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June 12, 2021

LAKEWOOD, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on June 12, 2021, Avrohom Pam, 18, of Lakewood, was charged with Vehicular Homicide in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-5a, relative to a motor vehicle crash that occurred in Lakewood Township in the early evening hours of June 11, 2021 – resulting in the death of Sean Avon, 26, of Brick Township.

On June 11, 2021, at approximately 5:15 p.m., Lakewood Township Police were summoned to the area of Lanes Mills Road for a report of a serious motor vehicle crash. An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Squad, Lakewood Township Police Department and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, revealed that Pam was driving a 2021 Ford Van in the rightmost lane of travel on Lanes Mills Road, when he struck a 2019 Honda CRV being driven by John Arendt, Jr., 73, of Brick Township. The force of the collision propelled Mr. Arendt’s vehicle into the northbound lane of traffic where it struck a 2012 Ford Mustang head-on being driven by Mr. Avon. Further investigation revealed that a verbal altercation had occurred between Pam and Mr. Arendt which precipitated the motor vehicle crash.

Mr. Avon suffered serious injuries as a result of the crash; he was transported to Ocean Medical Center in Brick Township, where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased. Mr. Arendt was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune for treatment of his injuries; he is listed in stable condition. Pam remained on the scene and did not require medical attention. Pam was transported to Ocean Medical Center for a blood draw, pursuant to a court authorized warrant. Pam was subsequently processed at Lakewood Township Police Headquarters and transported to the Ocean County Jail where he is currently lodged pending a detention hearing.

Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit – Vehicular Homicide Squad, Lakewood Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their combined assistance in connection with this investigation.

“Initial investigation reveals that this is a tragedy of epic proportions for Mr. Avon and his family and an unfortunate consequence of aggressive driving. This investigation is active and ongoing and may result in additional charges,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated. “Anyone is possession of information concerning this investigation is urged to contact Detective Anthony Carrington, III, of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-929-9027, or Detective Patrick Kearns of the Lakewood Township Police Department at 732-363-0200,” Prosecutor Billhimer concluded.

The charges referenced above are merely accusations and 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.

Avrohom Pam, 18, of Lakewood, was charged with Vehicular Homicide in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-5a, relative to a motor vehicle crash that occurred in Lakewood Township in the early evening hours of June 11, 2021

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June 11, 2021

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–On Tuesday, June 15th, Hamilton Township Mayor Jeff Martin will present three cannabis related ordinances to Council. The ordinances will ban cannabis retail locations in Hamilton, but permit a maximum of two cultivation facilities in certain zones. 

Last year, in a Statewide referendum, Hamilton residents voted in favor of legalizing adult-use cannabis by a 2:1 margin. Under legalization law, municipalities have until August 21st to take action to either allow, or limit, or ban cannabusiness. Failure to take action would force a municipality to permit all cannabusiness to operate and would not be able to take any action for five years. 

The ordinances will set forth the taxation, zoning, and permitted use for cultivation, manufacturing, wholesaling, and distribution cannabusiness. 

There will be a maximum of two establishments of each permitted type of cannabusiness and would only be permitted in industrial, manufacturing, or research and development zones. They would be prohibited from establishment within 1,000 feet of a school, and 500 feet of either a childcare center, residential zone, house of worship, or public park. To help offset additional law enforcement costs, such as training, Hamilton will charge the maximum permitted fees on any licensed facility. 

The Township will also ban retail or dispensary locations as well as the use of cannabis on public property – including public parks. 

“Hamiltonians voted overwhelmingly last year to approve adult-use cannabis,” said Mayor Martin. “As we take our first steps in listening to their voices, we do so cautiously by banning retail locations and limiting other types of licenses to a maximum of two and to only certain zones that would be away from our schools, parks, churches, and homes. Additionally, we are also banning use of marijuana on any public lands – including our parks.” 

Hamilton Township Council will meet at 6:30 PM Tuesday at the Hamilton Township Library located at 1 Justice Samuel A. Alito, Jr. Way.

Photo by Harrison Haines on Pexels.com

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Update: Shooting On West State Street, One Injured, Three Suspects In Custody

June 13, 2021

By: Tyler Eckel

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)– Trenton Police are investigating after one person was injured in a shooting Sunday evening.

The shooting occurred just before 8:00 pm in the 600 block of West State Street. Initial reports indicate a male was shot in the chest on West State Street near Atterbury Avenue. He was transported to the hospital in unknown condition.

MidJersey.news has reached out to Trenton Police for further information on the incident. Once more information is available, the post will be updated.

