Trenton Man Sentenced To Life For Violent Carjacking Spree That Seriously Injured 2, Feds Say Trenton Man Sentenced To Life For Violent Carjacking Spree That Seriously Injured 2, Feds Say
Trenton Man Sentenced To Life For Violent Carjacking Spree That Seriously Injured 2, Feds Say A Trenton man will spend the rest of his life in prison nearly seven years after a violent carjacking spree that left two victims with life-altering injuries, authorities said. Cedrick Hodges, 41, received his life sentence in Trenton federal court, New Jersey's U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger said in a news release on Wednesday, Nov. 20. He was found guilty on five counts after a seven-day trial on Thursday, Oct. 24. Sellinger said Hodges "terrorized" Hamilton Township on the night of Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017. "The sentence handed down today will ensure that this violent offender will …
Jersey Shore Man Who Sexually Assaulted Woman He Met On Dating App Sentenced, Prosecutors Say Jersey Shore Man Who Sexually Assaulted Woman He Met On Dating App Sentenced, Prosecutors Say
Jersey Shore Man Who Sexually Assaulted Woman He Met On Dating App Sentenced, Prosecutors Say A Brick Township man will spend several years in prison for luring a woman through a dating app and sexually assaulting her at an Atlantic City hotel, authorities said. Gary Kearns, 56, was sentenced on Monday, Nov. 18 to four years in state prison, the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office said in a news release on Wednesday, Nov. 20. He pleaded guilty on Monday, Aug. 26 to second-degree sexual assault. Investigators said Kearns met the victim through Facebook Dating in August 2021. He used a fake name to gain her trust and drove her to Atlantic City for a date. Kea…
Former Jersey Shore Gymnastics Coach Sexually Assaulted Girl, Police Say Former Jersey Shore Gymnastics Coach Sexually Assaulted Girl, Police Say
Former Jersey Shore Gymnastics Coach Sexually Assaulted Girl, Police Say A former Galloway Township gymnastics coach was accused of sexually assaulting a girl under 16 years old, authorities said. The Galloway Township Police Department announced the arrest of 51-year-old Matthew Shriver in a news release on Tuesday, Nov. 19. The Brigantine man was a co-owner of Everest Gymnastics and Tumbling Center in Galloway Township. The investigation began after officers received a report regarding the abuse accusations. Police said they obtained cell phone evidence that corroborated the victim’s statements.  This evidence led to search warrants f…
Man Convicted In Super Bowl Sunday Assault: Somerset County Prosecutor Man Convicted In Super Bowl Sunday Assault: Somerset County Prosecutor
Man Convicted In Super Bowl Sunday Assault: Somerset County Prosecutor A 38-year-old Manville resident was convicted on Monday, Nov. 18, of attacking an employee at a bar with a beer bottle on Super Bowl Sunday, authorities said. Junior Suriel-Gonzalez was asked to leave an unnamed establishment in Manville on Sunday, Feb. 11, when he grabbed the beer bottle and assaulted the employee, swinging it over the top of his head, the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office said. Suriel-Gonzalez was removed from the bar and fled in his car, authorities said. He was arrested early the next morning by the Manville Police Department, authorities said. He was convicted of mu…
Teen Was Speeding, Blew Stop Sign In Crash That Killed NJ Girl On 1st Day Of School: Officials Teen Was Speeding, Blew Stop Sign In Crash That Killed NJ Girl On 1st Day Of School: Officials
Teen Was Speeding, Blew Stop Sign In Crash That Killed NJ Girl On 1st Day Of School: Officials A 17-year-old Clinton Township resident has been charged on Tuesday, Nov. 19, in connection with a crash in August in Franklin Township that killed 16-year-old Sophia Detorres on the first day of school. An investigation found that the driver was speeding and failed to stop at a designated stop sign just before the collision at Hogback Road and Lower Lansdown Road in Franklin Township, Hunterdon County Prosecutor Renée Robeson and Chief of Detectives Timothy Drew, said.  Detorres was among three juvenile passengers in the vehicle, and two other cars were involved in the crash…
NJ Performing Arts HS Teacher Confesses To Molesting Female Student, Prosecutors Say NJ Performing Arts HS Teacher Confesses To Molesting Female Student, Prosecutors Say
NJ Performing Arts HS Teacher Confesses To Molesting Female Student, Prosecutors Say A former teacher at an Ocean County performing arts academy admitted to molesting a female student, authorities said. Douglas Bollinger of Neptune City, pleaded guilty on Monday, Nov. 18, to endangering the welfare of a child, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release. Investigators said Bollinger, 57, engaged in "inappropriate sexual contact" with a student. The incidents happened in Point Pleasant Beach and Asbury Park between February and August 2019. Bollinger was a teacher at the Grunin Performing Arts Academy, part of Ocean County Vocational Tech…
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…
NJ Postmaster Dragged Female Employee Into Bathroom After Groping Her: Feds NJ Postmaster Dragged Female Employee Into Bathroom After Groping Her: Feds
NJ Postmaster Dragged Female Employee Into Bathroom After Groping Her: Feds A postmaster at the Teaneck Post Office is facing federal charges after being accused of sexually assaulting a female employee he was supervised, authorities said. Gabriel Ekram Pagabe Ali, 47, is charged with violating the woman’s civil rights and assaulting her while she was working as a City Carrier Assistant for the U.S. Postal Service, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger and Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division announced. The incident happened on Nov. 26, 2022, when Ali groped the victim’s breasts and buttocks without her consen…
