February 15, 2022
CRANBURY, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Chief Michael J. Owens of the Cranbury Police Department announced today that a Cranbury woman has been charged in connection with a fatal crash, which resulted in the death of a passenger and serious bodily injury to the driver of one of the involved vehicles.
An investigation conducted by Detective Paul Lindenfeld of the Cranbury Police Department and Detective Jonathan Berman of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office determined that, on February 10, 2022, at approximately 4:12 P.M., Lisa Pollitt, 36, of Cranbury intentionally drove her vehicle into oncoming traffic where she struck the victims who were travelling northbound on Route 130. Both women in the impacted vehicle sustained serious bodily injuries and were transported to Robert Wood Johnson Hospital where the passenger, Ann “Nancy” Stewart, 95, of Monroe, remained in critical condition.
On February 12, 2022, Stewart died as a result of her injuries sustained in the crash.
Pollitt was initially arrested and charged with separate counts of second- and third-degree aggravated assault and fourth-degree obstruction. Upon the death of Ms. Stewart, she was charged with one count of first-degree murder. At present, the murder appears to be a random act as Pollitt and the victims were unknown to one another.
Pollitt remains in custody pending a pre-trial detention hearing in Superior Court.
The investigation is active and continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Lindenfeld of the Cranbury Police Department at (609)664-3244 or Detective Berman of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 745-4328.
As is the case with all criminal defendants, the charges against Pollitt are merely accusations and she is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Previous information:
February 11, 2022
CRANBURY, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Chief Michael J. Owens of the Cranbury Police Department announced today that authorities are investigating a two-car crash, which resulted in serious bodily injury to the driver and passenger of one of the involved vehicles.
On February 10, 2022, at approximately 4:12 P.M., authorities responded to the area of Route 130 and Justin Drive following the report of a crash involving multiple vehicles. The initial investigation conducted by Sergeant Douglas Mayer of the Cranbury Police Department and Detective Jonathan Berman of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office determined one driver operated a vehicle, which struck another vehicle occupied by two women as it travelled northbound on Route 130. Both women in that vehicle sustained serious bodily injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital where one, the passenger, remains in critical condition.
The investigation is active and continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Sergeant Mayer of the Cranbury Police Department at (609) 395-0031 ext. 7726 or Detective Berman of the Middlesex County
Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 745-4328.
MidJersey.News file photo
February 15, 2022
EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER) – What can be done in a year? For partners Benebone and Habitat for Humanity, a new affordable home in Ewing that stands complete and ready for a family to purchase is a testament to their efforts over the last year as they worked together to bring the home into existence.
The partnership between Benebone, a leading brand of durable chew toys for dogs, and Habitat for Humanity of South Central New Jersey, a local housing nonprofit, began in 2021 with a simple phone call. The equally passionate teams found their “dogmas” complemented each other perfectly, and together they have embarked on making a family’s homeownership dreams come true.
“We have been blown away by the incredible care and effort Benebone has put into this partnership. They have been involved in every step of the process, from the groundbreaking and modular placement to flying in employees to volunteer on the work site,” says Habitat CEO, Lori Leonard, “Even when construction was delayed due to challenges posed by Covid-19, Benebone stepped up even further by inviting our future homeowner and her children on a holiday shopping trip in December.”
Now, an intimate group of Benebone employees, Habitat BMC staff, volunteers, and supporters will come together in celebrating not only the completion of the project, but also the start of a wonderful new journey for the family.
“At Benebone, we’re dog-obsessed, but also care deeply about making a difference in people’s lives,” says Peter Toolan, founder and CEO of Benebone, “We’re thrilled to partner with Habitat on their mission of access to home ownership. We are inspired by the family’s hard work and dedication and have enjoyed donating sweat equity hours side-by-side with her. Wishing her family a lifetime of happiness!”
The new Habitat Homeowner works as a senior medical security officer. She has been looking for quite some time for a safe and affordable place to call home for her and her two young children. Thanks to the Affordable Homeownership Program at Habitat and Benebone’s home sponsorship support, the family is moving out of their cramped, outdated, and ill-maintained rental apartment and into a three-bedroom home outfitted with new appliances and endless possibilities. The homeowner shares the importance of homeownership for her and her family, saying, “Being a homeowner means everything to me. To me, owning your own property, a place that you and your family have to live, creates comfort when you know it’s yours and are able to create memories.”
