Man On The Run For 11 Years Convicted In Newark Murder, Prosecutor Says Man On The Run For 11 Years Convicted In Newark Murder, Prosecutor Says
Man On The Run For 11 Years Convicted In Newark Murder, Prosecutor Says A 49-year-old former Newark resident was convicted on Wednesday, June 12, in a 2009 Newark homicide after he spent 11 years on the run, authorities said. In May 2009, Cesar Campos and his conspirators killed Ricky Lauracuent using a knife outside the Pink Cat Lounge, Essex County Prosecutor Theodore Stephens, II said.  Campos was convicted of conspiracy to commit murder, aggravated manslaughter and multiple weapons offenses, Stephens said. After killing Lauracuent, Campos fled to the Dominican Republic to evade capture, Stephens said. Multiple law enforcement agencies worked to f…
Man Killed After Wounding Two Officers In NJ Banquet Hall Shootout Came Out Firing, AG Says Man Killed After Wounding Two Officers In NJ Banquet Hall Shootout Came Out Firing, AG Says
Man Killed After Wounding Two Officers In NJ Banquet Hall Shootout Came Out Firing, AG Says UPDATE: A man wanted for questioning in a New York City shooting pulled out a gun in the lobby of a Woodbridge hotel and was killed in a shootout with police, authorities said. A Woodbridge police officer and a New York City homicide detective were wounded in the exchange, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin said. The township officer was shot in the back and the city detective in the foot, the NYPD said. Both have already been released from the hospital following treatment, the attorney general said on Friday, June 14. Karl Gregory, 46, was pronounced dead at the scene of the ea…
Man Killed In Newark, Cops Say Man Killed In Newark, Cops Say
Man Killed In Newark, Cops Say A man shot and killed in Newark on the evening of Thursday, June 13, authorities said. The shooting occurred at Sussex Avenue and Duryea Street, the Essex County Prosecutor's Office said. The man, who has not been identified, was pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said. The shooting remains under investigation, authorities said.
Newark Ex-Con Admits Dealing Heroin, Cocaine, Firearm Possession, Feds Say Newark Ex-Con Admits Dealing Heroin, Cocaine, Firearm Possession, Feds Say
Newark Ex-Con Admits Dealing Heroin, Cocaine, Firearm Possession, Feds Say A 34-year-old Newark man recently pleaded guilty to dealing cocaine and heroin, and possessing a firearm despite being a convicted felon, authorities said. In Jan. 2021, law enforcement recovered envelopes containing heroin, jugs containing cocaine and a loaded firearm from Naiem Moore's vehicle, US Attorney Philip Sellinger said.  Moore had used the same firearm in a shooting and attempted assault in Sept. 2020, Sellinger said. Moore pleaded guilty to two counts of being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, one count of possession with intent t…
Newark Man Who Shot Victim Square In Face Convicted: Prosecutor Newark Man Who Shot Victim Square In Face Convicted: Prosecutor
Newark Man Who Shot Victim Square In Face Convicted: Prosecutor A 35-year-old Newark resident was convicted on Wednesday, June 12, of shooting a man in the face in 2022, authorities said. At 6:52 p.m., Eduardo Rodriguez shot Christopher Griffin, 36, in the face in broad daylight in front of a crowd of people on the 300 block of Mount Prospect Avenue, Essex County Prosecutor Theodore Stephens said. Griffin was pronounced dead at the scene, Stephens said. Rodriguez was convicted of murder and multiple weapons offenses, Stephens said. Rodriguez was on parole for a previous carjacking at the time of the murder, Stephens said.  He remains in the Essex …
SUV Plunges Into Little Ferry Lake, Police Ticket Man, 35, Learning To Drive, Companion SUV Plunges Into Little Ferry Lake, Police Ticket Man, 35, Learning To Drive, Companion
SUV Plunges Into Little Ferry Lake, Police Ticket Man, 35, Learning To Drive, Companion An unlicensed Ecuadorian national whose friend was teaching to drive plunged an SUV into a Little Ferry lake, authorities said. The 35-year-old driver from New York and his passenger got out OK after the 2009 Mazda Tribute landed in Indian Lake shortly before 6 p.m. Thursday, June 13, Little Ferry Police Chief James Walters said. A dive team made sure no one else was in the vehicle. The 35-year-old driver from New York and his passenger got out OK after the 2009 Mazda Tribute landed in Indian Lake shortly before 6 p.m. Thursday, June 13. INSET: Rory Puntasecca The driver told polic…
Grand Jury Declines To Charge NJ Principal Arrested Last Spring Grand Jury Declines To Charge NJ Principal Arrested Last Spring
Grand Jury Declines To Charge NJ Principal Arrested Last Spring An Essex County Grand Jury declined to indict Columbia High School principal Frank Sanchez on charges of endangering the welfare of a child on Thursday, June 13, authorities announced. Sanchez still faces charges of simple assault stemming from an incident involving a student in January at the school in the South Orangewood-Maplewood School District, the Essex County Prosecutor's Office said. The principal was suspended from his job following the alleged incident, as reported by Daily Voice when charges were filed in March. Dr. Kevin F. Gilbert, Acting Superintendent of the South Orange &a…
14-Year-Old Newark Girl Missing: Police (PHOTO) 14-Year-Old Newark Girl Missing: Police (PHOTO)
14-Year-Old Newark Girl Missing: Police (Photo) A 14-year-old girl has been missing in Newark since Sunday, June 9, authorities said. Kamisha Austin was last seen on the 100 block of 12th Avenue wearing a black T-shirt, blue jean shorts, and black sneakers, Newark Public Safety Director Fritz Fragé said,  She is 5'3" and 160 lbs. with brown eyes and black hair.  She is known to frequent 250 Georgia King Village, Fragé said. Anyone with information is asked to call 1-877-695-8477.
