August 28, 2024
NEWARK, DE — Newark Delaware Police reported that On August 27, 2024, at about 11:53 p.m., a University of Delaware police officer attempted to stop a motorcycle for the commission of a traffic offense. The attempted stop occurred on East Main Street just west of South Chapel Street. The motorcycle disregarded the police officer’s emergency lights and fled at a high rate of speed westbound on East Main Street. The University of Delaware police officer did not engage in a pursuit with the motorcycle and extinguished his emergency lights when the motorcycle fled at a high rate of speed.
The motorcycle continued westbound on East Main Street at a high rate of speed and struck a pedestrian in a crosswalk on West Main Street, just west of North College Avenue. This crash occurred within one minute of the attempt to stop the motorcycle. The motorcyclist came off of the motorcycle as a result of the crash. The motorcycle continued onto the sidewalk on the north side of West Main Street and struck four pedestrians on the sidewalk, along with a light pole.
Bystanders attempted lifesaving measures on the pedestrian in the crosswalk, however they were unsuccessful. The crosswalk pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene. The identity of the victim, an 18 year-old female from New Jersey, is being withheld pending notification of next-of-kin.
Three of the pedestrians on the sidewalk suffered minor injuries for which they refused transportation to a hospital. One of the sidewalk pedestrians suffered injuries not believed to be life-threatening and was transported to an area hospital for treatment.
The motorcycle rider also suffered injuries not believed to be life-threatening and was transported to an area hospital for treatment.
The motorcycle rider has not been charged with any offenses at this time while the case remains under investigation.
The Newark Police Department was assisted at the scene by the University of Delaware Police Department, Aetna Hose Hook and Ladder Company of Newark, University of Delaware Emergency Care Unit and New Castle County EMS paramedics.
The roadway was closed for about four hours while the scene was investigated and the pole and wires were cleared by the City of Newark Electric Department.
This crash remains under investigation by the Newark Police Department Traffic Unit. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact M/Cpl W. Aston at (302) 366-7100 x. 3414 or [email protected]. Additional methods for providing information to Newark Police can be found on our tips page, where reward information may also be available.
Victims of crime in Newark may contact our Victim Services Coordinator, Ms. Melissa Pennachi, at (302) 366-7100 x. 3137 or [email protected]. Our Victim Services Coordinator is available to provide resources to victims of crime and assist them through the investigation and prosecution process.
August 28, 2024
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Acting Mercer County Prosecutor Theresa L. Hilton 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 Pennsylvania man for the shooting death of Amir Williams.
Rashawn Ford, 37, of Morrisville, Pa., is charged with one count of first-degree murder, one count of first-degree attempted murder, two counts of aggravated assault, and multiple weapons offenses including certain persons not to possess a firearm. He was arrested Wednesday morning, August 28, in Bensalem, Pa., by the U.S. Marshals New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force. The prosecutor’s office will file a motion to detain Ford pending trial.
At approximately 11:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 4, 2024, Trenton Police responded to the 800 block of Stuyvesant Avenue on a shooting in progress. Responding officers arrived on scene to discover an adult male on the ground suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the torso. The victim was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center where a short time later he was pronounced dead. The victim was identified as Amir Williams, 32, of Trenton. During the investigation, a second victim, an adult female, arrived at the hospital with a gunshot wound to the right hip area.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact MCHTF Detective Elijah Phillips at (609) 414-2006 or Sgt. Roberto Reyes at (609) 256-0997. 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.
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
August 27, 2024
TRENTON, N.J. – A Mercer County, New Jersey, couple today admitted their roles in a conspiracy to prepare and submit fraudulent asylum applications, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Zuwairul Ameer, aka “Zuwairul Thowfeek,” 61, and Claudette Ameer, aka “Claudette Pieries,” 63, both of Lawrence Township, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Michael Shipp in Trenton federal court to count one of an indictment charging them with one count of conspiracy to commit immigration fraud.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Applicants for asylum in the United States must show that they have suffered persecution in their country of origin on account of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group, or have a well-founded fear of persecution if they were to return to that country. The process requires an application that is reviewed by an asylum officer with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), who makes an initial determination whether to grant asylum. If the application has been prepared by someone other than the applicant, the preparer must disclose his or her name and address and must sign the application.
