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September 21, 2021

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–The Robbinsville Township Fire Department and EMS was dispatched to a motor vehicle crash on the NJ Turnpike at mile marker 61.5 South Bound Inner Roadway, near the West Manor Way Bridge at 10:29 a.m. When firefighters and EMS arrived they found one injury and the ambulance transported the person to a local hospital. The NJ State Police is investigating the crash.

No further details are available at this time.

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September 21, 2021

CRANBURY, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Firefighters from several departments including Cranbury, Hightstown, East Windsor, and Monroe Township were dispatched to a well involved dumpster fire that was next to a large warehouse at approximately 10:40 a.m. When firefighters arrived they found that the flames were starting to extend into the building. Firefighters arrived and extinguished the fire. No further details are available at this time.

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September 20, 2021

HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–A fight occurred between several inmates last night around 10:15 p.m., at the Mercer County Corrections Center also known as the “Workhouse” at 1750 River Road, lead to a stabbing.

According to a Mercer County Spokesperson, Julie Willmot, a fight occurred last night, Sept. 19, 2021 between several inmates. The fight took place in the New Commitment Unit (intake). One of the inmates involved in the fight had a homemade shank in his possession, which he used to stab another inmate. The inmate who was stabbed was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and will be returned to the Correction Center today.  The weapon was recovered. 

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September 21, 2021

BORDENTOWN TOWNSHIP, NJ (BURLINGTON)—Firefighters were dispatched to the 900 Block of Route 206 at 11:40 a.m. for a reported fire. Upon arrival firefighters found a fire in the kitchen, and a full first alarm was called. Firefighters stretched handlines and quickly extinguished the fire.

It was reported there was a fire in the kitchen with no extension to the rest of the house from the kitchen area. No additional details are available at this time.

Bordentown Township Fire Department Stations 321 and 322, Burlington County Professional firefighters IAFF 3091- Bordentown, Bordentown City Fire Department Stations 601 and Station 602 Bordentown Township Ems, Station 609 Chesterfield Fire Department Station 261, Burlington County Professional firefighters IAFF 3091-Chesterfield, Florence Fire District Station 401, Burlington County Professional firefighters IAFF 3091- Florence, Mercer County Hamilton Township Fire Department Stations 19 and 15. Bordentown Township Police Department was also on scene.

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September 18, 2021

TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–On Saturday, September 18, 2021, at approximately 11:20 a.m., police and EMS were dispatched to 2^nd Ave and Ocean Terrace in Normandy Beach for a swimmer in distress. Witnesses reported that a male was caught in a rip current and struggling to keep his head above water. Joseph Gates of Hopatcong, entered the water with his surfboard and was able to keep the victim above water. Two additional surfers, Thomas Galbraith of Warren, and Colin Cronin of Lavalette, also entered the water with their surfboards and were able to assist Mr. Gates and the victim back to shore. There were no injuries and none of the involved parties required medical assistance.

At approximately 12:30 PM police and EMS were dispatched to 8^th Avenue and Ocean Ave in Ortley Beach for multiple swimmers in distress. A 22 year old female from New Fairfield, CT was the first swimmer to be pulled out of the ocean by friends and was treated by EMS and transported to Community Medical Center by a Toms River Ambulance. At this time she is stable and expected to make a full recovery.

A 29 year old male from Freehold was the next victim to be pulled out of the ocean, also by friends. He was conscious and treated by EMS as he was transported to Community Medical Center with medics on board. He is listed in stable condition.

The third victim, a 27 year old female from Brookfield, CT, had been going under water multiple times and appeared to not be moving. A rescue wave runner from Seaside Heights Fire Department was able to rescue her and bring her to shore. The firefighters onboard the wave runner performed CPR as they brought her to the beach. Once on the beach, EMS and medics continued CPR and were able to regain a pulse prior to her being transported to Community Medical Center. At this time she is listed in critical condition.

Police officers cleared the township’s ocean waters of all swimmers due to the dangerous water conditions.

See United States Lifesaving Association about Rip Currents and NOAA and USLA Rip Current Safety Toolkit

NWS graphic

Rip Current Statement

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ
316 AM EDT Sat Sep 18 2021

DEZ004-NJZ014-024>026-190000-
/O.CON.KPHI.RP.S.0008.000000T0000Z-210919T0000Z/
Delaware Beaches-Eastern Monmouth-Atlantic Coastal Cape May-
Coastal Atlantic-Coastal Ocean-
316 AM EDT Sat Sep 18 2021

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents.