Shot Fired By Clifton Homeowner Scares Off Overnight Car Thieves Shot Fired By Clifton Homeowner Scares Off Overnight Car Thieves
Shot Fired By Clifton Homeowner Scares Off Overnight Car Thieves An armed Clifton homeowner confronted and apparently scared off a group of vehicle thieves by firing a gunshot into the air, authorities said. At least four bandits approached the Robin Hood Road home in the city's Montclair Heights section shortly after 3:15 a.m. Thursday, June 13, Detective Lt. Robert Bracken said. "Although we can confirm that entry was not made into the home, the details of how the crime unfolded are still under investigation," the lieutenant said. "However, at some point during the incident, an altercation took place between the homeowner and the suspects which result…
Fire Ravages Englewood Home Fire Ravages Englewood Home
Fire Ravages Englewood Home Flames blew through the roof of an Englewood home ravaged by a ferocious fire. The blaze apparently ignited on the second floor of the 2½-story, $1 million wood-frame home on Walton Street just off Jones Road shortly after 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 13. It was well-involved when firefighters arrived, requiring a defensive operation. A huge column of smoke could be seen from nearby Route 4. No injuries were reported. Firefighters faced water pressure issues as they continued to battle the blaze at noontime. Mutual aid at the scene and in coverage included firefighters from Bergenfield, Bo…
Masked Bank Robber Arrested Weeks Later, West Orange Police Say Masked Bank Robber Arrested Weeks Later, West Orange Police Say
Masked Bank Robber Arrested Weeks Later, West Orange Police Say A 25-year-old East Orange man who robbed a bank in West Orange in May was arrested on Tuesday, June 11, police said. On Wednesday, May 1 at 9:21 a.m., officers responded to a report of a robbery at Ascendia Bank on Northfield Avenue, police said.  Bryant Goodwyn Jr., was wearing a mask when he entered the bank and demanded a specified amount of cash from the teller while threatening a weapon, police said. He then fled on foot from the bank, police said. Goodwyn was charged with robbery and made a full confession to officers, police said. He has been remanded to the Essex County Correc…
Video Shows Arrest Of Out-Of-State Suspect In Deadly Central Jersey Double Shooting (DETAILS) Video Shows Arrest Of Out-Of-State Suspect In Deadly Central Jersey Double Shooting (DETAILS)
Video Shows Arrest Of Out-Of-State Suspect In Deadly Central Jersey Double Shooting (Details) A 19-year-old man from Washington state has been charged in connection with a shooting that left one woman dead and another in critical condition in Carteret, authorities said. Video shared by A.D. Pauro shows Gaurav Gill, of Kent, WA — identified by Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone — being taken into custody Wednesday, June 12 in the yard of a Carteret home, following a shooting that left a 29-year-old woman dead and another critical. Arrest Made in Carteret Double Shooting Carteret, New Jersey - Authorities have made an arrest in connection with a... Posted by A.D. Pauro o…
US Marshals Arrest NC Dad Who Disappeared With Passaic County Baby Girl, Prosecutor Says US Marshals Arrest NC Dad Who Disappeared With Passaic County Baby Girl, Prosecutor Says
US Marshals Arrest NC Dad Who Disappeared With Passaic County Baby Girl, Prosecutor Says A 47-year-old North Carolina dad was arrested by members of the US Marshals Service after he failed to return a 10-month-old baby to her mother for days. Anthony Smith became the center of the investigation by Paterson police and the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office on May 28, when officers were dispatched to East 27th Street and 21st Avenue, on a report of a custody dispute, Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes said. There they were told that Smith was supposed to return the baby girl, his daughter, to her mother on May 26, pursuant to their court-ordered visitation…
Two Boys Struck By Mercedes While Riding Bikes: Police Two Boys Struck By Mercedes While Riding Bikes: Police
Two Boys Struck By Mercedes While Riding Bikes: Police Two juveniles on bicycles were hospitalized after being struck by a vehicle on Wednesday, June 12 in Linden, authorities said. The two boys were pedaling toward Wheeler Park, eastbound across S. Stiles Street along the northern curb line of W. Edgar Road when they were struck in the crosswalk by an Elizabeth man driving a 2015 Mercedes Benz, Linden police said. The man was turning with the green arrow onto N. Stiles Street, police said.  Both juveniles were transported to University Hospital as a precaution and were treated and released with minor injuries, police said.