Since at least 2007, Zuwairul Ameer has been in the business of preparing fraudulent asylum application on behalf of his non-citizen clients. Claudette Ameer has managed that business, acting as the primary point of contact for clients, arranging meetings, and mailing completed applications to USCIS. With Claudette Ameer’s assistance, Zuwairul Ameer met with clients, listened to their stories of mistreatment in their countries of origin, and drafted applications on their behalf that were fraudulent because they: exaggerated the stories of mistreatment; falsely omitted Zuwairul Ameer’s name as the preparer; or both.
The conspiracy charge to which the Ameers have pleaded guilty is punishable by a maximum of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest. Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 25, 2025.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, New York Field Office, under the direction of under the direction of Assistant Director in Charge James Smith, and immigration officers with of the USCIS Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate at the New York Asylum Office, under the direction of Director Mathew Varghese, with the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron L. Webman of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.
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Defense counsel:Zuwairul Ameer: Mark G. Davis Esq., Hamilton, New Jersey
Claudette Ameer: Michael R. Rosas Esq., East Brunswick, New Jersey
Photo by EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA on Pexels.com
August 27, 2024
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Trenton Police say that on Friday, August 23, 2024, at approximately 11:50 p.m., Trenton Police Patrol Bureau officers were detailed to Route 1 South bound near the Perry Street exit for a motor vehicle crash. Upon arrival they discovered that the 19-year-old driver of a 2007 Yamaha YZF motorcycle was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center with serious injuries. The driver of a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, a Trenton resident in his 60’s, stated his vehicle was struck by the motorcycle as he was driving south bound on Route 1. The Malibu had obvious damage to the passenger side rear quarter panel. The right lane and shoulder of Route 1 South was closed down. The motorcycle driver was in critical condition and required immediate surgery. Trenton Police Department Fatal Crash Unit Detective Joseph D’Ambrosio was contacted to investigate. The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Serious Collision Response Team was also contacted and responded to assist with this investigation. Witnesses indicated the motorcycle was traveling at a high rate of speed. The motorcycle driver, a resident of Vineland, suffered multiple external and internal injuries including a jaw that was fractured and nearly dislocated, a collapsed lung, and numerous broken bones. He is still intubated and in critical but stable condition.
On Saturday, August 24, 2024, at approximately 6:59 p.m., Trenton Police Communications received several calls reporting an unresponsive female in front of 603 Cass Street near McDonald’s. Reports indicated the female was involved in a motorcycle crash. Officers arrived, located the female, a 33-year-old Trenton resident, on the ground, unresponsive, and bleeding heavily from her face. The victim was immediately transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center for treatment. Officers located a male, a 41-year-old Trenton resident who was operating an unregistered Taizhou Qianxin electric motorcycle. The male indicated a vehicle cut him off, against the red light, as he was crossing Cass Street at Route 129. This sudden stop caused him to lose control of the motorcycle, throwing the victim onto the street.
Trenton Police Department Fatal Crash Unit Detective Joseph D’Ambrosio was contacted to investigate. The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Serious Collision Response Team was also contacted and responded to assist with this investigation. The investigation has determined that several motorcycles were driving on Cass Street at the time, crossing Route 129, when the light appears to change. The driver of the motorcycle continued to attempt to cross Route 129, and had to stop suddenly between vehicles lawfully turning onto Cass Street. The motorcycle skidded out of control and the passenger’s body struck the ground with enough force to cause a facial fracture and minor brain bleed. The victim is in stable condition.