* WHERE...In New Jersey, Coastal Ocean, Atlantic Coastal Cape
  May, Eastern Monmouth and Coastal Atlantic. In Delaware,
  Delaware Beaches.

* WHEN...Through this evening.

* IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away
  from shore into deeper water.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Entering the surf is discouraged. If caught in a rip current,
relax and float. Don`t swim against the current. If able, swim in
a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face
the shore and call or wave for help.

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September 21, 2021

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Hamilton Township will use a $100,000 of American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding towards a program to help reimburse parents/guardians for the costs of registering their child in a non-profit youth recreation league in 2021. 

The program provides for up to $200/child in reimbursement of their registration fees. Due to the rules of the federal funds, this program is limited to Hamilton children who are enrolled in a free/reduced lunch program through their school. All information submitted will be kept confidential. Parents/guardians can apply for more than one league – for example if their child participates in youth soccer and youth baseball, they can get reimbursement for both.

“Over the last 18 months, Hamilton’s children have faced significant obstacles to their normal childhood experiences,” stated Mayor Jeff Martin. “Hamilton’s youth recreation leagues provide children with physical fitness, but just as importantly, social and emotional learning opportunities as well.”

Any parent/guardian looking to participate in this reimbursement program may find the form at www.HamiltonNJ.com/Recreation under ‘Additional Links’. It will be up to each youth sports league to compile forms and submit the forms to the Hamilton Division of Recreation. All submissions must be received no later than October 15, 2021.

For questions or further assistance please contact the Hamilton Township Division of Recreation at (609) 890-4028.

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September 18, 2021

EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–About 4:50 p.m. today, Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021 Ewing Township
firefighters were dispatched to a car fire in front of the Game Stop store at 1632 North Olden Avenue, near Arctic Parkway. The engine compartment of Dodge Charger was well involved on arrival of Squirt 31. Chief 31 called an extra engine (Engine 30). Ladder Tower 31 also responded. Firefighters quickly knocked down the fire and there were no apparent injuries reported. Ewing Police closed the roadway until the fire was out.

https://midjerseynews.files.wordpress.com/2021/09/2021.09.18-ewing-1632-north-olden-ave-at-arctic-parkway-car-fire-audio.mp3 Listen to the audio from the fire here

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Detectives Use DNA Evidence to Arrest Suspect for Sexual Assault of 10-year-old Girl

September 17, 2021

Brigantine, NJ (ATLANTIC) – The New Jersey State Police and Brigantine Police Department have charged Brian Lee Avis, 59, of Egg Harbor City, N.J., for the sexual assault of a 10-year-old girl during a 1996 home invasion, after detectives used DNA evidence to solve the 25-year-old cold case.

On July 19, 1996, the Brigantine Police Department responded to the report of a sexual assault at a residence on East Evans Boulevard in Brigantine City, Atlantic County. A male suspect allegedly broke into the residence in the middle of the night and sexually assaulted a 10-year-old girl while she was sleeping. When the victim woke up, the suspect fled the scene.

Detectives collected evidence at the scene and obtained a DNA sample of the suspect from the victim’s bed. The suspect’s DNA profile had been generated in 2002 and was uploaded into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), which is a national DNA collection database, however there were no CODIS matches for the profile.

During the summers of 1995 and 1996, there were approximately 14 reported incidents of an individual engaging in voyeuristic behavior and attempted sexual assaults of two sleeping teenage girls in the Brigantine area. The incidents created widespread panic and concern in the community which led to an increased presence by the Brigantine Police Department. When the investigation was renewed, investigators determined that the suspect lived in the vicinity, but he was never identified, and the cases remained unsolved.

In January of 2021, detectives from the New Jersey State Police Cold Case Unit and Brigantine Police Department reopened the case in a cooperative investigation. Detectives began working with the New Jersey State Police Office of Forensic Sciences (OFS) and a private company specializing in Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG). The evidence was resubmitted to OFS and a more robust DNA sample for the suspect was obtained.

