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Public Safety

ICE's Controversial Plans To Expand NJ Detention Centers Revealed By ACLU ICE's Controversial Plans To Expand NJ Detention Centers Revealed By ACLU
ICE's Controversial Plans To Expand NJ Detention Centers Revealed By ACLU U.S. Immigration and Customers Enforcement( ICE) is exploring plans to expand immigration detention facilities in New Jersey, potentially adding 600 beds across the state, according to documents obtained by the ACLU through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit. The revelations come as concerns mount over President-elect Donald Trump’s promise of a large-scale deportation and detention program. Advocates have criticized the Biden administration for enabling this expansion, warning it could pave the way for sweeping actions against immigrant communities. Two facilities under considerat…
Wildfire Near Large South Jersey Sculpture Deemed Suspicious, State Police Investigating Wildfire Near Large South Jersey Sculpture Deemed Suspicious, State Police Investigating
Wildfire Near Large South Jersey Sculpture Deemed Suspicious, State Police Investigating Troopers were asking for the public's help after a wildfire near a well-known sculpture in Hainesport was ruled suspicious, authorities said. State police have launched an investigation into the Big Rusty Wildfire, troopers said in a Facebook post on Thursday, Nov. 21. The blaze that ignited near Bancroft Lane and Cove Court on Monday, Nov. 18 scorched 40 acres and threatened 20 homes. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service said no evacuations were needed and the wildfire was fully contained by 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 20. Crews have remained on-site to monitor the area for flare-…
NJ Youth Soccer Coach Admits To Sexually Exploiting Players, Prosecutors Say NJ Youth Soccer Coach Admits To Sexually Exploiting Players, Prosecutors Say
NJ Youth Soccer Coach Admits To Sexually Exploiting Players, Prosecutors Say A Union Beach youth soccer coach admitted to molesting two players and sending sexual pictures to several others, authorities said. Ryan Gunsauls, 33, pleaded guilty during a hearing in superior court, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago said in a news release on Monday, Nov. 18. The investigation began in May when a teen reported Gunsauls had asked for and shared sexually explicit material through a social media app. As the case developed, eight additional victims between 11 and 17 years old were identified. Gunsauls was held in the Monmouth County Correctional Institution an…
Atlantic City Man Who Threatened Ex-GF With Her Gun Sentenced, Prosecutors Say Atlantic City Man Who Threatened Ex-GF With Her Gun Sentenced, Prosecutors Say
Atlantic City Man Who Threatened Ex-GF With Her Gun Sentenced, Prosecutors Say An Atlantic City man will spend up to half a decade in prison for threatening his ex-girlfriend with her gun, authorities said. Dennis Bell, 39, was sentenced to five years in state prison for second-degree unlawful possession of a handgun, the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office said in a news release on Monday, Nov. 18. Egg Harbor Township police responded to a domestic dispute at a home on Leap Street on Monday, Feb. 12. The caller said her ex-boyfriend had a gun. Officers found Bell in a bedroom being held down by the couple's underage son. Bell told police he came to the home to …
South Jersey Man Who Killed GF With Toilet Tank Cover, Belt On Her Birthday Sentenced: Feds South Jersey Man Who Killed GF With Toilet Tank Cover, Belt On Her Birthday Sentenced: Feds
South Jersey Man Who Killed GF With Toilet Tank Cover, Belt On Her Birthday Sentenced: Feds A New Jersey man will spend up to a quarter-century in prison after admitting to brutally killing his girlfriend in a Washington, D.C. hotel, authorities said. William Barrett, 69, of Mount Holly, was sentenced on Friday, Oct. 25 to 25 years in prison, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia said in a news release on Monday, Oct. 28. He was arrested in the killing of 36-year-old Romaine Maddox, a resident of the northeast quadrant of D.C. According to trial evidence, Barrett and Maddox checked into Ivy City Hotel on New York Avenue, Northeast at around 7 p.m. …
