ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Around 10:30 pm a crowd between 1,000 and 2,000 gathered in the MATRIX Northeast Business Park off Applegate Drive. Witnesses in the area stated cars could be heard over a mile away burning out, racing, and exhaust backfiring. Calls were also coming into Robbinsville Township Police reporting the same noises coming from the back of the industrial park.
When Robbinsville Township Police arrived they reported a crowd of between 1,000 and 2,000 and requested assistance to disperse the crowd from Allentown and New Jersey State Police.
The crowd did disperse and roads were blocked to they could leave the area using I-195.
About an hour later another crowd formed this time in Hamilton Township on Sloan Avenue near I-295 and the NJ Transit Train Station and the movie theater. Part of the crowd was dispersed again and left towards Lawrence Township. A County wide alert went out to alert neighboring police departments of the group.
October 31, 2020
ALLENTOWN, (MONMOUTH)-HAMILTON (MERCER)–Halloween was celebrated a little different this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Parades were canceled or a different type of event was held and candy was distributed sometimes using a long pipe or other creative ways to practice social distancing. Many wore masks while out trick-or-treating.
Since the usual Halloween Parade sponsored by Hope Fire Company could not be held normally, the firefighters had a smaller version and had DJ Nebbs playing music throughout town. The usual costume judging was held online this year and not in person to provide social distancing.
Scenes throughout Allentown for Halloween 2020
Scenes from Moro Drive in Hamilton Township, including the well known Farina Family Fightmare
Hamilton Township’s Angela Reitter performs on Moro Drive as she gives out candy to trick-or-treaters. Also has a Facebook Page: ColorMeHoopy
October 31, 2020
Story and photo gallery 1 by Tyler Eckel
ROBBINSVILLE-HAMILTON, NJ (MERCER)–Trenton Cats Rescue (TCR) and The Healthy Animal of Robbinsville held a cat adoption event this Saturday, October 31. Volunteers of Trenton Cats Rescue showed up to the event in their Halloween costumes, encouraging others to tag along.
It all started when members of “Trenton Trappers” and volunteers from the Trenton Animal Shelter combined and formed Trenton Cats Rescue. TCR is an all-volunteer, foster-based rescue group that serves the greater Trenton area, with a 30-35 mile radius from Trenton. With the help of Trenton Cats Rescue, the Trenton Animal Shelter is now a no-kill shelter, unless Euthanized for medical reasons. Currently, TCR has around 80 active foster homes, and just under 300 cats and kittens in the rescue.
Just this year alone, TCR has had an intake of just under 800 cats. Over 660 of those cats have since been adopted, beating last year’s record of 611. Despite Trenton Animal Shelter being closed for over three months, 23 percent of TCR’s adoptions came from the shelter. Because of the COVID shutdown, that record has yet to be broken from 2019’s record of 51.5 percent.
Today, 17 cats and kittens were adopted at The Healthy Animal.Trenton Cats Rescue also has a Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) program. TNR is a method for attempting to humanely and effectively manage feral cats. So far, Trenton Cats Rescue has TNRed over 400 cats this year. They also have a resident assist program. This program helps area residents who don’t have the means to get their animals the medical attention they need. It consisted of neutering/spaying cats, dental work, shots and vaccines, and more. Their goal with this program is “to prevent cats that are happy in a home from being surrendered.” In 2020, the residence assist program has provided to 93 animals.
Besides TCR making Trenton Animal Shelter a no-kill shelter, they also assist in vetting the animals. The animal shelter does not have a licensed veterinarian, which is needed for most medical procedures on animals. TCR will do snap tests, neuter/spay, vaccines, etc. They also microchip all of the cats.
Trenton Cats Rescue, in close conjunction with Trenton Animals Rock (TAR), are working on a proposal for the City to help transform their “tiny” animal shelter into something that the Capital could be extremely proud of.TCR is selling masks at The Healthy Animal for $20. These masks are handmade, washable, reversible, and have elastic ear loops. All money goes directly to Trenton Cats Rescue. Photos of masks are provided below.