The homeowner has worked tirelessly to achieve this moment, and as a single mom, she has had to balance work and caring for her family while also attending weekly financial classes and homeowner preparation seminars, lending a hand at the construction of her home and other Habitat projects, and saving funds for the new responsibilities that come with owning a home. As a Habitat homeowner, she knows that the hardest part is behind her now as she receives the keys to her new home; a place that will provide her family with comfort and security, with a yard that has space for playing with furry loved ones, and that comes with an affordable mortgage.
Leading up to her home dedication ceremony, she expresses, “Now that I am becoming a homeowner I look forward to making my home comfortable and a safe place for me and my children. I also look forward to being able to do more things at home with my children being that we will have more space and a backyard. I just want my children to be happy and know what’s important in life and that’s family.”
This home is special for so many reasons, and Habitat is endlessly thankful for this relationship with Benebone which has led to the sponsorship and construction of this home in Ewing, from the foundation to the front door. This build is no random happenstance, either as the neighborhood is located near the birthplace of Peter Toolan, who is one of Benebone’s founding partners. Peter, along with his father Jim Toolan, founded Benebone in 2012 and have led the company to much success through their growing line of durable chew products for dogs. Now, they’ve succeeded in giving a local family the “paw-up” they needed to build a brighter future for themselves, their family, and their furry loved ones.
To see photos of this project’s process, the new homeowner, and the home dedication ceremony, check out @HabitatSCNJ and @mybenebone on Facebook and Instagram. Be sure to check out all that Benebone has to offer at www.benebone.com, and visit www.HabitatSCNJ.org for more information on Habitat’s services, active builds, and current events.
Photos by: Brian McCarthy, OnScene News – MidJersey.News
February 15, 2022
EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–At 11:05 a.m. Ewing Township firefighters were sent to the first block of Tall Tree Court for a reported fire on the second floor of a home. Chief 31 arrived at 11:09 a.m. and reported smoke on the 2nd floor of the right side of the building, all occupants were out of the house but there were reports of pets inside. Firefighters advanced two hand lines to the second floor and quickly extinguished the fire, bringing the fire under control at 11:18 a.m. The Mercer County Fire Marshal responded and conducted an investigation, the investigation was completed at 1:17 p.m. No further information is available at this time.
The scene of a house fire in Ewing Township. Firefighters quickly knocked down the fire saving the home. Photos by: Brian McCarthy, OnScene News – MidJersey.News
UPDATE:
Trenton Woman Charged in Fatal Stabbing of Boyfriend
February 15, 2022
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department are investigating an early morning stabbing on East Hanover Street that left one man dead, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported.
At approximately 2:20 a.m. on Tuesday, February 15, 2022, Trenton police were dispatched to an apartment in the 200 block of East Hanover Street on the report of a male stabbed. Officers arrived on scene and located the victim, identified as Antwone Barnes, 37, of Trenton, with a stab wound to the chest. He was pronounced dead at the scene and a suspect has been detained.
For the years 2020 and 2021 there were record numbers of 40 homicides reported for those two years.
The stabbing scene this later morning photos by: Brian McCarthy 
Brian McCarthy File Photo MidJersey.News file photos from same area.
