18-Year-Old State Parks Worker Dies Battling Wildfire At Sterling Forest 18-Year-Old State Parks Worker Dies Battling Wildfire At Sterling Forest
18-Year-Old State 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. 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 Jetsey. He's been identified as 18-year-old Dariel Vasquez, police said. According to a statement by the neighboring Town of Warwick, he was a volunteer. The town said that by 9 p.m. Saturday "local emergency responders as well as the NY and NJ state park Rangers are confident the fire will not spread to any homes within …
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…
Paterson Woman Charged With Attempted Murder In Early-Morning Stabbing: Prosecutor Paterson Woman Charged With Attempted Murder In Early-Morning Stabbing: Prosecutor
Paterson Woman Charged With Attempted Murder In Early-Morning Stabbing: Prosecutor An early morning stabbing on Saturday, Nov. 9 in Paterson left a local woman injured and led to the arrest of a 37-year-old suspect, authorities said.  Officers found the 54-year-old victim suffering from multiple stab wounds at Park Avenue around 3:20 a.m., Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes said. Quadasia Pierce was identified as the suspected assailant following an investigation, Valdes said. She was found near the scene shortly after the stabbing. She has been charged with First Degree Attempted Murder, Second Degree Aggravated Assault, and additional weapons ch…
Clifton Police Officer Joseph Pichnarcik Dies, 45 Clifton Police Officer Joseph Pichnarcik Dies, 45
Clifton Police Officer Joseph Pichnarcik Dies, 45 The Clifton Police Department is mourning the passing of one of its own, Officer Joseph A. Pichnarcik. Pichnarcik died on Wednesday, Nov. 6, following a brave fight against a long-term illness, according to his department and his obituary on the Allwood Funeral Home website.  Officer Pichnarcik, who served the Clifton community with pride and commitment since joining in 2006, was known for his warm spirit, reliability, and the unwavering support he offered his fellow officers. Before his tenure in Clifton, Officer Pichnarcik served with the Paterson Police Department. Pichnarcik…
Arson Unit Probing Four-Alarm Fire That Displaced 26 Residents In Jersey City Arson Unit Probing Four-Alarm Fire That Displaced 26 Residents In Jersey City
Arson Unit Probing Four-Alarm Fire That Displaced 26 Residents In Jersey City The Hudson County's Regional Arson Task Force is investigating the four-alarm fire that broke out late Friday, Nov. 8 in Jersey City, displacing nine families and affecting a total of 26 residents, authorities said. View this post on Instagram A post shared by HudPost (@hudpost) The fire, which started shortly before 11 p.m., occurred at 3507 Kennedy Boulevard near South Street and initially generated heavy smoke and flames from a ground-level business, quickly spreading to adjacent residential units. Two firefighters sustained minor inj…
VIDEO: Officers Rescue Driver Seconds Before SUV Erupts In Flames On Route 287 VIDEO: Officers Rescue Driver Seconds Before SUV Erupts In Flames On Route 287
Video: Officers Rescue Driver Seconds Before SUV Erupts In Flames On Route 287 Two police officers' quick actions likely saved an unconscious 29-year-old New York driver from a wrecked car on Route 287, just seconds before it burst into flames. The Chevrolet SUV was heading south when he struck a Peterbilt tractor-trailer parked on the right shoulder at 4:20 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19, New Jersey State Police Sgt. Charles Marchan said. "While Mahwah units were responding, dispatch updated that they were receiving additional 9-1-1 calls that the driver was still inside the burning vehicle and that witnesses were unable to extricate the driver," Mahwah Police Capt. Guido…
Bogus US Documents Found On Mexican National Burglarizing Bergen County Homes, Police Say Bogus US Documents Found On Mexican National Burglarizing Bergen County Homes, Police Say
