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Passaic County, NJ

Orange Dad's Route 80 Death Spreads Shock, Sadness Orange Dad's Route 80 Death Spreads Shock, Sadness
Orange Dad's Route 80 Death Spreads Shock, Sadness Shock and sadness spread following the sudden death of a 41-year-old dad on Route 80 this week. Troopers responded to the crash in the westbound lanes of the highway in Wayne at approximately 10:51 a.m., New Jersey State Police Sgt. Charles Marchan said. A Ford Econoline van, driven by Namon Melvin, 41, of Orange, had rear-ended a Honda passenger car near milepost 53.7, Marchan said. The van then veered off the road, went down an embankment, and struck a tree. Melvin died in the crash while the driver of the Honda was not reported injured, Marchan said. Melvin's death left loved…
$2M In Lottery Prizes Sold Across New Jersey This Week: Here's Where $2M In Lottery Prizes Sold Across New Jersey This Week: Here's Where
$2M In Lottery Prizes Sold Across New Jersey This Week: Here's Where New Jersey Lottery players celebrated a winning streak last week, with 12 prizes of $10,000 or more claimed from Nov. 18 to Nov. 24.  Among the biggest prizes were two $500,000 top wins, and over $2 million in total winnings, according to the NJ Lottery. Here’s a full breakdown of this week’s winners and where the lucky tickets were sold: Nov. 18, 2024: Powerball – $150,000, HC Good Neighbor Pharmacy, 1071 Route 37, Toms River, Ocean County. Candy Cane Cash – $100,000, A & M Convenience, 2201 South Clinton Ave., South Plainfield, Middlesex County. Crossword – $20,000, MPM Servic…
Smoky Morning For New Jersey Residents After Frightening Night For Some New Yorkers Smoky Morning For New Jersey Residents After Frightening Night For Some New Yorkers
Smoky Morning For New Jersey Residents After Frightening Night For Some New Yorkers New Jersey residents awoke to smokey skies Sunday morning, Nov. 17, following a terrifying night for some New York residents around Greenwood Lake. While the Jennings Creek Wildfire was 90% under control in New Jersey last Friday, Nov. 15, flames continued to rage over the weekend in New York's Sterling Forest Fire, forcing some residents to evacuate their homes around Greenwood Lake Saturday night, Nov. 16. ***URGENT UPDATE*** Residents on EDGEMERE Avenue are being requested to evacuate at this time. Residents north of 42... Posted by Town Of Warwick on Saturday, November 16, 202…
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…
Shuttered NJ Stop & Shop Replaced By New Grocery Store Facing Multi-Million-Dollar Revamp Shuttered NJ Stop & Shop Replaced By New Grocery Store Facing Multi-Million-Dollar Revamp
Shuttered NJ Stop & Shop Replaced By New Grocery Store Facing Multi-Million-Dollar Revamp A brand-new grocery store has replaced Stop & Shop in Passaic County, which was among 32 of underperforming stores in the region, and 10 in New Jersey, that closed. The Fresh Grocer, a division of Wakefern operated by the Inserra Family, opened to an enthusiastic crowd at Ringwood’s Fieldstone Park Shopping Center on Friday, Nov. 8.  The supermarket’s grand opening saw a strong turnout from the community, who gathered to welcome the new addition to the neighborhood just two weeks after Stop&Shop closed its doors. The Fresh Grocer is set to undergo a multi-million dollar r…
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…
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…
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…
Wildfire Smoke Blankets North Jersey As Pompton Lakes Blaze Grows To 100 Acres Wildfire Smoke Blankets North Jersey As Pompton Lakes Blaze Grows To 100 Acres
Wildfire Smoke Blankets North Jersey As Pompton Lakes Blaze Grows To 100 Acres Residents across North Jersey are facing worsening air quality due to smoke from a major wildfire burning in Pompton Lakes.  UPDATE: Unhealthy Air Quality Levels Reported In North Jersey As New 1,800-Acre Wildfire Rages Smoke from the Pompton Lakes wildfire. North Jersey Video Service or NJVS Dubbed the "Cannonball 3 Wildfire," the blaze has expanded to 100 acres with no containment, as per the latest update from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. By late Friday night, Nov. 8, smoke from the raging Passaic County wildfire drifted as far as Fair Lawn, Hackensack, New Milfo…