Homicide Suspect Killed By Police Officers At NJ Hotel, AG Says Homicide Suspect Killed By Police Officers At NJ Hotel, AG Says
Homicide Suspect Killed By Police Officers At NJ Hotel, AG Says Two police officers are recovering from injuries after being shot overnight at a hotel in Woodbridge while attempting to track down a homicide suspect. The suspect was shot and killed at the scene, according to New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. The two injured officers were from the Woodbridge Police Department and New York City Police Department, Platkin said. More details from the incident were expected to be released later on Thursday, June 13. "This incident is another reminder that our law enforcement officers risk their lives daily to keep our communities safe," Platki…
Two Juveniles Arrested After Men Shot With BB Guns: Montclair Police Two Juveniles Arrested After Men Shot With BB Guns: Montclair Police
Two Juveniles Arrested After Men Shot With BB Guns: Montclair Police Two Bloomfield juveniles were arrested after firing BB guns in Montclair on Sunday, June 9, that struck multiple people, police said. Two men were standing outside The Meat Locker on Park Street when they were struck by BB's from a pellet gun that were fired from a passing vehicle, Montclair police said. One man was struck in the nose while the other was struck in the neck, police said. Both men refused medical attention. Two boys were stopped on Chestnut Street and found to be in possession of the pellet guns, police said. The men were unable to make identification of the suspects, police …
GOTCHA! Fleeing Check Forger Nabbed By Lyndhurst Patrol, Detectives: PD GOTCHA! Fleeing Check Forger Nabbed By Lyndhurst Patrol, Detectives: PD
Gotcha! Fleeing Check Forger Nabbed By Lyndhurst Patrol, Detectives: PD He showed the bank teller a driver's license with his photo on it. The name on the DL matched that on a $3,400 check he was trying to cash. But something didn't smell quite right. Lyndhurst police who responded to a call from the bank arrested Russel Fastnacht, 52, of Newark moments later. Officer Michael D’Alessandro was joined at the Citizen's Bank on Ridge Road by Detectives Tom McSweeney and Steve Batista shortly before 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 11, Detective Lt. Vincent Auteri said. "They were advised at that time that the suspect had fled the bank after being challenged by a bank…
South Jersey Man, 73, Gets 33 Months In Fed Pen After Philly FBI Finds 45,000 Child Porn Pics South Jersey Man, 73, Gets 33 Months In Fed Pen After Philly FBI Finds 45,000 Child Porn Pics
South Jersey Man, 73, Gets 33 Months In Fed Pen After Philly FBI Finds 45,000 Child Porn Pics 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: A 73-year-old South Jersey man must spend more than two years behind bars before he'll be eligible for release for collecting what the FBI said was 45,000 images of child pornography. Robert Giles of Collingswood must serve 85% of a plea-bargained 33-month stretch because there's no parole in the federal prison system. FBI agents reported finding tens of thousands of "videos and images of children being sexually abused" on electronic devices seized during a court-approved search of GIles's home in April 2022, U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Philip R. Sellinger said. Rather than r…
Wanted Offender Nabbed By Off-Duty Hasbrouck Heights Detective, On-Duty Officer Wanted Offender Nabbed By Off-Duty Hasbrouck Heights Detective, On-Duty Officer
Wanted Offender Nabbed By Off-Duty Hasbrouck Heights Detective, On-Duty Officer A detective and police officer from Hasbrouck Heights teamed up to nab a wanted longtime repeat offender from Garfield. Detective Nicholas Brunetti was off duty when he saw Michael Villamizar, 53, leave the Walgreens on Boulevard and pedal off on a bicycle, Lt. John Behr said. Villamizar was wanted for a May 3 shoplifting at the same pharmacy, the lieutenant said. The detective flagged down Officer John Mullins, who stopped Villamazir on Raymond Street. Villamazir was stuffing items into his backpack just before Collins took him into custody with help from responding Officers Joseph Oliv…
HERO: Firefighter Seriously Injured Rescuing Guest Through Window In Elmwood Park Motel Blaze HERO: Firefighter Seriously Injured Rescuing Guest Through Window In Elmwood Park Motel Blaze