August 26, 2024
WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)—West Windsor Police Department reported that an 18-year-old male from West Windsor has died on August 24, 2024, from injuries sustained in a serious motor vehicle crash on August 20, 2024.
Police say that on August 20, 2024 at 3:49 a.m. the West Windsor Police Department received reports of a serious motor vehicle crash on Lanwin Boulevard in the area of Providence Drive. Upon arrival police officers rendered aid to occupants of a 2024 Tesla Model Y. The vehicle had left the roadway and impacted a tree which caused significant intrusion into the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Both occupants were entrapped inside the vehicle and West Windsor Emergency Services, West Windsor Fire Company and Princeton Junction Fire Department worked to extricate the occupants of the Tesla. Robbinsville EMS, East Windsor EMS and Capital Health Paramedics also responded to the scene to treat and transport the injured to a local medical center.
At the time police reported that both occupants of the Tesla received life threatening injuries and were transported to the Trauma Center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton. Police have now reported that the 18-year-old passenger of the Tesla, Daniel P. Haas succumbed to his injuries four days after the crash. The driver of the Tesla, whose name is not being released at this time, remains in serious condition, according to police.
Police say that the initial investigation at the scene revealed the following, the 2024 Tesla Model Y was traveling in the north bound lane of Lanwin Boulevard when for unknown reasons, left the roadway and impacted a tree just past the intersection of Providence Drive and came to its final resting place.
Lanwin Boulevard was closed for approximately six hours during the investigation. The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Serious Collision Response Team (MCPO SCRT) responded to the scene to assist with the ongoing investigation. If anyone has any pertinent information to share about this collision, please contact Traffic Officer E. McQuade #97 at (609) 799-1222, the West Windsor Police Anonymous Tipline at (609) 799-0452, or [email protected].
Notre Dame High School posted on Facebook: Our school has suffered a great loss with the passing of our beloved Danny Haas ’24. Danny was an exceptional student who significantly impacted our community. He was actively involved in Campus Ministry, Catholic Athletes for Christ, student government, and played football and lacrosse. We will all deeply miss his vibrant spirit, dedication, and contagious smile. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers. Once arrangements have been made we will share that information.
August 26, 2024
LONG BEACH ISLAND – HARVEY CEDARS, NJ (OCEAN)–The New Jersey State Police reported that on August 25, 2024, at approximately 4:30 p.m., troopers responded to a vessel incident in the waters off Sunset Park in Harvey Cedars Boro, Ocean County. Based on a preliminary investigation, a female boater was on a raft being pulled by a boat. While attempting to board the vessel, she was struck by the vessel’s propeller. As a result of the impact, the victim, Zeina Mahafzah, 18-year-old female from Wayne, NJ, sustained fatal injuries. The incident remains under investigation, and no additional information is available at this time.
August 24, 2024
TRENTON, NJ (Mercer County) – City firefighters responded to a two-alarm blaze involving three rowhouses in the Chambersburg neighborhood Saturday morning (Aug. 24, 2024).
The blaze, which was reported about 10:25 a.m., appeared to have originated in the vacant, boarded-up home at 259 Elmer Street and spread to the homes on either side (257 and 261 Elmer Street). Engines 3, 7 and 10, Ladder 2 and Rescue 1 were initially dispatched, but then Engine 1, Ladder 4 and Special Services 1 were added as the balance of the full first alarm after first-due companies reported a column of smoke visible in the morning sky as they responded in.
Multiple hoselines were put in services to attack the fire. Firefighters had not been on scene for long when they received a report from a bystander that a family might be trapped inside one of the homes. That prompted the incident commander, Battalion Chief John Soganic, to transmit a second alarm for additional manpower to help with searches. Engine 6 and Ladder 1 were dispatched on that second alarm.
Fortunately, no victims were located after primary and secondary searches of all three structures were completed. The blaze was officially declared under control at 11:09 a.m. The cause of the fire – which was so intense that it reportedly burned holes through the floor on both the first and second floors of 259 Elmer Street – is currently under investigation by fire marshals and law enforcement officials.
