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.
WASHINGTON—Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) today issued the following statement in response to the Biden Administration’s recent comments—made by White House National Security spokesman John Kirby and in a DHS/FBI joint statement—on the unidentified drone activity across New Jersey:
“The Biden Administration continues to be dismissive of New Jersey residents who have witnessed these drones in swarms, including coming from the ocean, following a Coast Guard lifeboat, and flying over extremely sensitive military bases like Naval Weapons Station Earle in my congressional district. Some press reports—including one from the Daily Mail—cite intelligence experts who suggest Russia could be responsible.
The American people and our trained local law enforcement officials have rightfully asked for real answers—not doublespeak from top Biden officials who still admit they do not know the origin or intent behind this unidentified drone activity.
The Biden Administration has an obligation to the American people to figure out and tell us what is going on immediately. Their lack of decisive action and empty reassurances will only cause increased speculation and continue to escalate the valid concerns that so many people have.
Tomorrow, I will be holding a press conference in Seaside Heights, New Jersey with local law enforcement officers, mayors, and state representatives to share updates with the public and lay out our next steps in Congress to demand answers and further address this issue.”
Important Public Notice: DRONE WATCH EVENT CANCELLED: No Trespassing at 220 Ganttown Road
Washington Township Police say the owners of the closed “Antique Only” store (Fieldstone Associates) on Ganttown Road have made it clear that no trespassing will be permitted on their private property tonight.
We want to remind everyone that:
• No large gathering permits have been issued by our WT clerk for this location – OR any other WT location/property.
• The Drone Watch Party has been CANCELLED.
• Officers will be on location tonight to prevent a gathering.
Trespassing will not be tolerated and violators may be prosecuted under trespass laws / ordinances.
Please respect private property and help spread the word that this event is not permitted
DRONE WATCH EVENT CANCELLED: No Trespassing at 220 Ganttown Road, Washington Township Gloucester County.
Governor Phil Murphy wrote the President of the United States Joe Biden to express concerns about reports of unmanned aircraft systems in and around NJ airspace. Since existing laws limit the ability of state and local law enforcement to counter UAS, more federal resources are needed to understand what is behind this activity.
Joint DHS/FBI Statement on Reports of Drones in New Jersey
“We have no evidence at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security or public safety threat or have a foreign nexus. The FBI, DHS and our federal partners, in close coordination with the New Jersey State Police, continue to deploy personnel and technology to investigate this situation and confirm whether the reported drone flights are actually drones or are instead manned aircraft or otherwise inaccurate sightings.
“Historically, we have experienced cases of mistaken identity, where reported drones are, in fact, manned aircraft or facilities. We are supporting local law enforcement in New Jersey with numerous detection methods but have not corroborated any of the reported visual sightings with electronic detection. To the contrary, upon review of available imagery, it appears that many of the reported sightings are actually manned aircraft, operating lawfully. There are no reported or confirmed drone sightings in any restricted air space.
“We take seriously the threat that can be posed by unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), which is why law enforcement and other agencies continue to support New Jersey and investigate the reports. To be clear, they have uncovered no such malicious activity or intent at this stage. While there is no known malicious activity occurring in New Jersey, the reported sightings there do, however, highlight the insufficiency of current authorities.”
Clifton Calls for Plan to Address Monmouth County Drone Activity
Assemblyman Robert Clifton, a lifelong resident of Matawan, raised concerns over continuous drone activity in New Jersey, particularly in Monmouth County, with officials this week during a briefing at State Police headquarters. The lack of information and a coordinated response plan is increasing worry among residents in the 12th Legislative District who have reportedly spotted drones daily.
“Drones have been spotted over key infrastructure in Monmouth County, power stations and other sensitive locations throughout New Jersey and the humdrum response from the people who are supposedly in charge is deeply concerning,” Clifton (R-Monmouth) said. “My constituents have reported drone sightings to the authorities, but it doesn’t appear that they are doing anything about it.”
State Police and the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness have provided limited details about the nature of the drone sightings, offering no clear timeline or actionable strategy for identifying the operators or mitigating future threats.