Passaic County Flips To Red: Here's How Each Town Voted In The 2024 Election Passaic County Flips To Red: Here's How Each Town Voted In The 2024 Election
Passaic County Flips To Red: Here's How Each Town Voted In The 2024 Election Passaic County is seeing red for the first time since 1992. The reliably Democrat county voted for President-elect Donald Trump over Vice President Kamala Harris, 95,620 votes to 89,086 votes, 50% to 46.6%. It was the first time Passaic County had voted a Republican for president since 1992 and the first time a Republican got 50% of the vote since George H.W. Bush in 1988. In 2020, President Joe Biden defeated Trump, 129,097 votes to 92,009 votes, 57.55% to 41.02%.  The shift in Passaic County was part of a shift toward Trump statewide. While Harris defeated Trump by 5 points in the G…
Thomas Adamo Elected Passaic County Sheriff, Vows To Serve Community He Calls Home Thomas Adamo Elected Passaic County Sheriff, Vows To Serve Community He Calls Home
Thomas Adamo Elected Passaic County Sheriff, Vows To Serve Community He Calls Home Passaic County voters have chosen Democrat Thomas Adamo as their new sheriff, filling the position left vacant by the late Sheriff Richard Berdnik.  A lifelong Passaic County resident, Adamo won the election with 94,157 votes, while Maria Saracino, a detective captain with the county prosecutor's office, garnered 80,135. The role has been vacant since January when then-Sheriff Richard Berdnik died by suicide in the bathroom of a Clifton restaurant. Adamo’s career reflects his dedication and steady rise within law enforcement. Starting as a corrections officer with the Passai…
New Jersey Dramatically Shifts Right In 2024 Presidential Election New Jersey Dramatically Shifts Right In 2024 Presidential Election
New Jersey Dramatically Shifts Right In 2024 Presidential Election The rightward shift of the country in the 2024 presidential election happened right in the Garden State. Vice President Kamala Harris defeated President-Elect Donald Trump in New Jersey, 51% to 47% with 94% of the results in, which marks a 12-point shift from 2020, when President Joe Biden defeated Trump, 57% to 41%. Trump had the best performance by a Republican in New Jersey since George W. Bush earned 46% of the vote in 2004, the last time Republicans won the popular vote.  Bergen County saw a 13-point shift from 2020, with Harris carrying the affluent suburban county by only three…
Last Look At New Jersey's 12 Congressional Races: Your Guide To The 2024 Election Last Look At New Jersey's 12 Congressional Races: Your Guide To The 2024 Election
Last Look At New Jersey's 12 Congressional Races: Your Guide To The 2024 Election More than 1.9 million people have already cast their vote in New Jersey ahead of the 2024 election. Here's one last look at who's on the ballot in the Garden State's 12 Congressional races, and what you need to know. District 1: All of Camden County, as well as parts of Burlington County and Gloucester County. Teddy Liddell and Donald Norcross. Teddy Liddell for Congress/Donald Norcross Facebook photos Democratic candidate Incumbent Rep. Donald Norcross: A father of three and electrician, Norcross was elected in 2014 having previously served in both the State Senate and Assembly. …
ID Of Tow Truck Operator Killed By Passing Car On Route 19 Released ID Of Tow Truck Operator Killed By Passing Car On Route 19 Released
ID Of Tow Truck Operator Killed By Passing Car On Route 19 Released A tow truck operator was killed by a passing vehicle on Route 19 over the weekend, authorities said. Manuel Perez, 64, was trying to hook another vehicle to his truck on the southbound side of the highway when he was struck by a Toyota sedan that then struck the tow truck and overturned around 11:40 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 3 at milepost 2-3,  Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes said. Perez was pronounced dead and the driver of the Toyota was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. This investigation is active and ongoing. More information will be released when…
