Jennings Creek Wildfire Update: Blaze Mostly Contained Week Later Jennings Creek Wildfire Update: Blaze Mostly Contained Week Later
Jennings Creek Wildfire Update: Blaze Mostly Contained Week Later After almost one whole week, the Jennings Creek Wildfire had been 75% contained on Thursday, Nov. 14, officials said. The wildfire continues to burn across Passaic County, NJ, and into Orange County, NY, with the New Jersey Forest Fire Service and New York Department of Environmental Conservation leading containment efforts. The fire has burned 2,283 acres in New Jersey. While no structures are currently threatened or evacuated in New Jersey, residents are advised to avoid the area. Road closures remain in effect on East Shore Road from Awosting Road to Greenwood Lake Turnpike, as well as B…
North Jersey Soda Exec Confesses To Sharing Secret Formulas With Competitors, Feds Say North Jersey Soda Exec Confesses To Sharing Secret Formulas With Competitors, Feds Say
North Jersey Soda Exec Confesses To Sharing Secret Formulas With Competitors, Feds Say An executive from North Brunswick admitted to sharing secret soda formulas with his company's competitors, authorities said. Andrew Blum, 63, pleaded guilty on Tuesday, Nov. 12 to conspiracy to possess stolen trade secrets and possession of stolen trade secrets, New Jersey's U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger said in a news release. Blum was the vice president of product development for an unnamed North Jersey-based maker of oil products and proprietary flavors from 2013 until Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2018. The parent corporation of Blum's company was one of the world’s largest produc…
NJ Ex-Con Charged In Deadly Attack Near Times Square NJ Ex-Con Charged In Deadly Attack Near Times Square
NJ Ex-Con Charged In Deadly Attack Near Times Square A New Jersey man recently released from prison has been arrested and charged with murder after a young Manhattan woman died from injuries sustained in an assault, according to the NYPD. Leslie Torres, 23, was walking on West 46th Street near 8th Avenue when she was attacked by Jaheem Warren, 33, of Prospect Park, on Tuesday, Oct. 29 around 1:35 p.m., according to NBC and the NYPD. Torres was left unconscious on the sidewalk in front of the Riu Plaza New York Times Square Hotel, NBC says. Torres, who lived on West 45th Street, was in critical condition when she arrived at Mount Sinai W…
Police Urge Residents Not To Call 911 Over Smoke From Jennings Creek Wildfire Police Urge Residents Not To Call 911 Over Smoke From Jennings Creek Wildfire
Police Urge Residents Not To Call 911 Over Smoke From Jennings Creek Wildfire The Jennings Creek Wildfire has burned more than 2,200 acres across Passaic County, NJ, and Orange County, NY, and shifting winds are blowing smoke into surrounding areas. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service, in collaboration with New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation, is leading efforts to bring the fire under control. As of Wednesday, Nov. 13, the fire spans 2,283 acres in New Jersey and is 30% contained. Two residential structures in New Jersey and eight historic structures in the Long Pond Ironworks Historic District are under threat. No evacuations have been ordered at thi…
Newark Man Followed Woman, Broke Into Car: Raritan PD Newark Man Followed Woman, Broke Into Car: Raritan PD