'My Mom Didn't Deserve This': Duo Killed South Jersey Woman In Double Shooting, Prosecutors Say 'My Mom Didn't Deserve This': Duo Killed South Jersey Woman In Double Shooting, Prosecutors Say
'My Mom Didn't Deserve This': Duo Killed South Jersey Woman In Double Shooting, Prosecutors Say Two people from Vineland were accused of shooting and killing a Bridgeton mother in Vineland, authorities said. Bonnie Hitchens, 41, died in the shooting on Saturday, Oct. 26, Cumberland County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae said in a news release on Monday, Oct. 28. Officers arrested Eric Bundy-Johnson and Francessca Delvalle, both 34 years old, in the case. Millville police responded to two people suffering from gunshot wounds in a vehicle near Alpha and Omega Food Market and Laundromat on East Green Street at around 10:37 a.m. Hitchens was found unresponsive in the passenger's seat with …
Throngs Of Unruly Teens Break Up Haunted Hayride Event In Collingswood, Police Say Throngs Of Unruly Teens Break Up Haunted Hayride Event In Collingswood, Police Say
Throngs Of Unruly Teens Break Up Haunted Hayride Event In Collingswood, Police Say About 200 teens and young adults caused chaos at a PTA-sponsored hayride in Collingswood, authorities said. The large group was dropped off by several vehicles on the outskirts of Knight Park on Saturday, Oct. 19, the Collingswood Police Department said in a Facebook post. The teens and young adults started fighting each other, ran recklessly through the crowd, and cut in line for the Haunted Hayride. Officers at the event broke up the unruly teens and other Camden County police departments were called in to help. "To ensure the safety of those in attendance, the decision was mad…
Family Plans Lawsuit After NJ Transit Train Operator Killed By Fallen Tree Family Plans Lawsuit After NJ Transit Train Operator Killed By Fallen Tree
Family Plans Lawsuit After NJ Transit Train Operator Killed By Fallen Tree The family of the New Jersey Transit train operator killed by a fallen tree is planning to sue several organizations for negligence, an attorney said. Jessica Haley of Levittown, Pennsylvania, was identified as the person who died in the crash, according to a news release from the Anapol Weiss law firm on Thursday, Oct. 15. The single mother of three boys was 41 years old. Haley was operating a River LINE train heading north from Trenton at around 6 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 14. The light rail train struck a tree that had fallen on the tracks south of the Roebling station in Mansfield …
Smoke Expected To Linger For Days After NJ Forest Fire Smoke Expected To Linger For Days After NJ Forest Fire
Smoke Expected To Linger For Days After NJ Forest Fire A 30-acre forest fire has been contained, however, smoke could linger across parts of South Jersey for days, fire officials said. The fire broke out on Friday, Oct. 11 along Heath Road in the Tamarac section of Medford Township, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said. It consumed up to 30 acres by the time it was fully contained on Saturday, Oct. 12. "Smoke is expected to remain present until significant rain falls over the fire area," the agency said. "Forest Fire Service staff will remain on scene and continue to monitor control lines and address areas of concern until significant…
Parent, Student Arrested After Injuring Officer At South Jersey High School: Police Parent, Student Arrested After Injuring Officer At South Jersey High School: Police
Parent, Student Arrested After Injuring Officer At South Jersey High School: Police A parent and student were accused of assaulting a school resource officer and a staff member at Williamstown High School, authorities said. The unnamed adult and child were arrested on Friday, Oct. 11, the Monroe Township Police Department said in a Facebook post. The incident happened at around 9:08 a.m. and "required a large police response." The officer suffered injuries to his face and hands. "Behavior such as this is not acceptable and the Monroe Township Board of Education maintains zero tolerance for any individual who engages in threats, brings a weapon to school, or…
NJ Transit Light Rail Driver, Four Passengers Injured In South Jersey Crash NJ Transit Light Rail Driver, Four Passengers Injured In South Jersey Crash