Undercover Operation Busts NJ Smoke Shop Worker Selling Vapes To Underage Customers: Cops Undercover Operation Busts NJ Smoke Shop Worker Selling Vapes To Underage Customers: Cops
Undercover Operation Busts NJ Smoke Shop Worker Selling Vapes To Underage Customers: Cops A 24-year-old Passaic County smoke shop employee was arrested after he sold a flavored vape e-cigarette to an officer who was under 21 years old, local police said. Prospect Park police had gotten several complaints regarding activities at Moe's Smoke Shop on North 6th Street, particularly selling restricted products to underage customers, they said in a press release. Aluwyn Gomez-Amarante, an employee at the shop, was charged with one count of selling a flavored vape e-cig to an officer under 21 years old following an investigation that concluded on Wednesday, Oct. 16, police said. Gomez…
Newark Man Fatally Struck by Paterson Police Officer: Prosecutor Newark Man Fatally Struck by Paterson Police Officer: Prosecutor
Newark Man Fatally Struck by Paterson Police Officer: Prosecutor A 51-year-old Newark man was killed after he was fatally struck by a vehicle driven by a Paterson police officer on the evening of Monday, Oct. 21, authorities said. The police officer struck a pedestrian as they were exiting the Paterson Police Department parking lot at Memorial Drive, Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia Valdes and Paterson Police Department Officer-In Charge Isa Abbassi said. The officer remained on scene and attempted to render aid to the victim, authorities said. The victim was transported to Saint Joseph’s University Medical Center for injuries to his arm and head but wa…
7 Most Expensive Homes Sold In Passaic County In Last 30 Days 7 Most Expensive Homes Sold In Passaic County In Last 30 Days
7 Most Expensive Homes Sold In Passaic County In Last 30 Days A $2.15 million home in Wayne was the most expensive home sold in the last 30 days in Passaic County. According to Redfin, prices in Passaic County were up 5.5% in September 2024 compared to September 2023, selling for a median price of $534,00. Homes in Passaic County sold after 29 days on average. In Bergen County, homes sold after about 70 days on the market last month, Redfin says. Here are seven of the most expensive homes sold in Passaic County in the last 30 days, according to Zillow and the NJMLS. 17 Urban Club Road, Wayne Google Maps 1. 58 Toms Lake Road, Wayne: Sold …
Gunman Charged In Deadly Shootout Held In Bergen County Jail Pending Trial: Prosecutors Gunman Charged In Deadly Shootout Held In Bergen County Jail Pending Trial: Prosecutors
Gunman Charged In Deadly Shootout Held In Bergen County Jail Pending Trial: Prosecutors An arrest has been made in a shootout that left one man dead over the weekend. Uvaldo Mora, 28, is accused of exchanging gunfire with the 33-year-old man at Straight Street and Park Avenue around 11:15 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes said. The 33-year-old man was struck in the head and throughout his torso, and died at the hospital.  Meanwhile, Mora was charged with Unlawful Possession of a Weapon and Certain Persons Not to Possess a Weapon. Mora was being held in the Bergen County Jail pending his first appearance in Central Judicial Proc…
Essex County Facebook Marketplace Thief Steal $1,400 Tool, Police Say Essex County Facebook Marketplace Thief Steal $1,400 Tool, Police Say