Trenton EMS, Capital Health paramedics, the Signal 22 canteen unit and city police were among the other emergency personnel on the scene.
August 24, 2024
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.
August 23, 2024
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Police say that on August 21, 2024 at approximately 4:10 p.m., a 2002 Chrysler Town & Country mini-van, driven by Charles Cavallo, a 72-year-old male from Trenton NJ was traveling westbound on Hamilton Ave near the intersection with Donald Drive. At that time, Mohamed Ahmed, a 63-year-old male from Hamilton NJ was walking his dog on the westbound side of Hamilton Ave. The preliminary investigation appears to indicate Mr. Ahmed attempted to cross Hamilton Ave by walking southbound from a mid-block location. While Mr. Ahmed was positioned in the westbound lane, he was impacted by the mini-van. Mr. Ahmed was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center via ambulance where he was declared deceased. The dog was not injured in the crash.
Based upon the initial investigation and evidence from the scene, it appears traffic on Hamilton Ave had the green light at the intersection with Donald Drive. The nearby crosswalk was not utilized by the pedestrian and the speed of the mini- van does not appear to be a contributing factor. The investigation is on-going.
Assistance at the scene was provided by the Hamilton Township Fire Division.
The crash is being investigated by Officer C. Clugsten of the Hamilton Police Traffic Unit. Any witnesses are asked to contact the Hamilton Police Traffic Unit at (609) 581-4000.
August 21, 2024
DELRAN, NJ (CAMDEN) — Delran Township Police say that Bobbyjean Orak, 29, from Hamilton, NJ was criminally charged with two counts of robbery and theft for two robberies that occurred at the 7-11 convenience store located at 3111 Bridgeboro Road Delran. The first robbery occurred on July 24, 2024 and the second robbery at the 7-11 store occurred on August 19, 2024. Orak was charged with two second-degree robbery charges and two counts of theft. Orak is currently incarcerated at the Camden County jail on unrelated charges in Camden County.
Bobbyjean Orak, 29, from Hamilton, NJ was criminally charged with two counts of robbery and theft for two robberies that occurred at the 7-11 convenience store located at 3111 Bridgeboro Road Delran.
August 21, 2024
EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–In a significant move to revitalize a long-vacant and underutilized commercial area, the Ewing Township Council has recently adopted a redevelopment plan for the Lexington, Parkway, and Olden Avenue Redevelopment Area. This decision follows the planning board’s confirmation that the plan aligns with the township’s master plan, and the formal adoption took place at the Aug. 13 meeting of the Township Council.
The newly adopted plan designates approximately 6 acres at the Lexington, Parkway, and Olden Crossroads as an “Area in Need of Redevelopment” and an “Area in Need of Rehabilitation” under New Jersey Land Use regulations. This initiative underscores Ewing’s commitment to fostering sustainable growth, enhancing public safety, and promoting economic prosperity.
“The designation of the Lexington, Parkway & Olden area as redevelopment and rehabilitation zones is something we’ve been working toward for quite a while,” said Mayor Bert H. Steinmann. “This initiative demonstrates our commitment to revitalizing underutilized spaces, fostering economic growth, and creating a more livable community for all residents.”
Key Objectives of the Redevelopment Plan
Long-Term Investment: The redevelopment and rehabilitation designations highlight the commitment to strategic investments that yield long-term benefits, ensuring the area’s vibrancy for future generations.
Enhancing Attractiveness: Through thoughtful planning and design, and with the guidance of the Ewing Township Redevelopment Agency, the plan aims to improve the visual appeal of the area, making it more inviting for residents and visitors.
Improving Safety: Prioritizing pedestrian safety and creating safe pathways for school children and residents will be central to the redevelopment effort, ensuring a secure environment for all.
Promoting Economic Sustainability: The township aims to attract new businesses and revitalize existing commercial properties, creating a sustainable economic system that generates employment opportunities and enhances the tax base.
