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Franklin Township Police Department

Remembering Sophia DeTorres, NJ High Schooler Killed On First Day Of School Remembering Sophia DeTorres, NJ High Schooler Killed On First Day Of School
Remembering Sophia DeTorres, NJ High Schooler Killed On First Day Of School Life was only beginning for Sophia DeTorres. The 16-year-old North Hunterdon High School student was a competitive and award-winning dancer of 11 years and had been looking at colleges, preparing for life's next chapter, according to her obituary on the Martin Funeral Home website. Sophia, who also ran cross country and track, visited Boson College, Cornell, and Wake Forest, on her early shortlist, and was hoping to major in psychology "in keeping with her drive to help people," her obituary says. But life was cut short for Sophia on Thursday, Aug. 22, when she was killed in…
One Dead When Car Slams Tree In Somerset County (UPDATE) One Dead When Car Slams Tree In Somerset County (UPDATE)
One Dead When Car Slams Tree In Somerset County (Update) One person was killed in a crash Thursday, May 9 in Franklin Township (Somerset County), authorities confirmed. Firefighters and police were dispatched to the scene at Route 27 near Reler Lane, where a southbound vehicle struck a tree just after 8:05 a.m., Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald said. Police offices, firefighters, and EMS personnel responded to the scene. Due to the extent of the injuries sustained, the victim was pronounced dead at 9:30 a.m.  A section of Route 27 was closed for approximately four hours. The factors that contributed to the crash remain unde…
Sudden Death Of 'MVP' Police Detective Greg Wilson Shakes NJ Town Sudden Death Of 'MVP' Police Detective Greg Wilson Shakes NJ Town
Sudden Death Of 'MVP' Police Detective Greg Wilson Shakes NJ Town The Franklin Township (Somerset County) Police Department is mourning the loss of one of its own. Detective Greg Wilson died on Wednesday evening, Nov. 22, at the Hunterdon Medical Center in Raritan Township, his obituary says. He was 47 years old. “Greg was one of our MVPs,” said Franklin Township Director of Public Safety, Quovella Maeweather. “He is definitely a part of our family and an intricate part of our department. This is a great loss in multiple ways.” Wilson was born on Nov. 15, 1976 in Summit and had been living in Flemington. He started as a patrolman with FTPD…
Shooting Led To Car Crash In Somerset County: Prosecutor Shooting Led To Car Crash In Somerset County: Prosecutor
Shooting Led To Car Crash In Somerset County: Prosecutor Authoritiew in Somerset County are investigating a shooting that resulted in a car crashing. On Tuesday, Oct. 24, at 9:09 p.m., Franklin Township Police officers were dispatched to Matilda Avenue for gunshots fired and a vehicle crash, according to Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald. Upon arrival, officers located a vehicle that crashed into a local business, he said.  A passenger in the vehicle, an adult male Franklin Township resident sustained injuries from the crash and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment with non-life-threateni…
4 Dead In 2 Separate Weekend Crashes In Somerset County 4 Dead In 2 Separate Weekend Crashes In Somerset County
4 Dead In 2 Separate Weekend Crashes In Somerset County Two separate double-fatal accidents left four people dead over the weekend in Somerset County. The first incident was reported on Friday, Aug. 25 just before 1:30 p.m. at the intersection of Main Street and Dukes Parkway East in Manville, Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald said. A 75-year-old Manville woman was heading northbound in the right lane of Main Street in a 2022 Chevrolet Traverse when she ran a red light and struck a 52-year-old East Newark man in a 2018 Mercedes Benz C300 heading eastbound from Dukes Parkway into the shopping center on the northbound side…
Dad Drowns After Saving Three Kids In Somerset County River Dad Drowns After Saving Three Kids In Somerset County River
Dad Drowns After Saving Three Kids In Somerset County River A 42-year-old dad has died a hero. UPDATE: Police ID Dad Who Drowned Saving Kids In Millstone River The South River dad went into the Millstone River and brought his children, ages 8, 11, and 13 to shore, around 2:15 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 2, Franklin Township police said. He, however, struggled to maintain his balance. Thus began a search for the victim, as his children were treated at the scene and released without further medical attention. Members of the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office dive team found the man's body just before 5:30 p.m. His name was being withheld p…
NJ Bus Monitor Charged In Death Of 6-Year-Old With Special Needs: Prosecutor NJ Bus Monitor Charged In Death Of 6-Year-Old With Special Needs: Prosecutor
