'Vibrant Spirit': Hit-And-Run Death Of Ridgefield Teen Leaves 'Profound Void' In 2 Communities 'Vibrant Spirit': Hit-And-Run Death Of Ridgefield Teen Leaves 'Profound Void' In 2 Communities
'Vibrant Spirit': Hit-And-Run Death Of Ridgefield Teen Leaves 'Profound Void' In 2 Communities The death of a 15-year-old Ridgefield girl at the hands of a hit-and-run driver leaves a "profound void," said the schools chief in Clifton, where her father works. Serenity Law was struck at the intersection of Shaler Boulevard and Edgewater Avenue in Ridgefield shortly after 7:30 p.m. Sunday, April 14, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said. She was pronounced dead at Hackensack University Medical Center a short time later, the prosecutor said. Although word was that a vehicle was impounded and a driver taken into custody, Musella said members of his Fatal Accident Investig…
POLICE SHOOTOUT: Montclair Officer, Suspect Both Shot In Exchange Of Gunfire, Prosecutor Says POLICE SHOOTOUT: Montclair Officer, Suspect Both Shot In Exchange Of Gunfire, Prosecutor Says
Police Shootout: Montclair Officer, Suspect Both Shot In Exchange Of Gunfire, Prosecutor Says A police officer and suspect were both injured in a shooting on Monday, April 15, authorities said. An individual in a residence began shooting at a police officer on the 100 block of Forest Street, Thomas Fennelly, a spokesman for the Essex County Prosecutors Office said. The officer was hit but was able to return fire, striking the suspect, Fennelly aid. The officer and suspect were transported to a nearby hospital with non-life threatening injuries, Fennelly said. The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office is investigating, Fennelly said. 
HEROES: Detectives Revive Man Who Collapsed At Hudson Prosecutor’s Office HEROES: Detectives Revive Man Who Collapsed At Hudson Prosecutor’s Office
Heroes: Detectives Revive Man Who Collapsed At Hudson Prosecutor’s Office A visitor who suffered a medical emergency at Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office was revived by a group of detectives, authorities said. Prosecutor’s Detectives Stephen King and Salvatore Benanti, and Jersey City Police Detective Scott Rogers found the man without a pulse in the sixth-floor lobby of the Hudson County Administration Building. Prosecutor’s Detectives Risheem Whitten, Kristen Mikulak and Daniel Bellini “quickly joined their colleagues to provide immediate, life-saving medical assistance,” Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez said. The victim regained a pulse within minutes a…
GOTCHA! Fleeing Car Thief, 16, Captured By Paramus PD With Assist From Law Enforcement Partners GOTCHA! Fleeing Car Thief, 16, Captured By Paramus PD With Assist From Law Enforcement Partners
Gotcha! Fleeing Car Thief, 16, Captured By Paramus PD With Assist From Law Enforcement Partners Paramus police captured a 16-year-old Newark boy after he'd popped the ignition cylinder on an SUV parked in the owner's driveway. Officers Slavko Bajovic and Ryan Cottrell were responding to a call from the owner of the Bullard Road home when they saw the teen run from the 2017 Hyundai Tucson to a Sonata parked nearby shortly before 6 a.m. Sunday, April 14, Police Chief Robert Guidetti said. Guidetti's officers got help establishing a perimeter from a Bergen County Sheriff's K-9 unit and police from Bergenfield, River Edge and Rochelle Park police, Guidetti said. Bajovic found the Sonata …
Broom Beatings Among Horrific Abuse By Atlantic City Mayor, Wife Against Teen Daughter: Police Broom Beatings Among Horrific Abuse By Atlantic City Mayor, Wife Against Teen Daughter: Police
Broom Beatings Among Horrific Abuse By Atlantic City Mayor, Wife Against Teen Daughter: Police The mayor of Atlantic City and his wife, the superintendent of the city's public school district, have been accused of physically and emotionally abusing their teen daughter, including an incident that left her unconscious, authorities said. Mayor Marty Small Sr., 50, and Dr. La'Quetta Small, 47, were slapped with several charges via summonses on Monday, Apr. 15, the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office said in a news release. The couple was charged with second-degree endangering the welfare of a child. Mayor Small was also charged with third-degree terroristic threats, third-degre…
