October 14, 2020
EWING TOWNSHIP-WEST TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)– The New Jersey State Police have arrested Mario Mondragon, 21, of Long Branch, N.J., and Genaro Guzman, 21, of Shrewsbury Township, N.J., for committing 2 armed robberies and approximately 100 vehicle burglaries spanning 5 Monmouth County municipalities between April and June.
During a five-month investigation, State Police detectives with the Troop “C” Criminal Investigation Office (CIO) along with members of the Eatontown Borough Police Department, Tinton Falls Police Department, Ocean Township Police Department, and Long Branch Police Department, identified Mondragon and Guzman as the suspects in armed robberies in Shrewsbury Township and Eatontown Borough.
On Saturday, May 16, Mondragon and Guzman were burglarizing a vehicle at a Shrewsbury Township residence when they were confronted by the homeowners. During the confrontation, the suspects allegedly brandished a handgun and taser before fleeing. On Saturday, June 6, in Eatontown Borough, the duo sprayed a deliveryman with oleoresin capsicum (pepper) spray and physically assaulted him during a robbery.
Through various investigative means and by using evidence recovered by the Troop “C” CIO and State Police Crime Scene Unit, investigators were able to link Mondragon and Guzman to an additional 100 vehicle burglaries in Monmouth County. On Thursday, October 8, detectives from the Troop “C” CIO, State Police Fugitive Unit, K9 Unit, along with members of the U.S. Marshals Service NY/NJ Task Force located and arrested Mondragon in Long Branch, N.J., and Guzman in Shrewsbury Township, N.J.
Mondragon and Guzman were charged with armed robbery, unlawful possession of a weapon – handgun without permit, unlawful possession of a weapon – other weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose – firearm, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose – other weapon, aggravated assault by pointing a firearm, burglary, and theft. They were lodged at the Monmouth County Correctional Institute pending a bail detention hearing.
Mondragon and Guzman were charged separately by our partnering agencies.
This case is being prosecuted by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office.
Charges are mere accusations, and the accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
October 14, 2020
Story and photos by: Tyler Eckel
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP (MERCER)–Hamilton Police, Hamilton Fire Department, Robert Wood Johnson EMS, and Capital Health Paramedics responded to the Whitehorse Circle just after 9:00 pm Wednesday for reports of a motorcycle crash. The motorcycle, occupied by two people, was the only vehicle involved in the crash. One person was transported to the hospital by Robert Wood Johnson EMS and Capital Health Paramedics in unknown condition. The other occupant was treated on scene for minor injuries. The crash remains under investigation at this time.
October 14, 2020
UPPER FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–The Hope Fire Company of Allentown responded to a truck fire on I-195 East Bound at mile post 12.8 at 7:05 pm. Upon arrival a straight truck that carries water for a water delivery service was well involved near the rear axel and extending into the compartments. Soon after firefighters arrived the fire was quickly extinguished. Traffic was backed up 1 mile in the east bound direction to Exit 11. No injuries were reported in the fire. The roadway was temporarily closed until the fire was extinguished.
October 14, 2020
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–The Robbinsville Township and Bordentown Township Fire Departments were sent to the NJ Turnpike for a truck fire at 5:20 pm. As firefighters responded from both north and south bound directions numerous 9-1-1 calls were reporting a well involved truck on fire on the north bound Woodrow Wilson Service Area ramp back to the turnpike. Numerous 9-1-1 calls were also reported in the area of Merrick Road since the fire was right by the overpass. When firefighters arrived the fire was quickly extinguished.
The NJ State Police shut down the north bound ramp from the rest area until the vehicle could be removed.
No injuries were reported in the fire.
