November 8, 2021 — Updated with official information from Princeton Police Department

PRINCETON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–On November 7, 2021 at 12:40 p.m., the Princeton Police Department was dispatched to a residence on the 100 block of Clover Lane for an attempted motor vehicle theft. The victim reported that three unknown suspects entered his vehicle in an attempt to steal the vehicle, which was parked in the driveway. The suspects were driving a 2015 black Jeep Grand Cherokee, which was later determined to be stolen out of Pequannock Township, NJ.

While Princeton Police were on scene investigating the attempted theft, the Jeep Grand Cherokee was observed traveling west on Clover Lane, followed by a 2015 Land Rover Range Rover. It was reported at that time that the Range Rover was just stolen from a residence on Dodds Lane.

The investigating officer returned to his vehicle and followed behind the Range Rover on Clover Lane. The Jeep Grand Cherokee drove away in an unknown direction.

The Range Rover suddenly accelerated at a high rate of speed and the officer attempted to conduct a motor vehicle stop. A motor vehicle pursuit ensued but was terminated on Snowden Lane due to the reckless driving of the Range Rover. The Range Rover was last observed driving south on Snowden Lane, and made a left turn onto Princeton-Kingston Road. The Range Rover was later found abandoned in Newark, NJ.

At 1:09 p.m., Princeton Police were dispatched to Princeton-Kingston Road in the area of Carnegie Drive for a motor vehicle crash. Preliminary investigation revealed that the Jeep Grand Cherokee, driven by a 15 year old juvenile was traveling east on Princeton-Kingston Road and crossed over the double yellow line and struck head-on a 2016 Acura RDX driven by Jodi Marcou that was traveling west. Marcou and the 15 year old driver were both pronounced dead at the scene. The 14 year old passenger was transported to Capitol Health Regional Medical Center in Princeton, NJ and is in critical condition.

The crash is being investigated by the Princeton Police Department and Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office. PPD is requesting that anybody who witnessed the crash to contact Traffic Safety Bureau supervisor Sergeant Thomas Murray at 609-921-2100 ext. 1879.

An additional press release will follow when new information becomes available.

Vehicle #1

Jodi Marcou (Driver) Kendall Park,, NJ 08088 61 years old (Deceased)

Vehicle #2:

15 year old juvenile (Driver) Newark, NJ (Deceased)

14 year old juvenile (Passenger) Newark, NJ

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November 6, 2021

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ —

The Coast Guard medically evacuated a man after he was found unconscious aboard a fishing vessel approximately 90 miles east of Barnegat Township, New Jersey, Thursday, November 4, 2021. Watchstanders at the Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay Command Center received a relayed notification from watchstanders at the Coast Guard 1st District Command Center regarding a crewmember who was found unconscious and in need of immediate medical attention while aboard the fishing vessel Lady Anna. An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City, New Jersey was launched to the scene. Once on scene, the aircrew was able to successfully hoist the crewmember and transfer him to AtlantiCare Trauma Center in Atlantic City for further medical care. “Medical evacuations are always complex evolutions and can be especially challenging at night,” said Lt. Humberto Hernandez, one of the Dolphin pilots from Air Station Atlantic City. “Our crews remain ever ready and due to the quick actions from the command center and air station personnel, we were able to quickly get this gentleman to the hospital where he could receive immediate medical treatment.”

An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter flight crew prepares to take off for a flight, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2015, from Air Station Atlantic City, N.J. The air station’s crewmembers support a variety of missions, including search and rescue, port security, law enforcement and environmental protection. (U.S. Coast Guard Photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class David Micallef)

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August 12, 2020

BRICK TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County First Assistant Prosecutor Michael T. Nolan, Jr. announced that Patrick Fasano, 31, and Maria Fasano, 27, both of Brick Township, have been charged with Operating a Controlled Dangerous Substance Production Facility in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-4; Possession of Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) with Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(4); Possession of less than One-Half Ounce of Psilocybin Mushrooms with Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(5); Possession of DMT in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1); Possession of Psilocybin Mushrooms in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1); Possession of less than 50 Grams of Marijuana in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(4); Possession of Drug Paraphernalia in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:36-2; Possession of a Firearm While in the Course of Committing a Controlled Dangerous Substance Offense in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4.1a; and Maintaining and Occupying a Fortified Structure in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-4.1c.

The United States Department of Homeland Security alerted the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force that a parcel had been intercepted entering the United States from the Netherlands, which was addressed to Patrick Fasano at a Brick Township address. The parcel contained approximately 920 grams of DMT, a Schedule I Narcotic known to produce hallucinogenic effects. An undercover Ocean County Narcotics Strike Force Detective delivered the package to Maria Fasano at that residence, and she accepted delivery of the package. On August 11, 2020, Detectives executed a search warrant on the subject residence, which resulted in the seizure of quantities of DMT, Psilocybin Mushrooms, and Marijuana. They also seized numerous firearms, ammunition, and approximately $1900 in cash. Additionally, Detectives located numerous items suggestive of maintaining a Controlled Dangerous Substance Production Facility, and further observed the residence to have an exterior mounted surveillance camera system indicative of a warning mechanism against potential law enforcement entry. Patrick and Maria Fasano were transported to Brick Township Police Headquarters to be processed and are currently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.