“I’m calling on Governor Murphy to work with the feds to coordinate a plan that will immediately allay growing concerns,” Clifton said. “New Jersey residents deserve a concrete plan and strong leadership, not ambiguous or dismissive responses.”
A suspected drone flies over a Matawan neighborhood. Photo courtesy of Assemblyman Robert Clifton’s 12th Legislative District Office.
Congressman Van Drew Addresses Ongoing Drone Incursions
Washington, DC –Today, Congressman Van Drew addressed the ongoing issue of unidentified drones following a night with a record number of sightings reported across the state from local officials.
“Almost a month has gone by and we still have no answers from our government. The number of drones we are seeing is only increasing,” said Congressman Van Drew. “While it has been verified that Iran does have three drone ships, new satellite images show they are currently stationed off the southern coast of Iran. This new information only brings us closer to figuring out what is really going on. It is unacceptable to hear the government contradict itself by saying they do not know who is operating these drones, while at the same time telling us there is no reason to be concerned. I remain fully committed to ensuring the security of the people of South Jersey and the nation as a whole.”
Reported Downed Drone Reported In Hillsborough, New Jersey Not Found After Extensive Search
On December 12, 2024 at 8:34 p.m., the Hillsborough Police Department responded to the parking lot of 315 Route 206 (Lowe’s) for the report of a drone that crashed into a field. Hillsborough Police met with the reporting party who reported observing drones in the air and one striking the high-power tension lines. The reporting party stated the drone then crashed into a field.
Hillsborough Police Officers, Hillsborough OEM, Somerset County OEM, Somerset County Hazmat, Hillsborough Township Fire Department Unit 38, Millstone Valley Fire Department, Robert Wood Johnson EMS and the New Jersey State Police Aviation Unit searched the area from the air and on foot and were unable to locate any down drone. Hillsborough Police Units established a perimeter around the area until daylight, where the search resumed in more visible conditions.
On December 13, 2024, at approximately 7:30 a.m., Millstone Valley Fire Department deployed drones over the area for an arial view of the area yielding negative results. Somerset County Hazmat also conducted a foot search of the area yielding negative results. At 12:10 p.m. all units cleared after a complete search of the area was concluded, and no down drone was recovered. There is no known threat to the public to report.
The public is reminded to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) to report any suspicious drones in the area.
Sauickie Expresses Deep Frustration After State Police Drone Briefing
Allentown, NJ. The Allentown Village Initiative (TAVI) is happy to welcome back the “ManalaPans,” an 18-piece steel pan drum ensemble, for a free concert on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at 3 pm behind Allentown Methodist Church, 23 Church Street, Allentown, NJ. The concert is also the first ever “Brearley Birthday Bash” celebrating the 279th birthday of David Brearley, an Allentown resident and attorney who served as an advisor to George Washington in the Revolutionary War and later wrote part of the U.S. Constitution and served as New Jersey’s first chief justice. The ensemble will perform island favorites on the lawn behind the church – attendees are welcome to bring a picnic; TAVI will have hotdogs available and provide complimentary birthday cake. The concert’s rain date is Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 3 pm in the same location.
The ManalaPans, under the direction of David Geltch, showcase advanced high school music students from local school districts, including Upper Freehold Regional, on professional hand-hammered steel pan drums. TAVI is bringing the full ensemble to Allentown to celebrate the students’ accomplishments as part of its “Allentown Arts” program, made possible through the generosity of our community as well as a grant from Monmouth Arts, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, and the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners.
The Allentown Village Initiative (TAVI) is a volunteer-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose focus is on local history education and historic preservation, natural resource protection, economic development, and the arts and culture. A quaint and quiet town of 1,800 residents set apart from the bustle of urban New Jersey, Allentown is conveniently located just minutes from Exit 7a on the New Jersey Turnpike, one hour south of New York City, and less than an hour north of Philadelphia. For more information about this and other events, visit www.allentownvinj.org
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the New Jersey State Police, the Division of Criminal Justice, the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Trenton Police Department today announced the arrest of a 26-year-old man suspected of three murders in Pennsylvania and two carjackings.