Essex County Facebook Marketplace Thief Steal $1,400 Tool, Police Say Police in Passaic County have arrested a man who they say stole a $1,400 vehicle programming tool from a victim he met on Facebook Marketplace. Jayson Moralessales, of Orange, agreed to meet the seller in person to buy the tool, but instead, fled with the item without paying on Oct. 5, police in Bloomingdale said. Moralessales was identified as a suspect and arrested on Monday, Oct. 7, police said.  He was released on a summons pending his court appearance. "This arrest serves as a reminder to the community to exercise caution when conducting transactions through online marketpla…
NJ Man, 45, Who Took Upskirt Photos Of Females 13 To 57 Released: Police NJ Man, 45, Who Took Upskirt Photos Of Females 13 To 57 Released: Police
NJ Man, 45, Who Took Upskirt Photos Of Females 13 To 57 Released: Police A 45-year-old Passaic County man is facing charges after police say he was caught taking upskirt photos underneath females' skirts and dresses in a Morris County store. Christopher Smith, of Ringwood, was seen in a Hanover business using his cell phone to record underneath the victims' skirts and dresses, police said.   He then would place his cell phone in a handbasket facing up, and then, he would hold the handbasket low to the ground, walk up behind his victims, and record up their skirt or dress, police said.  The store’s loss prevention assisted in identifying the victi…
Powerball Ticket Sold Online In NJ Wins Big Powerball Ticket Sold Online In NJ Wins Big
Powerball Ticket Sold Online In NJ Wins Big It was a sensational Saturday for a Powerball player in New Jersey. A ticket sold online in the Garden State matched four numbers plus the red Powerball in the drawing held on Saturday, Sept. 28, winning $50,000. The ticket was sold via the Jackpocket app, which is based in Hewitt in Passaic County. The winning numbers were 3, 11, 13, 24, 39 and the red Powerball was 22.
Car Burglar Busted In Wallington After Trying To Flee On Bike: Police Car Burglar Busted In Wallington After Trying To Flee On Bike: Police
Car Burglar Busted In Wallington After Trying To Flee On Bike: Police A man was arrested in Wallington on the early morning of Monday, Sept. 23 after being wanted for multiple vehicle break-ins, authorities said. At 4:54 a.m., officers were on patrol at Wallington Avenue and Lester Street when they observed a man, Rashon Johnson, who had been wanted for committed multiple motor vehicle burglaries in the region,  Wallington police said. Johnson's hat and bike matched a previous description provided to police, they said. Johnson was ordered to stop, but refused and pedaled on his bicycle at a high rate of speed, police said. Johnson sped toward police, wh…
Questionable Facebook Use Uncovers NJ Man's Trove Of Illegal Guns, Ammo, Cops Say Questionable Facebook Use Uncovers NJ Man's Trove Of Illegal Guns, Ammo, Cops Say
Questionable Facebook Use Uncovers NJ Man's Trove Of Illegal Guns, Ammo, Cops Say A 35-year-old Passaic County resident's cache of illegal firearms, high-capacity magazines, ammunition, sharp-edged weapons, ballistics body armor, and more were uncovered after authorities were tipped off to his reckless behavior in Facebook groups and on the roads. A tip came in regarding Kyle Arena on Tuesday, Sept. 24, saying he had a track record of posting questionable content on social media, ranging from pointing firearms at people while driving and photos of illegal items, like silencers, Totowa Police Chief Carmen Veneziano said. The tip, which came in via email, included screensh…
Two Tickets, One Sold In North Jersey, Split Jersey Cash 5 Jackpot Two Tickets, One Sold In North Jersey, Split Jersey Cash 5 Jackpot
Two Tickets, One Sold In North Jersey, Split Jersey Cash 5 Jackpot It was a sensational Saturday for two lottery players in New Jersey. A ticket sold in Passaic County and a ticket sold online via the Jackpocket app matched all five numbers in the Jersey Cash 5 jackpot drawing held on Saturday, Sept. 21, splitting the $1.748 jackpot, with each winning $874,024. The Passaic County ticket was sold at Little Falls Discount Liquors in Little Falls. The Jackpocket app is based in Hewitt in Passaic County. The winning numbers were: 06, 07, 18, 32 and 42 and the XTRA number was: 03. The Bullseye number was 06. 
