Jacob Venezia (Hopewell Valley) 23-2, Jr. (Dec 8-3)

120 Pounds Joey Lamparelli (Allentown) 31-0, Sr. over Jacob Venezia (Hopewell Valley) 23-2, Jr. (Dec 8-3)