Firefighter Injured During Santa Detail In Bergen County (PHOTOS) Firefighter Injured During Santa Detail In Bergen County (PHOTOS)
Firefighter Injured During Santa Detail In Bergen County (Photos) A Glen Rock volunteer firefighter was hospitalized Saturday night, Dec. 21, after sustaining a head injury during a "Santa Detail" event, according to incident reporter Boyd A. Loving. The 24-year-old firefighter was riding on top of a fire truck when his head was struck by a low-hanging tree branch on Doremus Avenue, near the Glen Rock Municipal Pool, Loving said.  The injury, described as non-life-threatening, prompted an immediate response from local emergency services. Firefighters from Hawthorne Rescue Company #5 assisted Glen Rock Fire Department personnel in moving the injured …
Newlywed Little Falls Officer Gets Special Hospital Sendoff After Harrowing Crash (VIDEO) Newlywed Little Falls Officer Gets Special Hospital Sendoff After Harrowing Crash (VIDEO)
Newlywed Little Falls Officer Gets Special Hospital Sendoff After Harrowing Crash (Video) The Little Falls Police Department has shared heartfelt footage of Officer Antonio Piedrabuena being discharged from The Valley Hospital on Saturday, Dec. 21, following a harrowing accident just days earlier. Piedrabuena, a newlywed, experienced a medical emergency on Thursday, Dec. 19, while driving his marked police vehicle. The episode caused the car to accelerate uncontrollably, reaching speeds of 102 miles per hour, the department said. The officer veered over the double-yellow lines, hit a curb and utility pole, and then crashed into Schumacher Chevrolet on Main Street near Union Avenu…
Residents Reflect On Life, Legacy Of Bound Brook Police Chief Who Died Of Cancer Residents Reflect On Life, Legacy Of Bound Brook Police Chief Who Died Of Cancer
Residents Reflect On Life, Legacy Of Bound Brook Police Chief Who Died Of Cancer The Bound Brook Police Department is mourning the loss of its chief, Richard S. Colombaroni, a lifelong resident and pillar of the community whose leadership and dedication over a 40-year career left an enduring impact. Chief Colombaroni passed away following a battle with pancreatic cancer, the department announced Friday, Dec. 20. He was 62 years old. A true embodiment of duty and integrity, Colombaroni began his career in 1983 as a dispatcher before attending the Municipal Police Academy in Sea Girt. That same year, he officially joined the Bound Brook Police Department as a pa…
How To Help Lyndhurst Family Displaced By Pre-Christmas Fire: Donation Drive Set How To Help Lyndhurst Family Displaced By Pre-Christmas Fire: Donation Drive Set
How To Help Lyndhurst Family Displaced By Pre-Christmas Fire: Donation Drive Set The Lyndhurst community is coming together to support a family of six who lost their home to a fire on Friday, Dec. 20 (scroll down for the original news story on the fire).  The event, organized by Nicole Ward, will take place on Sunday, Dec. 22, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Trina's Treats in Lyndhurst. Organizers are requesting gift cards to stores like ShopRite, Walmart, TJ Maxx, HomeGoods, Target, and Kohl’s.  Winter clothing donations for the family—which includes parents and four children—are also being accepted. "This family has four kids and deserves to not miss out on Christmas j…
NJ Dad Killed In Dump Truck Crash Was Avid Gardener With Hard Work Ethic NJ Dad Killed In Dump Truck Crash Was Avid Gardener With Hard Work Ethic
NJ Dad Killed In Dump Truck Crash Was Avid Gardener With Hard Work Ethic Services have been finalized for the 57-year-old Morris County man killed in a dump truck crash this week. Peter Janke, of Chester, rear-ended a garbage truck on Route 206 in Mount Olive early Wednesday, Dec. 18 in Morris County, the Morris County Prosecutor's Office said. Known for his strong work ethic, Pete was a manager at PLPS Printing Co. in Little Falls, his obituary on the William J. Leber Funeral Home website says. "Outside of work, he was an avid gardener with a passion for tending to his plants and maintaining his lawn," his obituary reads. "He found great jo…
Officer Reached 102 MPH, Went Airborne In Crash Caused By Medical Episode, Little Falls PD Says Officer Reached 102 MPH, Went Airborne In Crash Caused By Medical Episode, Little Falls PD Says
