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Trenton, NJ

Homicide Charge Lodged Against Strip Club Shooter From Trenton (UPDATE) Homicide Charge Lodged Against Strip Club Shooter From Trenton (UPDATE)
Homicide Charge Lodged Against Strip Club Shooter From Trenton (Update) A New Jersey man previously charged in a shooting at a Morrisville gentlemen’s club is now facing a homicide charge after the victim died from his injuries, the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office announced on Wednesday, Dec. 11. Pedro E. Rodriguez, 28, of Trenton, NJ, is accused of fatally shooting Mekhi Norman, 28, at The Border Gentlemen’s Club at 440 S. Pennsylvania Ave. on Thursday, Aug. 29, authorities said. Norman, an innocent bystander, was struck in the head, thigh, and torso while trying to assist staff during an altercation at the club’s doorway around 1:15 a.m., police sai…
Trenton Man Targeted Business Owners In Deadly Crime Spree, Federal Prosecutors Say Trenton Man Targeted Business Owners In Deadly Crime Spree, Federal Prosecutors Say
Trenton Man Targeted Business Owners In Deadly Crime Spree, Federal Prosecutors Say A Trenton man was given federal charges after being accused of orchestrating three armed robberies, including one that resulted in the death of a cannabis shop owner, authorities said. Paul McNeil, 38, was charged with murder during and in relation to a crime of violence, three counts of Hobbs Act robbery, conspiracy, and multiple gun offenses, New Jersey's U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger said in a news release on Wednesday, Dec. 11. According to court documents and statements, McNeil and a co-conspirator robbed an automotive recycling shop in Ewing on Friday, Sept. 30, 2…
School Crossing Guard Dies Protecting Students In South Jersey Crash, Police Say School Crossing Guard Dies Protecting Students In South Jersey Crash, Police Say
School Crossing Guard Dies Protecting Students In South Jersey Crash, Police Say A Burlington City school crossing guard was killed while shielding two children from an oncoming car, authorities said. Bruce Morlack, 74, died in the crash on Friday, Dec. 6, the City of Burlington Police Department said in a news release. He was escorting two students across Jacksonville Road and James Street in a marked crosswalk when a 2015 Chrysler 200 struck him just after 7:20 a.m. In a letter to the school community, superintendent John Russell praised Morlack's heroic actions and offered support to students and families. "Our thoughts and prayers are with …
Man Killed, Another Injured In Shooting During Argument Outside Trenton Bar: Police Man Killed, Another Injured In Shooting During Argument Outside Trenton Bar: Police
Man Killed, Another Injured In Shooting During Argument Outside Trenton Bar: Police A Ewing man died and another man was injured in an early morning shooting outside a Trenton bar, authorities said. Kristoffer Givens, 47, was shot and killed outside Al-Lee’s Bar and Lounge on Dickinson Street, Mercer County Prosecutor Theresa Hilton said in a news release. The shooting happened at around 1 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 8. Trenton police responded to a report of a shooting in progress. Officers learned an argument outside the bar escalated and several shots were fired. Givens was found about a block away on Olden Avenue suffering from a gunshot wound. He was rushed to Cap…
School Crossing Guard Hit At Crosswalk, Critically Injured In South Jersey Crash: Police School Crossing Guard Hit At Crosswalk, Critically Injured In South Jersey Crash: Police