Newark Man Followed Woman, Broke Into Car: Raritan PD A 27-year-old Newark man was arrested and charged on Tuesday, Nov. 12, after he followed a woman and then broke into her car in May 2023 in Raritan, authorities said. On Tuesday, May 23, 2023, officers responded to Janssen Pharmaceuticals for a burglary to a motor vehicle, Raritan police said. A woman reported her 2017 Kia Sportage had been broken and a tote bag containing $544 was missing, police said. The woman had withdrawn money from a bank in Somerville and was followed to the pharmacy by Nicholas Florez-Sanchez, police said. Flores-Sanchez broke into her vehicle after she exited to go…
NJ Police Chief Helped Shoplifter While Suspended For Improper Database Use: Prosecutors NJ Police Chief Helped Shoplifter While Suspended For Improper Database Use: Prosecutors
NJ Police Chief Helped Shoplifter While Suspended For Improper Database Use: Prosecutors A New Jersey town's police chief was accused of improperly using law enforcement databases and helping someone shoplift, authorities said. Chief Peter Cooke Jr., 58, the chief in Englishtown, was charged with third-degree computer theft and third-degree conspiracy to commit shoplifting, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago said in a news release on Tuesday, Nov. 12. Investigators said Chief Cooke used a law enforcement database to look up information about two people without "any legitimate law enforcement purpose." The searches happened multiple times between February 2019…
NJ Teacher's Aide Slammed, Dragged Toddler At Montessori School: Prosecutor NJ Teacher's Aide Slammed, Dragged Toddler At Montessori School: Prosecutor
NJ Teacher's Aide Slammed, Dragged Toddler At Montessori School: Prosecutor A teacher’s aide at Apple Montessori School in Wayne has been charged with child abuse following an incident in which she allegedly assaulted a two-year-old in her care, the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office announced.  Meghan Hornidge, 19, of River Edge, was charged with fourth-degree abuse of a child and simple assault, stemming from an investigation conducted by the Special Victims Unit, Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes said. The investigation began on Aug. 13, 2024, when the Prosecutor’s Office received a report that Hornidge had reportedly slammed and dragged the …
West Milford Wildfire Swells To 3,500 Acres As Firefighters Battle Fierce Winds West Milford Wildfire Swells To 3,500 Acres As Firefighters Battle Fierce Winds
West Milford Wildfire Swells To 3,500 Acres As Firefighters Battle Fierce Winds The Jennings Creek Wildfire, now spanning 3,500 acres across Passaic County, NJ, and Orange County, NY, is only 20% contained, with strong winds and low humidity posing continued risks for rapid spread.  The New Jersey Forest Fire Service and New York’s Division of Forest Protection and Fire Management are working in unified command to strengthen containment lines in preparation for tomorrow’s forecasted weather. Firefighters focused efforts Tuesday, Nov. 12 on reinforcing the eastern containment line, using controlled burns to remove unburned pockets of fuel.  Resources deployed…
Northeast Corridor Train Kills Woman In Central Jersey, NJ Transit Says Northeast Corridor Train Kills Woman In Central Jersey, NJ Transit Says
Northeast Corridor Train Kills Woman In Central Jersey, NJ Transit Says A woman died when she was hit by a train in South Brunswick on Veterans Day, officials said. The woman was struck between Jersey Avenue and Princeton Junction at around 9:35 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 11, a New Jersey Transit spokesperson said. Her identity wasn't released as of Tuesday, Nov. 12. None of the 110 customers and crew members on the train were injured. They were transferred to a following train. The Northeast Corridor train had left New York Penn Station at 8:37 p.m. It was due to arrive in Trenton at 10:07 p.m. Amtrak and NJ Transit police were investigating the crash.