Law enforcement officials in New Jersey and Bucks County, Pennsylvania, were looking for Andre Gordon Jr., in connection with the fatal shootings of three people, including a 13-year-old girl, in two separate locations in Falls Township, Pennsylvania, on the morning of Saturday, March 16, 2024.
Gordon allegedly carjacked a vehicle in the parking lot of Donnelly Homes in Trenton around 8:40 a.m., drove to Falls Township and committed a series of shootings, carjacked a second vehicle in Morrisville, Pennsylvania, and returned to Trenton. He entered a residence on Phillips Avenue and was later apprehended on New York Avenue at approximately 5 p.m. Gordon is being lodged at the Mercer County Correction Center.
“The string of violent acts that took place yesterday, allegedly at the hands of a single armed individual, alarmed and terrorized communities in Bucks and Mercer counties. It is the latest in a horrific litany of illustrations of how illegal guns and assault rifles can empower one aggrieved and disturbed actor to do immense damage and leave a trail of tragedies in their wake,” said Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. “I am grateful to all the brave law enforcement officers who mobilized in the face of grave danger and helped ensure this incident ended without further harm. We will pursue justice for the victims and hold the defendant accountable for his reprehensible actions.”
“As law enforcement officers, we rely on our professional training and experience when handling events like this. These situations are challenging and show the dangers law enforcement officers face daily,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “I’d like to thank all of the agencies involved in safely bringing this violent and tragic incident to an end.”
“Yesterday’s events are a profound tragedy and a shock that instilled fear in many residents in two states,” said J. Stephen Ferketic, director of the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice. “Thankfully, they ended with the apprehension of the suspect without further gunfire. We will work closely with our partners in Bucks County to ensure that the defendant answers for his alleged crimes in both Trenton and Falls Township.”
“I’d like to extend my sincere appreciation to our federal, state, and local partners for their overwhelming response and assistance in apprehending this extremely dangerous individual,” said Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri. “We’ve been in constant contact with Bucks County authorities and will work expeditiously to ensure that Andre Gordon is returned to Pennsylvania to face his murder charges.”
“My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the victims and their families,” said Police Director Steve Wilson of the Trenton Police Department. “I’d like to thank the local, county, and state authorities for their immediate deployment of additional resources that helped prevent further injury and loss of life to the public and to any law enforcement officer. We are pleased that this incident ended with the peaceful apprehension of the suspect.”
Approximately 60 officers from the Mercer County Rapid Response Partnership (MCRRP) responded to assist. They included officers from East Windsor, Ewing, Hamilton, Hightstown, Hopewell, Lawrence, Princeton, Robbinsville, West Windsor, the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, The College of New Jersey, the New Jersey State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Gordon was charged by New Jersey authorities with first-degree carjacking, second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, second-degree unlawful possession of an assault firearm, third-degree unlawful possession of a firearm without a serial number, third-degree receiving stolen property, fourth-degree unlawful possession of large-capacity ammunition magazines, and fourth-degree possession of hollow-point ammunition.
The charges in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
First-degree carjacking carries a sentence of up to 30 years in New Jersey state prison and a fine of up to $200,000. Second-degree crimes carry a sentence of up to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000, third-degree crimes carry a sentence of up to five years in state prison and a fine of up to $15,000, and fourth-degree crimes carry a maximum sentence of 18 months and a fine of up to $10,000.
The potential sentences are provided solely for informational purposes, as any potential sentence is determined by a judge.
Andre Gordon Jr., 26-year-old man suspected of three murders in Pennsylvania and two carjackings.
Law enforcement officials in New Jersey and Bucks County, Pennsylvania, were looking for Andre Gordon Jr., in connection with the fatal shootings of three people, including a 13-year-old girl, in two separate locations in Falls Township, Pennsylvania, on the morning of Saturday, March 16, 2024.
Yesterday’s sory:
UPDATE: SUSPECT IN CUSTODY FOLLOWING FATAL SHOOTINGS, CARJACKING IN FALLS TOWNSHIP
UPDATE: Andre Gordon Jr was taken into custody in Trenton around 5 p.m. He will be charged in Bucks County at the appropriate time.