School Crossing Guard Hit At Crosswalk, Critically Injured In South Jersey Crash: Police A Burlington City school crossing guard was critically injured after being struck by a vehicle while on duty at a crosswalk, authorities said. Officers responded to the crash at the intersection of Jacksonville Road and James Street at around 7:20 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 6, the City of Burlington Police Department said in a news release. The guard was hit in the marked crosswalk by a vehicle heading south on Jacksonville. The guard's identity wasn't released as of press time. Paramedics rushed the guard to Capital Health Regional Medical Center and was listed in criti…
Trenton Water Works Employee Falsified Data: Mayor Vows Accountability, Assures Water Safety Trenton Water Works Employee Falsified Data: Mayor Vows Accountability, Assures Water Safety
Trenton Water Works Employee Falsified Data: Mayor Vows Accountability, Assures Water Safety A water sample collector for Trenton Water Works falsified drinking water data, prompting swift action and reassurances to the public about the safety of the city’s water supply, officials said. Trenton Water Works is under scrutiny after officials revealed that a water sample collector tampered with drinking water data, violating public trust and leading to immediate action.  The discovery was made in the fall of 2023, according to Mayor W. Reed Gusciora. "This individual’s actions were a clear violation of public trust and are deeply disturbing," Mayor Gusciora said. "TWW immediatel…
ICE's Controversial Plans To Expand NJ Detention Centers Revealed By ACLU ICE's Controversial Plans To Expand NJ Detention Centers Revealed By ACLU
ICE's Controversial Plans To Expand NJ Detention Centers Revealed By ACLU U.S. Immigration and Customers Enforcement( ICE) is exploring plans to expand immigration detention facilities in New Jersey, potentially adding 600 beds across the state, according to documents obtained by the ACLU through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit. The revelations come as concerns mount over President-elect Donald Trump’s promise of a large-scale deportation and detention program. Advocates have criticized the Biden administration for enabling this expansion, warning it could pave the way for sweeping actions against immigrant communities. Two facilities under considerat…
'Unconstitutional:' Feds Slam Trenton Police For Excessive Force, Illegal Stops 'Unconstitutional:' Feds Slam Trenton Police For Excessive Force, Illegal Stops
'Unconstitutional:' Feds Slam Trenton Police For Excessive Force, Illegal Stops Federal investigators have accused the Trenton Police Department (TPD) of widespread civil rights violations, including excessive force and illegal arrests, calling the department’s practices “unconstitutional” in a damning report released Thursday, Nov. 21. The Department of Justice (DOJ) found that TPD officers routinely stopped and searched individuals without reasonable suspicion, made arrests without probable cause, and escalated encounters with excessive force.  These practices, compounded by poor training, inadequate oversight, and a lack of accountability, have eroded community…
Rabid Fox Bites Person Walking Dog In South Jersey, Health Officials Say Rabid Fox Bites Person Walking Dog In South Jersey, Health Officials Say
Rabid Fox Bites Person Walking Dog In South Jersey, Health Officials Say A person was bitten by a rabid fox while helping walk a dog in Gloucester Township, officials said. A Gloucester resident and their family member walked the dog when they encountered the fox on Friday, Nov. 8, the Camden County Health Department said in a news release. The family member tried to separate the fox and dog when the fox bit the person. A township animal control officer picked up the fox and it was sent for rabies testing at the state Public Health and Environmental Laboratories in Trenton. The county health department received confirmation that the fox was rabid on Friday,…
Mysterious Loud Boom Rocks Central Jersey: Did You Feel It? Mysterious Loud Boom Rocks Central Jersey: Did You Feel It?