Bogus US Documents Found On Mexican National Burglarizing Bergen County Homes, Police Say A 20-year-old Mexican national was found with a fraudulent Social Security card and U.S. Permanent Resident card after police say he tried breaking into two Bergen County homes while residents were home. Oakland officers responded to a Hillside Avenue around 4:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6, to reports of a break-in, according to Oakland Police Capt. Timothy Keenan. Officers Jake Martin, Michael Didonato, and Karley Greulich found Angel Parra Zaragoza leaving the homeowner’s vehicle and immediately detained him. Investigators determined that Zaragoza had allegedly tried to kick in…
Five Wildfires Rage Across NJ: Here's The Latest Update On Each One Five Wildfires Rage Across NJ: Here's The Latest Update On Each One
Five Wildfires Rage Across NJ: Here's The Latest Update On Each One New Jersey is actively managing five wildfires across multiple counties, sending smoke into surrounding towns and worsening the air quality. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service (NJFFS) continues efforts to contain the flames under a Red Flag Warning issued through Saturday, Nov. 9, by the U.S. National Weather Service.  HIGH Fire Danger Today! A Red Flag Warning is in effect today into this evening as very dry conditions and gusty winds... Posted by US National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly on Friday, November 8, 2024 Here's the updated status for each of the five wi…
Three Arrested After 100+ Grams Of Cocaine Found In Jersey City, Newark: Prosecutor Three Arrested After 100+ Grams Of Cocaine Found In Jersey City, Newark: Prosecutor
Three Arrested After 100+ Grams Of Cocaine Found In Jersey City, Newark: Prosecutor Three men were arrested on Wednesday, Nov. 6, after a search warrant of residences in Jersey City and Newark turned up 100 grams of cocaine and 30 grams of heroin, authorities said.  A months-long narcotics investigation in Jersey City and Newark by the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Task Force led to search warrant at residences on Kensington Avenue in Jersey City and Hunterdon Street in Newark, Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez said. As a result of the search warrant, more than 100 grams of suspected cocaine, more than 30 grams of suspected heroin, and&nbs…
Feds Dismantle Luxury Interstate Car Ring, 7 NJ Men Charged Feds Dismantle Luxury Interstate Car Ring, 7 NJ Men Charged
Feds Dismantle Luxury Interstate Car Ring, 7 NJ Men Charged Eight men, including seven from New Jersey, have been charged in Newark federal court on Thursday, Nov. 7, for their roles in a conspiracy to steal luxury cars and transport them across state lines, authorities said. Arrested were: Ahmad Franks, 24, Shaquan White, 23, Nathan Braswell, 20, Ibn Bellamy, 24, Zamir Wright, 20, all Newark residents, Ryan Bowen, 26, Khyree Lawrence, 20 both East Orange residents and Mohammed Buhari, a 45-year-old Virginia resident. Federal officials detailed the thefts: Audi Q5, Jersey City: On Nov. 5, 2021, a 2021 Audi Q5 was reported stolen in Jersey City…
Newark Man Gets 4+ Years For Distributing Cocaine, Fentanyl: Feds Newark Man Gets 4+ Years For Distributing Cocaine, Fentanyl: Feds
Newark Man Gets 4+ Years For Distributing Cocaine, Fentanyl: Feds A 37-year-old Newark man was sentenced to 4.8 years in prison on Tuesday, Nov. 5,  for distributing cocaine and fentanyl in 2022, authorities said. In December 2022, Carlos Gonzalez and another individual conspired to distribute approximately one kilogram of cocaine and 100 grams of fentanyl and were arrested shortly after arriving at an agreed-upon location in Kearny to complete the sale, US Attorney Phillip Sellinger said.  After their arrests, a search of Gonzalez’s home and an apartment uncovered two loaded firearms, an unloaded firearm, ammunition, drug packaging materials, a…
Newark Man Robbed Pharmacy At Gunpoint: Feds Newark Man Robbed Pharmacy At Gunpoint: Feds