August 21, 2024
NEWARK, N.J. – A Middlesex County, New Jersey, man was charged with producing and possessing photos depicting child sexual abuse, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Anthony Lagotta Jr., 54, of Plainsboro, New Jersey, is charged by complaint with one count each of production and possession of child pornography. He had his initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stacey D. Adams in Newark federal court and was detained.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Approximately 15 years ago, Lagotta sexually assaulted two minor victims and took photos depicting that abuse. In July 2022, Lagotta uploaded approximately 30 of those images to a child pornography website hosted on the darknet. During a search of Lagotta’s residence on Aug. 19, 2024, authorities discovered on Lagotta’s computer approximately 700 images depicting sexual abuse of one of those two minor victims, including some of the same images that Lagotta had previously posted on the darknet forum.
The charge of production of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum potential penalty of 30 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The charge of possession of child pornography carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited FBI Newark’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark, with the investigation leading to the charges. U.S. Attorney Sellinger also thanked the Plainsboro Police Department and the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/psc.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariel Douek of the General Crimes Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Defense counsel: Candace Hom Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Newark
Lagotta.ComplaintDownload 
August 21, 2024
HIGHTSTOWN, NJ (MERCER)–Habitat for Humanity of South Central New Jersey (Habitat SCNJ) announced the dedication of two newly constructed homes in Hightstown, on August 15, 2024. These homes mark a significant milestone for two local families and the community, symbolizing hope, resilience, and the power of partnership.
The completion of these homes was made possible through the generous support and collaboration of many organizations. These homes were part of Habitat SCNJ’s first-ever Unity Build, held at First Presbyterian Church of Hamilton Square. During this event, volunteers from various houses of worship and the community came together to build the walls for these homes entirely by hand, using just hammers and nails. This hands-on effort not only embodied the spirit of unity but also laid the foundation for these homes in a truly meaningful way. Pastor Kyle Doebler from the church performed a house blessing, further symbolizing the community’s collective commitment to this project.
Additional foundational support for the homes comes from the First Presbyterian Church of Plainsboro, whose congregation made a substantial donation, ensuring that this project could move forward. The Carpenters Union generously donated their time and expertise to frame the homes, while volunteers from Bloomberg contributed their efforts on the build site. The Women Build teams from Freedom Mortgage and Cenlar also played a crucial role in the construction process. Hightstown Township also provided financial support, reflecting the broader community’s dedication to affordable housing.
The homes, sold to low- and moderate-income families, reflect Habitat SCNJ’s ongoing commitment to creating affordable housing opportunities. These families have invested hundreds of hours of sweat equity, working on the construction site, engaging with their community, and participating in homeowner preparation and financial education classes. The duplex homes are two stories, equipped with energy-efficient appliances, and are located adjacent to other Habitat families, fostering a vibrant and diverse community.
Meet the Homeowners:
Plaza-Guaraca Family
Aida Plaza-Guaraca, along with her young son and mother, are eagerly anticipating moving into their new home. Currently living in a cramped two-bedroom apartment, Aida has worked tirelessly as a single parent to provide for her family. As an Administrative Analyst for the New Jersey Department of the Treasury, Aida has balanced her career with caring for her son and supporting her mother, who works part-time cleaning offices.
Aida discovered Habitat for Humanity while at work, where a flyer about the homes in Hightstown caught her eye. “Last year, while at work, I was walking towards the kitchen and a flyer caught my attention, and it was the Habitat flyer about the three houses in Hightstown. I went online, looked over the website, called, and now we are here,” Aida recalls. The family is excited to start this new chapter in their lives, achieving what Aida describes as her “American dream.”
Staple Family
Shala Staple and her adolescent daughters are looking forward to the stability and space that their new home will provide. After spending 14 years in an apartment with persistent issues like water damage and mold, Shala has long dreamed of owning a home. Her oldest daughter currently sleeps in the living room due to a lack of space.