'Apocalyptic:' Smoke From NJ Wildfire Triggers 911 Calls, Sets Off Carbon Monoxide Alarms 'Apocalyptic:' Smoke From NJ Wildfire Triggers 911 Calls, Sets Off Carbon Monoxide Alarms
'Apocalyptic:' Smoke From NJ Wildfire Triggers 911 Calls, Sets Off Carbon Monoxide Alarms Residents across Gloucester County woke up to thick smoke from the 133-acre Pheasant Run wildfire in the Glassboro Wildlife Management Area last week, causing widespread smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to sound off early Friday morning, Nov. 8. The Gloucester County Office of Emergency Management warned that changing wind directions could further affect surrounding communities, including Glassboro, Washington Township, and Williamstown, where local fire departments have been fielding an “unprecedented” number of emergency calls. A TikTok video that shows smoke covering the area is title…
NJ Correctional Officer Seriously Hurt In Parkway Motorcycle Crash With Deer, Campaign Says NJ Correctional Officer Seriously Hurt In Parkway Motorcycle Crash With Deer, Campaign Says
NJ Correctional Officer Seriously Hurt In Parkway Motorcycle Crash With Deer, Campaign Says A senior officer with the New Jersey Department of Corrections suffered serious injuries in a motorcycle crash with a deer on the Garden State Parkway last week, according to a campaign for his recovery and state police. Joel Hernandez, 54, of Fair Lawn, was riding his motorcycle home after work when he collided with a deer on the Garden State Parkway North near milepost 150.7 in Bloomfield, New Jersey State Police Trooper Sgt. Charles Marchan said. A GoFundMe campaign organized by William Sullivan says Hernandez suffered internal bleeding and multiple broken bones, requiring…
Air Quality Levels Improve, 3,000-Acre Wildfire Still Raging In West Milford Air Quality Levels Improve, 3,000-Acre Wildfire Still Raging In West Milford
Air Quality Levels Improve, 3,000-Acre Wildfire Still Raging In West Milford A sprawling wildfire, now covering 3,000 acres, continues to burn through West Milford Monday, Nov. 11, however, air quality levels across the region have improved. The Jennings Creek Wildfire threatens 24 structures across both New Jersey and New York, including two homes in New Jersey, eight historic buildings in the Long Pond Ironworks Historic District, and 14 structures on East Shore Road in Greenwood Lake, NY, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said. As of the latest update, the fire is only 10% contained, prompting officials to close East Shore and Beech Roads, along with all tr…
2,500-Acre Jennings Creek Wildfire Continues To Burn, Cannonball 3 Wildfire Mostly Contained 2,500-Acre Jennings Creek Wildfire Continues To Burn, Cannonball 3 Wildfire Mostly Contained
2,500-Acre Jennings Creek Wildfire Continues To Burn, Cannonball 3 Wildfire Mostly Contained A massive wildfire spanning 2,500 acres is burning through West Milford, NJ, and into Orange County, NY, threatening homes and historic sites as firefighters battle to contain it.  Known as the Jennings Creek Wildfire, the blaze has put two residential buildings in New Jersey and 14 structures on East Shore Road in New York at risk, along with eight historic buildings in the Long Pond Ironworks Historic District, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said in the latest update Sunday morning, Nov. 10. Good Morning West Milford, Today Forest Fire will begin back burn operations in the …
18-Year-Old Parks Worker Dies Battling Wildfire At Sterling Forest 18-Year-Old Parks Worker Dies Battling Wildfire At Sterling Forest
18-Year-Old Parks Worker Dies Battling Wildfire At Sterling Forest A teenage New York State Parks and Recreation worker died battling one of the latest in a rash of wildfires in the region. Click here for a new, updated story - 18-Year-Old Killed In Wildfire At Sterling Forest Remembered As HS Baseball Standout The blaze broke out in Orange County at Sterling Forest State Park in Tuxedo on Saturday, Nov. 9, and spread into parts of neighboring New Jersey. He's been identified as 18-year-old Dariel Vasquez, police said. Vasquez suffered fatal injuries after a tree fell, according to the New York Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Pr…
Dangerous Air Quality Levels Reported, New 1,800-Acre Wildfire Burns In West Milford Dangerous Air Quality Levels Reported, New 1,800-Acre Wildfire Burns In West Milford