Troubled Passenger Dies After Jumping From Moving Car On Route 287: NJSP Troubled Passenger Dies After Jumping From Moving Car On Route 287: NJSP
Troubled Passenger Dies After Jumping From Moving Car On Route 287: Njsp An emotionally troubled man died after jumping from a moving SUV on Route 287 over the weekend, New Jersey State Police said. The Ford was headed north when the 31-year-old rear-seat passenger from Connecticut opened the door and jumped out in the area of milepost 58.4 in Oakland around 9 p.m. Saturday, April 13, NJSP Sgt. Jeffrey Lebron said. The victim sustained a severe head injury and had stopped breathing, responders said. Oakland Police Sgt. Michael Griffin and Officers Karley Greulich and Hank Anderson conducted CPR before the man was taken to St. Joseph's University Medical Center …
Employee Opens Ridgewood Nail Salon For Day With Bang Employee Opens Ridgewood Nail Salon For Day With Bang
Employee Opens Ridgewood Nail Salon For Day With Bang An SUV driven by an employee heading in to open a Ridgewood nail salon for the day crashed into the front door. The young worker escaped injury when her Nissan Rogue hit the front of Godwin Nail & Spa on Godwin Avenue around 9:30 a.m. Monday, April 15. The front door, part of the knee wall and two planters took the brunt of the impact.  The rest of the building around the store was spared any serious damage. A Ridgewood nail salon employee headed to work to open the shop escaped injury in a crash. Boyd A. Loving for DAILY VOICE Ridgewood police and firefighters responded. Bo…
21-Year-Old Jumper Rescued From River Beneath NJ Bridge, Police Say 21-Year-Old Jumper Rescued From River Beneath NJ Bridge, Police Say
21-Year-Old Jumper Rescued From River Beneath NJ Bridge, Police Say Edison police rescued a 21-year-old man who jumped off the Morris Goodkind Bridge, authorities said. The call came in shortly before 6:30 a.m. Monday, April 15 along Route 1 near the Raritan River Boat Club, Edison Deputy Chief Robert Dudash said. Police found an unoccupied car on the bridge and a man in the water, Dudash said. Two officers swam out to rescue the man, he said. The man was taken to Robert Wood Johnson Hospital where he was recovering fine, Dudash said. The two officers suffered mild hypothermia and were taken to JFK Hospital for treatment. Additional officers helped t…
Man Found Dead In Paterson Basement Fire Man Found Dead In Paterson Basement Fire
Man Found Dead In Paterson Basement Fire 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: Authorities were trying to identify a man found dead in a basement fire in Paterson -- and determine whether or not he was killed in the blaze. Firefighters called to 465 Hamilton Avenue shortly before midnight Sunday, April 14, found the body while dousing the flames in the basement of the 2½ wood-frame home, authorities confirmed mid-Monday morning. The New Jersey Medical Examiner's Office is assisting in the identification of the victim, according to a joint statement issued by Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and including Paterson Police Officer In Charge Isa Ab…
Initial Mystery Surrounds Woman's Body Found On Tracks In Fair Lawn Initial Mystery Surrounds Woman's Body Found On Tracks In Fair Lawn
Initial Mystery Surrounds Woman's Body Found On Tracks In Fair Lawn NJ TRANSIT was trying to determine which and when one of its trains struck a woman at the Radburn station in Fair Lawn before dawn Monday. Firefighters were called to wash down the tracks, suggesting some type of train involvement. Responders at the scene said it was suspected -- but not yet confirmed -- that an empty train being "deadheaded" up the line to Suffern struck the person sometime between 5:45 and 6:15 a.m. April 15. NJ TRANSIT told Daily Voice in a 9:51 a.m. email: "At approximately 6:25 a.m., New Jersey Transit police were notified that a body was on the tracks in the vicinit…
Girl, 15, Struck, Killed By Hit-And-Run Driver In Ridgefield Girl, 15, Struck, Killed By Hit-And-Run Driver In Ridgefield
