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Monday, feb 3
Police & Fire
Ridgefield Park Officer Steven Fernandez Dies In Snowmobile Accident, Family Says
The Ridgefield Park Police Department is mourning the loss of one of its own. Officer Steven Fernandez died in a snowmobile accident in Vermont over the weekend, his family announced on Facebook. A Ridgefield Park native, Fernandez joined the police department in 2015, having also volunteered with the ambulance corps and with the village fire department. In 2023, Fernandez was appointed the department's LGBTQ+ liaison. "As the department’s first openly gay male police officer, I hope that I can help strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the LGBTQ+ community," he said…
Police & Fire
Firefighters Battle Massive Jackson House Fire For Hours
Firefighters from all four Jackson Fire Companies battled a large structure fire for nearly four hours on Saturday, Feb. 1, requiring backup from multiple neighboring departments, Fire Company No. 2 said. The fire broke out along Perrineville Road, in Station 56’s First Due area at approximately 4:45 p.m., prompting an immediate response. Assistant Chief 5610 arrived and transmitted a second alarm, bringing in additional resources from the Millstone Township Fire Department and other mutual aid partners to assist and cover Jackson’s firehouses. Because the fire was located in a non-hydrant …
Police & Fire
Major Belmar Fire Damages Multiple Structures, Injures Firefighters
A residential fire in Belmar left a resident with burns and two firefighters hurt on Saturday, Feb. 1, authorities said. Belmar police received a 911 call about a structure fire on the 500 block of 14th Avenue at approximately 7:37 p.m., police said. Fire crews from Belmar and surrounding municipalities responded and worked quickly to extinguish the flames, police said. Despite their efforts, multiple structures were damaged as the fire spread. Two firefighters suffered injuries while battling the blaze, though the severity was not immediately disclosed. A resident also sustained burn inju…
Police & Fire
Mayor Has Special Message For Killer Who Shot 9-Year-Old Boy In Newark
Authorities are searching for the person responsible for the fatal shooting of a 9-year-old boy outside his home in Newark on Friday, Jan. 31. The boy was exiting a vehicle with his father and sister at approximately 5:27 p.m. when he was shot on Osborne Terrace, a spokesperson for the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office said. A 36-year-old man, who does not appear to be related to the child, was also shot during the incident. Details of his injuries were not immediately available. Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka expressed outrage over the tragedy, calling it “incomprehensible” and…
Police & Fire
'Compulsive' Sex Offender, Inmate Escapes During Transport To Hospital In Newark: State Police
The New Jersey State Police are asking for the public’s help in locating registered sex offender Nicholas Voutsas, who authorities said escaped from custody while being transported to University Hospital in Newark on Thursday, Jan. 30. Voutsas, 25, escaped from a New Jersey Department of Health medical transport van at approximately 9 a.m. while en route to the hospital, State Police said. The New Jersey Human Services Police Department has charged him with escape, authorities said. Voutsas is a Tier 2 sex offender, which is described as a "repetitive, compulsive" offender on the NJ Sex Off…
Police & Fire
Dodge Charger Driver, 28, From North Plainfield Dies In Somerset County Tractor Trailer Crash
A 28-year-old woman died in a fiery tractor-trailer crash early Saturday, Feb. 1 in Somerset County, authorities said. The North Plainfield resident had been driving a 2020 orange Dodge Charger died on impact in the crash with a 2008 black Volvo tractor-trailer, the driver of which was not injured, Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald said. The vehicles collided around 2:50 a.m. near South Middlebush Road and Jacques Lane, the prosecutor said. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, where they found the woman, dead on impact. She was the sole occupant, as was the tr…
Police & Fire
Men Living In Same Home Arrested In Child Porn Case: Ocean County Prosecutor
Two men living under the same roof in Ocean County have both been arrested on charges related to child pornography, authorities said. Both Keenan Black, 32, and Daniel Bailey, 20, of Berkeley Township, were lodged in the Ocean County Jail following their arrests, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said. The investigation began with Black, after the New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force was tipped off to a person sending/receiving images of child pornography, Billhimer said. An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s…
Police & Fire
$9K Theft Gets Former Ocean County Rec Director Probation: Prosecutor
