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January 8, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Governor Phil Murphy released a statement this morning about the death of the United States Capital Police Officer who is a NJ native from South River. Officer Brian D. Sicknick was responding to the riots on Wednesday, January 6, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol and was injured while physically engaging with protesters. He returned to his division office and collapsed. He was taken to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

Sicknick was a graduate from Middlesex County Vocational and Technical Schools. He was also a Staff Sergeant with the NJ Air National Guard where he was a fire team member at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, and served in Operation Southern Watch and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Statement from Governor Phil Murphy:

“United States Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick embodied the selfless spirit of his native state. 

Officer Sicknick was a product of South River and a graduate of the Middlesex County Vocational and Technical Schools. Before joining the Capitol Police, he was Staff Sergeant Sicknick with the New Jersey Air National Guard. He was a Fire Team Member and Leader with the 108^th Security Force Squadron, 108^th Wing, at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, and his six years of service included overseas deployments in support of Operation Southern Watch and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Tammy and I send our deepest condolences to Officer Sicknick’s family and friends, as well as to his United States Capitol Police colleagues and the Guardsmen and Guardswomen he served alongside. We thank him for his service to our nation.

Officer Sicknick gave his life protecting the United States Capitol, and by extension, our very democracy, from violent insurrection. His needless murder at the hands of a mob bent on overthrowing the Constitution he had dedicated his life to upholding is shocking. It is my fervent hope that the rioters whose actions directly contributed to his death are quickly identified and brought to justice.”

January 7, 2021 Official United States Capital Police Press Release:

At approximately 9:30 p.m. this evening (January 7, 2021), United States Capitol Police Officer Brian D. Sicknick passed away due to injuries sustained while on-duty. 

Officer Sicknick was responding to the riots on Wednesday, January 6, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol and was injured while physically engaging with protesters.  He returned to his division office and collapsed.  He was taken to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.  The death of Officer Sicknick will be investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch, the USCP, and our federal partners. 

Officer Sicknick joined the USCP in July 2008, and most recently served in the Department’s First Responder’s Unit. 

The entire USCP Department expresses its deepest sympathies to Officer Sicknick’s family and friends on their loss, and mourns the loss of a friend and colleague. 

We ask that Officer Sicknick’s family, and other USCP officers’ and their families’ privacy be respected during this time.

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September 9, 2021

TUCKERTON, NJ (OCEAN)–The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office (OCPO) has completed its investigation into the November 21, 2019 use of force by one patrolman of the Tuckerton Police Department and has concluded that the use of force was legally justified. The OCPO determined that it is not necessary to present this matter to the grand jury because there were not material facts in dispute regarding the lawfulness of the use of force. The investigation was conducted in accordance with the then applicable Attorney General’s Independent Prosecutor Directives (Attorney General Supplemental law Enforcement Directive Regarding Uniform Statewide Procedures and Best Practices for Conducting Police Use of Force Investigations Directive 2006-5 and the Independent Prosecutor Directive 2019-4) (“Directives”). Pursuant to those Directives, the Attorney General’s Office conducted an independent review of the use of force and agreed with OCPO’s determination that there were no material facts in dispute and that the use of force by the officer was justified. The Attorney General’s Office concurred with OCPO’s conclusion to forego presentation of this matter to the Grand Jury.0

The incident occurred on November 21, 2019, at 10:22am in the Borough of Tuckerton. Officer 1 of the Tuckerton Borough Police Department attempted to effectuate a motor vehicle stop of a Black Nissan Altima at Delta Gas Station located at 109 East Main Street. Officer 1 was in uniform and approached the Nissan and advised the driver and front seat passenger, Miguel Angel Villegas, that they were being stopped for obstruction of view and a seatbelt violation.  Officer 1 could not identify a valid motor vehicle license under the name the driver provided and had asked her to exit the vehicle.

The driver exited the vehicle briefly before reentering the Nissan and accelerated out of the gas station heading north on North Green Street. The Nissan then collided with the left side of an unrelated northbound vehicle.  The Nissan came to an uncontrolled rest in the front yard of a residence on the southbound side of the road.  Officer 1 pursued the Nissan and stopped at the scene of the accident.  As he approached the unrelated vehicle on the northbound side of the road to check on the occupant, he observed Villegas and the driver outside their vehicle next to the passenger side of the Nissan on the opposite side of the road. Officer 1 further observed that Villegas had his hands in his waist area and ordered him to show his hands multiple times.  At that point in time, Villegas removed a dark colored handgun from under his clothing, pointed it at Officer 1 and began firing at him.  Officer 1 discharged his weapon in response as he had no other option to protect his life.  Neither Villegas, Officer 1, nor any bystanders were hit in the gunfire.  Villegas fled south on foot towards East Main Street, where he broke into a garage, stole a bicycle and ultimately secured a Lyft ride to North Jersey.  Officer 1 did not have a body worn camera and his vehicle was not equipped with a mobile video recorder (MVR). Surveillance video was recovered from the Delta Gas Station showing the suspect vehicle departing from the initial motor vehicle stop conducted by Officer 1. Additionally, detectives were able to recover video from the Wawa convenience store showing Villegas entering a Lyft car which enabled him to travel to North Jersey.