Girl, 15, Struck, Killed By Hit-And-Run Driver In Ridgefield UPDATE: The death of a 15-year-old Ridgefield girl at the hands of a hit-and-run driver near her home leaves a "profound void," said the schools chief in Clifton, where her father works. Serenity Law was struck at the intersection of Shaler Boulevard and Edgewater Avenue in Ridgefield shortly after 7:30 p.m. Sunday, April 14, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said. She was pronounced dead at Hackensack University Medical Center a short time later, the prosecutor said. Although word was that a vehicle was impounded and a driver taken into custody, Musella said members of his Fatal …
Man Who Punched Police Officers Breaking Up Brawl In Newark Captured 2 Days Later: Cops Man Who Punched Police Officers Breaking Up Brawl In Newark Captured 2 Days Later: Cops
Man Who Punched Police Officers Breaking Up Brawl In Newark Captured 2 Days Later: Cops A 31-year-old man has been arrested for punching police officers breaking up a brawl in Newark, authorities said. Khalil Cuttino, of Phillipsburg, had been wanted for aggravated assault on police officers in connection with the Friday, April 12 incident, and was taken into custody on Sunday, April 14, Newark Public Safety Director Fritz G. Fragé said. Officers responded to the 300 block of Clinton Avenue for a man with a handgun around 5:10 p.m. Friday, where a large crowd had gathered, Frage said. A male in the crowd, later identified as Cuttino, struck two officers with closed fists…
Ex-Jersey City High School Footballer Charged With Selling Guns To Undercover Ex-Jersey City High School Footballer Charged With Selling Guns To Undercover
Ex-Jersey City High School Footballer Charged With Selling Guns To Undercover A former high school football standout from Jersey City twice sold guns to an undercover police officer, authorities charged. A Superior Court judge ordered Emerson Deline, 18, held following a hearing in Jersey City last week, Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez said. The 2023 Snyder High School graduate sold a handgun to an undercover police officer on Jan. 4 and then again on Jan. 12 during a joint investigation by her Narcotics Task Force and members of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Suarez said. He's charged with two counts each of unlawful posses…
CRIME SPREE: Paramus Police Nab Thieving Trio With $12,800 Worth Of Loot At Garden State Plaza CRIME SPREE: Paramus Police Nab Thieving Trio With $12,800 Worth Of Loot At Garden State Plaza
Crime Spree: Paramus Police Nab Thieving Trio With $12,800 Worth Of Loot At Garden State Plaza A trio of thieving New Yorkers were in the middle of a big-ticket crime spree at the Garden State Plaza -- snatching nearly 200 items worth more than $12,800 in under an hour and a half -- when Paramus police nabbed them, authorities said. Police caught their break when the three stole a cellphone and a wallet from a pair of kiosk workers shortly before 9:30 p.m. Friday, April 12, Paramus Police Chief Robert Guidetti said. Assisted by mall security, Paramus Detective Lt. Tom Schroeder and Detective Mark Pinajian quickly homed in on the trio, he said. Two of them -- Alexander Aria…
Holiday Shooting That Wounded 3 In Paterson Committed By Two 16-Year-Olds, Authorities Charge Holiday Shooting That Wounded 3 In Paterson Committed By Two 16-Year-Olds, Authorities Charge
Holiday Shooting That Wounded 3 In Paterson Committed By Two 16-Year-Olds, Authorities Charge A Labor Day weekend shooting in Paterson that wounded three men last year was committed by two 16-year-olds, authorities said. A lengthy investigation led to the detentions of both boys, one from Paterson, the other from Clifton, for the Sept. 3 shooting, Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Paterson Police Department Officer-In-Charge Isa Abbassi announced. Delinquency complaints charge both with attempted murder and weapons offenses, they said. City police found two victims – one 28 from Elmwood Park and the other 33 from Paterson – while responding to a 2:40 a.m. call at Unio…
SEE ANYTHING? Grandmother Of 13 Struck Crossing Passaic Street Dies, Hit-And-Run Driver Sought SEE ANYTHING? Grandmother Of 13 Struck Crossing Passaic Street Dies, Hit-And-Run Driver Sought