Trenton Cats Rescue would also like to give a big thank you to The Healthy Animal of Robbinsville for all the help they have provided since they opened.
October 31, 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 2200 block of Nottingham Way near Sterling Avenue around 6:24 pm Saturday night after a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle.
The pedestrian, a 64-year-old female from Hamilton, was struck by a 2017 Land Rover, occupied by a 56-year-old female from Robbinsville. The pedestrian suffered serious injuries and was transported to Robert Wood Johnson in Hamilton.
The crash investigation is ongoing and any witnesses are asked to contact officer Christopher Clugsten of the Hamilton Police Traffic Unit at (609)581-4000 or the Hamilton Police Crime Tip Hotline at (609)581-4008.
BREAKING NEWS REPORT: This story is still developing and more information is likely to come. Please check back for more information and corrections.
October 31, 2020
Photos by: Dennis Symons, Tyler Eckel and Brian McCarthy
EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Today Air Force One touched down with President Trump for a campaign rally that was held in Newtown, PA near Washington Crossing. The event was held at “Keith House – Washington’s Headquarters” where he delivered remarks on “Making America Great Again, Again”
Security was tight, roads were shut down in the area including I-295. Detours were in the area until the rally was complete and the President was on his way to his next scheduled stop in Reading, PA.
Air Force One Touches Down at Trenton-Mercer County Airport today for a campaign rally in Pennsylvania:
Roads were closed and detours were made during President Trumps visit to the Mercer County, NJ area on his way to Bucks County PA. Photos by: Dennis Symons
Photos by: Dennis Symons
Photos by: Dennis Symons
Photo by: Tyler Eckel
Photos by: Brian McCarthy OnScene News
Yesterday’s Midjersey.News story about the crash here: BREAKING: Route 130 Closed By Voelbel For Accident Investigation, Driver Of Box Truck Rescued From Fire And Crash
October 30, 2020
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–A South Brunswick family is in need of funds and prayers for their father who was injured in a Robbinsville crash yesterday. Their father on his way home from work in his contractor style box truck was hit head on by a tractor trailer that crossed the median strip on Route 130. The vehicle caught fire during the crash and a valiant rescue effort from civilians, police and firefighters ensued, by using portable fire extinguishers until fire apparatus could arrive and fully extinguish the fire. Even after the fire was extinguished the man had to be extricated from the wreckage. Robbinsville Fire Department EMS and paramedics rushed the man to the Trauma Center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton. The man was transferred and flown to the burn unit at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia where the family has reported on their fog fund me page that he is critical condition.
The family is seeking prayers and help from anyone can help with the Go FundMe see link below:
Go FundMe page here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/Francescorussocontractors
Hi everyone, my name is Fabiana Russo. I am a senior in highschool, some of you may know my father the contractor Francesco Russo. I am raising money for him and his truck that burned down into flames with him inside, on October 29th due to a head on three vehicle collision. My dad was in his truck on his way back home after finishing a job, and head on got hit by a trailer tractor. This occurred in Robbinsville on route130, his box truck went in flames and unfortunately so did my father. He is in critical condition and I don’t know how he is going to make it out. I’m praying and I’m asking for all of you who see this your prayers as well. This money will go towards any of the surgeries if not covered as well as his truck that he has nothing left of. Me and my family would be beyond grateful for your contributes and thank you for listening. If you cannot contribute, I would just ask you to pray for my strong Dad. Thank you all! If you’d like to know further details here you go.