NJ Transit Light Rail Driver, Four Passengers Injured In South Jersey Crash Five people were injured when a New Jersey Transit light rail train crashed into a truck in Burlington Township, officials said. Four passengers and the train's operator suffered injuries on Friday, Oct. 11, a NJ Transit spokesperson said. The crash happened near Dulty’s Lane Crossing at around 6:10 a.m. All five injured people were expected to survive their injuries. There were 36 customers on board the train. The River LINE was temporarily suspended between the Burlington Town Center and Florence stations. Service has resumed with up to 15-minute delays. NJ Transit police are inve…
Football Game Fight: Winslow PD Release Photos Of 11 Suspects Being Sought Football Game Fight: Winslow PD Release Photos Of 11 Suspects Being Sought
Football Game Fight: Winslow PD Release Photos Of 11 Suspects Being Sought Winslow police said they are attempting to locate 11 suspects who were involved in a fight following a football game on Friday, Oct. 4. Numerous fights broke out in the aftermath of the Winslow High School-Camden High School football game, with altercations occurring in the parking lots and on the front lawn of the school, police said. Mutual aid was provided from neighboring police departments, officers said. No injuries were reported, police said. Five arrests were made on scene, police said. The 11 at-large suspects were captured on video directly involved in the melee, police said…
Videos Show Crowds Waiting For Trump Hours Ahead Of PA Visit, Major Traffic Delays Could Follow Videos Show Crowds Waiting For Trump Hours Ahead Of PA Visit, Major Traffic Delays Could Follow
Videos Show Crowds Waiting For Trump Hours Ahead Of PA Visit, Major Traffic Delays Could Follow Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump won't be in Reading for another eight hours or so, but crowds of people are already lining up to see him. Trump will be holding a campaign rally at Santander Arena Wednesday, Oct. 9 at 8 p.m. (scroll for traffic impacts). Videos posted to X show the crowds waiting outside of the area. Big line in Reading, PA to see President Trump more than eight hours before he’s scheduled to speak tonight.Reading is a Latino-majority city.Trump is scheduled to speak in Scranton earlier today. pic.twitter.com/1npqA8yIjI — Daniel Baldwin (@baldwin_daniel_) …
Fights Break Out After Camden, Winslow High School Football Game, Arrests Made: Police Fights Break Out After Camden, Winslow High School Football Game, Arrests Made: Police
Fights Break Out After Camden, Winslow High School Football Game, Arrests Made: Police One adult and several children were arrested after a fight broke out following the completion of a Camden High School-Winslow Township High School football game on Friday, Oct. 4. The fights occurred in the parking lot and front lawn of Winslow Township High School, police said. Mutual aid was provided from neighboring police departments, officers said. No injuries were reported, police said. Detectives are reviewing security and body camera footage for further identification of suspects and additional criminal charges, police said. Parents may also be held accountable, police said. "…
New Jersey Hospital Worker, Nursing Student Arrested In Dangerous Car Rally New Jersey Hospital Worker, Nursing Student Arrested In Dangerous Car Rally
New Jersey Hospital Worker, Nursing Student Arrested In Dangerous Car Rally An illegal car meetup with fires and a police officer nearly being struck has led to two more arrests — this time of people from outside the Philadelphia suburbs, police announced on Saturday, Sept. 28.  Alexis Boyce, 20 of Englishtown, NJ, turned herself into Philadelphia Police at 600 Arch Street at 11:15 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 27, and Albert Woynar, 18 of Pittsburgh, was arrested by Pennsylvania State Troopers later that day, Philadelphia Police detailed in the release. Both were wanted in connection with a 50-car meetup in the 7400 block of Bustleton Avenue on Saturday, Se…
Ex-Con Arrested After Manhunt Canceled Classes In Jersey Shore School District: Troopers Ex-Con Arrested After Manhunt Canceled Classes In Jersey Shore School District: Troopers