SEE Anything? Grandmother Of 13 Struck Crossing Passaic Street Dies, Hit-And-Run Driver Sought A grandmother of 13 died from injuries that she suffered when she was struck by a hit-and-run driver in Passaic a day and a half earlier, authorities confirmed. Meanwhile, her killer remained unidentified. Rachel McNeil, 58, was struck at the intersection of Passaic and Aycrigg avenues at 11:13 p.m. Wednesday, April 10. The driver kept going. McNeil died shortly after noontime Friday, Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Passaic Police Department Chief Luis A. Guzman said in a joint release. McNeil, who worked at St. Mary's General Hospital not far from where she was s…
NO CHOICE: Police Justified Shooting Knife-Wielding NJ Man, Grand Jury Finds NO CHOICE: Police Justified Shooting Knife-Wielding NJ Man, Grand Jury Finds
NO Choice: Police Justified Shooting Knife-Wielding NJ Man, Grand Jury Finds UPDATE: Police were justified in shooting a New Jersey man seen on bodycam video charging at an officer with a knife, a grand jury investigation required by state law found. Luke Mendez, 26, had his wrapped around the knife handle as he barreled down the steps of an Old Bridge home last April 24. Mendez was only two steps from the landing -- less than three feet from an Old Bridge officer -- when he left police no choice. Mendez was pronounced dead at a local hospital about 90 minutes later. Grand jurors reviewed various evidence but didn't really need any more than the bodycam video…
HEARTBREAKING HISTORY: Suicidal Teen Rescued From Hackensack River For 4TH Time In Two Years HEARTBREAKING HISTORY: Suicidal Teen Rescued From Hackensack River For 4TH Time In Two Years
Heartbreaking History: Suicidal Teen Rescued From Hackensack River For 4TH Time In Two Years A troubled young local girl brought rescuers to a bridge over the Hackensack River for the fourth time in less than two years on Friday.  And like twice before, she nearly drowned. The girl also had guardian angels on her side once again -- this time a group of New Milford police officers. The youngster, now 16, was sitting on the edge of the Old New Bridge when Lt. Nelson Perez arrived around 2 p.m. April 12, New Milford Police Chief Brian Clancy said. The officer had gotten within 10 feet when she jumped, the chief said. The teen was treading water when Perez climbed over the…
Teen Trio Caught With Gun After Crashing Stolen Car During Pursuit: Lyndhurst PD Teen Trio Caught With Gun After Crashing Stolen Car During Pursuit: Lyndhurst PD
Teen Trio Caught With Gun After Crashing Stolen Car During Pursuit: Lyndhurst PD Three young teenagers who ran after one of them crashed a stolen car into a tree during a Lyndhurst police pursuit left a handgun in the vehicle, authorities said. It was around 11 p.m. Wednesday, April 10, when Officer Michael Clifford spotted the Kia Soul in the area of Page Avenue and Lewandowski Street, Detective Lt. Vincent Auteri said. The subcompact had been reported stolen out of Clifton four days earlier, he said. Clifford tried to stop it but the 16-year-old driver from Passaic hit the gas and sped off on Page Avenue. The officer pursued the vehicle through Lyndhurst, along Schu…
Crooked Cardio Doc Admits Pocketing $2 Million In Health Insurance Ripoffs Crooked Cardio Doc Admits Pocketing $2 Million In Health Insurance Ripoffs
Crooked Cardio Doc Admits Pocketing $2 Million In Health Insurance Ripoffs The owner and sole medical provider of a Middlesex County medical practice admitted in federal court that he pocketed nearly $2 million in a long-running series of blatant health insurance scams. Dr. Fazal Panezai, a 76-year-old cardiologist from Morganville, at one point submitted claims for a single day's worth of visits to his Matawan-Aberdeen Heart & Medical Center in May 2022 that totaled 27.9 hours, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger said. Hei also billed health insurance providers more than $80,000 for office visits when he was out of the country, the U.S. attorney said. Panezai …
Woman High On Narcotics Indicted In NJ Crash That Killed Toddler: Prosecutors Woman High On Narcotics Indicted In NJ Crash That Killed Toddler: Prosecutors