Officer Reached 102 MPH, Went Airborne In Crash Caused By Medical Episode, Little Falls PD Says Little Falls police have released details and identified the officer involved in a serious crash while on duty earlier this month. Little Falls Patrolman Antonio Piedrabuena began experiencing symptoms of a medical emergency, causing his marked police vehicle to accelerate uncontrollably around 1:18 a.m. on Dec. 12, his department said in a news release. The police unit reached speeds of 102 miles per hour as it veered over the double-yellow lines, struck a curb and utility pole, and crashed into the front of Schumacher Chevrolet along Main Street near Union Avenue, police said. The v…
18-Year-Old Kearny Man Charged With Attempted Murder After Shots Fired In Hoboken: Authorities 18-Year-Old Kearny Man Charged With Attempted Murder After Shots Fired In Hoboken: Authorities
18-Year-Old Kearny Man Charged With Attempted Murder After Shots Fired In Hoboken: Authorities An 18-year-old Kearny man was arrested and charged with attempted murder after shots were fired in Hoboken on Thursday, Dec. 19, authorities said. At 1 p.m., two groups known to each other got into a dispute, resulting in shots being fired near the intersection of Fourth and Jackson Streets, a spokesman for the Hoboken Police Department said.  All involved parties dispersed the area immediately following the gunfire, authorities said. Mercado was located in a nearby building where he was arrested for criminal attempted murder, authorities said. A search of Mercado turned up&n…
New Details In Deadly Pursuit-Crash Involving 20-Year-Old Driver, New Jersey AG Releases New Details In Deadly Pursuit-Crash Involving 20-Year-Old Driver, New Jersey AG Releases
New Details In Deadly Pursuit-Crash Involving 20-Year-Old Driver, New Jersey AG Releases New details have been released in an October pursuit crash that killed a 20-year-old Virginia man in New Jersey, officials said. Scott Segreaves was operating a vehicle on Water Street in Milford Borough when New Jersey State Police Staff Sergeant Nicholas Pryszlak attempted to catch up to his car in connection with a speeding violation on Oct. 28, the State Attorney General's Office said this week. Both vehicles made left turns on Stamets Road in Holland Township and Sgt. Pryszlak activated his lights and sirens, authorities said. Segreaves continued to drive his vehicle, authorities …
Irvington Man Charged In Newark Killing After Police Shootout: Prosecutor Irvington Man Charged In Newark Killing After Police Shootout: Prosecutor
Irvington Man Charged In Newark Killing After Police Shootout: Prosecutor A 26-year-old Irvington man was arrested after he exchanged gunfire with police following a fatal shooing on Tuesday, Dec. 17, authorities said. Newark police were near 433 4th Ave. when they heard gunshots and rushed to the scene, the Essex County Prosecutor's Office said. During an arrest attempt, shots were exchanged between A-Jahada Amirah Bostwick and the officers, authorities said.  No one was injured in the exchange ,authorities said. Tyron Whitley was pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said. Bostwick was charged with first-degree murder in connection with the …
Four Roselle Residents Dealt Fentanyl, Cocaine, Ecstasy: Linden PD Four Roselle Residents Dealt Fentanyl, Cocaine, Ecstasy: Linden PD
Four Roselle Residents Dealt Fentanyl, Cocaine, Ecstasy: Linden PD Four Roselle residents were indicted on Wednesdy, Dec. 5 with dealing fentanyl in Linden, authorities said. Christine Cintron, 25, Tyron Dieujuste, 32, Xavier M. Padilla, 26, and Juanita Padilla-Jacobs, 43, were arrested on Thursday, Oct. 3 following the seizure of approximately 280 grams of Cocaine, a quantity of Xanax and Ecstasy, $6,280.00 in US currency, and nearly 400 Fentanyl pills made to look like Oxycodone during a search warrant, Linden police said.  The four were indicted by a Union County grand jury on charges of possession of a controlled dangerous substance, first-degree …
NJ Transit Employee Missing: Newark Police NJ Transit Employee Missing: Newark Police
NJ Transit Employee Missing: Newark Police A 45-year-old Newark man who works for NJ Transit, was reported missing on Saturday, Dec. 14. Jason Gray last spoke with his family on Friday, November 22, Newark Public Safety Director Eugene Miranda said. He has not reported to his workplace, and his neighbors near the 700 block of South Orange Avenue have not seen him for the past few weeks, Miranda said. Gray is 5'9" and 160 lbs. with a bald head and brown eyes, Miranda said.  Anyone with information is asked to call police at 1-877-695-8477.