Link down below. https://midjersey.news/2020/10/29/breaking-route-130-closed-by-voelbel-for-accident-investigation-driver-of-box-truck-rescued-from-fire-and-crash/amp/
October 30, 2020
FREEHOLD, NJ (MONMOUTH)–An 8-month investigation into ongoing acts of gang criminality and organized street crime has led to charges against 29 people from Monmouth and Ocean counties for Racketeering, Conspiracy, Attempted Murder, drug and gun trafficking and Dogfighting, announced Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni. The probe revealed a power grab by a Bloods gang leader to consolidate his command of the gang’s criminal activities through violence, intimidation, illegal drug and gun sales, and the operation of a dogfighting ring.
During the investigation titled “Operation Golden State,” law enforcement officers recovered numerous firearms, a vehicle used in criminal activity, various quantities of cocaine and marijuana, 12 canines used in the dogfighting operation, and other evidence related to the dogfighting operation. The dogs are safe and currently being sheltered in an Ocean County animal facility. Of the 29 people charged as part of this investigation, nine are facing charges of racketeering, five are facing charges of conspiracy to commit murder, two are facing charges as a leader of a dogfighting network, and four are facing dogfighting charges.
The joint investigation by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, in cooperation with federal, state, county and local law enforcement agencies, concluded that Xavier Reed, 30, of Hyson Road in Jackson Township, controlled a vast criminal enterprise operating in Asbury Park, Neptune Township, Freehold and Lakewood. Reed, a/k/a “HS”, assembled a gang alliance consisting of G-Shine Bloods, 47 Neighborhood Crips and the Grape Street Crips that worked towards the unitary control of most illegal activity in Monmouth and Ocean Counties. Reed is currently incarcerated in the Essex County Correctional Facility in Newark on unlawful gun possession charges.
As a G-Shine Bloods leader, Reed was responsible for administering punishment, controlling the channels for generating revenue from various quantities of drug sales (heroin, cocaine, prescription pills and marijuana) and the administration of the dogfighting ring, where thousands of dollars were typically earned during a single dogfight. These activities served as a means of funding the violent crime carried out by the group, and to further advance Reed’s power.
Reed intensified his energies to maintain control over criminal activity in Monmouth County by intimidating individuals who were disloyal to him or the organization, and engaged in efforts to violently retaliate against former members of his organization and rivals. Reed’s intimidation tactics included a conspiracy with others charged to murder a pair of Reed’s rivals and a member of a Lakewood-based G-Shine set, who resisted Reed’s efforts to consolidate that set into his organization.
Reed was cognizant of the ongoing wars between rival criminal street gangs, namely the G-Shine Bloods and Grape Street Crips, and boasted about his assembly of members from different gangs that worked towards a common criminal goal, which he and others referred to the group as “Golden State” and would retaliate against anyone who disrespected them.
The criminal enterprise also possessed, transferred and sold weapons within their organized crime alliance, and were responsible for more than a dozen shooting incidents that have recently plagued Asbury Park, Long Branch, Tinton Falls, Keansburg and Neptune Township.
The investigation further revealed Reed and his affiliates in other criminal street gangs, including Daishon Smith a/k/a “Beefy” of Asbury Park, were responsible for violent criminal activity throughout Asbury Park, Freehold Borough, and Neptune Township.
The dogfighting part of the enterprise worked in cooperation with out-of-state breeding facilities that focused on training dogs to kill and engaged in interstate dogfighting events. In one instance, Reed lost $5,000 on one of his own dogs in a dogfight held in Philadelphia. In another instance, Reed bragged about maintaining his fighting dogs by feeding them chickens and rabbits, remarking how much the dogs loved killing the animals.
The Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals seized eight Pit Bull-type dogs in Monmouth and Ocean counties in February 2020. All the dogs are believed to be owned by Reed. The dogs were left outside in sub-freezing temperatures and all had bite marks on their limbs, necks and ears indicative of dogfighting.
Reed is charged with first degree Racketeering Conspiracy, first degree Gang Criminality, first degree Conspiracy to Commit Murder, first degree Promotion of Organized Street Crime, Second Degree Aggravated Assault, Second Degree Solicitation to Join a Criminal Street Gang, Second Degree Conspiracy to Commit Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (Fire