Photos by Brian McCarthy, OnScene News

Photos by Brian McCarthy, OnScene News

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June 12, 2021

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich and Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry are leading a coalition of 24 states to uphold the Second Amendment at the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS). Attorney General Brnovich is urging SCOTUS to review a New Jersey law that limits magazine capacities and requires gun owners to surrender certain magazines to law enforcement.

“New Jersey lawmakers are operating in total ignorance of our ability to protect ourselves and our families,” said Arizona Attorney General Brnovich. “We hope the Supreme Court will hear this case and reverse this misguided attempt to erode our rights.”

Attorney General Brnovich and the coalition argue New Jersey’s law criminalizes the mere possession of commonly-used arms even in the home for self-defense and therefore strikes at the core of the Second Amendment. Forty-three states, including Arizona, permit the standard capacity magazines that New Jersey’s law bans. Ammunition magazines that hold multiple rounds are standard equipment for many commonly used handguns designed for self-defense.The right to bear arms is vital to millions of Americans. Those in high-crime areas where law enforcement is stretched thin value the right to own weapons for self-defense. Recently, the Ninth Circuit explained, “[o]ur country’s history has shown that communities of color have a particularly compelling interest in exercising their Second Amendment rights.” The same is true for women; guns can allow women to protect themselves more effectively against “abusers and assailants.”A panel of the Third Circuit rebuffed the challenge in 2018, and the parties sought review from the full court, which denied review by an 8-6 vote. The case is now being appealed to SCOTUS. Attorney General Brnovich and the coalition are urging SCOTUS to grant certiorari in the case and reverse the Third Circuit’s misguided decision.

New Jersey’s outright ban on the Affected Magazines is inconsistent with the Second Amendment, and the Third Circuit erred by concluding otherwise.

This brief is led by Attorney General Mark Brnovich and Attorney General Jeff Landry. Joining them are the Attorneys General from Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

Copy of the coalition’s filing here.

CHARLESTON — West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey has joined a 24-state coalition urging the U.S. Supreme Court to protect the rights of gun owners with regard to standard capacity magazines.

The coalition filed a recent brief urging the Supreme Court to review, and ultimately overturn, a federal appeals court ruling that would inappropriately permit states to outlaw ammunition magazines that are currently legal in more than half of the nation.

“The right to keep and bear arms is vital to West Virginians and law-abiding gun owners across the nation,” Attorney General Morrisey said. “Limiting ammunition magazines in such a manner flagrantly mocks the Second Amendment freedom that our nation’s founders gave all Americans to defend themselves and their property. Simply put, it could be a matter of life and death.”

The brief argues the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals was misguided in using an erroneous construction of the Constitution to permit New Jersey to ban magazines that typically hold 11 to 15 rounds, thus effectively compromising the Second Amendment rights of millions of citizens.

The coalition contends 43 states, including West Virginia, have advanced their interests in promoting public safety, preventing crime and reducing criminal firearm violence without a magazine ban.

The attorneys general argue no state law should intrude on its citizens’ constitutional rights and, if left intact, the New Jersey law could lead to similar measures infringing upon the Second Amendment rights of citizens elsewhere.

West Virginia joined the Arizona- and Louisiana-led brief with the attorneys general of Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Wyoming. 

Read a copy of the brief at https://bit.ly/3iuqMk7.

Photo by Enrico Hu00e4nel on Pexels.com

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June 11, 2021

WASHINGTON, DC — Two projects for Mercer County advocated by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ)—including new buses for the county’s Transportation Resources To Aid The Disadvantaged And Elderly (TRADE) services—cleared their first hurdle Thursday, after the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) adopted Smith’s proposals and added it to a major transportation bill.

   Smith worked tirelessly with county and state officials to propose and insert their prioritized local transportation projects into the INVEST in America Act, a nation-wide surface transportation reauthorization bill.

  The bill, passed out of committee 38-26 yesterday, must still be passed by the full House, negotiated in Senate, then sent to the White House prior to September 30, 2021 when the current federal transportation surface projects authorization expires. So there are more steps along the way but it helps to be on the base bill.

   “Working together and seeking input from local officials, we were able to identify projects that address immediate transportation needs and potential hazards on our roadways,” Smith said. “The Mercer projects are solid investments and would yield benefits for years to come, in both improved lives of seniors and the disabled, as well as greater safety of all drivers and their passengers. The new TRADE buses would help people with no transportation get to their doctors appointments, grocery stores and other destinations. The road safety improvement project will protect and save lives. I appreciate the county for working with me to seek federal funding.”

   Smith, working with local officials, requested $732,000 to be added to the bill, or 80 percent of the $915,000 cost, for 11 new buses for the TRADE program that particularly services seniors and the disabled.