Mysterious Loud Boom Rocks Central Jersey: Did You Feel It? Multiple Central Jersey residents were baffled by a loud boom that shook their houses on  Wednesday, Oct. 30. Ring app users reported hearing and feeling the massive explosion around noon. One person speculated some commotion at Naval Weapons Station Earle, in Colts Neck, and another said this is not the first time that the boom has occurred.  "This has been going on for a few months and nobody knows what it is," they wrote, noting it's "very strange" and seems to be getting "more widespread and louder." The boom was reported from West Long Branch to Trenton. One resident i…
$4M Richer: South Jersey Scratch-Off Wins Enormous Prize $4M Richer: South Jersey Scratch-Off Wins Enormous Prize
$4M Richer: South Jersey Scratch-Off Wins Enormous Prize A scratch-off lottery ticket worth $4 million was purchased at a convenience store in Salem County, officials said. The 200X Cash Blitz scratch-off was sold at the Sunoco Food Mart on Chestnut Street in Elmer, the New Jersey Lottery said in a news release on Monday, Oct. 28.  Each ticket costs $30 and the $4 million prize is the game's largest. The winner was bought at the gas station near Elmer Lake on Saturday, Oct. 26.  The 200X Cash Blitz game started on Saturday, Aug. 3. Out of 8,897,860 printed tickets, two $4 million prizes are remaining. A $1 million …
Victim Tried Fighting Off Gunman Before Armed Robbery Of Puppy In Trenton, Police Say Victim Tried Fighting Off Gunman Before Armed Robbery Of Puppy In Trenton, Police Say
Victim Tried Fighting Off Gunman Before Armed Robbery Of Puppy In Trenton, Police Say A 39-year-old man has been charged in the gunpoint robbery of a puppy in Trenton, authorities announced. Brian Howard approached the victim while she was walking her dog, Nola, on Academy Street around 2:20 a.m. Oct. 2, Trenton police said. He initially tried to grab the dog’s leash from the victim’s hand, but the victim resisted. Howard then pulled out a gun and grabbed the leash, then fled with 4-month-old Nola, police said. An investigation identified Howard as a suspect, and a search warrant of his home was executed on Oct. 11, police said. Nola has been returned to her owner and How…
Train Operator Dead, 23 Passengers Hurt In NJ Transit Crash With Tree Train Operator Dead, 23 Passengers Hurt In NJ Transit Crash With Tree
Train Operator Dead, 23 Passengers Hurt In NJ Transit Crash With Tree A train operator was killed and multiple others hurt after a tree fell on an NJ Transit train Monday morning, Oct. 14 in Burlington County. The incident happened around 6 a.m. on the River LINE train, which had been heading north from Trenton when it struck a tree south of the Roebling Station in Mansfield Township, an NJ Transit spokesperson said. Twenty-three of the 42 customers on board suffered minor injuries and five suffered moderate injuries, all non-life-threatening. The remaining 19 passengers were accommodated by a bus 6abc says the tree appears to have fallen on the train. …
Family Dog Kills Rabid Skunk In Camden County, Health Officials Say Family Dog Kills Rabid Skunk In Camden County, Health Officials Say
Family Dog Kills Rabid Skunk In Camden County, Health Officials Say A family dog was being monitored after killing a rabid skunk in a Gloucester Township backyard, officials said. The Camden County Health Department announced the skunk tested positive for the disease in a news release on Wednesday, Oct. 9. Health officials said the dog "recently" killed a skunk in their owners' backyard. A Gloucester Township animal control officer picked up the skunk and brought it for testing at the state Public Health and Environmental Laboratories (PHEL) in Trenton. PHEL notified the county's health department on October 9 that the skunk tested posit…
Police Seeking Two Men After Vehicle, Gun Stolen In Wildwood Police Seeking Two Men After Vehicle, Gun Stolen In Wildwood
Police Seeking Two Men After Vehicle, Gun Stolen In Wildwood Police were looking for whoever stole a vehicle and a gun in Wildwood, authorities said. The Wildwood Police Department released pictures of two men wanted in the case in a Facebook post on Tuesday, Aug. 27. The thefts reportedly happened on Saturday, Aug. 24 but police didn't reveal where the thefts occurred. Both men were wearing sunglasses on the boardwalk and flip-flops in the pictures. One man with shorter dark brown hair was wearing a black short-sleeved button-down shirt. The other man was wearing a royal blue basketball jersey with "New York" on the front and the number 76 on …