20 Years In Prison For German Man Who Traveled To NJ For Sex With Kids: Feds 20 Years In Prison For German Man Who Traveled To NJ For Sex With Kids: Feds
20 Years In Prison For German Man Who Traveled To NJ For Sex With Kids: Feds A 40-year-old German man was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Wednesday, Dec. 18 after admitting he traveled to New Jersey to have sex with a minor, authorities said. In January 2023, undercover officers began chatting with Christian Stefan Walther abut his desire to have sex with young children, US Attorney Philip Sellinger said.  Walther sent an undercover officer two videos, each of which depicted an adult male engaging in sexual conduct with a prepubescent aged female child, Sellinger said. Walther also expressed his desire to engage in sexual conduct with children aged…
Two Newark Men Plead Guilty To Trafficking Fentanyl: Feds Two Newark Men Plead Guilty To Trafficking Fentanyl: Feds
Two Newark Men Plead Guilty To Trafficking Fentanyl: Feds Two Newark men pleaded guilty on Wednesday, Dec. 18 to being members of a drug trafficking organization that distributed hundreds of kilograms of fentanyl analogues, authorities said. From January 2014 through September 2020, Thomas Padovano, 50, and Bartholomew Padovano, 72, agreed to import and distribute various controlled substances and controlled substance analogues, including fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, methylone, and ketamine, US Attorney Philip Sellinger said. The Padovanos placed orders with a source in China and distributed the controlled substances and analogues in Ne…
Jersey City Man Shot Rival Gang Members: Feds Jersey City Man Shot Rival Gang Members: Feds
Jersey City Man Shot Rival Gang Members: Feds A 33-year-old Jersey City man was charged on Thursday, Dec. 19 with shooting rival gang members, authorities said. Micah Reid is a member of the Rutgers neighborhood street gang which operates in Triangle Park in Jersey City, US Attorney Phillip Sellinger said.  On Sunday, Oct. 1, 2003,  Reid, driving a stolen vehicle, shot at members and associates of rival street gangs who were exiting a nightclub on Culver Avenue in Jersey City, Sellinger said. Six people suffered gunshot wounds, Sellinger said. Reid was charged with one count of violent crime in aid of racketeering …
East Orange Drug Trafficker Possessed Assault Rifles, Dealt Cocaine, Heroin: Feds East Orange Drug Trafficker Possessed Assault Rifles, Dealt Cocaine, Heroin: Feds
East Orange Drug Trafficker Possessed Assault Rifles, Dealt Cocaine, Heroin: Feds A 32-year-old East Orange man pleaded guilty on Thursday, Dec. 19 to distributing cocaine and heroin and possessing two assault rifles, authorities said. Azmar Carrer pleaded guilty in Newark Federal Court to two counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon, and possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine, US Attorney Philip Sellinger said. In 2021, law enforcement began investigating a drug trafficking organization based in Orange, Sellinger said. During the investigation, Carter di…
Photos Show Plane Crash Near Lakewood Airport, 4 Miraculously Survive (UPDATE) Photos Show Plane Crash Near Lakewood Airport, 4 Miraculously Survive (UPDATE)
Photos Show Plane Crash Near Lakewood Airport, 4 Miraculously Survive (Update) A small plane crashed near Lakewood's airport, leaving four passengers injured, authorities said. Officers received a call about the crash at the Lakewood Township Municipal Airport just before 4 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 19, a Lakewood Police Department spokesperson said. Emergency responders arrived at the scene and found the plane in a wooded area. The general aviation airport is located on 191 acres off Cedarbridge Avenue and is operated by the township government. Photos were shared by The Lakewood Scoop, who was the first to report the story. View this pos…
Drugs, Ghost Guns, Corruption: Former NJ Police Sergeant Indicted, Prosecutors Say Drugs, Ghost Guns, Corruption: Former NJ Police Sergeant Indicted, Prosecutors Say
