May 28, 2024
FREEHOLD – A Wall Township man has been charged with Attempted Murder after attacking his girlfriend in an apartment complex parking lot, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced on Tuesday.
Alex J. Williams, 24, was charged with one count of first-degree Attempted Murder, one count of second-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child and one count of third-degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (machete). The Endangering charge stems from the victim’s child being in the general proximity at the time of the attack.
On Thursday May 23, 2024, at approximately 9:22 a.m., members of the Wall Township Police Department responded to the parking lot of the Glen Oaks Apartment Complex. Upon arrival officers found a female victim suffering from multiple significant injuries. The victim was rushed to a local hospital and is in critical condition.
An investigation by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office – Major Crimes Bureau and the Wall Township Police Department revealed that Alex Williams repeatedly physically assaulted the victim with a machete, causing the injuries.
Williams was arrested without incident and transported to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI) pending a detention hearing tentatively scheduled for Wednesday May 29, 2024 at 9 a.m. in Monmouth County Superior Court before Superior Court Judge Richard W. English.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Joseph Cummings of the MCPO Major Crimes Bureau. Williams’ legal representation was not immediately available.
Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.
May 28, 2024
NEWARK, N.J. – A Newark, N.J., man was arrested by police after Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at Newark Liberty International Airport intercepted a loaded handgun among the traveler’s carry-on items on Saturday, May 25. The 9mm firearm was packed with two loaded gun magazines totaling 30 bullets.
The TSA officer detected the handgun in the man’s backpack as it entered the checkpoint X-ray machine. Port Authority Police were alerted, came to the Terminal A checkpoint, confiscated the firearm and arrested the man on a state weapons charge.
“It has been a very busy Memorial Day Holiday Weekend travel period here at Newark Liberty International Airport as well as other airports here in the New York metropolitan area as well as across the country,” said Thomas Carter, TSA’s Federal Security Director for New Jersey. “Our officers are good at their jobs and even with sky-high checkpoint volume, they remain alert and vigilant in screening individuals who are arriving at our checkpoints. I commend our officers on their good catch in preventing an individual from boarding a plane with a loaded firearm.”
In addition to being arrested, the individual also faces a stiff federal financial civil penalty for bringing a gun to a security checkpoint. The penalty for bringing a weapon to a TSA checkpoint can cost as much as $15,000, depending on the circumstances.
TSA reserves the right to issue a civil penalty to travelers who have guns and firearm parts with them at a checkpoint. This applies to individuals with or without concealed gun carry permits because even though an individual may have a concealed carry permit, it does not allow for a firearm to be carried onto an airplane. The complete list of civil penalties is posted online. If a traveler with a firearm is a member of TSA PreCheck®, that individual will lose their TSA PreCheck privileges.
“Travelers need to pay more attention to the items that they have inside their carry-on bags,” Carter added. “Travelers are responsible for the contents of their carry-on bags. In addition, responsible gun owners know where their firearms are at all times and they know not to bring them to a security checkpoint.”
TSA firearms catches at airport checkpoints at Newark Liberty International Airport, 2018 to 2024
| Year | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024(As of 5/27/24) |
| Guns caught at Newark Liberty International Airport checkpoints | 14 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 20 | 4 |
Guns can be transported on a flight if they are unloaded, packed in a locked, hard-sided case and declared to the airline. The airline will be sure that the gun travels with checked baggage in the belly of the plane, never in the cabin of the plane. Additionally, replica firearms also are prohibited in carry-on baggage and also must be transported in checked luggage.
TSA reminds people to always know the contents of their carry-on bag prior to coming to the security checkpoint. TSA has multiple resources available to help determine whether an item is permitted in carry-on baggage, checked baggage, either or neither. Travelers can use the “Can I Bring?” feature on the TSA website or on the free downloadable myTSA app. Travelers can also tweet to @AskTSA or send a text message (275-872) if they have a travel question or are unsure if an item is allowed through security in a carry-on bag. Just snap a picture or send a question and get real-time assistance.