A former Brick Township recreation official, once celebrated as a top professional in his field, was sentenced to three years probation on Friday, Jan. 31 after he admitted to stealing more than $10,000 in township recreation fees, authorities said. Daniel Santaniello, 46, pleaded guilty last month to theft, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said. Santaniello was previously the recreation director for Brick Township. The New Jersey Recreation & Park Association gave him their "Professional of the Year Award" in 2016. Investigators said Santaniello abused his position to c…
Police & Fire
Ocean County Man Indicted In Dad's Murder: Prosecutor
A 38-year-old Lacey Township man was indicted by a grand jury on Thursday, Jan. 30 with murdering his father, authorities said. On Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2022, Lacey Township police responded to a residence on Weehawken Avenue after Justin Donaldson would not let family members into the residence. Police found Justin's father, David Donaldson, dead with apparent trauma to his face, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said. An investigation by law enforcement determined Justin was responsible for his father's death, Billhimer said. He was taken into custody at the scene without …
Police & Fire
Married NJ Cops Had Sex In Front Of Kids, Wife Appeared Naked In Photos With Youngsters: AG
A married law enforcement couple from Mercer County was arrested on Wednesday, Jan. 29, for having sex in front of children and recording it, court records show. Brian DiBiasi, 39 was charged with causing or permitting a child to engage in a sexual act that may be photographed, filmed or reproduced, engaging in sexual conduct that would debauch the morals of a child, possessing and distributing images of child sexual abuse, while his wife, Elizabeth, 42, is charged with engaging in sexual conduct that would debauch the morals of a child Both are being held in the Monmouth County Jail. On …
Police & Fire
U.S. Figure Skaters Among Dozens Believed Dead In DC Black Hawk, Plane Crash: Reports
Figure skaters, family members, and their coaches were among the 64 people believed dead in a crash between a military helicopter and American Airlines plane in Washington DC on Wednesday, Jan. 29, according to U.S. Figure Skating and rescue officials. At least 27 bodies had been recovered and officials said they did not believe there were any survivors in the crash near Reagan National Airport, Authorities have switched to a "recovery effort," with more than 300 responders battling frigid temps, wind, and icy waters for hours overnight, Fire and EMS Chief John A. Donnelly said o…
Police & Fire
Sayreville Homeowner Thwarts Burglary Attempt, 4 Jersey City Suspects Arrested
A Sayreville homeowner's quick thinking and police response led to the arrests of four Jersey City residents trying to break into their home earlier this week, police said. The incident occurred at approximately 8:20 p.m. on Rhode Street, on Tuesday, Jan. 28, when the resident reported multiple individuals attempting to enter his home through a back window, Sayreville police said. The suspects were apparently targeting the homeowner’s luxury vehicle, authorities said. The suspects fled before officers arrived, but the resident provided detailed descriptions. Officers canvassed the area and …
Police & Fire
Newark Man Stole $700K Worth Of Luxury Vehicles: AG
A 19-year-old Newark man was arrested and charged with running a residential burglary and auto theft ring throughout the state last year, authorities said. Samir White's crew targeted high-end vehicles throughout New Jersey and New York, Attorney General Matthew Platkin said. White and others used stolen vehicles to travel to target locations throughout Monmouth, Ocean, and Essex counties, where they forced entry into homes using a crowbar, removed expensive items and key fobs to vehicles, then stole the homeowner’s cars from the residence, Platkin said. The estimated value of vehicles…
Police & Fire
Barnegat Man Faces Prison After Robbing Store At Knifepoint For Cash, Cigarettes: Prosecutor
A 39-year-old Barnegat man pleaded guilty to robbery and numerous shoplifting incidents in Stafford Township last year, authorities said. Per a plea agreement, Nicholas Santiago is expected to be sentenced to five years in prison for robbery and four years in prison for shoplifting, with the sentences running concurrently, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said. On Monday, May 27, 2024, at midnight, officers responded to a convenience store on Route 72 for a report of a robbery, Billhimer said. An investigation revealed Santiago entered the store, brandished a knife at the…
Police & Fire
Girls Basketball Coach Had Sexual Relationship With Student: Monmouth County Prosecutor