Shala first learned about Habitat for Humanity eight years ago through a commercial and word of mouth from a friend who completed the program in another county. She has been working diligently toward her goal, balancing her job as a Discharge Planning Assistant at a hospital with her studies for a Master of Social Work (MSW) at Rutgers University. For Shala, this home represents the culmination of years of hard work and dedication to providing a better life for her family.
Photos and story of the event provided by: Habitat for Humanity of South-Central New Jersey
August 19, 2024
WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–West Windsor Police Department reported that on Monday, August 19, 2024 at 4:28 p,m., the 9-1-1 Communications Center received a call from a father of a resident that smoke and flames were emanating from the garage area of his son’s neighbor’s home in the Charter Club Development. West Windsor Police Officers, as well as Fire and Emergency Services units were detailed to the scene. The fire was extinguished in approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
Fire Departments, EMS and other services that responded to the scene were: West Windsor Emergency Services, West Windsor Volunteer Fire Company Station #43, Princeton Junction Volunteer Fire Company Station #44, Plainsboro Fire Company #49, Princeton EMS & Rescue #168, Princeton Fire Company Station #60, East Windsor Fire Company #42, Hamilton Fire Department, Lawrence Fire Rescue #22, Cranbury Fire Department, Hightstown Engine Company #1, Robbinsville Fire Department Station #40, Hamilton EMS and Hightstown EMS. West Windsor Construction Office.
West Windsor Police, Sgt. W. Jones, Det. D. Fiore, & Det. P. Buchanan had arrived on scene to continue the joint investigation with the West Windsor Fire Investigator Captain J. Bain. Preliminary fiindings were that the fire started in the driveway area where there were mulitple rolls of carpet that were located in close proximity to the garage of the residence. The fire is not considered suspicious at this time, and the source is pending further investigation.
The residence sustained significant damage to the garage area of the home. No injuries were reported at the scene.
August 18, 2024
BARNEGAT LIGHT, NJ (OCEAN)–Barnegat Light Volunteer Fire Company #1 reported they were dispatched to the South Jetty along with Barnegat Light First Aid Squad and U.S. Coast Guard Station Barnegat Light for two adult males stuck on the Jetty. The fire company had two jetskis in the water and one of the rescuers swam over to the rocks and assisted two males up the jetty marker light tower. A United States Coast Guard helicopter lowered a rescue swimmer down to the males in distress. The two were evacuated to shore line. One of the two men suffered minor injuries. The fire company reported that great inter-agency work resulting in a successful rescue.
Update from U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City:
Yesterday evening (Sunday, August 19th 2024) at 6:11 p.m. EST a good Samaritan reported seeing two persons in distress on the South Jetty of Barnegat Inlet. Coast Guard Station Barnegat Light launched a 47’ Motor Life Boat (MLB) to quickly respond, but once on-scene determined that the sea state was too large to get close enough to the jetty to retrieve the distressed persons.
As a result, a rescue swimmer was deployed from the 47’ MLB and was able to assist the persons to safety at the top of the jetty tower while they waited to be rescued by an MH-65E Dolphin helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City.
Barnegat Volunteer Fire Company additionally responded to the scene via jet skis and were able to get an EMT on the jetty to wait with the distressed persons and provide them lifejackets until the helicopter arrived on-scene.
The helicopter arrived on-scene at 7:08 PM and both persons were hoisted into the helicopter and transferred to Atlantic Ocean Beachfront to receive further medical care from EMS.
No medical concerns were reported.
“This case exemplifies the solid teamwork and training between our respective crews and inter-agency partners. We are grateful that the out come of this case was a positive one.” – LT Tim Early, U.S. Coast Guard MH-65E Aircraft Commander for the case.
Photo: U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City
Photos from the Barnegat Light Volunteer Fire Company #1 Facebook Page.
Photos from the Barnegat Light Volunteer Fire Company #1 Facebook Page.