NJ Bus Monitor Charged In Death Of 6-Year-Old With Special Needs: Prosecutor A New Jersey bus monitor has been arrested following the death of a 6-year-old girl who died during a bus ride this week, authorities said. Amanda Davila, 27, of New Brunswick, has been charged with second-degree Manslaughter, and second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, after fastening the harness of a child's wheelchair too tight, blocking her airway, Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald said. An investigation found that Davila, who was assigned as the school bus monitor, had fastened the girl's 4-point harness that secures her to her wheelchair too "to become tight a…
NJ Track Star Killed In 3-Car Somerset County Crash NJ Track Star Killed In 3-Car Somerset County Crash
NJ Track Star Killed In 3-Car Somerset County Crash Authorities have identified the victim of a fatal Somerset County crash as a 23-year-old high school graduate and track star. Mario Heslop, of New Brunswick, was behind the wheel of a 2013 Infiniti Q50S heading eastbound in the left lane of Hamilton Street when he crossed the centerline around 5:30 p.m. in Franklin Township on Monday, June 19, Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald said. Heslop struck a westbound vehicle in the left lane, at the intersection of Hillcrest Avenue, McDonald said. The second vehicle, driven by a Hillsborough resident, was then struck from the rear by a th…
ATTEMPTED MURDER: NJ Man Shot Car Twice In Road Rage Incident Near 287 Ramp, Prosecutor Says ATTEMPTED MURDER: NJ Man Shot Car Twice In Road Rage Incident Near 287 Ramp, Prosecutor Says
Attempted Murder: NJ Man Shot Car Twice In Road Rage Incident Near 287 Ramp, Prosecutor Says A Somerset County driver has been charged with attempted murder after becoming “irate” and firing two rounds at another vehicle during a road rage incident earlier this month, authorities announced. Gerald S. Chapman, 39, of Ulysses Road in Somerset, was charged with first-degree attempted murder and second-degree possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose, Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald said Tuesday, May 23. Investigators say Chapman “became irate” during a road rage incident on Easton Avenue near the 287 ramp in Franklin Township around 4:50 p.m. on Friday, May 5. …
Somerset County Jewelry Store Robbed At Gunpoint In Broad Daylight: Prosecutor Somerset County Jewelry Store Robbed At Gunpoint In Broad Daylight: Prosecutor
Somerset County Jewelry Store Robbed At Gunpoint In Broad Daylight: Prosecutor Investigators are seeking clues on a gunpoint robbery that occurred at a Somerset County jewelry in broad daylight store earlier this week. The Franklin Township Police Department responded to the call at the unnamed store just after 11:55 p.m. on Monday, May 1, Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald said in a Thursday release. A trio of men allegedly broke the glass front door while a fourth stayed outside in a getaway car. One of the men entered the store wielding a handgun at the workers as the other two men “proceeded to smash the glass display cases and steal an undisclosed amoun…
Brother Of NJ Bank Robber ‘Crazy Mike’ Arrested On Identical Charges: Prosecutor Brother Of NJ Bank Robber ‘Crazy Mike’ Arrested On Identical Charges: Prosecutor
Brother Of NJ Bank Robber ‘Crazy Mike’ Arrested On Identical Charges: Prosecutor The brother of accused Millstone bank robber “Crazy Mike” was arrested on identical charges, authorities announced on Wednesday, April 5. Ryan Gaboff, 37 of Millstone, was charged with second-degree counts of robbery and conspiracy in connection with the robbery of a bank on Route 27 in Franklin Township on Aug. 22, 2022, Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald said in a release. His brother, Michael, nicknamed "Crazy Mike,” evaded police for nearly three months with the help of family members, 66-year-old Alan Gaboff, 60-year-old Sharon Gaboff, and 23-year-old Jesse Gaboff, each of who…
NJ Coach, Teacher Sentenced For Sexual Assault Of Student NJ Coach, Teacher Sentenced For Sexual Assault Of Student
NJ Coach, Teacher Sentenced For Sexual Assault Of Student A former teacher and coach has been sentenced to four years in New Jersey State Prison for sexually assaulting a student, authorities said. Matthew Rennie, 29, of Ringoes, in Hunterdon County, was sentenced on Friday, March 17, according to Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald. Rennie was arrested on Oct. 6, 2021, after a 17-year-old girl reported to Franklin Township Police that she was sexually assaulted by Rennie, who is employed at a private educational institution in Somerset County, McDonald said. McDonald did not name the institution in Franklin Township. The victim dis…
Fentanyl, Cocaine Dealer Busted At NJ Hotel: Prosecutor Fentanyl, Cocaine Dealer Busted At NJ Hotel: Prosecutor