First Assistant Prosecutor Nolan extends his gratitude to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, United States Department of Homeland Security, and Brick Township Police Department for their cooperative assistance in this investigation leading to these arrests.

The press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Patrick Fasano, 31, and Maria Fasano, 27, both of Brick Township, have been charged with Operating a Controlled Dangerous Substance Production Facility

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June 18, 2020

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Governor Phil Murphy has announced that indoor malls can reopen on June 29, 2020. Once executive order is posted later will update the story see details released so far below:

NEW: Indoor portions of retail shopping malls may REOPEN on 6/29:
Masks required to be worn
All stores limited to 50% capacity
Restaurants may provide take-out or outdoor dining
Food court seating and common seating areas remain closed
Theaters and arcades remain closed

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June 6, 2020

ALLENTOWN-UPPER FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–This evening a Senior Class Car Procession was held from 5 to 7 pm to celebrate the Allentown High School Class of 2020. Tonight would have been Allentown’s Prom but since the covid-19 pandemic that was canceled.

The Seniors were be led by the New Jersey State police, DJ Nebbs Entertainment and Hope Fire Company also assisted with traffic control around the township.

October 31, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–At 12:50 a.m. Trenton EMS, Trenton Police, Fire and Capital Paramedics responded to the area of 550 Lamberton Street for a report of a female shot in the head. Police arrived on scene and secured the scene. EMS arrived and treated the injured person. TEMS and Capital Paramedics were transporting to the Trauma Center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center at 1:00 a.m. a “Trauma Alert” was called. Trenton Police Department Shooting Response Team was on scene at the time of this report and investigating. No further information is available at this time.

There have been 8 murders in the City of Trenton in October so far with a total of 32 for the year 2021.

This is a breaking news story once official information becomes available the story will be updated.

file photos

MidJersey.News stories on recent gun violence in Trenton:

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October 17, 2021

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–On October 16, 2021, Hamilton Police were conducting an investigation in the area of Groveville / Allentown Road, regarding ongoing reports of  numerous loud explosions in the area.  At approximately 6:30 PM, the Hamilton Police Anti- Crime Unit witnessed and stopped a vehicle occupied by a male suspect that detonated an explosive device on Groveville Allentown Road.  A motor vehicle stop was conducted a short distance from the explosion site and the suspect,  47 year old Hamilton resident, Branton B. Meshofski, was arrested. 

The New Jersey State Police Bomb Unit responded and rendered the area safe.

Branton B. Meshofski was charged with several counts of 2^nd degree Possession of an Explosive Device and 2^nd degree Possession of a Destructive Device.  Mr. Meshofski was transported to the Mercer County Correctional Facility and is awaiting arraignment for these charges.

 Detectives from the Mercer County Prosecutors Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation also assisted with this Investigation.

Hamilton Police are asking the public if anyone has additional information concerning this incident to contact Hamilton Detective Daniel Inman of the Criminal Investigations Section at (609) 581-4035 or via email at [email protected] or the Hamilton Police Crime Tip Hotline at (609) 581-4008.

Every defendant is presumed innocent until being found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Branton B. Meshofski, 47, Hamilton Township Branton B. Meshofski was charged with several counts of 2^nd degree Possession of an Explosive Device and 2^nd degree Possession of a Destructive Device.  Mr. Meshofski was transported to the Mercer County Correctional Facility and is awaiting arraignment for these charges.

October 30, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Trenton Police, Trenton EMS, Fire, and Capital Health Paramedics were dispatched to 900 Block of Brunswick Avenue near Olden at 3:26 a.m. for a shooting. EMS arrived on scene and raced the victim to the trauma center only two blocks away but the person was pronounced dead a short time later. Trenton Police and the Mercer County Homicide Taskforce are on scene investigating this morning.

October has been Trenton’s bloodiest month in 2021 with eight murders so far after this morning’s drive by shooting.

This is a breaking news story and once more information becomes available the story will be updated.

