November 24, 2021
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Acting Police Director Steve E. Wilson today announced that Trenton Police officers have successfully begun integrating new state training into their de-escalation efforts to help take suspects into custody without anyone being harmed.
On Nov. 10, 2021, officers responded to reports of a suspect smashing car windows with a gun. Upon arrival, officers observed Dashawn Bashir Smith-Murphy, 27, of Trenton, standing next to a black shotgun. Officers used their new de-escalation training to disarm and take Smith-Murphy into custody without anyone being harmed.
On Oct. 16, 2021, officers were dispatched to 590 New York Avenue after receiving reports of a man with a firearm holding a woman captive. Officers surrounded the apartment and conducted negotiations, which resulted in Eric Hardmon, 37, of Bronx, NY, opening the door and being taken into custody without incident. Officers entered the apartment and located a female inside the bathroom unharmed.
“The TPD is committed to using every resource available to peacefully resolve criminal disturbances, and it wasn’t long before our officers started taking advantage of the training they just started over a month ago,” said Acting Director Wilson. “These are the types of situations where this training is incredibly useful and can help achieve the best possible outcome for both our officers and the residents they are sworn to protect.”
The TPD started de-escalation and active bystandership training programs at Mercer County Community College this Fall. One of the training programs is Integrating Communications, Assessment, and Tactics (ICAT). ICAT is a training guide for diffusing critical incidents. It provides responding police officers with the tools, skills, and options they need to safely defuse a range of critical incidents. ICAT instructs officers on critical thinking, crisis intervention, communications, and tactics.
The second training program is the Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement (ABLE). This program seeks to create a law enforcement culture that supports peer intervention. ABLE training promotes the idea that it is the responsibility of every officer to act to prevent mistakes, address misconduct, and promote their fellow officers’ health and well-being.
Eric A. Hardmon 
Dashawn Bashir Smith-Murphy
November 24, 2021
PRINCETON, NJ (MERCER)–Princeton Police report that on Tuesday November 23, 2021 at 6:14 p,m,, the Princeton Police Department was dispatched to the area of Moore Street and Park Place for a report of a criminal sexual contact. The victim stated she was walking south on Moore Street and crossed Park Place. While she was on the sidewalk on the southwest corner of the intersection of Moore Street and Park Place, the suspect approached her from behind and grabbed her buttocks. The suspect then ran west on Park Place.
The victim described the suspect as a Hispanic male, possible in his 30’s, 5’04” tall with a medium to slightly heavy build, wearing a dark colored beanie style winter hat, a white surgical mask and a navy blue jacket.
It is unknown if this incident is related to the prior criminal sexual contacts that occurred in the past. At this time, there is no additional information available. When more information is available, we will put out an additional press release.
We are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has additional information, to contact Det. Don Mathews at (609) 921-2100 extension 2137.
There is currently a search and rescue being conducted in the wooded area of 539/Warren Grove Rd in Barnegat & Stafford Township. HUNTERS please be extremely vigilant of 100+ searchers walking through the area.
November 24, 2021
STAFFORD TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–On Tuesday, November 23,2021, the Stafford Township Police Department initiated an investigation into two missing persons from Warren Grove identified as Gary & Lorraine Parker. The department’s ATV Unit with the assistance of the Ocean County Sheriffs Department ATV Unit have been conducting off-road searches of the Warren Grove area. The NJSP Aviation Unit assisted as well. At this time, we are not seeking assistance in this search. However, if anyone has any information on the whereabouts of Gary & Lorraine Parker, please contact us at (609) 597-8581 or Detective Sergeant Neil McKenna at (609) 597-1189 X8440.
November 24, 2021
EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Ewing Township firefighters were dispatched for apartments on fire in the area of 451 of Silvia Street at 1:17 a.m. First arriving firefighters found heavy fire showing exterior decks Side A (front), second and third floors at 485 Silvia Street. A second alarm called on arrival of Chief 33 sending mutual aid to the scene from Lawrence, Hamilton, Pennington and Hopewell.
No further details are available at this time. This is a breaking news story and once details are released the story will be updated.