Fentanyl, Cocaine Dealer Busted At NJ Hotel: Prosecutor A 35-year-old man allegedly was busted with a variety of drugs at a Somerset hotel, authorities said. Anthony L. Banks of North Brunswick was charged with numerous drug offenses, according to Franklin Township police and the Somerset County prosecutor. Prosecutor John P. McDonald said Banks' arrest was the result of a two-month investigation of drug deals allegedly taking place at a hotel on Cedar Grove Lane in Somerset. On Monday, Feb. 27, Banks was arrested by Task Force Officers as he exited the unnamed hotel without incident, McDonald said. A warranted search of Banks' hotel room yiel…
Bank Robber Nabbed During Getaway Taxi Ride: Prosecutor Bank Robber Nabbed During Getaway Taxi Ride: Prosecutor
Bank Robber Nabbed During Getaway Taxi Ride: Prosecutor An accused bank robber picked the wrong getaway car, authorities said. A 46-year-old man from Middlesex County allegedly robbed a bank in Somerset County and then used the same taxi cab to flee. Police located the cab in North Brunswick and arrested Ivan M. Baerga Jr. of South Brunswick, according to Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald. The bank was robbed on Thursday, Feb. 9 on Roiute 27 in Franklin Township, McDonald said. The robber passed a note demanding $5,000 cash and left with an unspecified amount of money, he said. No injuries were reported. Baerga was charged with robb…
PSE&G Worker Killed, Suspect Dead In Somerset County: Prosecutor PSE&G Worker Killed, Suspect Dead In Somerset County: Prosecutor
PSE&G Worker Killed, Suspect Dead In Somerset County: Prosecutor An employee at PSE&G was fatally shot before the suspect — a former worker — apparently died by suicide in Somerset County, authorities said. Gary T. Curtis, 58, of Washington, is believed to have shot Russell D. Heller, 51, of Milford, around 7 a.m. at the company's headquarters on Weston Canal Road, Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald said. Emergency Medical Personnel from an area Trauma Center responded to the scene where Heller was pronounced dead. Curtis was found by detectives having suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound around 10:20 a.m., in a parking lot in Bridgewate…
Woman Wakes Up To Find Somerset Man Sexually Assaulting Her: Prosecutor Woman Wakes Up To Find Somerset Man Sexually Assaulting Her: Prosecutor
Woman Wakes Up To Find Somerset Man Sexually Assaulting Her: Prosecutor A 27-year-old Somerset man has been arrested for a sexual assault that happened in June 2022, authorities said. The woman told police she had been drinking alcohol at a Franklin Township home but woke up in a bedroom to find Antonio Galindo-Salazar on top of her on June 19, Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald said. Galindo-Salazar was arrested without incident in Franklin Township and taken to the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office for processing, following an investigation.  He was charged with second-degree sexual assault and lodged in the Somerset County Jail, officia…
Murder Suspect Found At New Brunswick Train Station With Knife: Prosecutor Murder Suspect Found At New Brunswick Train Station With Knife: Prosecutor
Murder Suspect Found At New Brunswick Train Station With Knife: Prosecutor A 24-year-old New York man has been charged in the stabbing death of a 20-year-old man this week in Somerset County, authorities said. Jahkoy Monsanto is facing a first-degree murder charge, and various weapons offenses, in the killing of J’Corey Breedy on Thursday, Sept. 29 in Franklin Township, Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald said. Breedy was found around 12:30 p.m. with a stab wound to his abdomen at a Eugene Avenue home, McDonald said. He was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. Detectives were able to obtain a description and identity of an allege…
MURDER: Charges Upgraded For Ex-Marine In NJ Sports Bar Shooting, Police Say MURDER: Charges Upgraded For Ex-Marine In NJ Sports Bar Shooting, Police Say
Murder: Charges Upgraded For Ex-Marine In NJ Sports Bar Shooting, Police Say Charges against a former US Marine have been upgraded to murder after the victim who he shot in the head outside of a New Jersey sports bar died, authorities confirmed. Walter J. Gilliano, 25, of Franklinville, was initially charged with attempted murder, after he shot 31-year-old Chad Stuart in the head outside of Villari's Sports Bar around 4:45 a.m. Saturday, according to the Franklin Township Police Department. Stuart died on Sept. 27, when he became an organ donor, and Gilliano's charges were subsequently upgraded, police confirmed. According to Gilliano's LinkedIn profile and people…
Horse Dead, Teen Girl Hurt In South Jersey Hit-Run Crash: Police Horse Dead, Teen Girl Hurt In South Jersey Hit-Run Crash: Police