Names of 2021* homicide victims: 

1. 2/18/2021 Jabree Saunders, 26, from shooting on May 14, 2018
2. 2/22/2021  Khalil Gibbs, 25, of West Windsor, shooting
3. 2/25/2021  Lovelle Laramore, 60, of Trenton shooting
4. 4/15/2021  Kaheem Carter, 22, of Trenton, shooting
5. 4/20/2021  Shaquan McNeil, 25, of Trenton, shooting
6. 4/24/2021  Cheryl Jones, 65, of Trenton, shooting
7. 4/29/2021  Ramire Harvey, 25, of Trenton, shooting
8. 5/15/2021  David Williams 36, of Trenton, shooting
9. 5/29/2021  Edgar Geovani Sis-Luis, 34, of Trenton, aggravated manslaughter
10. 7/05/2021  Dion Ellis, 16, Trenton, Shooting
11. 7/14/2021  Pablo Herrera Chun, 53, Trenton, Shooting
12. 7/19/2021  William Mitchell, 33, Trenton, Shooting
13. 7/19/2021  Jermel Carter, 38, Trenton, Shooting
14. 7/29/2021  Leonard Pettigrew, 58, Trenton, Shooting
15. 7/30/2021  Shaquil Loftin, 23, Shooting, Trenton
16. 8/01/2021  Daquan Basnight, 30, of Ewing, Shooting
17. 8/13/2021  Javier Chaj-Ajtun, 33, of Trenton, Shooting
18. 8/19/2021  Herberth Ramirez Pimentel, 37, of Trenton, Shooting
19. 8/23/2021  Yanquai Edwards, 25, of Rancocas, NJ, Shooting
20. 8/25/2021  Daron Cheston, 18, Trenton, Shooting
21. 8/30/2021  Fred Davis, 43, Trenton, Shooting
22. 9/06/2021  Shamiem Young, 26, Trenton, Shooting
23. 9/17/2021  Jeff Charles, 37, Trenton, Shooting
24. 9/25/2021  Shemiah Davis, 15, Trenton, Shooting
25. 10/2/2021  Omar Burgess, 49, of Trenton, Shooting
26. 10/3/2021  Elias Juarez Lopez, 31, of Princeton, Shooting
27. 10/4/2021  Candice Ruff, 19, of Trenton, Shooting On September 25
28. 10/7/2021  Douglas Munn, 50, of Trenton. Shooting
29. 10/13/2021 Melvin Williams 26, of Trenton, Shooting
30. 10/29/2021 Shooting
31. 10/29/2021 Shooting
32. 10/30/2021 Shooting

*Updated to reflect the person who died in 2021 from complications from a shooting on May 14, 2018 as per medical examiner report.

file photo

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October 26, 2021

TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Ocean Township Police Chief Michael Rogalski announced that on October 25, 2021, the Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled that Megan Campana, 42, of Seaside Heights, whose body was found in Waretown on June 4, 2021, died of natural causes.

On June 4, 2021, the Ocean Township Police Department received a report of an unresponsive female located in a wooded area of the Barnegat Branch Rail Trail near County Line Road in Waretown; responding Officers located the body of a deceased female.  On June 5, 2021, the Ocean County Medical Examiner positively identified the body as that of Ms. Campana.  On October 25, 2021, the Ocean County Medical Examiner released the results of a forensic toxicology report issued in connection with the post-mortem examination performed on Ms. Campana.  The Medical Examiner ruled the manner of Ms. Campana’s death to be from natural causes.

Prosecutor Billhimer and Chief Rogalski acknowledge the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean Township Police Department Detective Bureau and Patrol Division, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office, for their collective assistance relative to this investigation.

Suspicious Death Being Investigated In Ocean Township

July 16, 2021

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Tradition is that every summer after the Stanley Cup Finals the winning team gets the cup for a tour for around 100 days a year in the off season. Robbinsville’s Ross Colton was the first team member of the Tampa Bay Lightning to tour with the cup for the day. Ross spend the morning in Hamilton at Ice-Land Skating Center and then Robbinsville Township in the afternoon.

Ross Colton grew up in Robbinsville and played hockey locally for Mercer Chiefs at Ice-Land and Princeton Day School before being drafted into the NHL with the Tampa Bay Lightning and was in his rookie year when he scored the only goal in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals clinching the cup for Tampa Bay.

Photos from today’s events:

Ross Colton hoisting the cup in Robbinsville at the Town Center Gazebo

• 
• Jeff Sagnip Communications Director from Rep. Chris Smith’s officer presents a certificate from Rep. Smith

Ross Colton with Robbinsville Township firefighters in front of Squad 40.

(Ed Note: Some Robbinsville firefighters share a ticket plan for the NJ Devils a number of years ago and when I could not make a Devils/Rangers game for work or another reason, I gave the tickets to a friend of Ross (a NJ Devils fan back then) and went with Richie S. that was a Ranger fan and was prior to him going to PDS since I remember asking him if he was playing for Robbinsville at that point and said PDS– prior to MidJersey.news I used to take a lot of hockey photos for local papers and that’s how it worked out. Section 1 Row 19 Seats 1 & 2 on 3-19-13) So 8 years later here he is in front of our Squad