Dangerous Air Quality Levels Reported, New 1,800-Acre Wildfire Burns In West Milford Three active wildfires in New Jersey are keeping firefighters busy this weekend as the air quality continues to worsen. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service is working to contain fires in West Milford, Pompton Lakes, and Englewood Cliffs (scroll for details on each one). AirNow.gov shows an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 171, or unhealthy, across North Jersey, as of 7:30 p.m., caused by the smoke that blanketed the region. Click here to see an active AQI map or click here to check your town's AQI. Prolonged dry conditions, unseasonably warm temperatures, and strong winds have contribut…
Illegal Shotgun Round Sparked 350-Acre Jackson Wildfire, Brick Man Charged: Officials Illegal Shotgun Round Sparked 350-Acre Jackson Wildfire, Brick Man Charged: Officials
Illegal Shotgun Round Sparked 350-Acre Jackson Wildfire, Brick Man Charged: Officials A massive wildfire that scorched 350 acres in Jackson Township was ignited by an illegal shotgun round that authorities said was fired by a 37-year-old Brick Township man. Authorities charged Richard Shashaty, 37, with arson after an investigation revealed that magnesium shards from a prohibited Dragon’s Breath 12-gauge shotgun round sparked the blaze on Nov. 6, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said. The fire, known as the Shotgun Wildfire, erupted shortly after noon on November 6 near the Central Jersey Rifle Range on Stump Tavern Road. Investigators determined that the incendi…
Arson Unit Probing Four-Alarm Fire That Displaced 26 Residents In Jersey City Arson Unit Probing Four-Alarm Fire That Displaced 26 Residents In Jersey City
Arson Unit Probing Four-Alarm Fire That Displaced 26 Residents In Jersey City The Hudson County's Regional Arson Task Force is investigating the four-alarm fire that broke out late Friday, Nov. 8 in Jersey City, displacing nine families and affecting a total of 26 residents, authorities said. View this post on Instagram A post shared by HudPost (@hudpost) The fire, which started shortly before 11 p.m., occurred at 3507 Kennedy Boulevard near South Street and initially generated heavy smoke and flames from a ground-level business, quickly spreading to adjacent residential units. Two firefighters sustained minor inj…
VIDEO: Officers Rescue Driver Seconds Before SUV Erupts In Flames On Route 287 VIDEO: Officers Rescue Driver Seconds Before SUV Erupts In Flames On Route 287
Video: Officers Rescue Driver Seconds Before SUV Erupts In Flames On Route 287 Two police officers' quick actions likely saved an unconscious 29-year-old New York driver from a wrecked car on Route 287, just seconds before it burst into flames. The Chevrolet SUV was heading south when he struck a Peterbilt tractor-trailer parked on the right shoulder at 4:20 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19, New Jersey State Police Sgt. Charles Marchan said. "While Mahwah units were responding, dispatch updated that they were receiving additional 9-1-1 calls that the driver was still inside the burning vehicle and that witnesses were unable to extricate the driver," Mahwah Police Capt. Guido…
15-Year-Old Carjacked, Ran Over Victim: Somerset County Prosecutor 15-Year-Old Carjacked, Ran Over Victim: Somerset County Prosecutor
15-Year-Old Carjacked, Ran Over Victim: Somerset County Prosecutor A 15-year-old has been arrested for a carjacking and assault that left a man with life-threatening injuries on the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 6 in Bernards Township, authorities said. At 11:35 a.m., officers responded to o a gas station located in the area of Valley Road and found the teenager had tried to take possession of a vehicle after assaulting the driver, a Bernards Township man, who was putting air in his tires, Somerset County Prosecutor John McDonald, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of County Detectives Francisco Roman Jr., and Bernards Township Police Chief Jon Bur…
Bogus US Documents Found On Mexican National Burglarizing Bergen County Homes, Police Say Bogus US Documents Found On Mexican National Burglarizing Bergen County Homes, Police Say
Bogus US Documents Found On Mexican National Burglarizing Bergen County Homes, Police Say A 20-year-old Mexican national was found with a fraudulent Social Security card and U.S. Permanent Resident card after police say he tried breaking into two Bergen County homes while residents were home. Oakland officers responded to a Hillside Avenue around 4:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6, to reports of a break-in, according to Oakland Police Capt. Timothy Keenan. Officers Jake Martin, Michael Didonato, and Karley Greulich found Angel Parra Zaragoza leaving the homeowner’s vehicle and immediately detained him. Investigators determined that Zaragoza had allegedly tried to kick in…