Drugs, Ghost Guns, Corruption: Former NJ Police Sergeant Indicted, Prosecutors Say A former Middletown police sergeant was given 22 criminal charges after an investigation revealed a web of illegal activity involving untraceable guns, drugs, and abuse of power, authorities said. David Ringkamp, 43, was indicted by a grand jury, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago said in a news release on Thursday, Dec. 19. Ringkamp was formerly a Union Beach resident. The investigation into Ringkamp began in December 2021. New York State Police identified Nicholas D’Ambrosio of Millstone as someone purchasing kits to assemble ghost guns, which are illegal in New Jersey.…
BREAKING: Wayne School Bus Crashes Into Building After Hitting 2 Cars, Police Say BREAKING: Wayne School Bus Crashes Into Building After Hitting 2 Cars, Police Say
Breaking: Wayne School Bus Crashes Into Building After Hitting 2 Cars, Police Say A Wayne Board of Education school bus crashed into a building after striking two vehicles at a busy intersection Thursday morning, Dec. 20, authorities said. ALSO SEE: Students, School Bus Driver Hospitalized In Crash With Tractor-Trailer On Route 17 In Paramus The crash occurred at approximately 7:28 a.m. as the bus was traveling north on Black Oak Ridge Road near the intersection with Pompton Plains Crossroad, according to Detective Captain Dan Daly of the Wayne Police Department. After hitting two vehicles stopped in the left turn lane, the bus continued into the intersection, veer…
Sexual Misconduct With Patient Means Revocation Of License For Bergen Physical Therapist: AG Sexual Misconduct With Patient Means Revocation Of License For Bergen Physical Therapist: AG
Sexual Misconduct With Patient Means Revocation Of License For Bergen Physical Therapist: AG The New Jersey State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners has permanently revoked the license of a Bergen County physical therapist who admitted to engaging in sexual relations with one patient and was accused of making inappropriate remarks to another, officials said. Danny O. Steffens, who practiced at facilities in New Milford and Fort Lee, voluntarily surrendered his license following complaints from two female patients, identified in filed documents as Patient #1 and Patient #2, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced Thursday, Dec. 19. Steffens is prohibited from ever reappl…
Undercover Sting Exposes Butt Lifts, Treatments Offered In Unlicensed NJ Woman's Home: Cops Undercover Sting Exposes Butt Lifts, Treatments Offered In Unlicensed NJ Woman's Home: Cops
Undercover Sting Exposes Butt Lifts, Treatments Offered In Unlicensed NJ Woman's Home: Cops A New Jersey woman was accused of performing Brazilian butt lifts and wrinkle removals at an unlicensed medical practice, authorities said. Yamile Mattos, 61, of South Plainfield, was charged with unlicensed practice of medicine, possession with intent to distribute prescription legend drugs, and possession of counterfeit or misbranded prescription legend drugs, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone said in a news release on Wednesday, Dec. 18. Undercover officers posed as clients seeking cosmetic procedures at a Park Avenue home on Tuesday, Dec. 17. During the sti…
PA Man Had Loaded Gun In Carry-On Bag At Newark Airport: TSA PA Man Had Loaded Gun In Carry-On Bag At Newark Airport: TSA
PA Man Had Loaded Gun In Carry-On Bag At Newark Airport: TSA A Pennsylvania man was arrested after he had a gun in his carry-on bag while going through security at Newark Liberty International Airport on Wednesday, Dec. 18, authorities said. The Bensalem man was arrested by Port Authority Police after the .380 caliber gun, which was loaded with six bullets, was caught by the Transportation Security Administration, they said in a release. Twelve additional accessible bullets were also detected in the man’s carry-on bag in two additional gun magazines, the TSA said. The man said he did not realize he had his loaded gun with him, the TSA said. Thi…