The driver/victim was interviewed and indicated that Villegas was her boyfriend and that he had ordered her to drive him to New Jersey from Connecticut because he was wanted by police there.  The parties traveled to Tuckerton to get fuel on their trip back home from the Atlantic City area.  Villegas had told her to provide a fake name to Officer 1 during the traffic stop, pointed a handgun at her and told her to drive while pushing her foot on the accelerator pedal.  She recalled being in the accident and being between Villegas and Officer 1 when the gunfire started and that Villegas had the gun shortly before the gunfire started.

There were multiple witnesses who observed the incident. One witness observed the entire exchange between Officer 1 and Villegas.  He confirmed that Officer 1 gave multiple verbal commands to Villegas to show him his hands to which Villegas did not comply. The citizen also observed Villegas pull out a gun and fire upon Officer 1 at which time Officer 1 returned fire. An additional witness stated she did not see the events leading up to the shooting, however, she did see a male matching the description of Villegas shooting in the direction of a police officer at the scene of the accident. A third witness observed the collision between the suspect vehicle and a third party vehicle. She observed Officer 1 order a male matching the description of Villegas to the ground with negative results. She also observed Villegas brandish a firearm and fire it toward the third party vehicle, which was in the direction of Officer 1. It was at that time she was pulled behind a vehicle by Officer 1 for protection and Officer 1 returned fire. A fourth witness observed a male matching the description of Villegas standing next to his vehicle shooting across the street in the direction of a police officer. All four of these witness accounts corroborate the timeline of events as described by Officer 1.

After a joint effort by local, county, state and federal partners, Villegas was located in New York City hours later.

Ballistic reports indicate that a total of twenty-three shots in total were fired off and accounted for during the shooting. Two of those shots were reportedly from a 9mm handgun, matching the description of the weapon in Villegas’ possession. Twenty-one shots were fired from a 40 caliber weapon, matching that of Officer 1.

Villegas was charged with Attempted Murder, Kidnapping, and Possession of Handgun for an Unlawful Purpose and Possession of Handgun without a Permit. He waived extradition to New Jersey.  On February 4, 2020, Villegas was indicted on the Attempted Murder of Officer 1, Kidnapping, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, Hindering Apprehension, and Aggravated Assault by Auto, Eluding, and Aggravated Assault of a Police Officer, Resisting Arrest, Burglary, and Certain Person Not to Possess a Firearm. 

On August 13, 2021, Villegas pled guilty to first degree Attempted Murder and third degree Hindering Apprehension. At the time of sentencing, the State is seeking 15 years New Jersey State’s Prison on the Attempted Murder charge, subject to the No Early Release Act, concurrent to a 5 year flat term on the Hindering Apprehension charge. He is to be sentenced before the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, J.S.C. on September 27, 2021.

The Office of the Attorney General and Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer are satisfied that the undisputed facts establish that Tuckerton Patrolman used the appropriate force necessary to protect his life and that of innocent bystanders and that he was legally justified in doing so. 

Related MidJersey.News story here:

New Haven, CT Man Pleads Guilty For Attempted Murder And Hindering Apprehension After Shooting At Police Officer In Tuckerton Borough In 2019

MidJersey.News file photos

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September 11, 2021

MOUNT HOLLY, NJ (BURLINGTON)–Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina and Mount Holly Township Police Chief Richard Spitler announced that a 29-year-old Mount Holly resident was charged Friday with fatally stabbing the man whose body was discovered earlier this week behind a Mount Holly convenience store.

Jimir Wynn, of the 100 block of Washington Street, was charged with Murder (First Degree), Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (Third Degree), Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (Fourth Degree) and Certain Persons Not to Possess Weapons (Fourth Degree).

Wynn, who was lodged in the Burlington County Jail in Mount Holly, will have a first appearance today in Superior Court. The case will be prepared for presentation to a grand jury for possible indictment.

The investigation began the afternoon of September 7, when Mount Holly police officers were dispatched to Millerie’s Market & Deli at the corner of Rancocas Road and King Street for a report that an adult male’s body had been found behind the store.

An autopsy performed by Burlington County Medical Examiner Dr. Ian Hood determined the victim, Sean Reynolds, 31, of Brick Township, had been stabbed multiple times.