Hero: Firefighter Seriously Injured Rescuing Guest Through Window In Elmwood Park Motel Blaze 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: An Elmwood Park firefighter was seriously injured rescuing a trapped guest through a second-floor window during an intense motel-room fire Wednesday. The firefighter and her colleagues had smashed the window to get to the victim during the late-morning June 12 blaze at the Townhouse Inn and Suites on eastbound Route 46, Elmwood Park Borough Administrator Michael Foligno said. In doing so, she sustained a serious cut to her arm, Foligno said. Piero Fasolo The guest was helped out the window and down a ladder, he said. Both were taken to St. Joseph's University Medical Cente…
Two Injured In Four-Car Crash: Newark PD Two Injured In Four-Car Crash: Newark PD
Two Injured In Four-Car Crash: Newark PD Two people were injured in a four-car crash in Newark on the morning of Tuesday, June 11, authorities said. At 10:59 a.m., police responded to a four-car crash at Lyons Avenue and Leslie Street, Newark Public Safety Director Fritz Fragé said.. Two people were transported to a nearby hospital for complaints of pain, Fragé said. One of the vehicles in the crash was parked and pushed against the closed gate of an unoccupied commercial property, Fragé said. All drivers remained on scene and the crash remains under investigation, Fragé said.
North Jersey Officer Suffers Partial Blindness, Paralysis After Brain Surgery, Campaign Says North Jersey Officer Suffers Partial Blindness, Paralysis After Brain Surgery, Campaign Says
North Jersey Officer Suffers Partial Blindness, Paralysis After Brain Surgery, Campaign Says Brian Werthmann is in the fight for his life and the community is coming together to help. Werthmann, a sergeant in the Summit Police Department, recently underwent an 8-hour surgery to remove a large acoustic neuroma from his brain.  While surgeons were able to successfully remove the tumor from his brain, Werthmann has experienced complications including paralysis on the left side of his body, partial blindness and the inability to walk without assistance. A fundraiser has been created by the Summit PBA to assist Werthmann, his wife Cristina and their two daughters. As of Wedne…
Rapper Sexyy Redd Arrested After Newark Airport Brawl: Police Rapper Sexyy Redd Arrested After Newark Airport Brawl: Police
Rapper Sexyy Redd Arrested After Newark Airport Brawl: Police The rapper Sexyy Red was arrested at Newark Airport after a brawl broke out on the early morning of Saturday, June 8, authorities said. At 1:20 a.m. officers responded to a fight in progress at Gate 82 in Terminal C in the airport, Port Authority police said. Two people were found to have lacerations to their head, police said.  Two members of Sexyy Red's entourage, Leslie Baptiste, a 36-year-old Miami resident and Carl Thompson, a 26-year-old Miami resident, were were arrested and charged with assault, while Sexyy Red a.k.a. Janae Wherry, was arrested and charged with disorderly condu…
UPDATE: Dogs Die In New Milford House Fire UPDATE: Dogs Die In New Milford House Fire
Update: Dogs Die In New Milford House Fire Two dogs were killed in a New Milford house fire early Tuesday night, authorities said. The residents weren't home when the blaze broke out in the kitchen at the back of the Voorhis Avenue home and quickly spread shortly after 7 p.m., New Milford Police Chief Brian Clancy said. Borough firefighters were immediately joined by their colleagues from Oradell and River Edge, with New Milford Fire Chief Gerry Smithson operating as the scene commander, the chief said. They battled cluttered conditions along with the flames, he said. The blaze broke out in the rear kitchen at the Voorhis…
GOT 'IM! Civilian Points Teaneck PD To Elusive Bike-Riding Career Burglar, 40 GOT 'IM! Civilian Points Teaneck PD To Elusive Bike-Riding Career Burglar, 40
GOT 'IM! Civilian Points Teaneck PD To Elusive Bike-Riding Career Burglar, 40 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: A 40-year-old career burglar wanted for an ongoing series of break-ins and attempts was captured by Teaneck police with help from a concerned citizen, authorities announced. Aley Beretay ordinarily was on a bicycle when he gave law enforcers the slip a number of times the past week or so. Then, around 9 p.m. Monday, June 10, a township resident walked into headquarters and said she'd just seen a man fitting his description riding a bike along Teaneck Road near Elizabeth Avenue, Police Chief Andrew McGurr said. Detectives who already were working undercover in the area were alerted,…