Woman High On Narcotics Indicted In NJ Crash That Killed Toddler: Prosecutors A Monmouth County woman was indicted after she was accused of driving under the influence of drugs in a crash that killed a young girl, authorities said. Samantha Bonora, 31, of Howell, was indicted by a grand jury, the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office announced in a news release on Friday, Apr. 12. She was charged with first-degree aggravated manslaughter, two counts of second-degree aggravated assault, and four counts of assault by auto. Howell police responded to a crash on Route 34 near the Colts Neck border at around 4:41 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 13. Investigators said Bonor…
Bergen Widower, 91, Charged With Exposing Himself To Three Kids Bergen Widower, 91, Charged With Exposing Himself To Three Kids
Bergen Widower, 91, Charged With Exposing Himself To Three Kids A 91-year-old Saddle Brook widower was jailed Friday after authorities said he exposed himself to a trio of preteens. John Urso was booked into the Bergen County Jail on April 12 following his arrest on lewdness charges hours earlier, records show. The defendant "exposed themselves to students who were playing outside at Franklin School," Saddle Brook Schools Supt. Toni Violetti wrote in a message to the community. Violetti thanked staff at the K-6 school on Caldwell Avenue "for their quick response" and township police "for their swift investigation and decisive action." Bergen Cou…
Three Paterson Residents Committed Check Fraud: Denville PD Three Paterson Residents Committed Check Fraud: Denville PD
Three Paterson Residents Committed Check Fraud: Denville PD A trio from Paterson were arrested and charged on Wednesday, April 10 with passing bad checks in Morris County, police said. Officers investigated a report of check fraud at a local bank, Denvile police said in a release. The investigation led to the arrest of Oliver Hall, 51, Ramon Olivo-Olivia, 46 and Marilyn Morel-Diaz, police said. They were charged with bad checks, conspiracy and unlawful taking of moveable property, police said. Morel-Diaz was also charged with possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia, police said.  Morel-Diaz and Olivio-Olivia were released pe…
JUSTICE DELAYED: Accused Killer Of Bayonne Mom Finally Extradited To US To Face Murder Charges JUSTICE DELAYED: Accused Killer Of Bayonne Mom Finally Extradited To US To Face Murder Charges
Justice Delayed: Accused Killer Of Bayonne Mom Finally Extradited To US To Face Murder Charges A fugitive wanted for the brutal slaying of a Bayonne mom studying to be a nurse 3½ years ago has finally been extradited to the United States to face murder charges. Erick Acosta, 35, fled to Colombia after beating 40-year-old Crystal Ojeda to death with an object that local authorities have yet to identify in a public housing project on Lord Avenue near the Kill Van Kull. It was shortly before 1 p.m. Oct. 9, 2020 that city police responding to a request for a welfare check found the brutally beaten Ojeda. The mother of two, formerly of Jersey City, had been struck in the head and on her …
Driver, 43, Dies In Crash With Dump Truck, Guardrail On Route 80: State Police Driver, 43, Dies In Crash With Dump Truck, Guardrail On Route 80: State Police
Driver, 43, Dies In Crash With Dump Truck, Guardrail On Route 80: State Police A 43-year-old Paterson man was killed after he crashed into a truck on Route 80 in Essex County on the early morning of Friday, April 12, authorities said. Sixto Torres-Duran was driving a Mazda eastbound on Route 80 in Fairfield when he lost directional control, ran off the roadway to the right and crashed into a guardrail just after 2:45 a.m., Jeffrey Lebron, a spokesman for the New Jersey State Police said. After hitting the guardrail, the Mazda re-entered the roadway and crashed into a Kenilworth dump truck, causing the truck to overturn, Lebron said. Torres-Duran sustained fatal injuri…
UPDATE: Popular Garfield Restaurant Ravaged By Overnight Fire (w/PHOTOS) UPDATE: Popular Garfield Restaurant Ravaged By Overnight Fire (w/PHOTOS)
Update: Popular Garfield Restaurant Ravaged By Overnight Fire (w/Photos) A firefighter was taken to a local hospital and two civilians were tended to at the scene of an overnight blaze that destroyed a popular Garfield restaurant and severely damaged the apartments above it. A passerby alerted authorities to the fire that broke on the first floor of DP's Pub and Seafood Grill on River Drive shortly after 2:30 a.m. Friday, April 12, responders said. Firefighters found flames engulfing the bar and spreading quickly through the upper floors. Police Capt. Mario Pozo said two second-floor tenants were treated for smoke inhalation at the scene after responding Garfie…