This loaded firearm was detected by TSA officers inside a traveler’s backpack at Newark Liberty International Airport on May 25. (TSA photo)
May 27, 2024
ALLENTOWN, NJ (MONMOUTH)–The Allentown Lions Club, Memorial Day Parade and Memorial Service was held today. The parade started at 10:30 a.m. at the corner of Allen Drive and Main Street in the Borough, turned left up High Street, and ended at the lower Newell Elementary School Parking lot near the War Memorial. Grand Marshal La Piazza Ristorante owner and chef Nino LoPresti led the Historic Village’s 80th Memorial Day Parade.
Lions Parade Committee Chairman, Robert H. Schmitt, Jr. said, “I speak for the Committee members and the entire club, when I say that our friend, Nino, is the very embodiment of the Lions Motto “We Serve,”” Schmitt said. “An immigrant to these shores from Carini, Sicily, Mr. LoPresti, along with his loving wife, Marianna, and dedicated family, fought adversity and their American dream right here in small town Allentown, NJ. More than that, however, Nino and his family have continually shared the good dividends of that dream achieved with the youth, the charitable, organizations, and citizens of Allentown, Upper Freehold, Robbinsville, Millstone, and beyond. We are extremely proud to honor Nino LoPresti as 2024 Parade Grand Marshal.”
A Memorial Service was held immediately following the parade at the War Memorial located at the upper parking lot of Newell Elementary.
Photo gallery below:
May 27, 2024
2024 Democratic Primary Sample Ballots contain what appears to be a political message under the column marked “U.S. President & District Delegates” under the column a box is marked UNCOMMITTED Justice For Palestine, Permanent Ceasefire Now.
If you are wondering about this message, protest and about Vote Uncommitted check out these links: Vote “Uncommitted” for the NJ Democratic Presidential Primary Election and New Jersey Democratic Socialists of America
Check your 2024 Democratic Primary Sample ballots and you will find it in the location shown below:
Volunteers removed 900 pounds of trash, contributing to a cleaner and more welcoming space for the neighborhood.
May 27, 2024
Middlesex, NJ — On Sunday, May 26, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., a total of 66 dedicated volunteers of the International WeLoveU Foundation [hereinafter WeLoveU] teamed up with 89 Amazon fulfillment volunteers to beautify Mountainview Park in Middlesex, New Jersey. The joint effort aimed to promote environmental protection and community service aligning with WeLoveU’s shared values of sustainability and improving local communities. The beautification project helped enhance the park’s greenery and natural surroundings by removing trash or debris that could eventually make its way into the Raritan River and, from there, the vast Atlantic Ocean. Volunteers removed 900 pounds of trash, contributing to a cleaner and more welcoming space for the neighborhood.
While volunteers rolled up their sleeves to spruce up the park, the event also included face painting, games, Amazon gift raffles and food for the community to enjoy. The cleanup is part of WeLoveU’s Clean WORLD Movement, an environmental initiative the foundation has led since 2009. Volunteers clean polluted cities, parks, mountains, rivers, and seas to promote a clean world for present and future generations. Since its inception, WeLoveU’s Clean WORLD Movement has reached 58 countries, with over 1,600 cleanups and more than 250,000 participants.
“Amazon takes pride in setting local roots in the community we live and work,” explained Kaushik Kashyap, Senior Operations Manager at Amazon. “We have been fortunate to build a great partnership with the WeLoveU Foundation in volunteering and supporting the community here in Middlesex and we are happy to be donating $18,000 for a really good cause.”
“Litter is a problem affecting our marine life, air quality, and water at an alarming rate,” explained WeLoveU’s Executive Director, B.J. Hu. “As dumping and littering is caused by people, we should work together to act towards a solution. WeLoveU is hopeful and excited to work with Amazon’s volunteers today to help make a positive change for our environment and inspire others to also join future cleanup efforts.”
Upon arrival, a large crowd of approximately 200 people were observed fighting in the street.
May 26, 2024
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department are investigating an incident that occurred early Sunday morning in Trenton, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported.
At approximately 2:10 a.m. on May 26, 2024, Trenton patrol units were dispatched to the Regal 1 Bar on N. Clinton Avenue in Trenton. Upon arrival, a large crowd of approximately 200 people were observed fighting in the street. Minutes later, responding officers heard multiple gunshots coming from the area of the bar and ShotSpotter activated for two separate shootings with multiple rounds in the 500 block of N. Clinton Avenue.