The investigation revealed that Reynolds had been killed the night of September 6. The investigation further revealed that Reynolds was with Wynn near Wynn’s home earlier that evening. The motive for the slaying is still being investigated by the Prosecutor’s Office and the Mount Holly Township Police Department.

Assisting agencies include the Westampton Police Department, Pemberton Township Police Department, and Burlington County Sheriff’s Department.

The lead investigators are BCPO Detective Brian Cunninghan, BCPO Detective Melyssa Alonso and MHTPD Detective Nicholas Dell-Priscoli.

All persons are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Jimir Wynn, of the 100 block of Washington Street, was charged with Murder (First Degree), Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (Third Degree), Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (Fourth Degree) and Certain Persons Not to Possess Weapons (Fourth Degree).

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September 12, 2021

STAFFORD TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Police report that the Dorland J. Henderson Memorial Bridge, Route 72 Causeway Bridges to and from Long Beach Island is closed due to an ongoing investigation.

Sources tell MidJersey.news that there is a suspicious package on one of the bridges.

AVOID THE AREA IF POSSIBLE

September 12, 2021

STAFFORD TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Police report that the Dorland J. Henderson Memorial Bridge, Route 72 Causeway Bridges to and from Long Beach Island is closed due to an ongoing investigation.

Sources tell MidJersey.news that there is a suspicious package on one of the bridges.

AVOID THE AREA IF POSSIBLE

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September 11, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes announced yesterday that FEMA has approved a Major Disaster Declaration in Mercer County, allowing individuals impacted by Tropical Storm Ida last week to register at www.disasterassistance.gov for direct assistance for Ida-related recovery.

Mr. Hughes urged those who were impacted by last week’s storm to register for assistance that may include home repairs, temporary housing, low-cost loans and other programs. FEMA advises individuals who have homeowners or renters insurance to file a claim as soon as possible. By law, FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance, but those who are uninsured or underinsured may be eligible for federal assistance.

“I greatly appreciate FEMA’s response to the situation here in Mercer County, where residents in some of our communities are in dire need of assistance,” Mr. Hughes said.  “And I thank the Biden Administration, Senators Booker and Menendez, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, and Governor Phil Murphy, as well as our county Office of Emergency Management, for their help in getting Mercer much-needed federal aid and accelerating our recovery process. I also thank our residents for their patience and perseverance during this difficult time.”

The fastest and easiest way to apply for assistance is by visiting www.disasterassistance.gov or by downloading the FEMA App on the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.

If it is not possible to apply online, call 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). The toll-free telephone lines operate from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT, seven days a week. Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service.

When you apply for assistance, FEMA advises having the following information readily available:

• A current phone number where you can be contacted• Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying• Your Social Security number• A general list of damage and losses

• If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loans are available for homeowners, renters, businesses of any size and most nonprofits. Similar to FEMA, SBA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance.

• For small businesses, those engaged in aquaculture and most nonprofits, up to $2 million is available for working capital needs even if there was no property damage, with a $2 million maximum loan for any combination of property damage and working capital needs.
• For homeowners: up to $200,000 is available to repair or replace their primary residence. For homeowners and renters: up to $40,000 is available to replace personal property, including vehicles.

Businesses and residents canapply at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/.For information and assistance completing an application, call 800-659-2955 or email [email protected]. SBA will answer specific questions about how a disaster loan may help each survivor recover from the disaster damage.

In addition, residents in need of assistance with damage from Tropical Storm Ida may call a Home Cleanup Hotline at 844-965-1386 to be connected with volunteers from local relief organizations and community groups that may be able to assist with cutting fallen trees, removing drywall, flooring and appliances, tarping roofs and mitigating mold. The hotline will remain open through Sept. 17.

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September 11, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mercer County Executive, Brian M. Hughes said, It’s hard to believe it’s been two decades since the terrorist attacks that took the lives of nearly 3,000 people in New York City, at the Pentagon and in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. Tragically, we’ve lost many more since; heroic first responders and others who spent weeks and months working at Ground Zero, and who have since died from cancer or respiratory illness.

While 20 years may seem like a long time, we continue to mourn the loss of innocent life on that fateful day. In Mercer County, many residents lost loved ones and friends, and continue to bear the scars of having their lives changed forever by senseless violence. So, every year on this date, we honor the victims of September 11 by coming together in solemn remembrance, quiet reflection and in service.

But honoring their memory isn’t limited to a formal ceremony on or near the anniversary date.

The County’s September 11 Memorial – which opened in Mercer County Park in West Windsor on the 10th anniversary of 9/11 – was designed to be a special place where people can go for solace and comfort 365 days a year. I encourage everyone to visit that memorial when the time is right for you, to spend a few moments in quiet reflection and remembrance.