Trenton Man IDed As Pedestrian Fatally Struck By Hit, Run Vehicle: Morris County Prosecutor Trenton Man IDed As Pedestrian Fatally Struck By Hit, Run Vehicle: Morris County Prosecutor
Trenton Man IDed As Pedestrian Fatally Struck By Hit, Run Vehicle: Morris County Prosecutor A 35-year-old Trenton resident was identified as the man struck and killed by a vehicle in a hit-and-run crash in Parsippany Monday evening, Aug. 19, authorities said. Jelson Cabrera was struck on Route 46 West near Sandra Drive, a spokeswoman for the Morris County Prosecutor's Office said. The vehicle fled the scene, authorities said. Cabrera was transported to Morristown Medical Center where he was pronounced dead, authorities said. Investigators said they believe the suspect vehicle is a silver or gray 2019 to 2021 Toyota RAV 4, which is missing a sideview mirror on the passenger side.…
Former Trenton Teacher, Basketball Coach Sexually Assaulted Student Over Five Years: Prosecutor Former Trenton Teacher, Basketball Coach Sexually Assaulted Student Over Five Years: Prosecutor
Former Trenton Teacher, Basketball Coach Sexually Assaulted Student Over Five Years: Prosecutor A former Trenton elementary school teacher and middle school coach was accused of sexually assaulting a student for about five years, authorities said. Darrell Moody, 51, of Plainfield, was arrested on Monday, Aug. 12, Acting Mercer County Prosecutor Theresa Hilton said in a news release. He was a teacher at Parker Elementary School and a basketball coach at Joyce Kilmer Middle School. Investigators said the victim reported the sexual assault claims to Trenton police in May. Moody met the victim while he was teaching fifth grade at Parker. The victim claims Moody sexually as…
Bystanders Stop Sex Offender From Raping Teen Girl In Trenton Neighborhood, Police Say Bystanders Stop Sex Offender From Raping Teen Girl In Trenton Neighborhood, Police Say
Bystanders Stop Sex Offender From Raping Teen Girl In Trenton Neighborhood, Police Say A sex offender was accused of trying to rape a teen girl in a Trenton neighborhood one day after he was released from prison, authorities said. Malik Bright, 24, of Trenton, was arrested on Wednesday, Aug. 7, the Trenton Police Department said in a news release. Officers responded to the report of an attempted sexual assault near the corner of Louise Lane and Marion Street in the city's Stuyvesant/Prospect neighborhood at around 9:37 a.m. Investigators said Bright followed the 17-year-old girl from a bus stop for several blocks. She knew Bright was following her and she tried…
Person Struck By Train In New Brunswick: NJ Transit Person Struck By Train In New Brunswick: NJ Transit
Person Struck By Train In New Brunswick: NJ Transit A person struck by a train briefly delayed NJ Transit service Friday, Aug. 9, officials said. The male was struck by Northeast Corridor train 3875, which left New York Penn Station at 6:47 p.m. around 8:30 p.m. just west of Jersey Ave Station in New Brunswick, NJ Transit officials said. The victim was transported to the hospital with a foot injury. There were no injuries reported to the approximately 300 customers and the crew on board.  The customers were transferred to a rescue train to continue their travel. New Jersey Transit Police are on scene and leading the inve…
4 Arrested In Trenton Shooting Of Bicyclist: Prosecutor 4 Arrested In Trenton Shooting Of Bicyclist: Prosecutor
4 Arrested In Trenton Shooting Of Bicyclist: Prosecutor Four people have been arrested in connection with a fatal shooting of a bicyclist in Trenton last month, authorities said. Dajon Bethea, 26, of Trenton, Shyheim McMillon, 27, of Trenton, Jamir Black, 26, of Trenton, and Shatwan Liverman, 27, of Suffolk, Virginia, are each charged with conspiracy to commit murder, according to Acting Mercer County Prosecutor Theresa L. Hilton. Additionally, Bethea and McMillon each face a charge of accomplice liability murder, she said. At approximately 1:35 p.m. on July 2, Trenton police responded to the 200 block of Euclid Avenue …
Trenton Man Arrested In Fatal Shooting: Prosecutor Trenton Man Arrested In Fatal Shooting: Prosecutor