Five Wildfires Rage Across NJ: Here's The Latest Update On Each One Five Wildfires Rage Across NJ: Here's The Latest Update On Each One
Five Wildfires Rage Across NJ: Here's The Latest Update On Each One New Jersey is actively managing five wildfires across multiple counties, sending smoke into surrounding towns and worsening the air quality. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service (NJFFS) continues efforts to contain the flames under a Red Flag Warning issued through Saturday, Nov. 9, by the U.S. National Weather Service.  HIGH Fire Danger Today! A Red Flag Warning is in effect today into this evening as very dry conditions and gusty winds... Posted by US National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly on Friday, November 8, 2024 Here's the updated status for each of the five wi…
Pedestrian, 67, Killed While Crossing Central Jersey Road: Police Pedestrian, 67, Killed While Crossing Central Jersey Road: Police
Pedestrian, 67, Killed While Crossing Central Jersey Road: Police A Mercer County man was killed when he was struck while crossing a road, authorities said. Namtho Trinh of Hamilton Township died in the crash on Thursday, Nov. 7, the Hamilton Police Division said in a news release. Officers responded to the intersection of South Olden and Riley avenues at around 4:01 p.m. Police said a 2011 Ford Escape was driving west on South Olden Avenue. Trinh entered the intersection and was hit by the SUV's front passenger side as he tried to cross over to the southern side of the road. Trinh, 67, was rushed to Capital Health Regional Medical Center.…
Owner Who Left Cash At Central Jersey Golf Range Wanted, Police Say Owner Who Left Cash At Central Jersey Golf Range Wanted, Police Say
Owner Who Left Cash At Central Jersey Golf Range Wanted, Police Say Police were looking for whoever left a significant amount of money at a golf range in Holmdel, authorities said. In a Facebook post, Holmdel police said the money was turned into the department on Thursday, Nov. 8.  The cash was found on the ground at around 2 p.m. at Swing Loose Golf, an indoor and outdoor range located at Bell Works. Police didn't disclose how much money was found. "You will be required to provide details regarding the amount of money that was lost in order for us to verify you are the rightful owner," the police department said. Anyone who misplaced the cash…
Feds Dismantle Luxury Interstate Car Ring, 7 NJ Men Charged Feds Dismantle Luxury Interstate Car Ring, 7 NJ Men Charged
Feds Dismantle Luxury Interstate Car Ring, 7 NJ Men Charged Eight men, including seven from New Jersey, have been charged in Newark federal court on Thursday, Nov. 7, for their roles in a conspiracy to steal luxury cars and transport them across state lines, authorities said. Arrested were: Ahmad Franks, 24, Shaquan White, 23, Nathan Braswell, 20, Ibn Bellamy, 24, Zamir Wright, 20, all Newark residents, Ryan Bowen, 26, Khyree Lawrence, 20 both East Orange residents and Mohammed Buhari, a 45-year-old Virginia resident. Federal officials detailed the thefts: Audi Q5, Jersey City: On Nov. 5, 2021, a 2021 Audi Q5 was reported stolen in Jersey City…
Two PA Men Killed Fixing Tire On Route 78: NJSP Two PA Men Killed Fixing Tire On Route 78: NJSP
Two PA Men Killed Fixing Tire On Route 78: Njsp Two Pennsylvania men were killed after being struck by a vehicle while fixing a tire on Route 78 in Somerset County, authorities said. At 5:25 p.m., a Toyota minivan with a flat tire was stopped on the right shoulder on Route 78 Westbound in Warren Township, Sgt. Charles Marchan, a spokesman for the New Jersey State Police said. Tuoc Q Dau, a 46-year-old Macungie resident and Thao P Ho, a 62-year-old Nazareth resident were outside the right rear of the vehicle between the vehicle and guardrail, Marchan said.  A Mercedes passenger vehicle entered the right shoulder, struck the rea…
Missing 88-Year-Old Man Found Safe: Police Missing 88-Year-Old Man Found Safe: Police
Missing 88-Year-Old Man Found Safe: Police Update: An 88-year-old Franklin Township man missing since Wednesday, Nov. 8, has been found and returned to his family, police said.