Six People Arrested After Police Pursuit Ends In Overturned Vehicle: Union PD Six People Arrested After Police Pursuit Ends In Overturned Vehicle: Union PD
Six People Arrested After Police Pursuit Ends In Overturned Vehicle: Union PD Six people, including a 19-year-old Newark resident were arrested and charged after fleeing from police in a stolen vehicle in Township of Union on Tuesday, Dec. 17, authorities said. At 12:55 p.m., officers spotted a 2017 Acura MDX speeding on Route 22 and a license plate check revealed the vehicle was stolen from Belleville, Township of Union police said. Ahzir Williams, a 19-year-old Newark resident and the driver of the stolen car increased his speed and a pursuit began, police said.  The stolen car traveled around various streets in Union, Hillside, Irvington and Newark befor…
'You're Good:' NJ State Troopers Often Gave Connected Motorists Free Pass, Comptroller Finds 'You're Good:' NJ State Troopers Often Gave Connected Motorists Free Pass, Comptroller Finds
'You're Good:' NJ State Troopers Often Gave Connected Motorists Free Pass, Comptroller Finds The difference between getting a ticket and getting a warning from a New Jersey State Trooper could be based on who you know, according to a new report from the New Jersey Comptroller's Office. As part of its Police Accountability Project, the comptroller's office reviewed camera footage of 501 stops by state police that did not result in a ticket. In 27% of the stops, motorists presented a courtesy card, claimed to have a friend or relative in law enforcement, or flashed a law enforcement badge and then were let go, the report said. In some cases, the trooper released the motorist immediat…
Newark Porch Pirate Caught On Camera: Police Newark Porch Pirate Caught On Camera: Police
Newark Porch Pirate Caught On Camera: Police A porch pirate is on the lam in Newark after a package theft on Tuesday, Dec. 10, authorities said. At 11:34 a.m., a Ring doorbell camera captured the thief putting a package inside his black jacket before walking away from the home on Millington Ave,  Newark Public Safety Eugene Miranda said. He was a Black man wearing a blue Nike sweater, black and grey pants, and black and white Nike Air-Max sneakers, Miranda said. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Newark NJ Dept. Public Safety (@newarknjpublicsafety) Anyone with infor…
Pedestrian Struck By Train In Newark Pedestrian Struck By Train In Newark
Pedestrian Struck By Train In Newark A New Jersey Transit train struck and injured a man in Newark Wednesday night, Dec. 18, rail officials confirmed. The incident occurred at approximately 7:18 p.m. when Gladstone branch train 439, which had departed Hoboken at 6:48 p.m., was en route to its final destination in Gladstone, according to NJ Transit. The train was scheduled to arrive at 8:05 p.m. The crash happened near the Broad Street station. The injured individual was transported to the hospital, but the extent of their injuries remained unclear as of press time. There were no reported injuries among the approximately 100 pa…
$30K Rolex, 24-Karat Chain: Mugshots Show Masked Gunmen Accused In Violent Englewood Robbery $30K Rolex, 24-Karat Chain: Mugshots Show Masked Gunmen Accused In Violent Englewood Robbery
$30K Rolex, 24-Karat Chain: Mugshots Show Masked Gunmen Accused In Violent Englewood Robbery Three Newark men and two juveniles are facing charges following an armed robbery and assault at an outdoor dining area in Englewood earlier this year, authorities said. The arrests stem from a robbery that occurred on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, just after midnight. on Engle Street, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said.  Masked assailants armed with handguns attempted to steal car keys from a valet area before robbing diners of jewelry and personal belongings. During the attack, one victim was struck in the head with a firearm, officials said. Musella did not disclose the name of the…