Horse Dead, Teen Girl Hurt In South Jersey Hit-Run Crash: Police A horse was killed and its 14-year-old rider hurt in a hit-and-run crash in Gloucester County, authorities said. The crash occurred at about 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 13 on Monroeville Road in Franklin Township, police said. A girl from Sicklerville was riding along the westbound shoulder when they were struck by an unidentified older-model, light-colored pickup truck, police said. A 21-year-old man from Camden was riding a second horse but was not hurt. The truck also was traveling westbound.  The girl was taken to Cooper Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries.  The…
NJ Murder Suspect Who Dumped Body In Woods Nabbed In Philadelphia: Prosecutor NJ Murder Suspect Who Dumped Body In Woods Nabbed In Philadelphia: Prosecutor
NJ Murder Suspect Who Dumped Body In Woods Nabbed In Philadelphia: Prosecutor A man who shot his victim and then apparently dumped his victim's body in a wooded area of Central Jersey was captured nearly two years later in Philadelphia, authorities announced. Juaquan S. Fitzgerald, 33, has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of Duane S. Banks, 27, whose body was found in a wooded area in Franklin Township on April 29, 2020, Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald said.  Banks' body was found in a wooded area toward the back of a home near Park Street around 6:40 p.m. that day, police said. The medical examiner's office rule…
Some Details Released In Death Of 2-Year-Old Pulled From Hot Car In NJ Some Details Released In Death Of 2-Year-Old Pulled From Hot Car In NJ
Some Details Released In Death Of 2-Year-Old Pulled From Hot Car In NJ Authorities have disclosed some details surrounding the death of a 2-year-old girl pulled from a hot car Tuesday, Aug. 30. An off-duty firefighter and neighbor was performing CPR on the toddler when authorities arrived at the scene on Summerall Road in Franklin Township around 2:20 p.m., Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald said. Officers assisted in life-saving measures until Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital ALS and BLS medics arrived and took over. The girl was pronounced deceased at the scene. It was not clear exactly how long the girl had been in the car. The circumstan…
Motorcyclist Robs Somerset County Bank Motorcyclist Robs Somerset County Bank
Motorcyclist Robs Somerset County Bank Authorities in Somerset County are looking for a bank robber who demanded money from multiple tellers then fled on a motorcycle. The incident happened around 2:05 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 22 at the Chase Bank on Route 27 in Franklin Park, Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald said. The bank tellers ultimately turned over an undisclosed amount of cash to the male based on his demands and he subsequently fled the store on a motorcycle. The male suspect was described as approximately 5’6” wearing black shoes, black pants, black shirt, black mask and a black motorcycle helmet and goggle…
Woman Escapes Hour-Long Hotel Hostage Situation With Kids In Room: Somerset Prosecutor Woman Escapes Hour-Long Hotel Hostage Situation With Kids In Room: Somerset Prosecutor
Woman Escapes Hour-Long Hotel Hostage Situation With Kids In Room: Somerset Prosecutor A 39-year-old Georgia man was drunk when he became angry and held woman at gunpoint for nearly an hour in a Central Jersey hotel room in front of her children, then shot her, authorities said. The victim, 37, was ultimately able to escape from Eder Gelin with gunshot wounds to her foot and hip, as he chased her from a room at a World's Fair Drive hotel in Franklin Township around 1:25 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 21, Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald said. Gelin, who knew the victim, was arrested and charged with attempted murder, kidnapping, weapon possession and child endangerment …
Two Hospitalized Following Hunterdon County Rollover Crash Two Hospitalized Following Hunterdon County Rollover Crash
Two Hospitalized Following Hunterdon County Rollover Crash Two victims were hospitalized following a rollover crash in Hunterdon County, authorities said. The Quakertown Fire Company responded to the wreck near Lower Landsdown and Sidney Road in Franklin Township around 3:30 p.m. on Monday, August 8, the department said. Crew members worked to rescue the two trapped victims while mitigating on-scene hazards. ALSO SEE: One Dead, 2 More Hurt As Car Carrier Runs Red Light, Hits Van At Hunterdon County Intersection The victims were safely extricated and taken to Hunterdon Medical Center for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries, the fire depart…
Gas Station Fight Leads To Attempted Murder Charge For Somerset Man: Prosecutor Gas Station Fight Leads To Attempted Murder Charge For Somerset Man: Prosecutor