A 35-year-old teacher and Middletown High School North basketball coach was arrested and charged with sexually assaulting a student on Tuesday, Jan. 28, authorities said. Justin McGhee, of Ocean Township — who is the head coach of the girls' basketball team— started the relationship with the student late last year, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago said. The student is under the age of 18, Santiago said. McGhee has been placed on administrative leave by Middletown High School North, Santiago said. He was transported to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution pending proc…
Police & Fire
Little Egg Harbor Muffler Shop Fire Sends Thick Smoke Over Ocean County (
Photos
)
A fire that reportedly broke out at a muffler shop in Little Egg Harbor sent thick smoke billowing over Ocean County on Tuesday evening, January 28. The blaze erupted around 5 p.m. at a business located at 1110 Radio Road, authorities said. Photos taken by Jo Lucas captured plumes of smoke rising into the sky as the sun set over the area. Firefighters responded to the scene as smoke spread across the neighborhood. Officials have not yet released details on the cause of the fire or any potential injuries. Thick black smoke from a fire in a muffler shop in Little Egg Harbor on the New Je…
Police & Fire
Man Kidnaps, Sexually Assaults Teen Girl In Secluded Area Of NJ Mall: Prosecutor
A 23-year-old Bergen County man has been charged with kidnapping and sex offenses after authorities say he sexually assaulted a girl in a secluded area of the Willowbrook Mall. Denys Ludisaca, of Little Ferry, carried out the attack on the girl between 13 and 15 years old, Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Wayne Police Deputy Chief Joseph Rooney said. ALSO SEE: Girl's Accused Mall Abductor Has Lengthy Criminal History Across Bergen County, Records Show Police were notified of the incident on Jan. 11, and on Jan. 16, Ludisaca was identified as the attacker …
Police & Fire
Man Stabbed Dead In ShopRite Parking Lot: Essex County Prosecutor
A 56-year-old East Orange man was fatally stabbed at a ShopRite parking lot in Newark on the evening of Monday, Jan. 27, authorities said. At 7:17 p.m, police responded to 206 Springfield Ave. and found Rodney Mayes stabbed after a verbal dispute with another man, the Essex County Prosecutor's Office said. The suspect fled the scene, authorities said. Mayes was taken to University Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries, authorities said.. No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing, authorities said.
Police & Fire
Temple Freshman, Gymnast Dies After Fall From Light Post In Philadelphia
A Temple University freshman died after falling from a light pole in Philadelphia while celebrating the Eagles’ victory on Sunday, Jan. 26, school officials said. Tyler Sabapathy, 18, was critically injured over the weekend and later passed away on Monday, Temple University President John Fry said in a statement. “The loss of a promising 18-year-old man like Tyler is both tragic and traumatic. There are no words that can make sense of it, and the entire Temple community mourns his passing,” Fry said. Sabapathy, a Toronto native, was a first-year student in Temple’s College of Public Health…
Police & Fire
Armed NY Pair Terrorized Gas Attendants Across North Jersey: Prosecutor
A year-long investigation by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office has led to the arrests and indictments of two Westchester, NY men, in a series of armed robberies across three North Jersey counties, authorities said. Veron S. Brown, 26, and Ryan D. Servis, 25, of Mount Vernon, were identified as the masked men terrorizing gas station attendants across the region since January 2024, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said. The first incident occurred on Jan. 7, 2024, at 4:50 a.m., when Clifton Police responded to an armed robbery at a Route 3 gas station. Two masked men in a black …
Police & Fire
Essex County School Bus Company Hired Unqualified Drivers With Drug Problems: AG
A 66-year-old East Hanover man was sentence to five years in prison on Friday, Jan. 24 after previously pleading guilty to running a school bus company that failed to perform drug tests and background checks on drivers, authorities said. Ahmed Mahgoub was the owner of F&A Transportation, based in Essex County, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin said. From 2016 through 2020, they secured contracts with school districts in Essex, Passaic, Morris and Union counties, Platkin said, totaling $3.5 million. An investigation by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability revealed …
Police & Fire
Photo Shows Wrecked Car On Route 9 Following Crash In Freehold
A crash with injuries closed Route 9 in Freehold Monday afternoon, Jan. 27. The NJDOT site says the crash happened sometime after 4 p.m. The camera feed shows a heavily damaged sedan in the middle of the intersection at Route 33. Two right southbound lanes were closed as of 4:30 p.m.
Police & Fire
Multi-Vehicle Crash On Route 22: Police
Police are on scene of a motor vehicle crash on Route 22 in Somerset County on Monday, Jan. 27. The multi-vehicle crash occurred on Route 22 East by Mountain Avenue in Somerville, Bridgewater police said. Expect delays in the area, police said.