Names of the 2022 homicide victims in the City of Trenton:
- 2/15/2022 Antwone Barnes, 37, of Trenton, Stabbing
Names of 40* 2021** homicide victims in the City of Trenton:
- 2/18/2021 Jabree Saunders, 26, from shooting on May 14, 2018
- 2/22/2021 Khalil Gibbs, 25, of West Windsor, shooting
- 2/25/2021 Lovelle Laramore, 60, of Trenton shooting
- 4/15/2021 Kaheem Carter, 22, of Trenton, shooting
- 4/20/2021 Shaquan McNeil, 25, of Trenton, shooting
- 4/24/2021 Cheryl Jones, 65, of Trenton, shooting
- 4/29/2021 Ramire Harvey, 25, of Trenton, shooting
- 5/15/2021 David Williams 36, of Trenton, shooting
- 5/29/2021 Edgar Geovani Sis-Luis, 34, of Trenton, aggravated manslaughter
- 7/05/2021 Dion Ellis, 16, Trenton, Shooting
- 7/14/2021 Pablo Herrera Chun, 53, Trenton, Shooting
- 7/19/2021 William Mitchell, 33, Trenton, Shooting
- 7/19/2021 Jermel Carter, 38, Trenton, Shooting
- 7/29/2021 Leonard Pettigrew, 58, Trenton, Shooting
- 7/30/2021 Shaquil Loftin, 23, Shooting, Trenton
- 8/01/2021 Daquan Basnight, 30, of Ewing, Shooting
- 8/13/2021 Javier Chaj-Ajtun, 33, of Trenton, Shooting
- 8/19/2021 Herberth Ramirez Pimentel, 37, of Trenton, Shooting
- 8/23/2021 Yanquai Edwards, 25, of Rancocas, NJ, Shooting
- 8/25/2021 Daron Cheston, 18, Trenton, Shooting
- 8/27/2021 Ziare Jones, Shooting
- 8/30/2021 Fred Davis, 43, Trenton, Shooting
- 9/06/2021 Shamiem Young, 26, Trenton, Shooting
- 9/17/2021 Jeff Charles, 37, Trenton, Shooting
- 9/25/2021 Shemiah Davis, 15, Trenton, Shooting
- 10/2/2021 Omar Burgess, 49, of Trenton, Shooting
- 10/3/2021 Elias Juarez Lopez, 31, of Princeton, Shooting
- 10/4/2021 Candice Ruff, 19, of Trenton, Shooting On September 25
- 10/7/2021 Douglas Munn, 50, of Trenton. Shooting
- 10/13/2021 Melvin Williams 26, of Trenton, Shooting
- 10/29/2021 Edwin Obdulio Gomez Interiano, 41, Shooting
- 10/29/2021 Everth Barrera, 56, of Ewing, Shooting
- 10/30/2021 Dartanian Ames of Lawrence, 41, Shooting
- 11/1/2021 Hector Torres, 43, of Trenton, Shooting on 10/31
- 11/17/2021 David Johnson, 39, of Trenton
- 12/11/2021 Michael Degrass of Trenton
- 12/18/2021Unidentified male, shot Garfield Ave
- 12/25/2021 Selvin Lima, Arson
- 12/25/2021 Dilman Canpos, Arson
- 12/31/2021 Shooting Donnelly Homes
*Updated to reflect the person who died in 2021 from complications from a shooting on May 14, 2018 as per medical examiner report.
The names of the 40 Trenton homicide victims of 2020:
- January 30, 2020, Starquasia Harris, 24, shooting
- February 16, 2020, Maurice London, 39, shooting
- March 23, 2020, Danavan Phillips, 37, shooting
- March 25, 2020, Yuell Moore, 29, shooting
- April 5, 2020 Quamiera Massey, 24, shooting
- April 5, 2020 Dabree Brannon, 30, shooting
- April 5, 2020 Frederick Mason, 20, shooting
- May 14, 2020, pronounced dead May 21, 2020 Terrence Horton, 53, shooting
- May 17, 2020, Robert Smith, 38, shooting
- May 18, 2020 Antwuan Bowens, 44, shooting
- May 18, 2020 Tayvion Jones, 18, shooting
- May 21, 2020 Raheen McKinnon 19, shooting
- May 23, 2020, Watson Cogdell, 58, shooting
- May 30, 2020 Tyrone Campbell, 45, shooting
- June 2, 2020 Dontae Barnes, shooting
- June 21, 2020, Robert Neal, 34, stabbing
- July 1, 2020, Covvie Scott, 24, shooting
- July 8, 2020, Richard Guarderas, 18, shooting
- July 8, 2020, Malcom L. Bowser, 19, shooting
- July 15, 2020, Jason Phillips, 23, shooting
- July 17, 2020, Luis Gonzalez, 37, shooting
- August 2, 2020 died August 5, 2020, Jolisa Marshall, 28, shooting (of Hamilton)
- August 9, 2020, William Irrizarry, 18, shooting
- August 9, 2020, Julius Vargas, 18, shooting
- August 17, 2020, Rahkeem Ortiz, 29, shooting
- August 21, 2020, pronounced dead August 22, Vernetta McCray, 39, drive by shooting
- August 25, 2020, Shamira Williams, 32, stabbing
- August 29, 2020, Tybree Washington, 24, shooting
- October 2, 2020, Hussain Abdullah, 35, shooting
- October 5, 2020, Derek Colley, 26, Shooting
- October 10, 2020, Ola Williams, 61, Shooting
- October 10, 2020, Jaquise Melvin, 26, Shooting
- October 16, 2020 from shooting on October 9, Rudy Alvira Jr.