Ex-Con Arrested After Manhunt Canceled Classes In Jersey Shore School District: Troopers A Cape May Court House man was accused of an armed robbery, sparking an investigation that forced Dennis Township schools to cancel classes, authorities said. Jamar Lovett, 28, was arrested on Tuesday, Sept. 10, a state police spokesperson said. Troopers responded to a shooting report at a home on Kings Highway in Dennis Township at around 5:28 a.m. Investigators said the victim saw two suspects stealing a dirt bike and one male ran away when confronted. The victim reported being shot at when chasing after him. The owner of Tamerlane Campground told the Daily Voice that he c…
PA Man Accused Of Drugging, Assaulting Women He Met On Sugar Daddy Site, DA Says PA Man Accused Of Drugging, Assaulting Women He Met On Sugar Daddy Site, DA Says
PA Man Accused Of Drugging, Assaulting Women He Met On Sugar Daddy Site, DA Says At least six women are known to have been sexually assaulted after going out with a man they met on an online dating site who ended up drugging them, District Attorney Jennifer Schorn and Bristol Township Police Chief Robert Coulton announced on Wednesday, Sept. 11.  Andrew Gallo, 40, of Copper Beech Lane, Bristol Township, was charged with five counts of rape by causing impairment, six counts of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, four counts of strangulation, two counts of selling or furnishing liquor or malt or brewed beverage to minors, and one count each of s…
Campfire Accidentally Sparked Huge Wildfire Near Jersey Shore Neighborhood: Investigators Campfire Accidentally Sparked Huge Wildfire Near Jersey Shore Neighborhood: Investigators
Campfire Accidentally Sparked Huge Wildfire Near Jersey Shore Neighborhood: Investigators An illegal and abandoned campfire started a massive wildfire that burned for three days in Ocean County, authorities said. Investigators determined the wildfire was accidentally started by "an unknown person(s) improperly extinguishing a campfire," Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release on Wednesday, Sept. 11. The roughly 189-acre wildfire burned near Fishers Pit, a sand and gravel pit in the Bayville section of Berkeley Township. In its final update, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said the wildfire was 100 percent contained a…
Police Investigation With Helicopter, K-9s Cancels School In Jersey Shore Township (DEVELOPING) Police Investigation With Helicopter, K-9s Cancels School In Jersey Shore Township (DEVELOPING)
Police Investigation With Helicopter, K-9s Cancels School In Jersey Shore Township (Developing) School was canceled in Dennis Township due to a state police investigation that forced students to stay inside, authorities said. The Dennis Township School District said classes wouldn't be held on Tuesday, Sept. 10 "due to the continued threat in our area" and to keep students and staff safe. The district announced the cancelation in a Facebook post at 9:19 a.m. The township said state police were actively investigating with a helicopter and K-9 units in the South Seaville section of Dennis. "Please be vigilant and keep yourself and property secure," the township said…
Sidewalk Save: Bodycam Footage Shows NJ Officers Saving Choking Baby Sidewalk Save: Bodycam Footage Shows NJ Officers Saving Choking Baby
Sidewalk Save: Bodycam Footage Shows NJ Officers Saving Choking Baby Newly-released body-worn camera footage shows two New Jersey police officers saving a choking baby. Hightstown Officers Daniel Abbatemarco and Kenneth Larsen responded to a call of a choking baby girl on March 31. Upon arrival, they were met by a man holding the girl. Larsen arrived on scene and quickly performed the Infant Heimlich Maneuver on the girl, who was breathing again in a matter of seconds. Meanwhile, Abbatemarco and Larsen comforted the man holding her and a woman crying at the scene. "She's breathing, she's clear," the officers say. "Let's let out a cry sweetheart!" …
Fishing Boat Accident Closes Two Mile Bridge Fishing Boat Accident Closes Two Mile Bridge
Fishing Boat Accident Closes Two Mile Bridge The Middle Thorofare Two Mile Bridge was closed due to a boat crash on Saturday, Aug. 31, officials said. Wildwood Crest Mayor Don Cabrera posted a statement around 6:15 a.m. saying the 85-year-old bridge was struck by a fishing vessel. It had not reopened as of 9 a.m. "If you are traveling from the Wildwoods or into Wildwood’s early this morning and plan to use this bridge you may want to take alternate routes," the mayor said. The bridge had been closed earlier this month after the drive shaft broke.