RECOGNIZE THEM? Bayonne PD Turns To Public For Help In Weeks-Old Armed Robbery RECOGNIZE THEM? Bayonne PD Turns To Public For Help In Weeks-Old Armed Robbery
Recognize Them? Bayonne PD Turns To Public For Help In Weeks-Old Armed Robbery Bayonne police on Thursday shared photos of two men who they said robbed someone at gunpoint nearly three weeks ago. The holdup occurred at 42nd Street and Avenue E shortly before 1:30 a.m. March 23, they said. It was a Saturday. Police didn't say why they waited until April 11 (19 days) to seek the public's help, although in such cases it's ordinarily because investigators haven't made any progress. They also didn't describe what was taken, how many victims (nor ages or genders), nor whether anyone was injured. There were no descriptions of the robbers or in which direction they headed …
Dirt Bicyclist Struck, Killed On Clifton Street Dirt Bicyclist Struck, Killed On Clifton Street
Dirt Bicyclist Struck, Killed On Clifton Street A 24-year-old dirt bicyclist was struck and killed on a Clifton street just below Route 46, authorities confirmed. A 2007 Honda bike driven by the as-yet unidentified rider collided with a Honda CRV at the corner of Lakeview Avenue and East 11th Street shortly before 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 10, they said. The victim was taken to St. Joseph’s University Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Clifton Police Chief Thomas Rinaldi said in a joint release. The SUV driver remained at the scene. CHECK BACK FOR MORE DETAILS
New Jersey State Police Mourns K-9 Echo, Explosive Detection Dog New Jersey State Police Mourns K-9 Echo, Explosive Detection Dog
New Jersey State Police Mourns K-9 Echo, Explosive Detection Dog Echo, who served in the New Jersey State Police K-9 unit for 11 years, was laid to rest on Thursday, April 4 due to health issues, the NJSP announced on Facebook. Echo worked as an explosive detection dog, working for New Jersey's Detect and Render Safe Taskforce. Working with his partner, Sgt. Christopher Pastor, Echo conducted sweeps for the State House, state government buildings and events at MetLife Stadium, including ay Super Bowl XLVIII. "I am so impressed by these K-9 police dogs," said one mourner. "Thank you for your service Echo, what an amazing example of canine intelligence and…
Accused JC Scammers Hit With More Charges, Total Take Rises By $400,000 Accused JC Scammers Hit With More Charges, Total Take Rises By $400,000
Accused JC Scammers Hit With More Charges, Total Take Rises By $400,000 Three Indian Americans from North Jersey charged in a hotel supply company scam were re-arrested this week after authorities said they learned that the trio stiffed victims by three times as much money as they’d originally believed. Married couple Viral Patel, 38, and Priyanka Patel, 33, of Jersey City and Pratik Patel, 35, of Ramsey, were originally charged last December with pocketing $200,000 for services that were never provided by their Janvi Hotel Supply company on Thorne Street, Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez said. Members of the prosecutor’s Special Investigations Unit conti…
Duo Accused Of Carjacking Takeout Customer In Newark Face Federal Prosecution Duo Accused Of Carjacking Takeout Customer In Newark Face Federal Prosecution
Duo Accused Of Carjacking Takeout Customer In Newark Face Federal Prosecution Two repeat offenders charged with carjacking a customer waiting for a pickup order outside a Newark restaurant are now in federal custody and aren't going anywhere. The victim was pumping air into the front passenger tire on Dec. 9, 2023 when the pair arrived in a 2015 Lexus that had been stolen from outside a Wawa on Route 34 in Wall Township. Arraqeeb Williams-Cook, 23, of East Orange, got into the driver's seat of the victim's car, then pulled a gun, U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Philip R. Sellinger said. As the victim ran into the restaurant to call for help, ex-con Washir Singleta…