Gas Station Fight Leads To Attempted Murder Charge For Somerset Man: Prosecutor A 32-year-old Somerset man has been charged with attempted murder when a gas station fight turned into a stabbing last month, authorities said. After Matthew B. Hall and the victim shoved each other, Hall went to his car at some point during the 12:30 a.m. argument in Franklin Township to get a weapon on July 23, Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald said. Hall tried hitting the victim with the weapon, and the victim tried to drive away, but was followed by Hall, McDonald said. Hall apparently stabbed the victim while sitting at a traffic light at Demott Lane and Easton…
Motorcyclist Killed In Central Jersey Crash Was Aspiring Mechanic Motorcyclist Killed In Central Jersey Crash Was Aspiring Mechanic
Motorcyclist Killed In Central Jersey Crash Was Aspiring Mechanic Nelisson De La Rosa was just more than a year out of high school and had a bright future ahead of him, those who knew him said. He was an aspiring mechanic and, no matter the circumstance, had a positive attitude. The 19-year-old Franklin Township resident died in a Somerset crash Wednesday, July 20, leaving his single dad to grieve the loss of yet another son.  More than $6,800 had been raised as of Thursday, July 21 on a GoFundMe to help bring his body to the Dominican Republic, where his mother lives. De La Rosa collided with a Toyota Camry turning left on Easton Avenue …
Bomb Threat Unfounded At NJ ShopRite Bomb Threat Unfounded At NJ ShopRite
Bomb Threat Unfounded At NJ ShopRite A bomb threat made at New Jersey ShopRite Wednesday, July 20 was unfounded, authorities said. Officers were called to the supermarket on Elizabeth Avenue in Somerset just before 1 p.m., Franklin Township police said. A K-9 officer from the Middlesex County Sheriff's Office also responded to the store to help with the search, and no suspicious packages or items were discovered. Anyone having information regarding the incident is asked to contact the Franklin Township Police Department at (732)873-5533.
Driver Wanted On Warrants Leads Route 202 Pursuit-Crash: Prosecutor Driver Wanted On Warrants Leads Route 202 Pursuit-Crash: Prosecutor
Driver Wanted On Warrants Leads Route 202 Pursuit-Crash: Prosecutor A 25-year-old woman wanted on warrants out of multiple Central Jersey towns arrested for leading a Route 202 police pursuit before crashing, authorities said. Police tried stopping Jerrie Lee Williams, of Bound Brook, around 11:05 p.m. in Branchburg when they noticed she had an expired registration, Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald said. Williams failed to stop when signaled by the officer activating his emergency police lights and siren, McDonald said. Instead, she fled on Holland Brook Road at a high rate of speed.  The officer deactivated his police emergency l…
Bridgewater Motorcyclist, 43, Killed In Crash With Pickup Truck Bridgewater Motorcyclist, 43, Killed In Crash With Pickup Truck
Bridgewater Motorcyclist, 43, Killed In Crash With Pickup Truck A 43-year-old motorcyclist from Bridgewater was killed in a crash with a pickup truck, authorities confirmed. Luis Ruiz was riding a 2014 Harley Davidson northbound on Canal Road near Elm Street in Franklin when he collided with a 2019 Ford F250 pickup truck heading southbound around 8:25 p.m. on Monday, June 6, township police said. Ruiz was treated at the scene before being taken to a local trauma center, where he was pronounced dead around 9:40 p.m. Princeton resident Octaviano Chavez, 56, was behind the wheel of the truck, which was towing an enclosed trailer, authorities said. Canal …
UPDATE: Missing Somerset County Woman, 29, Found Safe UPDATE: Missing Somerset County Woman, 29, Found Safe
Update: Missing Somerset County Woman, 29, Found Safe UPDATE: Dover has been located and is safe, authorities confirmed. --------------------------- Seen her? Authorities in Somerset County are seeking the public’s help locating an endangered 29-year-old woman who has been missing for more than a week. Shekinah D. Dover, of Franklin Township, was last seen walking on Grove Street towards Main Street in Somerville around 2:45 p.m. on Sunday, May 29, Acting Somerset County Prosecutor Annmarie Taggart said in a release with local officials on Tuesday, June 7. She was reported missing to the Franklin Township police department by her mother arou…
Victim Flown To Trauma Center Following Hunterdon ATV Crash Victim Flown To Trauma Center Following Hunterdon ATV Crash
Victim Flown To Trauma Center Following Hunterdon ATV Crash A victim was flown to a nearby trauma center following an ATV crash in Hunterdon County, authorities said. The Quakertown Fire Company responded to the crash in Franklin Township on Sunday, May 29. Initial reports stated that the accident occurred on Oak Grove Road shortly before 9:40 p.m. A NorthStar medical helicopter was requested to land at Sky Manor Airport to take the victim to a local trauma center for treatment of multiple injuries. Assisting agencies include the Franklin Township Police Department and HMC Paramedics.