Wayward Bullet Strikes Resident In Home Near Camden County Dispute: Prosecutor Wayward Bullet Strikes Resident In Home Near Camden County Dispute: Prosecutor
Wayward Bullet Strikes Resident In Home Near Camden County Dispute: Prosecutor A 67-year-old woman was struck by a wayward bullet that was inadvertently fired into her home in Camden County, authorities said. A 51-year-old man from Gloucester City has been arrested for firing the shot during an argument, they said. Francisco Griffin was charged with aggravated assault and weapons offenses after the shooting, according to Camden County Prosecutor Grace C. MacAulay and Gloucester City Police Chief Brian Morrell. On Monday, Aug. 27, at approximately 10:50 p.m., officers from the Gloucester City Police Department were dispatched to the 600 block of Hunter Stree…
Michele Rhodes, 55, ID'd As Woman Who Died At Elizabethtown Fair: Coroner Michele Rhodes, 55, ID'd As Woman Who Died At Elizabethtown Fair: Coroner
Michele Rhodes, 55, ID'd As Woman Who Died At Elizabethtown Fair: Coroner The woman who died following a "medical emergency" at the Elizabethtown Fair on Tuesday, August 20 has been identified by the Lancaster County Coroner's Office.  Michele Rhodes, 55, of Akron, PA, and originally from Mount Holly, NJ, choked to death at the Elizabethtown Fair, Chief Deputy Coroner Eric Bieber explained and as detailed in her obituary posted by Roseboro Stradling Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc., Denver.  Police officers were eating lunch at the fair located at 900 East High Street in Elizabethtown Borough when the incident began at 12:55 p.m. Aug. 20, as Da…
Woman Charged For Breaking Into Tiger Enclosure At South Jersey Zoo, Police Say Woman Charged For Breaking Into Tiger Enclosure At South Jersey Zoo, Police Say
Woman Charged For Breaking Into Tiger Enclosure At South Jersey Zoo, Police Say A Millville woman was accused of hopping a fence at a Bridgeton zoo and trying to pet a Bengal tiger, authorities said. Zyair Dennis, 24, was charged with one count of defiant trespassing, the Bridgeton Police Department said in a news release on Monday, Aug. 26. She was also cited for two violations of city ordinances about people climbing fences at Cohanzick Zoo. Investigators said Dennis went into the restricted area near the zoo's tiger and bear enclosures on Sunday, Aug. 18. Police began investigating after the city's recreation department received video from other …
NJ Paraprofessional Convinced Student To Send Nudes, Suggested They Have Sex: Police NJ Paraprofessional Convinced Student To Send Nudes, Suggested They Have Sex: Police
NJ Paraprofessional Convinced Student To Send Nudes, Suggested They Have Sex: Police A 42-year-old high school paraprofessional from Burlington County has been arrested after authorities say he tried to convince a student to have sex. Michael Van Kline, of Lumberton, who worked at Seneca High School in Tabernacle, used social media to converse with the student, Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw said. Van Kline convinced the student to send him nude photos and suggested the two meet to have sex, Bradshaw said. The investigation began after authorities got a tip that Van Kline may have been inappropriately communicating with a student electronically, the p…
Boy Airlifted After Stepping On Hot Coals Illegally Dumped On NJ Beach, Officials Say Boy Airlifted After Stepping On Hot Coals Illegally Dumped On NJ Beach, Officials Say
Boy Airlifted After Stepping On Hot Coals Illegally Dumped On NJ Beach, Officials Say A boy was airlifted to a hospital after officials say he stepped on hot coals that had been illegally dumped on a New Jersey beach. Paramedics and EMTs from Sea Bright and Robert Wood Johnson were called to Sandy Hook near Guardian Park, where they found the boy with burns to both feet around 2:45 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 13, Gateway National Recreation Area spokeswoman Daphne Yun said. Witnesses said the child had stepped on hot coals that had been illegally dumped between rocks in the area, Yun said. The child was flown by Hackensack Meridian to a local burn center, and the area wher…