Trenton Man Arrested In Fatal Shooting: Prosecutor A 29-year-old man from Trenton has been arrested in connection with a fatal shooting in May, authorities said. Jozef Field is charged with one count of first-degree murder, two counts of first-degree attempted murder, two counts of second-degree aggravated assault and weapons offenses, according to Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri.  Field was arrested at the Kingsbury Apartments in Trenton on Monday, July 29, by members of the U.S. Marshals New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force. At approximately 6 p.m. on May 19, Trenton police received a ShotSp…
Trenton Man Arrested After Pit Bull Attack, Stabbing: Police Trenton Man Arrested After Pit Bull Attack, Stabbing: Police
Trenton Man Arrested After Pit Bull Attack, Stabbing: Police A 29-year-old Trenton man has been arrested for attempted murder after setting his pit bull loose on a man before stabbing him, authorities said. The attack occurred on July 13 at about 10:20 a.m. at New Willow and Southard streets, according to Trenton police. Police found a 50-year-old male victim from Trenton bleeding heavily from a severe cut to his midsection. Officers rendered medical assistance until Trenton Emergency Medical Services arrived and transported the victim to Capital Health Regional Medical Center for treatment.  An investigation revealed that Kwadwo…
Teenager Killed Trenton Dad Who Tried Saving Kids During Carjacking: Prosecutor Teenager Killed Trenton Dad Who Tried Saving Kids During Carjacking: Prosecutor
Teenager Killed Trenton Dad Who Tried Saving Kids During Carjacking: Prosecutor A 17-year-old boy from Mercer County has been arrested in connection with a carjacking that led to a fatal shooting, authorities said. The juvenile, from Lawrence, is charged with one count of first-degree felony murder, one count of first-degree carjacking, two counts of second-degree aggravated assault, two counts of third-degree endangering the welfare of a child, and weapons offenses, according to Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri. He was arrested on Monday, July 29 without incident in Trenton by members of the U.S. Marshals New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task F…
State Proposes Suspension Of Trenton Liquor Licenses Owned By Sex Assault Suspect: AG State Proposes Suspension Of Trenton Liquor Licenses Owned By Sex Assault Suspect: AG
State Proposes Suspension Of Trenton Liquor Licenses Owned By Sex Assault Suspect: AG The New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) has proposed suspending four Trenton liquor licenses because the establishments' owner has been charged with sex assault crimes. Gerald Araya of Ewing was arrested last month and charged with, among other things, kidnapping and aggravated sexual assault, according to Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. “We have an obligation to ensure that licensed establishments are not used in the furtherance of crime, and to protect against activity in the alcoholic beverage industry that jeopardizes the public health, safety, or welfare,”…
Trenton Police Officer, K-9 Injured When Unlicensed Driver Speeds Through Stop Sign: Mayor Trenton Police Officer, K-9 Injured When Unlicensed Driver Speeds Through Stop Sign: Mayor
Trenton Police Officer, K-9 Injured When Unlicensed Driver Speeds Through Stop Sign: Mayor A Trenton police officer and K-9 were injured when an unlicensed driver sped through a stop sign, authorities said. The crash occurred Thursday morning, July 25 at the corner of Second and Bridge streets, according to Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora The officer's vehicle was T-boned, sending both cars into a residential building, the mayor said. Both drivers were treated and released from an area hospital. The K-9 was treated for facial cuts. "Thursday's accident is a stark reminder of the dangers our officers face every day in the line of duty," Gusciora said in a press statement. Additiona…
15-Year-Old Arrested For Fatal Headshot In Trenton: Prosecutor 15-Year-Old Arrested For Fatal Headshot In Trenton: Prosecutor