Law enforcement officials in Bucks County and New Jersey are actively looking for 26-year-old Andre Gordon Jr., for the fatal shootings of three people, one of them a 13-year-old girl, Saturday morning at two separate locations in Falls Township.
Gordon, who is currently homeless, was later tracked to Trenton, New Jersey. As of 3:30 p.m., Gordon was barricaded inside a home in the 100 block of Phillips Street. On Saturday, March 16, 2024, at approximately 8:52 a.m., Falls Township Police were dispatched to the unit block of Viewpoint Lane, Levittown, to investigate the report of a shooting.
The preliminary investigation determined that Gordon, driving a stolen vehicle, which was carjacked in Trenton, New Jersey, earlier in the morning, forcibly broke into the residence after which he shot and killed his 52-year-old stepmother, Karen Gordon, and his 13-year-old sister, Kera Gordon, who live at that residence. There were three other residents, including a juvenile, inside who were able to hide and avoid Gordon as he went through the house. Following the shooting, at approximately 9:01 a.m., Gordon drove to the unit block of Edgewood Lane, Levittown, where he forcibly broke into a residence after which he shot and killed 25-year-old Taylor Daniel, with whom he had two children. Following the shooting he fled the scene. At the time of the shooting, there were four other individuals present inside, one of which was injured after being bludgeoned by Gordon with the assault rifle. She was transported to Jefferson Hospital, Torresdale Campus, for injuries.
At approximately 9:13 a.m., Gordon committed a carjacking at gunpoint of a 44-year-old male Morrisville resident, in the parking lot of the Dollar General, Bristol Pike, Morrisville, the operator of the vehicle did not suffer any injuries as a result. Police issued a shelter in place a short time later. At approximately 11:38 a.m., the Honda CRV was located, unoccupied, in the 100 block of Miller Street, Trenton, New Jersey. At approximately 12:22 p.m., police received information that Gordon was barricaded, with hostages, inside a residence, in the 100 block of Phillips Street, Trenton, New Jersey. All information regarding that aspect of the investigation is being referred to the Trenton City Police Department. At approximately 12:25 p.m., Falls Township police lifted the shelter in place order. This is an active and ongoing investigation, and more information will be released when available.
TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention reports that on Wednesday June 26th, 2024 at approximately 11:37 a.m. units from Ocean Beach Fire Company No. 3 responded to Las Vegas Rd in the Monterey Beach section of Toms River for a reported fire involving an electric bike. First arriving units confirmed a fire involving the battery pack of an electric bike outside of the home. The fire was primarily extinguished by the homeowner prior to the fire department’s arrival. The fire was extinguished without incident and the nature of the damaged battery prompted a response from the Berkeley Township Hazmat Team. The scene was documented by Inspector Carlin and the damaged battery was packaged in a container for disposal.
After the battery was packed by the Berkeley Township Hazmat Team, the homeowner placed the container in his vehicle for disposal. Inspector Carlin was still on scene documenting the incident and observed the container on fire in the back of the vehicle. This prompted a second response from Ocean Beach Fire Company and the Berkeley Hazmat Team to repack the battery for a second time. Crews operated for several hours over the span of this incident.
The battery was original to the bike, not recently used, and only used with the manufacturer’s charger. The device was stored outside in direct sunlight at the time the fire occurred. Fires involving Lithium-Ion Batteries can be extremely dangerous to life and health.
The Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone about using safe practices in your home or business when utilizing Lithium-Ion batteries.
Visit www.batteryfiresafety.org for more information.
NEW HANOVER TOWNSHIP, NJ (BURLINGTON)–New Hanover Township Police report a two-vehicle motor vehicle accident occurred on Cookstown-Wrightstown Road (Rt. 616) at approximately 6:58 p.m. on October 5, 2022. A silver Nissan, driven by the victim Jeremy Schaffer, of Cookstown, NJ, collided with a GMC pickup being operated by Levi Scull of Westampton, NJ. The preliminary investigation revealed that the vehicle being operated by Jeremey Schaffer lost control and collided head on with the pick-up truck. Jeremy Schaffer succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Levi Scull was transported to Virtua Hospital in Mt. Holly, NJ with non-life threating injuries. The accident is being investigated by the New Hanover Township Police Department.