And most importantly, each and every day, we can honor the memory of the victims of September 11 by embracing peace and hope, and not losing sight of the principles on which America stands, such as tolerance, inclusion and caring. Each and every day, we can honor their memory by celebrating our oneness as a nation and our unity in the face of adversity.

8 a.m.,  New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs; 101 Eggerts Crossing Road, Lawrence Township.

8:30 a.m., Lawrence Township 9/11 Memorial Ceremony; Memorial Park, Pilla Avenue, Lawrence Township.

9:45 a.m., Robbinsville Professional Firefighters Association will conduct its 20th annual ceremony at the 9/11 memorial site on Lake Drive.

10 a.m., Hamilton Township September 11th 20th Anniversary Ceremony; Memorial Grove, Veterans Park, Klockner Road Entrance, Hamilton.

10 a.m.,  East Windsor Township 9/11 Program & Wreath Laying Ceremony, East Windsor Municipal Building, Lanning Blvd.

10:30 a.m., Ewing Township 9/11 20th Anniversary Ceremony, Ewing Township Municipal Complex, 2 Jake Garzio Drive, Ewing.

11 a.m., Hopewell Valley 9/11 Memorial Ceremony, Woolsey Park, presented by the Sept. 11th & Emergency Services Memorial Committee.

12 noon, Princeton’s 9/11 Memorial Dedication, 2 Mount Lucas Road, Princeton, in front of the Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad. The 9/11 Committee will dedicate a permanent memorial containing an 8-foot piece of steel recovered from the World Trade Center.

7 p.m., West Windsor Township 9/11 “20th Anniversary” Ceremony; Twin Ponds Memorial at the Ronald R. Rogers Arboretum, intersection of Clarksville and Princeton-Hightstown Road.

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September 11, 2021

LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Two 9/11 ceremonies were held in the township today. At 8:00 a.m., a remembrance ceremony was held at the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs; 101 Eggerts Crossing Road, Lawrence Township. The Lawrence Township 9/11 Memorial Ceremony; was held at 8:30 a.m. at Memorial Park, Pilla Avenue, Lawrence Township.

The Lawrence Township 9/11 Memorial Ceremony; was held at 8:30 a.m. at Memorial Park, Pilla Avenue, Lawrence Township. U.S. Army Soldiers and U.S. Air Force Airmen with the New Jersey National Guard bow their heads in prayer and reflection of the twentieth anniversary of the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001 during a ceremony on the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs campus in Lawrenceville, N.J., Sept. 11, 2021. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Matt Hecht) A Veteran bows his head in prayer and reflection of the twentieth anniversary of the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001 during a ceremony on the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs campus in Lawrenceville, N.J., Sept. 11, 2021. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Matt Hecht) U.S. Army Soldiers and U.S. Air Force Airmen with the New Jersey National Guard, veterans, and guests salute the U.S. Flag during a 9/11 ceremony on the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs campus in Lawrenceville, N.J., Sept. 11, 2021. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Matt Hecht) U.S. Army Soldiers with the New Jersey National Guard and veterans bow their heads in prayer and reflection of the twentieth anniversary of the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001 during a ceremony on the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs campus in Lawrenceville, N.J., Sept. 11, 2021. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Matt Hecht)

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September 10, 2021

ALLENTOWN, NJ (MONMOUTH)–The Allentown Redbirds fell to the Nottingham Northstars with a final score of 34-0.

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September 11, 2021

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–The 20^th anniversary of September 11, 2001 was remembered today in Robbinsville at the 9/11 memorial on Lake Drive. The memorial is dedicated to Robbinsville Township resident Pamela Gaff and all others who lost their life on September 11, 2001.

Chief Daniel Schaffener said, “Twenty years ago today a terrible National tragedy unfolded in front of us, the worse terrorist attack against our nation killed thousands, including hundreds of firefighters and police officers. A beautiful September morning turned into a horrific chapter of our history. Although we can never erase those memories, we gather today to remember the fine Americans whose lives were taken from us.”

Robbinsville resident Pamela Gaff worked with the insurance broker Aon Corporation on the 102^th floor of the south tower of the World Trade Center. She reported to work that beautiful September morning as did so many other Americans not knowing the terrible fate before them. According to Pamela’s family she was scheduled to become vice president of Aon in April of 2002.

Two wreaths were placed in the memory of Pamela Gaff and the 343 New York City firefighters, 23 New York City Police Officers, 37 Port Authority Police Officers and all those who died on September 11, 2001.

A signal 5-5-5 was transmitted using a bell for all those who died on September 11. A moment of silence was held for signifying the collapse of the South Tower collapse of the World Trade Center at 9:59 a.m. on September 11, 2001. The names of 343 New York City firefighters were read.