   He also coordinated with local officials to include in the bill $640,000 for the Roadway Safety Improvements in Mercer County to fund the installation of reflective road features, guide rails and other road safety measures. The project is estimated to cost $800,000, and Smith’s request would fund 80 percent. 

Mercer County T.R.A.D.E Photo by: Mercer County

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June 14, 2021

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Mayor Jeff Martin, Assemblyman Dan Benson, and Mercer County Commissioner Lucylle Walters were present to welcome Purple Salon & Spa with a Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Friday, June 4th, 2021.

Owners, Nancy and Jignesh Patel has been dreaming of having their own salon for years. They did a lot of research to find the right location for their business before choosing Hamilton Township and their space in the Deer Path Pavilion shopping center. Located right off of Route 130 and I-195, Nancy and Jignesh hope to attract customers from the surrounding area. 691 US-130, Hamilton Township, NJ 08691

“We are delighted to have Purple Salon & Spa open in Hamilton Township. We welcome Nancy and Jignesh as they bring their expertise and services to our community,” said Mayor Martin.

Purple Salon and Spa offers beauty hair styling services and traditional Indian services such as threading and henna tattooing. To learn more about Purple Salon and Spa Visit www.facebook.com/PurpleSNS

Visit www.hamiltonnj.com/economicdevelopment to learn of the new businesses that have recently opened or have relocated to Hamilton and read up on why Hamilton is a great place for businesses to call home!

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June 12, 2021

EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–Around 1:07 p.m. a vehicle traveling south bound on Route 130 crashed into a utility pole injuring the driver and damaging the pole. Robbinsville and East Windsor Police responded to the 9-1-1 calls reporting the accident. Robbinsville Township Fire Department, East Windsor Fire Company, Robbinsville EMS and Capital Health Paramedics were on scene treating the injured driver. Traffic on Route 130 was backed up for about 1/4 mile until the vehicle was towed away. The driver was transported to a local hospital. No further information is available at this time.

From the June 2021 East Windsor Police Blotter:

The officer responded to Route 130 South near Royal Plaza for a single car motor vehicle accident. Investigation revealed that the car struck a utility pole and the driver suffered minor injuries. The driver exhibited signs of impairment and was placed under arrest. The driver was taken to RWJ Hamilton hospital for treatment and was released pending court action.

Defendant:

Charges:

Nicholas Baka Newark, NJ

55 Years of Age

DUI

Reckless Driving Careless Driving

Failure to Maintain Lane Umegistered Vehicle

Open Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle Consumption of Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle

Arresting Officer: Patrol Officer Nicholas Enea

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June 14, 2021

TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–The New Jersey State Police has identified the victim in a weekend boating crash as Corey Molinari, 19, of Whippany, NJ.

According to NJ State Police Sgt. Alejandro Goez of the Pubic Information Unit the boating accident was reported around 1:30 a.m. near the Thomas A. Mathis Bridge – Route 37 Bridge. The pontoon boat struck a marker and Corey Molinari, 19, of Whippany, NJ sustained serious injuries. He was airlifted to Jersey Shore Medical Center, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

There were five other people onboard, two of which were ejected. Four sustained non-life-threatening injuries, and one sustained moderate injuries.

View from the Thomas A. Mathis Bridge, Route 37. MidJersey.News file photo.

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June 14, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)—Trenton Police Department responded to a shooting last night in the 600 Block of West State Street near Delawareview Avenue at 7:49 p.m., June 13, 2021

According to Trenton Police Department Lieutenant Peter Szpakowski two shots fired struck a victim. The victim ran to 620 West State Street and advised building security that he was shot. The building security called 9-1-1 to advise police of the shooting.

The suspect vehicle drove to the front of 620 West State Street then into the parking lot to turn around and was involved in an accident.

Three male suspects were taken into custody.

The victim was transported by Trenton EMS and Capital Paramedics to Capital Health Regional Medical Center for Treatment

The Trenton Shooting Response Team was notified and is continuing the investigation.

No further information is available at this time.

Photos by Brian McCarthy, OnScene News

July 1, 2021

Photos by: Ryan Mack, Jersey Shore Fire Response

TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Around 1:30 a.m. this morning a person jumped off the Route 37 Thomas A. Mathis Bridge and into the Barnegat Bay. Toms River Fire Departments and Police Department quickly responded and pulled the person out of the water.

MidJersey.News has reached out to Toms River PD and NJSP for official information and when it becomes available the story will be updated.

Photos by: Ryan Mack, Jersey Shore Fire Response