Three shooting victims were identified. Dwayne Penix, 20, of Trenton, was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead a short time later. Two additional adult males sustained gunshot wounds and are in stable condition.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact MCHTF Detective Ramon Santiago at (609) 508-6623 or Sgt. Roberto Reyes at (609) 256-0997. Information can also be emailed to [email protected].
Names of the 2024 Trenton Homicide Victims
- 01/13/2024 Eduardo Lopez-Cruz, 38, of Trenton, Shooting
- 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
File photo
May 25, 2024
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–A fire Saturday afternoon (May 25, 2024) in the old, abandoned Mercer Medical Center complex in the 400 block of Bellevue Avenue is under investigation by authorities. The smoky blaze, reported about 3:40 p.m., was quickly brought under control by firefighters. Crews from Engines 1, 8, 9 and 10, Ladders 1 and 4 and Rescue 1 were on scene. Several fires – including one in January 2023 that was covered by MidJersey – have occurred in the old hospital since it was closed in late 2013.
The 61-year-old victim is currently listed in critical condition.
May 22, 2024
EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER) – Yesterday, May 21, 2024, at 5:10 p.m., Ewing Police received a call for two unconscious subjects that were found near the intersection of Pennington Road and Central Avenue. The subjects were described as having injuries and they were further described to be covered in blood. Upon the arrival of Ewing Police officers, they were directed to a residence on Pennington Road where the officers located a female victim who had been stabbed. The male suspect was also located inside the residence, where he was detained and eventually arrested. Once officers rendered the scene safe, Ewing Emergency Medical Services tended to the female victim and she was transported to the hospital for further treatment. The 61-year-old victim is currently listed in critical condition. The suspect has been identified as 36-year-old Theodore N. McNeil of Trenton, New Jersey. McNeil is a family member of the victim and has been charged with Criminal Attempt – Murder (1st degree), Aggravated Assault (2nd degree), Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (3rd degree) and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (4th degree). McNeil was lodged at the Mercer County Correctional Center on the listed charges.
Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Quinlan at 609-882-1313 x7512, email [email protected] or our Tipline at (609) 882-7530 / [email protected] (Please note: this Tip Line SHOULD NOT be used to report crimes in progress or emergencies that require immediate response).
The charges are merely accusations, and the suspect presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
May 21, 2024
HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–On Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at 3:02 PM, Hopewell Township Police officers were dispatched to a single car motor vehicle crash on County Route 518 just outside of Hopewell Borough. Officers arrived on scene and found a grey colored Saturn sedan off the roadway in a wooded area between The Kings Path and Aunt Molly Road.
The initial investigation shows that the driver of the Saturn was traveling west on County Route 518, when he went off the roadway into a wooded area and struck a tree. The driver of the Saturn, a 21 year old from Pennington NJ, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The crash is being investigated by Officer George Peterson and Detective Steven Ciosek of the Hopewell Township Police Department, as well as Detectives from the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Serious Collision Response Team.
Anyone who may have witnessed this crash is asked to contact Detective Steven Ciosek at 609-737-3100 ext. 5500 or [email protected].
May 21, 2024
TRENTON, NJ (Mercer) – Firefighters rescued one person from a burning rowhouse during a two-alarm blaze early this morning (Tuesday, May 21, 2024).
The person, believed to be a squatter who was discovered on the first floor inside the supposedly vacant structure, reportedly suffered smoke inhalation and, after being removed from the burning building by firefighters, was rushed by Trenton EMS ambulance to Capital Health Regional Medical Center.
It was shortly after 1:15 a.m. when Engines 10, 6 and 7, Ladder 4 and Rescue 1 were dispatched after the city’s 911 communications center received a call reporting that smoke could be seen coming from the rear of the vacant three-story rowhouse at 20 Seward Avenue, off Lincoln Avenue.
Battalion Chief Kevin Rice and first-due companies arrived to find heavy fire showing out the front second-floor windows of the structure, with flames impinging on overhead power lines at the front of the building. The “All Hands” signal for a working fire was transmitted, which resulted in the balance of the first alarm assignment – Engine 1, Ladder 2 and Special Services 1 – being sent to the scene.
