July 13, 2024
WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–West Windsor Police reported that on Saturday July 13, 2024 at 11:56 am, the WWPD’s Communications Center received a call from a resident that smoke and flames were emanating from the second-floor area of his home in the 300 block of Princeton-Hightstown Road. Patrol Officers from West Windsor Police Department, the West Windsor Division of Fire & Emergency Services, Princeton Junction Volunteer Fire Company, West Windsor Volunteer Fire Company, Plainsboro Fire Company, Princeton Fire Company, Princeton First Aid & Rescue Squad, Lawrence Rescue, East Windsor Tower, Hightstown Fire Company, Monroe Fire Company, Robbinsville Fire Department and EMS, Cranbury EMS, and Hamilton Fire Department all responded to the scene. The fire was extinguished in approximately (30) minutes. Det. Sgt. J. Jones, Det. Crawford, & Det. Buchanan had arrived on scene to continue the joint investigation with the West Windsor Fire Marshal Jamison. Preliminary findings were that the fire started on the second floor of the structure and is not considered suspicious at this time, pending further investigation. The residence sustained extensive damage. Three residents were transported by Ambulance 40 to Penn Medicine at Princeton Medical Center for precautionary reasons and ultimately released. One firefighter from the West Windsor Volunteer Fire Company sustained heat exhaustion and was transported by Cranbury EMS to Penn Medicine at Princeton Medical Center for treatment.
Fire Police, West Windor Police Department, and East Windsor Township Police Department closed Princeton-Hightstown Road between Southfield Road and Old Trenton Road for just under (3) hours.
Today’s high temperature in the area was 93F and 95% humidity, with a heat index just under 100F making firefighting extremely dangerous in the current heat wave. The National Weather Service Philadelphia-Mount Holly reports a Heat Advisory and Excessive Heat Watch are in effect for portions of the area for Sunday and Monday. The worst days are forecast to be Monday through Wednesday, with highs in the mid to upper 90s.
NJ Public Safety News Alerts
NJ Public Safety News Alerts
July 13, 2024-Updated
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri announced today that the Mercer County Homicide Task Force (MCHTF), the Mercer County Serious Collision Response Team (SCRT) and the Trenton Police Department are investigating a shooting and motor vehicle accident that occurred last night which left a man dead.
On July 12, 2024, at approximately 10:20 p.m., Trenton communications received several calls reporting an accident that involved an overturned vehicle in the area of Garfield and Farragut Avenues. Upon arrival, emergency personnel located a white Durango that had been overturned. They found the victim, Yoni Emmanuel Cruz-Rodrigez, inside the Durango suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, as well as two minor children who were strapped into car seats and were unharmed. According to witnesses to the incident, Cruz-Rodriguez was standing at the open back of the Durango when an unidentified suspect entered the vehicle and attempted to drive away. Cruz-Rodriguez attempted to climb in the rear of the vehicle when witnesses indicate multiple gun shots were fired and the vehicle crashed a short distance away. Cruz-Rodriguez was pronounced deceased at the scene at approximately 10:39 p.m.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact MCHTF Detective Chris Pullen at (848) 992-6436 or Sgt. Will Jett at (609) 331-5010. Information can also be emailed to [email protected]
Trenton Mayor W. Reed Gusciora said he was deeply saddened to address the tragic incident that occurred late last night at the intersection of Farragut Avenue and Garfield Avenue. A young father lost his life in a senseless act of violence, leaving his minor children to witness this horrific event.
The Mayor stated this was a carjacking that tragically escalated, resulting in the fatal shooting of the male victim. The victim heroically intervened to protect his children, leading to a struggle that ended in tragedy. The suspect fled the scene after the vehicle crashed into parked cars and overturned.
Gusciora said, Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and loved ones of the victim during this incredibly difficult time. We are working closely with law enforcement to bring those responsible to justice swiftly. Due to the sensitivity of the ongoing investigation, specific details cannot be disclosed at this time.”
“As a community, we stand united against such acts of violence. Trenton is a resilient city, and we will support each other as we navigate through this tragedy together. I urge anyone with information about this incident to come forward and assist law enforcement in their investigation.”
Mercer County Homicide Task Force is investigating and confidential tips can be sent to [email protected] or (609) 331-5010
Together, we can ensure that justice is served and that such heart-wrenching incidents do not happen again in our community, said Mayor W. Reed Gusciora.
Names of the 2024 Trenton Homicide Victims
- 01/13/2024 Eduardo Lopez-Cruz, 38, of Trenton, Shooting
- 01/16/2024 Stefon Locke, 33, Shooting on 1/16 died 2/8/2024
- 02/28/2024 Shawn Moore, 45, Trenton, Shooting
- 03/19/2024 Donnell Jenkins age 52, Stabbing
- 04/04/2024 Jose Alfredo Azcona Garcia, 46, of Trenton, Shooting
- 05/01/2024 Jerome Francis, 43, of Hamilton
- 05/01/2024 Chevaughn Fagan, 28, of Trenton
- 05/19/2024 Stephon Fisher, 18, of Trenton, Shooting
- 05/26/2024 Dwayne Penix, 20, of Trenton, Shooting
- 06/11/2024 Johnathan Applegate
- 06/23/2024 Samier Vincent, 30, of Trenton, Shooting, died 6/27/2024
- 07/04/2024 Amir Williams, 32, of Trenton, Shooting
- 07/02/2024 Capriest Ruiz, 23, of Camden, Shooting, died on 7/3/2024
- 07/12/2024 Yoni Emmanuel Cruz-Rodrigez, Shooting