Police & Fire
Text Threatening 'Schoolwide Attack' Prompts Investigation In Bloomingdale: Officials
The Bloomingdale School District and local police are investigating text message threats targeting a middle school. Around 11 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24, the district received reports of text messages sent from an unknown number threatening a schoolwide attack at Walter T. Bergen Middle School on Monday, Jan. 27, Superintendent Dr. Michael Nicosia said. Nicosia said that the Bloomingdale Police Department was immediately contacted, and an investigation was launched. The police are working closely with school administrators and continue to investigate the incident. While no details …
Police & Fire
NJ Driver With Glass Of Wine In Brand-New Volvo Was More 2X Legal Limit, Police Say (
Video
)
Bodycam footage shows the arrest of a 41-year-old Old Bridge woman who police say was more than twice the legal limit when they stopped her last month in Red Bank. The footage showing the Dec. 20, 2024 arrest of Dana Colonna in Red Bank has been published by Transparency Bodycam on YouTube. The video shows Red Bank Officer Christopher Fuentes initiating the stop near Volcafe on Bridge Ave., in which Colonna tells him that she was driving a brand-new Volvo and was fighting with her boyfriend. Colonna admitted to drinking alcohol earlier in the evening after visiting Gabriella’s Italian …
Police & Fire
DUI Driver With Lengthy History Kills Passenger In Jersey Shore Crash: Police
A crash in Berkeley Township left one person dead and another facing charges for driving under the influence, police said. The incident occurred on Jan. 20, 2025, just after 12 p.m. when Berkeley Township Police responded to a single-car crash near 144 Grand Central Parkway, local police said. Upon arrival, officers found the driver and passenger had been removed from the vehicle and placed on a nearby lawn. Berkeley Township EMS provided medical care at the scene. The passenger was transported to Jersey Shore Medical Center due to severe injuries but later succumbed to those injuries, offi…
Police & Fire
New Brunswick Man Possessed Child Porn: Prosecutor
A 22-year-old New Brunswick man was arrested on Friday, Jan. 24 and charged with possessing child pornography, authorities said. Mark Newman was arrested after authorities receive a cyber tip from New Jersey State Police, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and New Brunswick Police Chief Vincent Sabo said. He was charged with possession of child sexual abuse material, authorities said
Police & Fire
Carteret Man Faces Manslaughter Charge In Crash That Killed Avenel Woman Leaving Parents' House
A 23-year-old Carteret man was charged on Friday, Jan. 24 with manslaughter after a fatal crash earlier this month that killed an Avenel woman, authorities said. Jair Montero-Moran was behind the wheel of the Toyota Camry that struck Cristina Flores in an Infiniti on the West Carteret Bridge on Roosevelt Avenue, just before 10 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Carteret Police Chief Theodore Nycz said. Flores was pronounced dead at the scene, while Montero-Moran sustained serious injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital, where…
Police & Fire
Woman, 24, Killed In Route 1 Crash Involving Hit-Run Tractor Trailer: Cops
A 24-year-old woman from Trenton died in a crash involving a tractor-trailer that fled the scene on Route 1 South early Friday morning, Jan. 24, police said. The incident occurred near the intersection of New Road at approximately 2:25 a.m., according to the South Brunswick Police Department. Witnesses from a nearby Taco Bell reported seeing the woman’s vehicle strike the rear of a tractor-trailer. As bystanders attempted to assist, a third vehicle traveling southbound struck the rear of the woman’s car. The tractor-trailer involved in the crash fled the scene and remains unidentified. The …
Police & Fire
Airport Bomb Threat, SWAT Standoff That Locked Down School Ends In Arrest Of NJ Man, 38
A bomb threat at Atlantic City Airport earlier this month led to a dramatic standoff and the arrest of a 38-year-old Egg Harbor Township man, authorities said. The incident began on Jan. 10, at approximately 6:56 a.m., when New Jersey State Police responded to a bomb threat at the airport in Egg Harbor Township, Atlantic County, NJSP Sgt. Jeffrey Lebron said. A thorough sweep of the terminal revealed no explosive devices. Investigators identified the suspect as Long Pham, who was charged with false public alarm and terroristic threats, both third-degree offenses, Lebron said. At…
Police & Fire
Carteret Dad Tried Killing 6-Week Old Baby: Prosecutor
A 20-year-old Carteret man was arrested and charged on Wednesday, Jan. 22 with the attempted murder of his 6-week old infant, authorities said. Ezekiel Crespo, the baby's dad, was with the infant when he suffered facial and head injuries, Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Carteret Police Chief Theodore Nycz said. Authorities were called to a Clauss Street home around 1:05 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21, on reports of an injured baby. The baby was transported to Saint Peters Hospital for treatment where he has remained in critical condition, authorities said. Crespo, has been charge…
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