- October 20, 2020, Johnny Perez, 8, Shooting
- October 20, 2020, Gustavo Perez, 16
- November 13, 2020, Sam Livingston III, age 41, stabbing
- November 17, 2020, Jeremy McTamney, 26, Shooting, Ties Trenton’s record of homicides in 2013.
- November 28, 2020, Daniel Alvaranga, 33, Stabbing
- November 29, 2020, Omar Billups, 37, Shooting
- December 8, 2020, Joel Alexander, 49, Shooting
Trenton Murders Per Year Since 1989
NJ State Police Uniform Crime Report available here: https://www.njsp.org/ucr/uniform-crime-reports.shtml
1989 = 22
1990 = 21
1991 = 7
1992 = 16
1993 = 11
1994 = 9
1995 = 16
1996 = 14
1997 = 12
1998 = 15
1999 = 8
2000 = 14
2001 = 13
2002 = 19
2003 = 13
2004 = 18
2005 = 31
2006 = 18
2007 = 25
2008 = 19
2009 = 18
2010 = 15
2011 = 23
2012 = 24
2013 = 37
2014 = 32
2015 = 17
2016 = 21
2017 = 23
2018 = 16
2019 = 15
2020 = 40
2021 = 40
* Prior to 1989 the known highest murder number was 1970 with 27
February 15, 2022
ATLANTIC CITY – Today the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement announced preliminary wagering data related to the 2022 Super Bowl.
Preliminary wagering statistics reported by Atlantic City Casinos and New Jersey equine racetracks show that wagering on this year’s Super Bowl totaled approximately $143.7 million, with a projected total sports wagering payout of $135.9 million. This resulted in a win of $7.8 million for the sports wagering books.
Wagering on last year’s Super Bowl totaled approximately $117.4 million with a total sports wagering payout of approximately $106.1 million, resulting in a win of $11.3 million for the sports wagering books.
These unaudited revenue figures include New Jersey’s 12 retail sports books and 24 sports wagering mobile applications.
Photo by Jean-Daniel Francoeur on Pexels.com
February 15, 2022
MANCHESTER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on February 14, 2022, Kevin Noonan, 63, of Manchester, pled guilty before the Honorable Lisa A. Puglisi. J.S.C., to Knowingly Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Accident Resulting in Death in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-5.1, as well as the motor vehicle offense of Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Accident Resulting in Injury or Death in violation of N.J.S.A. 39:4-129, in connection with an incident that occurred in Manchester Township on April 13, 2021. At the time of his sentencing on April 1, 2022, the State will be seeking a term of six years New Jersey State Prison.
On April 13, 2021, at approximately 3:45 p.m., Officers from the Manchester Township Police Department responded to a residence on Yorktowne Parkway in Whiting for a report of a pedestrian having been struck by a motor vehicle. Responding Officers found Jack Gotfried, 69, of Whiting, laying in the roadway with traumatic injuries to his lower extremities. Mr. Gotfried was flown to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.
An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit and Manchester Township Police Department Detective Bureau revealed that Noonan had stopped at Mr. Gotfried’s residence to pick up furniture that Mr. Gotfried was giving away. In the course of loading the furniture onto Noonan’s vehicle, Noonan backed his vehicle up at a high rate of speed and struck Mr. Gotfried – pinning him between the rear of the vehicle and a truck parked in front of the residence. Noonan then fled the scene, leaving Mr. Gotfried injured in the roadway. A short time later, Noonan was found walking in the area of Western Boulevard in Lacey Township, where he was apprehended by a Detective from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office. Noonan was processed at Manchester Township Police Headquarters, and transported to the Ocean County Jail where he has been lodged since his arrest.
Prosecutor Billhimer commends the diligent efforts of Assistant Prosecutor Victoria Veni who is handling the case on behalf of the State, as well as the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit, Manchester Township Police Department Patrol Division, Manchester Township Police Department Detective Bureau, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their cooperative assistance in connection with this investigation leading to Noonan’s apprehension, guilty pleas, and soon his state prison sentence.
Kevin Noonan, 63, of Manchester Kevin Noonan, 63, of Manchester, pled guilty before the Honorable Lisa A. Puglisi. J.S.C., to Knowingly Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Accident Resulting in Death in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-5.1, as well as the motor vehicle offense of Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Accident Resulting in Injury or Death in violation of N.J.S.A. 39:4-129, in connection with an incident that occurred in Manchester Township on April 13, 2021. At the time of his sentencing on April 1, 2022, the State will be seeking a term of six years New Jersey State Prison.