NC Woman Killed By Northeast Corridor Train In Central Jersey, Amtrak Says NC Woman Killed By Northeast Corridor Train In Central Jersey, Amtrak Says
NC Woman Killed By Northeast Corridor Train In Central Jersey, Amtrak Says Authorities have identified the North Carolina woman who was killed by a train in South Brunswick on Veterans Day, officials said. Emily Price of Durham, NC, was named as the victim of the crash, an Amtrak spokesperson said on Monday, Nov. 18. The 43-year-old was struck between Jersey Avenue and Princeton Junction at around 9:35 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 11. 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:…
25-Year-Old NY Firefighter Killed In Sussex County Crash: NJSP 25-Year-Old NY Firefighter Killed In Sussex County Crash: NJSP
25-Year-Old NY Firefighter Killed In Sussex County Crash: Njsp A 25-year-old New York man was killed in a crash on Route 284 in Sussex County on the afternoon of Sunday, Nov. 17, authorities said. At 2:02 p.m., a Chevrolet passenger vehicle, driven by Andrew Slagle, an Orange County resident from Westtown, was traveling northbound on Route 284 in Wantage Township when it veered off the roadway to the right, struck several trees and overturned, Jeffrey Lebron, a spokesman for the New Jersey State Police said.  Slagle sustained fatal injuries, Lebron said. The crash remains under investigation, Lebron said. Slagle was a firefighter with the Wawayan…
Teen Missing From Morris County, Police Ask For Help Teen Missing From Morris County, Police Ask For Help
Teen Missing From Morris County, Police Ask For Help Authorities are asking for the public’s help in locating a 15-year-old boy reported missing from Morris County. Michael Bunzendahl, a 6-foot-tall, 145-pound teenager, was last seen on Arthur Drive around 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 15, 2024, police said. Michael left his residence without his cell phone and was not dressed for the cold weather, police said. He was last seen wearing a green hooded sweatshirt with the words "Lakeland Swim," black pants, and gray-and-white shoes. Anyone with information on Michael’s whereabouts is urged to contact the local police department at 973-263-4300 e…
Teen Missing From Morris County, Police Ask For Help Teen Missing From Morris County, Police Ask For Help
Teen Missing From Morris County, Police Ask For Help Authorities are asking for the public’s help in locating a 15-year-old boy reported missing from Morris County. Michael Bunzendahl, a 6-foot-tall, 145-pound teenager, was last seen on Arthur Drive around 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 15, 2024, police said. Michael left his residence without his cell phone and was not dressed for the cold weather, police said. He was last seen wearing a green hooded sweatshirt with the words "Lakeland Swim," black pants, and gray-and-white shoes. Anyone with information on Michael’s whereabouts is urged to contact the local police department at 973-263-4300 e…
VIDEO: Stolen Porsche Crashes Into Newark Building After Officer Shoots At Driver VIDEO: Stolen Porsche Crashes Into Newark Building After Officer Shoots At Driver
Video: Stolen Porsche Crashes Into Newark Building After Officer Shoots At Driver The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office has released footage from body-worn cameras related to a non-fatal police shooting that happened last August and involved a stolen Porsche. The shooting involved Newark Police Officer Alexander Ferreira and his partner on Aug. 12, around 8:35 p.m., when Ferreira and the officers spotted a Porsche Macan parked on Clinton Place near Hawthorne Avenue, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin said. Determining the vehicle was stolen, Ferreira and his partner positioned their patrol car in front of the Porsche and approached the occupant, a m…
NJ Corrections Officer Arrested On Child Porn Charges: Prosecutor NJ Corrections Officer Arrested On Child Porn Charges: Prosecutor
NJ Corrections Officer Arrested On Child Porn Charges: Prosecutor A New Jersey corrections officer has been arrested on child pornography charges, authorities said. Austin Metivier, 34, of Mount Holly, was taken into custody at the Burlington County Jail, where he works, and lodged at the Camden County Jail,  Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw and Pemberton Township Police Chief Jonathan Glass said. The investigation began last month after Pemberton Township police were informed that a hard drive belonging to Metivier contained child sex abuse material. A forensic examination of the hard drive later revealed that it contained multip…
NJ Man Charged With Defrauding Victim In Loan Scheme Involving Batmobile, Ghostbusters Hearse NJ Man Charged With Defrauding Victim In Loan Scheme Involving Batmobile, Ghostbusters Hearse
NJ Man Charged With Defrauding Victim In Loan Scheme Involving Batmobile, Ghostbusters Hearse A 38-year-old Warren County man was charged on Wednesday, Oct. 23 for defrauding a 91-year-old man who loaned him money, after having settled the case in court, Daily Voice has learned. In May 2021, a 91-year-old Clarksburg resident loaned Asbury resident Christopher Sterlacci $400,000, Hunterdon County Prosecutor Renée Robeson and Hunterdon County Chief of Detectives Timothy Drew said. Several vehicles and properties were put up as collateral by Sterlacci for the loan, authorities said. After defaulting on the terms of the loan, it was discovered that the properties and vehi…
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…