On July 26, 2021, detectives submitted the DNA to a private laboratory for analysis. The laboratory conducted Microarray Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNP) testing for IGG analysis in an attempt to identify genetic relatives of the suspect based on the DNA sample obtained at the scene. Through various investigative means, detectives identified Brian Lee Avis as the suspect.

On September 12, detectives located Avis and escorted him to the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, where they executed a search warrant for his DNA. Detectives obtained the sample by using a buccal swab, which collects DNA from cells inside of a person’s cheek. The sample was submitted for forensic analysis, which revealed a positive match to the DNA obtained at the scene.

On September 13, detectives arrested Avis and charged him with aggravated sexual assault of a child under 13 years old, sexual assault of a child under 13 years old, burglary, and endangering the welfare of child. He was lodged at the Atlantic County Jail.

“No matter how long ago a crime occurred, we are committed to ensuring those who break the law are held accountable,” said Acting Attorney General Andrew J. Bruck. “I want to recognize the outstanding job by all law enforcement officers involved in the review and reinvestigation of this case. Their persistence in the search for justice reflects the very best of our law enforcement profession.”

“The sanctity and security of a 10-year-old girl’s bedroom was violated by a heinous act committed 25 years ago, violently stripping her of her innocence resulting in emotional scars that are as fresh today as they were that fateful summer night in 1996,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “I commend our Cold Case Unit detectives and members of the Brigantine Police Department for reopening this case and working collaboratively by using modern technology to bring justice and closure for the victim.”

“First I want to thank the original Brigantine Police detectives who did a great job collecting and preserving the evidence 25 years ago. That evidence was preserved for 25 years and was able to still be used after all this time. It is a testament to their diligent detective work and the evidence custodians over the years who maintained and preserved the evidence for 25 years,” said Chief Rich Casamento, Brigantine Police Department. “Several months ago, Detective Sergeant Glasser of the Brigantine Police identified this evidence as a case that could be solved using current DNA technology. He advised the New Jersey State Police Cold Case Unit of his findings and re-opened the case. This case being solved is the result of the excellent investigative efforts of Detective Sergeant Glasser, the New Jersey State Police Cold Case Unit, and the original detectives 25 years ago. It is an example of the relentless pursuit of justice and all of them should be commended. I want to thank Colonel Callahan and the New Jersey State Police Cold Case Unit for their partnership and teamwork that led to solving this case. I hope closing this case brings some peace and healing to the victim and her family.”

“Our law enforcement partnerships and the dogged work since 1996, that has been completed by detectives at the Brigantine Police Department, and the New Jersey State Police Cold Case Unit has resulted in the arrest of Brian Lee Avis for the sexual assault of a 10-year-old girl in her bedroom 25 years ago,” said Cary Shill, Acting Atlantic County Prosecutor. “I commend our law enforcement officers who worked together, staying committed to this case and 25 years later forensic science and their commitment to justice have resulted in these charges and the arrest of 59-year-old Brian Lee Avis.”

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Detective Sergeant John Glasser of the Brigantine Police Department at (609)266-7600 ext. 276 or Detective Sergeant First Class Joseph Itri of the New Jersey State Police Cold Case Unit at (833) 4NJ-COLD. Anonymous tips are welcome.

Charges are mere accusations, and the accused is considered innocent until proven guilty.

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September 17, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department are investigating a shooting that occurred in Trenton early Friday morning that left one victim dead, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported.

At approximately 12:53 a.m., on September 17, 2021, Trenton police were dispatched to a home on Race Street on a report of an unresponsive male. Responding officers located a 37-year-old male victim with gunshot wounds, identified as Jeff Charles of Trenton, NJ. He was pronounced deceased.

The investigation is ongoing, and no arrests have been made. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Bill Jones at the Mercer County Homicide Task Force office, (609) 989-6406. Tips can also be emailed to [email protected].

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

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

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Joint Bid with New Jersey and New York Among 17 U.S. cities being considered

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio hosted officials from FIFA, the governing body of international soccer, who concluded their visit today after touring MetLife Stadium and other area venues as they continue the site selection process for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The delegation was led by FIFA Vice-President and Concacaf President Victor Montagliani and Colin Smith, FIFA Chief Tournaments and Events Officer, and included FIFA experts across multiple fields, including venue management, stadium and city infrastructure, team facilities, commercial, bidding, and legal. Representatives from the U.S. Soccer Federation, along with representatives from the Canadian Soccer Association and the Mexican Football Federation, also joined the delegation.