Jersey City Men Arrested In Undercover Child Sex Sting, Prosecutor Says Jersey City Men Arrested In Undercover Child Sex Sting, Prosecutor Says
Jersey City Men Arrested In Undercover Child Sex Sting, Prosecutor Says An undercover operation targeted toward people trying to lure children into sexual activity online has led to the arrests of four men, authorities in Middlesex County said. "Operation Cruel Summer" is a multi-agency sting between the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office, US Secret Service, Hudson County Prosecutor's Office, and various local police departments. The charges were announced by Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone, who said four men were arrested between June 3 and June 6, 2024. The underage “children” that the perpetrators were speaking with were, in fact, underco…
Shots Fired Into Vehicle In Montclair: Police Shots Fired Into Vehicle In Montclair: Police
Shots Fired Into Vehicle In Montclair: Police Gunshots were fired in Montclair on the early evening of Monday, June 10, authorities said. At 6:46 p.m., officers responded to New Street and Mission Street after multiple callers reported hearing five to six gunshots, Montclair police said. Police did not locate any victims and area hospitals did not report any walk-in victims of gunshot wounds, officers said. The next day, officers located a Chevy Cobalt parked on New Street with a bullet hole in the passenger side front door, police said. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Michael Mickens at 903-509-4715. 
ATTEMPTED MURDER: NJ Man Chokes Out Pre-Teen In Attempted Sex Assault: Authorities ATTEMPTED MURDER: NJ Man Chokes Out Pre-Teen In Attempted Sex Assault: Authorities
Attempted Murder: NJ Man Chokes Out Pre-Teen In Attempted Sex Assault: Authorities A 33-year-old Ridgefield man choked a Fairview pre-teen “to the point of unconsciousness” and had removed both his and the incapacitated child's clothes before he was stopped, authorities said. Julio Amaro-Vasquez, who lives on Bergen Boulevard just off Oakdene Avenue, was charged with attempted murder, attempted aggravated sexual assault, aggravated assault, attempted sexual assault by contact and child endangerment. He wasn't the only person arrested in connection with the alleged incident, however. Amaro-Vasquez's girlfriend, Marlin Cervantes Santos, 30, of Fairview, “directed…
Bomb Threat By Employee's Ex Clears Teterboro Walmart Bomb Threat By Employee's Ex Clears Teterboro Walmart
Bomb Threat By Employee's Ex Clears Teterboro Walmart A threatening comment from the ex-husband of a store associate cleared the Teterboro Walmart on Tuesday, authorities said. The man had called the Teterboro Landing Walmart shortly before noon June 11, Moonachie Police Lt. Jeff Napolitano said. "When he was told that the associate was not available, he became agitated and [said] that he would blow up the store," the lieutenant said. Responding officers found the store evacuated and began looking into what happened, Napolitano said. "Further investigation revealed no credibility to the threat and no danger posed to Walmart or its …
Woman Missing In Newark: Police (PHOTO) Woman Missing In Newark: Police (PHOTO)
Woman Missing In Newark: Police (Photo) A 79-year-old Newark woman was reported missing on Saturday, June 8, authorities said. Felisima Alvarez was last seen at noon heading northbound on North 7th Street toward 6th Avenue, Newark Public Safety Director Fritz G. Fragé said. Alvarez has been diagnosed with diabetes and memory loss, Fragé said. She speaks only Spanish, Fragé said. She is 5'3" and weighs 130 lbs. and was last seen wearing a long sleeve plaid shirt, blue jeans with an embroidering design on the back pants pocket, and gray, black, and white sneakers with her hair in a bun, Fragé said. Anyone …
Aggressive Bear Shot At Essex County Park: Authorities Aggressive Bear Shot At Essex County Park: Authorities
Aggressive Bear Shot At Essex County Park: Authorities An aggressive bear was shot by police in an Essex County park on Monday, June 10, authorities said. At 1:22 p.m., the Essex County Sherriff's Office responded to South Mountain Reservation after a woman and her young daughter were trapped by bear in Locust Grove and could not exit, authorities said. As police attempted to lead the people out of the reservation, the bear re-appeared, authorities said. As police attempted to get the bear to return to the woods, the bear advanced upon them, and police were forced to shoot him, officers said.