Firefighters forced entry to the boarded-up structure at 20 Seward Avenue. Once inside, they started to combat the blaze and conduct a primary search for possible victims. They simultaneously evacuated residents from the occupied structure on the left side (22 Seward) and forced entry and started to search the vacant structure on the right side (18 Seward).
The search of 20 Seward Avenue resulted in firefighters locating the victim amid the smoke on the first floor and passing that person to Trenton EMS.
A second alarm, which brought Engine 8 to the scene, was transmitted for additional manpower to suppress the fire. Multiple hoselines were put in service. Firefighting operations were briefly complicated by the burning overhead power lines, which threw off showers of sparks before PSE&G personnel arrived and shut off the power.
Capital Health paramedics and a Ewing EMS ambulance were also on scene. The cause of the blaze is under investigation by authorities.
May 20, 2024
Manchester Township NJ – A comprehensive month-long investigation into numerous burglaries throughout Ocean County has culminated in the arrest of two individuals. Ryan Dautorio, 34, of Jackson, and Damian Sanchirico, 36, of Brick, have been apprehended and charged with multiple counts of burglary and theft.
The investigation, spearheaded by Detective Adam Guker of the Manchester Township Police Department, began on April 26, 2024, following a reported burglary and theft at All-Star Bagel, located at 1900 State Highway 37. Upon arrival, officers discovered that unknown perpetrators had entered the establishment, stealing both the cash register and the tip jar. The case was promptly handed over to the Department’s Investigation Bureau for further investigation.
Through diligent investigative efforts, Det. Guker identified Dautorio and Sanchirico as prime suspects. Subsequent leads and surveillance enabled authorities to capture the duo shortly after they committed another commercial burglary at Lakewood Industrial Park on Saturday, May 11. The stolen property from the Lakewood theft, valued at over $20,000, was fully recovered.
While Sanchirico was apprehended on May 11, Dautorio evaded capture until Wednesday, May 15. A search warrant was then executed at a Jackson residence linked to Dautorio, leading to the discovery of additional incriminating evidence.
Further investigation, including numerous interviews, confirmed Dautorio and Sanchirico’s involvement in several other burglaries in Toms River, including incidents at NY Water Bagel (542 Fischer Boulevard), Breaking Bread (1177 Fischer Boulevard), Pizza & Panini (452 Rt. 37), and Siga’s Pizza (1808 Rt. 37).
Both individuals have been charged with numerous counts of criminal mischief, burglary, and theft. They are both currently lodged in Ocean County Jail.
May 20, 2024
MOORESTOWN, NJ (BURLINGTON)–Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw and Moorestown Township Public Safety Director Patrick J. Reilly Jr. announced that a 73-year-old Moorestown man was charged yesterday with killing his wife in their East Camden Avenue apartment.
Gerard Slavin was charged with Murder (First Degree) and Aggravated Assault – Strangulation (Second Degree). He was lodged in the Burlington County Jail in Mount Holly pending a detention hearing in Superior Court.
The investigation began just before 3 p.m. yesterday when police were called to the Slavin’s residence in the Moorestowne Woods Apartment Homes. Upon arrival, officers from the Moorestown Township Police Department found the body of Linda Slavin, 73, in the couple’s bedroom.
Gerard Slavin was arrested without incident. An autopsy performed today by Burlington County Medical Examiner Dr. Ian Hood determined that Linda Slavin died from strangulation.
The investigation is being conducted by the Moorestown Township Police Department and the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office. The lead investigators are MTPD Det. Ryan Carr, and Det. Shawn McDonough and Det. Katie White from the Prosecutor’s Office.
Slavin will be prosecuted by Burlington County Assistant Prosecutor Jamie Hutchinson.
All persons are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Gerard Slavin, 73, of Moorestown was charged with Murder (First Degree) and Aggravated Assault – Strangulation (Second Degree). He was lodged in the Burlington County Jail in Mount Holly pending a detention hearing in Superior Court.
May 20, 2024
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–A Trenton man was sentenced to 30 years in state prison for the aggravated sexual assault of a young girl, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri announced.