New Jersey and New York City presented a joint bid for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with the goal of once again bringing one of the greatest sporting events in the world to East Rutherford.

“This is an immensely exciting opportunity to showcase our great state to an international audience,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “The FIFA World Cup is among the premier sporting events in the world and MetLife Stadium is among the country’s best, so we’re excited for the chance to bring the two together.”

“New York City and New Jersey have all the assets we need to host an unforgettable World Cup: world-class, accessible facilities, a truly global population of fans, and the best tourist destinations on the globe,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.  “I’m proud to welcome FIFA to the region and I look forward to many more productive conversations in the coming months,”

In addition to touring MetLife Stadium, members of the delegation visited several potential FIFA Fan Fest sites around the region, including Liberty State Park and New York City’s Central Park. Six additional sites would be used as training facilities, including Rutgers University, the Pingry School, Kean University, Red Bull Arena and Training Facility, and the New York City Football Club Training Facility.

The NY/NJ Host City Bid Committee also launched a campaign entitled “Welcome, World” highlighting the region’s passion for the sport and desire to be an official 2026 FIFA World Cup Host City.  The welcome video can be found here.

“This morning we received a great presentation from the Governor, the Deputy Mayor and the whole range of officials who are involved in the candidate city bid,” said Colin Smith, Chief Tournaments and Events Officer for FIFA. “It was a very well structured, very professional presentation and we received a lot of good information. This region is used to hosting major event and to see the collaboration between all parties is obviously very important to us.”

“We are excited to be here. We have been very well received by the Governor, the Mayor, and the whole team,” said FIFA Vice-President and Concacaf President Victor Montagliani. “Their passion for their game, and their passion to bring the World Cup to New York and New Jersey comes through very clearly. We’ll continue to work with them and we’re shooting for having a decision in the first quarter of next year.” 

“New Jersey’s more than 30 years of experience hosting one-of-a-kind events, including seven games for the 1994 FIFA World Cup, the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup, a papal mass by Pope John Paul II, the Super Bowl, and two WrestleManias, are proof that the New Jersey Meadowlands is well-prepared to host the FIFA World Cup in 2026,” said New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority President and CEO, Vincent Prieto.

“As the ultimate sports capital and the world’s most welcoming destination, New York City is well-positioned to host the FIFA 2026 World Cup at MetLife Stadium, a premier venue in the greater New York area,” said NYC & Company President and CEO Fred Dixon. “We are grateful to the FIFA delegation for considering New York City and New Jersey as a future destination for this renowned event.”

“New Jersey has the experience, commitment, and state-of-the-art facilities needed to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Our state has a rich history with soccer,” said ChooseNJ CEO, Jose Lozano. “Over the years, MetLife Stadium has successfully hosted record-setting international soccer matches thanks to our strategic location, unparalleled transportation access, and world-class amenities. New Jersey and New York are ready and excited to host this extraordinary event.”

“The New Jersey Meadowlands has played host to the world’s largest and most prestigious events,” said Jim Kirkos, President and CEO of the Meadowlands Chamber. “We are all thankful to FIFA for considering us and we are anxious to provide a “NJ Warm Welcome” to the many fans from around the world who will come to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. We know how to do BIG…and experience matters.”

The U.S last hosted the FIFA World Cup in 1994, and Giants Stadium played host to seven games, including a quarterfinal and semifinal match.

“MetLife Stadium would be honored to host matches in 2026. Our world-class stadium is the perfect showcase for the greatest players and the biggest global sporting event taking place in New Jersey,” said MetLife Stadium President and CEO Ron VanDeVeen

MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. is the home of the NFL New York Giants and New York Jets.  The stadium has a capacity exceeding 82,000, making it one of the largest venues currently under consideration by FIFA. 

Other U.S. cities in the running to host matches are Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Cincinnati, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, Orlando, Philadelphia, the San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. In addition to the U.S. cities, Canada is featuring Edmonton and Toronto as host cities and in Mexico, they are featuring Guadalajara, Mexico City, and Monterrey. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the first ever jointly hosted by three nations. The final decision is due early next year.

Governor’s Office Photo