TAVI Hosts Free Concert on September 17, 2022 at 3:00 p.m.
August 30, 2022
ALLENTOWN, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Acclaimed as the premier touring jazz big band in the United States, the US Army Field Band’s Jazz Ambassadors will perform a free concert in Allentown, New Jersey on Saturday, September 17, 2022 beginning at 3 pm behind the Allentown United Methodist Church, 23 Church Street, Allentown, NJ. In case of rain, the concert will be held on the same date and time in the Allentown High School Auditorium at 27 High Street, Allentown, NJ 08501.
The band is coming to Allentown at the invitation of The Allentown Village Initiative (TAVI) through its “Allentown Arts” program, a series of performances and exhibits throughout the year designed to highlight the artistry of Allentown and Upper Freehold in the historic setting of the village of Allentown. Allentown Arts is made possible through the generosity of our community as well as a grant from Monmouth Arts, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, and the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners.
Established in 1969, the 19 piece Jazz Ambassadors orchestra has performed in all 50 states and around the globe. From Carnegie Hall to London, and now to Allentown New Jersey, the Jazz Ambassadors have brought America’s original art form – jazz – to audiences of all ages. Please bring a chair and join us for a program of favorites. Come early and browse TAVI’s “Makers Market” featuring the creativity of our area’s artisans and small businesses. Make it an afternoon and enjoy a stroll down historic Main Street with its unique shops and restaurants. More information on the band is available at https://www.armyfieldband.com/about/ensembles/jazz-ambassadors
Visit www.allentownvinj.org for news and information about TAVI’s ongoing community service programs. A volunteer driven, 501(c)(3) organization, TAVI welcomes everyone’s input and participation.
FREEHOLD – A Middlesex County man has been criminally charged with repeatedly practicing law in Monmouth County without a license, Monmouth County First Assistant Prosecutor Julia Alonso announced Thursday.
Allen Yusufov, 37, of Monroe Township is charged with four counts of third-degree Unauthorized Practice of Law and a single count of fourth-degree Uttering a Forged Instrument.
An investigation initiated in January by the MCPO Financial Crimes and Public Corruption Unit determined that Yusufov had provided legal services associated with four real-estate transactions taking place from August 2020 to September 2022, while working out of offices located on Gordons Corner Road in Manalapan and on Newman Springs Road in Middletown (though the latter location had a Red Bank mailing address).
The transactions involved properties on Randall Drive in Manalapan, Devon Place in Marlboro, McKinley Drive in Ocean Township, and Woodruff Place in Hillside (Union County). A check of records revealed that throughout the time Yusufov performed the legal services, he was never in possession of a legitimate New Jersey law license; yet he was in possession of a forged document with grammatical errors falsely indicating that he was in “good standing” to practice law. However, Yusufov is legitimately licensed to perform law in the State of New York.
Yusufov was arrested without incident yesterday and released on a complaint-summons pending future proceedings in Monmouth County Superior Court.
Anyone with information about Yusufov’s activities is urged to contact MCPO Detective Robert Afanasewicz toll-free at 1-800-533-7443. This case has been assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Lawrence Nelsen, Director of the MCPO Financial Crimes and Public Corruption Unit.
Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendants have all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.
Allen Yusufov, 37, of Monroe Township is charged with four counts of third-degree Unauthorized Practice of Law and a single count of fourth-degree Uttering a Forged Instrument.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri, Lawrence Township Police Chief Christopher Longo and Trenton Police Director Steve Wilson announced today that a complex investigation into multiple sexual assaults in Mercer County has resulted in the arrest of a local restaurant owner.
Gerald Araya, 44, of Ewing, NJ, was arrested in Trenton on Wednesday afternoon. He is charged with five counts of first-degree aggravated sexual assault, one count of first-degree sexual assault, two counts of second-degree sexual assault, one count of first-degree kidnapping, two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual contact and one count of third-degree endangering the welfare of a child. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain Araya pending trial.