Intruder Breaks Into Tiger Enclosure, Nearly Gets Bitten At South Jersey Zoo (VIDEO) Intruder Breaks Into Tiger Enclosure, Nearly Gets Bitten At South Jersey Zoo (VIDEO)
Intruder Breaks Into Tiger Enclosure, Nearly Gets Bitten At South Jersey Zoo (Video) Police in South Jersey are seeking the public's help in identifying and locating a woman who hopped the fence at a local zoo to interact with a tiger. Video shared by Bridgeton police on Tuesday, Aug. 20 shows the incident from the tiger exhibit at the Cohanzick Zoo. Officers didn't say when the incident happened. The 16-second clip shows the female putting her hand through wire fencing and trying to pet the tiger. The big cat then appears to try biting the female's hand and starts frantically pacing. The female then backs away from the wiring and climbs back over the wooden fence on the o…
Bystanders Stop Sex Offender From Raping Teen Girl In Trenton Neighborhood, Police Say Bystanders Stop Sex Offender From Raping Teen Girl In Trenton Neighborhood, Police Say
Bystanders Stop Sex Offender From Raping Teen Girl In Trenton Neighborhood, Police Say A sex offender was accused of trying to rape a teen girl in a Trenton neighborhood one day after he was released from prison, authorities said. Malik Bright, 24, of Trenton, was arrested on Wednesday, Aug. 7, the Trenton Police Department said in a news release. Officers responded to the report of an attempted sexual assault near the corner of Louise Lane and Marion Street in the city's Stuyvesant/Prospect neighborhood at around 9:37 a.m. Investigators said Bright followed the 17-year-old girl from a bus stop for several blocks. She knew Bright was following her and she tried…
Why Sergeant Won't Be Charged In Crash That Killed 44-Year-Old Pedestrian: AG (VIDEO) Why Sergeant Won't Be Charged In Crash That Killed 44-Year-Old Pedestrian: AG (VIDEO)
Why Sergeant Won't Be Charged In Crash That Killed 44-Year-Old Pedestrian: AG (Video) Charges will not be filed against a police officer who last November struck and killed a 44-year-old man while on-duty in a patrol car, authorities said. Sgt. Richard Sbarra was on White Horse Pike (Route 30) in the Atco section of Waterford when he hit Christofe “Christopher” Wita, 44, of Berlin on Nov. 23, 2023, NJ Attorney General Matthew Platkin previously said. Bodycam footage and radio transmissions from the incident were released last month. On Monday, Aug. 12, Platkin said Sbarra would not be charged following an investigation by the Office of Public Integrity and Account…
5 Hospitalized In DWI Golf Cart Simulation Crash At Wildwood National Night Out, Police Say 5 Hospitalized In DWI Golf Cart Simulation Crash At Wildwood National Night Out, Police Say
5 Hospitalized In DWI Golf Cart Simulation Crash At Wildwood National Night Out, Police Say Five people were hospitalized in a DWI simulation involving a golf cart operator by a juvenile and an officer at National Night Out in Wildwood on Tuesday, Aug. 6, authorities said. The impaired operator simulation has been running at the annual event for 20 years, Wildwood police said in a news release. During one of the course operations Tuesday evening, a speed-governed cart operated by a juvenile and a Wildwood operator left the enclosed course at Fox Park and struck several people, police said. The City of Wildwood Fire Department was already on scene for the event and immediatel…
Toms River Police Officer Retires After 12 Years Of Public Service, Union Says Toms River Police Officer Retires After 12 Years Of Public Service, Union Says
Toms River Police Officer Retires After 12 Years Of Public Service, Union Says A Toms River police officer is retiring after more than a decade in public service. Officer Brittany Catalano has retired from the Toms River Police Department, the township's Policemen's Benevolent Association (PBA) chapter said in a Facebook post on Tuesday, Aug. 7. She started her career in 2012 as a public safety telecommunicator for the Monmouth County Sheriff's Office and in the same role part-time for Toms River police. Catalano was hired as a full-time police officer by the Cherry Hill Police Department and graduated from the Gloucester County Police Ac…