DUI Bergen County Driver Kills Motorcyclist In Passaic, Prosecutor Says DUI Bergen County Driver Kills Motorcyclist In Passaic, Prosecutor Says
DUI Bergen County Driver Kills Motorcyclist In Passaic, Prosecutor Says A 32-year-old Bergen County man has been charged in a deadly crash that happened Friday, Sept. 20 in Passaic County, authorities said. Johnny Aguilar, of Carlstadt, was operating a Ford Excursion when he struck a 59-year-old motorcyclist at the intersection of Paulison Avenue and Pennington Avenue, Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Passaic Chief of Police Luis Guzman said. Arriving officers found the victim, Carlos Ocasio-Rodriguez, in the middle of the intersection, Valdes and Guzman said. Ocasio-Rodriguez was pronounced dead at Saint Mary’s Hospital. …
Photo Of Nude Boy Was Wallpaper On Newark-Based Worker's Phone: Sheriff Photo Of Nude Boy Was Wallpaper On Newark-Based Worker's Phone: Sheriff
Photo Of Nude Boy Was Wallpaper On Newark-Based Worker's Phone: Sheriff A 36-year-old Paterson man has been arrested on child pornography charges after detectives found a nude photo of a young boy had been set as the wallpaper of his cellphone, authorities said. An investigation into Darrel Dye began following a tip regarding illegal internet activity, Acting Passaic County Sheriff Gary Giardina said. "Specifically, the information indicated that an Internet user uploaded and kept numerous media files of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) in an online photo sharing and cloud service account," Giardina said. Detectives identified Dye — who fills …
Two Escape, Two Dead In Paterson Fire Two Escape, Two Dead In Paterson Fire
Two Escape, Two Dead In Paterson Fire Two people were killed in a Paterson fire early Friday, Sept. 20, authorities said. While a 28-year-old and 69-year-old man were able to escape, the bodies of two other victims were found in the home at 71 North 7th Street just after 2:30 a.m., Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes, Paterson Police Department Officer In Charge Isa Abbassi, and Paterson Fire Chief Alex Alicea said. Arriving firefighters found heavy flames on the first and second floors of a wood-frame home, and spreading, the Paterson Fire Department said. Firefighters removed one victim and one animal, …
Some Details Released In Threats Made To Lakeland Regional HS, Parents Slam Superintendent Some Details Released In Threats Made To Lakeland Regional HS, Parents Slam Superintendent
Some Details Released In Threats Made To Lakeland Regional HS, Parents Slam Superintendent Authorities have released details in connection to threats made against a Passaic County high school that had left parents and students fearful. Wanaque and Ringwood officers were called to Lakeland Regional High School on Sept. 6, following reports that a student was overhead "making a threatening statement about another classmate," Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Wanaque Police Chief Ketih V. Spillane said Wednesday, Sept. 18. As a result, officers remained at the school for the day, as classes continued normally. Meanwhile, members of the Wanaque Police Departm…
Essex County Landlords Among 25 Facing Fines For Considering Tenants' Criminal Histories Essex County Landlords Among 25 Facing Fines For Considering Tenants' Criminal Histories
Essex County Landlords Among 25 Facing Fines For Considering Tenants' Criminal Histories Twenty-five landlords are facing fines after state officials said they violated state laws by considering potential tenants' criminal histories. According to NJ Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division on Civil Rights (DCR), the notices of violation allege that the housing providers violated the law by, among other things, asking criminal history-related questions on housing applications that are prohibited by the law. The Notices of Violation announced Monday, Sept. 16 were served on housing providers located in 15 municipalities across Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, C…
NEWLY MINTED MILLIONAIRE! Lotto Ticket Sold In Passaic County Hits Jackpot NEWLY MINTED MILLIONAIRE! Lotto Ticket Sold In Passaic County Hits Jackpot
Newly Minted Millionaire! Lotto Ticket Sold In Passaic County Hits Jackpot It was a six-figure Wednesday for a Passaic County lottery player. A lottery ticket sold in Little Falls matched all five numbers in the Jersey Cash 5 drawing held on Wednesday, Sept. 11, winning $1.7 million.  The ticket was sold at 7-Eleven on Pompton Turnpike. The winning numbers were: 09, 13, 18, 36 and 44 and the XTRA number was: 02. The Bullseye number was 09. T