$1K Worth Of Meat Stolen From Montclair Supermarket: Police $1K Worth Of Meat Stolen From Montclair Supermarket: Police
$1K Worth Of Meat Stolen From Montclair Supermarket: Police A coordinated theft saw almost $1,000 worth of meat stolen from a Montclair supermarket on Friday, Dec. 13, authorities said. Surveillance footage showed three people entering Kings Supermarket at 650 Valley Rd., Montclair police said. The trio made their way toward the meat department, where one suspect was observed loading packages of beef into a shopping cart, police said, while a second suspect acted as a lookout to monitor for any potential chance of being caught, police said. The third suspect held the door to the meat department that led to their exit, facilitating a q…
Person Fatally Shot In Newark, Suspect Arrested After Shootout With Police: Authorities Person Fatally Shot In Newark, Suspect Arrested After Shootout With Police: Authorities
Person Fatally Shot In Newark, Suspect Arrested After Shootout With Police: Authorities A chaotic scene in Newark saw one person fatally shot and a suspect exchange gunfire with police on the afternoon of Tuesday, Dec. 17, authorities said. Newark police were near 433 4th Ave. when they heard gunshots and rushed to the scene, the Essex County Prosecutor's Office said.  During the arrest attempt, shots were exchanged between the suspect and the officers, authorities said. No one was injured in the exchange and the suspect was apprehended, authorities said. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene, and their identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin…
Cops Cut Calm YouTuber Break During Bergen County Traffic Stops, New Bodycam Footage Shows Cops Cut Calm YouTuber Break During Bergen County Traffic Stops, New Bodycam Footage Shows
Cops Cut Calm YouTuber Break During Bergen County Traffic Stops, New Bodycam Footage Shows Newly released bodycam footage reveals tech influencer Marques Brownlee calmly navigating a series of traffic stops in Bergen County, NJ over the past two years. The videos, shared by Transparency Bodycam, show the 31-year-old YouTuber from Maplewood being pulled over on three separate occasions for traffic violations. June 30, 2023, Alpine: Brownlee was stopped by police for tinted windows. Brownlee realizes soon after being pulled over that he does not have his license. Brownlee and the officer make small talk over his barber and the fact that he's going all the way to Weehawken for a hai…
NYC Tour Helicopter Makes Emergency Landing Along Palisades, Police Say NYC Tour Helicopter Makes Emergency Landing Along Palisades, Police Say
NYC Tour Helicopter Makes Emergency Landing Along Palisades, Police Say A tour helicopter carrying the pilot and six passengers made a safe emergency landing in the parking lot of the Englewood Marina after experiencing mechanical failure mid-flight on Tuesday, Dec. 17, police said. The Bell 407GX helicopter, owned by HeliNY.com, was giving passengers a tour of New York City when it experienced a mechanical issue, according to Lieutenant Raymond E. Walter of the Palisades Interstate Parkway Police. The pilot successfully brought the helicopter down in the marina parking lot along the Hudson River in Englewood Cliffs around 11:45 a.m. All six passengers an…
Five Jersey City Victims Identified In Deadly Newark Crash: Prosecutor Five Jersey City Victims Identified In Deadly Newark Crash: Prosecutor
Five Jersey City Victims Identified In Deadly Newark Crash: Prosecutor Five of the victims in a fiery Newark crash that killed six people earlier this month have been identified, authorities said. At 10:47 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6,  a vehicle carrying six people was traveling on Raymond Boulevard toward the Route 1&9 southbound on-ramp, Essex County Prosecutor Theodore Stephens II said. The vehicle then veered off the roadway, went airborne, and struck a support column for the Pulaski Skyway, Stephens said. Lamar McKnight, 31, has been identified as the driver. Darryl McKnight, 29,  Darnell Carr, 22, Bradley Cunningham, 41 and Veronica Bailey, 31 h…