Taalibdin Shakir, 46, was sentenced by Mercer County Superior Court J. Adams Hughes on May 17. A jury convicted Shakir guilty of first-degree aggravated sexual assault in August 2023 following a two-week trial. He was found guilty of sexually assaulting the victim in Trenton on June 21, 2022, when she was under the age of 13.
Under the No Early Release Act, Shakir must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence before he is eligible for parole. After completion of his prison term, he will be subject to Megan’s Law requirements as well as parole supervision for life.
Mercer County Executive Assistant Prosecutor Timothy Ward and Assistant Prosecutor Christian E. Fisher prosecuted the case for the state.
The investigation was led by Detective Brianna Fleming of the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Special Victims Unit and Detective Gloria Phillips of the Trenton Police Department. The defendant was represented at trial by Deputy Public Defender Melissa Karabalut and at sentencing by Mark Fury, Esquire.
Taalibdin Shakir, 46, was sentenced by Mercer County Superior Court J. Adams Hughes on May 17. A jury convicted Shakir guilty of first-degree aggravated sexual assault in August 2023 following a two-week trial. He was found guilty of sexually assaulting the victim in Trenton on June 21, 2022, when she was under the age of 13.
May 20, 2024
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department are investigating a Sunday evening shooting in Trenton that left one man dead, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported.
Yesterday at approximately 5:52 p.m. on May 19, 2024, Trenton police received a ShotSpotter activation for multiple rounds and several calls reporting two individuals shot in the area of 2 Kingsbury Square. Trenton police, fire and emergency services responded to the area and located two 18-year-old males outside suffering from gunshot wounds. Both were transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center. Stephon Fisher, of Trenton, was pronounced dead a short time later. The second 18-year-old victim, also a city resident, sustained three gunshot wounds and is currently in stable condition.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact MCHTF Detective Paulina Way at (609) 722-0170 or OIC William Jett Jr. at (609) 331-5010. Information can also be emailed to [email protected].
Above file photo by: Brian McCarthy
Names of the 2024 Trenton Homicide Victims
- 01/13/2024 Eduardo Lopez-Cruz, 38, of Trenton, Shooting
- 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
Police Warn About Moving Over to Emergency Vehicles
May 17, 2024
South Brunswick Police Department is sounding the alarm about motorists’ needing to Move Over while police conduct motor vehicle stops. “In the past 3 weeks, we have had 2 patrol officers SUVs struck while conducting motor vehicle stops. We are lucky that in both cases no officers were injured, but one police car was totaled,” said Chief Raymond Hayducka. He added, “It is dangerous to be stopping vehicles on the highways sometimes only feet from trucks and cars going 55 mph. We need drivers help at moving over or reducing their speed when they see a police car with its lights on.” The first case took place on April 29, 2024 at 3:37 am. South Brunswick Officers Jorge Robles, Ben Salihi, and Sgt Jesse Blake were already on a car stop for an impaired driver on Route 130 near Viking Way. As they were evaluating the driver with field sobriety test, a second vehicle crashed into the rear of the police SUV at a high rate of speed. (See video). The driver of the second vehicle, Gonzalo Najera age 30 of Princeton was found to be driving while intoxicated and arrested. The patrol SUV was totaled in the crash. Najera was charged with multiple offenses including driving while under the influence. The second crash occurred Thursday at 8:30 am on Route 130 near Broadway Road. Patrolman First Class Jason Gassman was conducting a motor vehicle stop with his emergency lights activated. While the officer was speaking to the driver of his traffic stop, a Grey Honda Odyssey minivan side-swiped police SUV damaging its driver’s side. The driver continued northbound without stopping. South Brunswick Police Traffic Safety Bureau is still investigating the hit-n-run.
“These two incidents highlight the danger officers face every day. If PFC Gassman had been on the driver’s side yesterday, this would be a much different story,” said Chief Hayducka. New Jersey law is clear on the requirements to MOVE OVER or slow down as you approach an emergency vehicle operating in the roadway. Chief Hayducka added, “It only takes seconds to slow down and move over, but the difference by not doing so can be a tragedy.”