15-Year-Old Arrested For Fatal Headshot In Trenton: Prosecutor A 15-year-old boy has been arrested for fatally shooting a 47-year-old Trenton man in the head earlier this month, authorities said. The suspect was arrested by U.S. Marshals without incident on Wednesday, July 24 in Norfolk, Va, according to Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri. He was charged with first-degree murder and weapons offenses, Onofri said. At approximately 12:25 a.m. on July 9, Trenton police responded to the 200 block of East Hanover Street on the report of a sick or injured person. Police found Luis Torres Marrero suffering from a gunshot to his head, Onofri …
Teenager Charged With Robbing 3 Trenton Taxicab Drivers: Police Teenager Charged With Robbing 3 Trenton Taxicab Drivers: Police
Teenager Charged With Robbing 3 Trenton Taxicab Drivers: Police An 18-year-old man has been charged with robbing three taxicab drivers in Trenton, authorities said. Noah Brantley of Trenton was arrested on Thursday, July 18 on the 400 block of Lamberton Street, Trenton police said. In two of the robberies, Brantley requested a cab to the area of Brunswick Avenue and Sanford Street. Brantley allegedly robbed the drivers of their wallets and money once they arrived at his intended destination in south Trenton, police said. In a third incident, Brantley took the driver’s wallet during the ride and fled the taxi on foot. The driver gave chas…
Camden Man Dies Of Injuries From Trenton Shooting: Prosecutor Camden Man Dies Of Injuries From Trenton Shooting: Prosecutor
Camden Man Dies Of Injuries From Trenton Shooting: Prosecutor A 23-year-old man from Camden died a day after being wounded in a July 2 shooting in Trenton, authorities said on Monday, July 15. Capriest Ruiz was shot early that morning on Euclid Avenue, according to the Mercer County Prosecutor's Office The murder remains under investigation. No arrests had been made. Anyone with information about the fatal shooting is urged to call the prosecutor’s Mercer County Homicide Task Force at 609-989-6406.
Father Shot Dead Trying To Save Children During 'Horrific' Trenton Carjacking, Mayor Says Father Shot Dead Trying To Save Children During 'Horrific' Trenton Carjacking, Mayor Says
Father Shot Dead Trying To Save Children During 'Horrific' Trenton Carjacking, Mayor Says A father was shot dead while trying to save his two children from a carjacking on Friday night, July 12 in Trenton, the mayor confirmed. "A young father lost his life in a senseless act of violence, leaving his two minor children witnesses to this horrific event,'' Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora said in a press statement. At about 10:20 p.m., police responded to an overturned vehicle near Garfield and Farragut avenues, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo Onofri said. There was a white Durango with one male victim inside and two children, he said. The victim, identified as Johny Emmanuel Cruz…
Navy Vet From Trenton, Briana Navarreto, Dies Suddenly In Florida, 27 Navy Vet From Trenton, Briana Navarreto, Dies Suddenly In Florida, 27
Navy Vet From Trenton, Briana Navarreto, Dies Suddenly In Florida, 27 A highly decorated Navy veteran from New Jersey will be buried with military honors after her sudden death in Florida, according to an obituary published by Brenna Funeral Home.  A lifelong Trenton resident most recently of Tampa, FL, Briana Lee "Beezy" Navarreto died on Saturday, July 6, her obituary said. She was 27 years old. A GoFundMe campaign has been started to bring her body, dog and vehicle back from Florida and cover funeral expenses. Victoria Berrios of Trenton is organizing the fundraiser. "We also need to make arrangements for packing up the home she owned and bringi…
DWI Driver Strikes Trenton Pedestrian, Rams 3 Cars Before Flipping: Police DWI Driver Strikes Trenton Pedestrian, Rams 3 Cars Before Flipping: Police
DWI Driver Strikes Trenton Pedestrian, Rams 3 Cars Before Flipping: Police A suspected drunken driver plowed through three cars and struck a pedestrian in Trenton, authorities said. The chain reaction collision occurred at about 2:20 a.m. Tuesday, July 9 at 1120 S. Broad St., Trenton police said. Diogenes Martinez Ramirez, 46, of Trenton, was later charged with driving while intoxicated, assault by auto, reckless driving and other moving violations, police said. As Trenton Police Officer Michael Cruse and Officer Maria Herrera-Corcuera approached Liberty Street on South Broad Street they observed a 2020 Toyota Rav4 recklessly heading into their lane from the onco…