Landing Gear Fails Mid-Flight, Plane Skids Off Runway At NJ Airport Landing Gear Fails Mid-Flight, Plane Skids Off Runway At NJ Airport
Landing Gear Fails Mid-Flight, Plane Skids Off Runway At NJ Airport A plane carrying two people skidded off the runway at the Essex County Airport on Wednesday evening, Nov. 6 after its landing gear failed, Fairfield police said. The flight began at Essex County Airport but was cut short about six miles out when the pilot noticed electrical issues, Fairfield Police Chief Anthony Manna said.  The pilot, a 58-year-old Weehawken man, immediately turned back toward the airport, but due to the electrical malfunction, the landing gear failed to deploy, causing the plane to skid off the runway upon landing around 5:35 p.m., according to Manna. The 2011 Baron…
Bicyclist, 35, Critically Injured In Jersey Shore Hit-And-Run: Prosecutors Bicyclist, 35, Critically Injured In Jersey Shore Hit-And-Run: Prosecutors
Bicyclist, 35, Critically Injured In Jersey Shore Hit-And-Run: Prosecutors A woman was critically injured in a hit-and-run crash in Lakewood, authorities said. The 35-year-old bicyclist was struck by a vehicle, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release on Wednesday, Nov. 6. Lakewood police responded to the crash at the intersection of Maplehurst Avenue and Cross Street at around 7:15 p.m. Officers found the victim in the road suffering from serious bodily injuries.  Paramedics rushed the woman to Jersey Shore University Medical Center. She was in critical condition at the Neptune hospital as of press time. The…
NJ Dad Who Assaulted Officer, Son Arrested In Jan. 6 Capitol Riot: Feds NJ Dad Who Assaulted Officer, Son Arrested In Jan. 6 Capitol Riot: Feds
NJ Dad Who Assaulted Officer, Son Arrested In Jan. 6 Capitol Riot: Feds A father-son duo from New Jersey has been arrested for their participation in the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol, federal officials announced. Richard Andrews, 72, of Brick, and Keith Andrews, 49, of Howell, were arrested on Oct. 29 in New Jersey, the U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Columbia in a press release. Richard and Keith Andrews attended the "Stop the Steal" rally at the Ellipse in Washington, D.C., before proceeding to the restricted Capitol grounds, court documents say. Richard wore a black zip-up jacket, blue tee, and gray knit skull cap, while Keith was d…
Two Central Jersey Women Tried Using Dead Relatives' Identities To Vote, Prosecutors Say Two Central Jersey Women Tried Using Dead Relatives' Identities To Vote, Prosecutors Say
Two Central Jersey Women Tried Using Dead Relatives' Identities To Vote, Prosecutors Say Two Middlesex County women were accused of separate cases of voter fraud, authorities said. Katherine Fokas of Monroe and Lori Mulligan of Parlin were given voting fraud-related charges, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone said in a news release on Friday, Nov. 1. The investigation began after prosecutors received from the county's elections board. Investigators said Fokas, 57, tried to apply for a mailed ballot using a dead family member's identity. She was charged with third-degree submitting a forged application for a mail-in ballot, impersonation, and forgery…
Charges Upgraded For Driver 2X Legal Limit After Death Of Jersey Shore Restaurateur: Prosecutor Charges Upgraded For Driver 2X Legal Limit After Death Of Jersey Shore Restaurateur: Prosecutor
Charges Upgraded For Driver 2X Legal Limit After Death Of Jersey Shore Restaurateur: Prosecutor A Seaside Park woman's charges were upgraded when a restaurant owner and well-known fly fisherman died more than a month after a hit-and-run crash. Genell Mcinaw, 50, surrendered to Seaside Heights police on Tuesday, Nov. 5, Ocean County First Assistant Prosecutor Michael Nolan Jr. said in a news release. She was previously charged in the crash that killed Robert Popovics of Seaside Park. Seaside Heights police responded to a report of a man lying in the road near the intersection of Dupont Avenue and the Boulevard at around 9:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 23. Officers found Popovics u…