On Wednesday afternoon, June 19, 2024, search warrants were executed at Araya’s residence in Ewing Township, along with three establishments he owns and operates in Trenton: El Catador Lounge Restaurant on New York Avenue, Dubai Restaurant & Lounge on New York Avenue, and Mill Hill Restaurant & Lounge on South Broad Street. He was taken into custody without incident outside of his Mill Hill Restaurant & Lounge.
Last month, a young woman contacted the Trenton police to report a sexual assault and a joint investigation with the MCPO Special Victims Unit ensued. The victim informed detectives that she met Araya during a job interview at Dubai Restaurant & Lounge. Araya wanted the victim to see his other establishments in Trenton so they left Dubai. They arrived at another bar in Trenton where Araya began making the victim drinks and insisting she try them so she knew what she was serving patrons. The victim reported feeling ill and telling Araya she wanted to go home.
The next memory the victim had was of waking up in a room naked and being sexually assaulted by Araya. Further investigation revealed that the assault took place at a motel in Lawrence Township while the victim was physically helpless.
Through an intricate, sensitive investigation by the MCPO SVU, the TPD and the LTPD, detectives were able to identify three more victims who previously worked for Araya.
“This investigation was truly a cooperative effort and a perfect example of how successful law enforcement can be when we work together,” said Prosecutor Onofri. “From the lead detectives who operated with unwavering commitment on this case from the beginning to the four brave woman who came forward to share their stories and work with investigators to ensure this predator was taken off of the streets. No one can do it alone. We will continue to work with our partners and our communities to make Mercer County safe.”
“First and foremost, I want to acknowledge the victims of these heinous acts. They are survivors. It took a great deal of courage, trust in our detectives, and patience with the process to get to this point,” said Director Wilson. “I appreciate the tremendous work of all the personnel involved, specifically Trenton Police SVU Detective Lizmary Rivera and Trenton Police ABC Detective Cathiria Colon, for their months of tireless hard work and dedication to this investigation. This was a collaborative effort that could not have been achieved without the resources and assistance of the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, under the leadership of Prosecutor Angelo Onofri, and the Lawrence Township Police Department under the leadership of Chief Christopher Longo. This investigation is a testament to our dedication to bringing criminals to justice, regardless of who they are or how much money they have.”
“The investigation and subsequent arrest of Gerald Araya is the result of a strong partnership and collaboration between the Lawrence Township Police Department, the Trenton Police Department and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office,” said Chief Longo. “The arrest in this case underscores our collective dedication to bringing justice to victims of sexual assault.”
Prosecutor Onofri commended all of the individuals and agencies involved in this extensive investigation. He thanked the members of his Special Victims Unit who led and coordinated the operation for the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, particularly Detective Sergio Sanchez, Sergeant Ahmad Mansur, Assistant Prosecutor Brett Berman and Assistant Prosecutor Alycia Beyrouty, SVU chief; and lead detectives Suzanne Girard of the Lawrence Township Police Department, and Cathiria Colon and Lizmary Rivera of the Trenton Police Department.
Prosecutor Onofri also thanked the following local, county and federal agencies for their investigative support and assistance with yesterday’s search warrant executions:
• Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office• Mercer County Prosecutor’s Special Investigations Unit• Mercer County Tactical Response Team• Ewing Police Department• Lawrence Township Police Department• Trenton Police Department
CRANBURY TOWNSHIP, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Around 10:25 p.m. January 3, 2025 firefighters were dispatched to Cranbury Neck Road for a reported chimney fire. Responding firefighters called for an additional alarm while still responding since flames and smoke were visable from a distance. When firefighters arrived found heavy fire coming from a large two story single family home. Multiple additional fire departments were called to the scene as well as seting up a tanker task force to bring water to the scene. EMS units from several agencies set up a rehab unit. Firefighters and EMS units oprated for about six hours at the scene.
Once additional details become available the story will be updated.
https://twitter.com/GovMurphy/status/1867606764755054686