Newark Man Robbed Pharmacy At Gunpoint: Feds A 26-year-old Newark man was arrested and charged on Monday, Nov. 4, with robbing a pharmacy at gunpoint last year, authorities said. On Saturday, Dec. 30, Nariq Petes and an accomplice drove to a pharmacy wearing black masks, US Attorney Phillip Sellinger said. Once inside the pharmacy, Petes brandished a handgun and demanded prescription drugs, Sellinger said. Petes and his conspirator took at least six bottles of prescription medication, Sellinger said. Petes was charged with conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, Hobbs Act robbery and brandishing a weapon, Sellinger said. He faces…
Grenade Discovered In Jersey City Garage Grenade Discovered In Jersey City Garage
Grenade Discovered In Jersey City Garage A grenade was discovered in a garage in Jersey City on the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 6, authorities said. At 11:03 a.m., police were called to Belmont Avenue after a person found the grenade while cleaning out their garage, Kimberly Wallace-Scalfione, a spokeswoman for the mayor's office said. The JCPD’s Emergency Service Unit responded and determined the grenade was real, Wallace-Scalfione said.  ESU determined it was a hollowed-out novelty grenade body, Wallace-Scalfione said. The item was taken back to ESU headquarters, where it was X-rayed and cleared for potential hazards b…
Union City Man Made Sexual Contact With 6-Year-Old: Prosecutor Union City Man Made Sexual Contact With 6-Year-Old: Prosecutor
Union City Man Made Sexual Contact With 6-Year-Old: Prosecutor A 48-year-old Union City man was arrested and charged on Wednesday, Nov. 6 with making sexual contact with a 6-year-ol girl earlier this year, authorities said. Edgar Fernando-Gomez made sexual contact with the girl in May at a residence in Jersey City, Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez said. The victim was known to Fernando-Gomez, authorities said. Fernando-Gomez was charged with sexual contact and endangering the welfare of a child, Suarez said. He was arrested at his residence and transported to the Hudson County Correctional Facility pending his first court appearance, Suarez …
Five Arrested After $7K In Ecstasy, Coke, Heroin, Meth Seized: Essex County Prosecutor Five Arrested After $7K In Ecstasy, Coke, Heroin, Meth Seized: Essex County Prosecutor
Five Arrested After $7K In Ecstasy, Coke, Heroin, Meth Seized: Essex County Prosecutor Five people were arrested after multiple raids in Hudson, Essex and Union counties last month uncovered $7,000 in illegal drugs, authorities said. The raids, which took place Wednesday, Oct. 30 and Thursday, Oct. 31, were the result of a four-month investigation and targeted individuals believed to be involved in the distribution of controlled substances, Essex County Prosecutor Theodore Stephens II said. Recovered in the raids were approximately 27 grams of heroin, 20 vials of cocaine and crack cocaine, 84 Ecstasy pills, Oxycodone and Xanax pills as well as drug packaging paraphernali…
Two Men Smashed Windshields, Tossed Urine At Cops: Jersey City Police Two Men Smashed Windshields, Tossed Urine At Cops: Jersey City Police
Two Men Smashed Windshields, Tossed Urine At Cops: Jersey City Police Two men were arrested and charged on Sunday, Nov. 3 after they smashed six windshields in Jersey City and later threw urine on a cop, authorities said. At 2:45 a.m., officer heard a loud bag and began pursuing two men on foot, quickly apprehending, Isman Coyoy Cahuex, a 20-year-old Newark resident and Isaiah Drouet, a 22-year-old Jersey City resident, Kimberly Wallace-Scalfione, a spokeswoman for the mayor's office said. The two men were observed jumping on top of a North Patrol vehicle damaging the front windshield, Wallace-Scalfione said. In total, approximately 6 vehicles sustained wind…
Guttenberg Man Arrested For Serial 9-1-1 Calls Damaged Apartment Complex: Police Guttenberg Man Arrested For Serial 9-1-1 Calls Damaged Apartment Complex: Police
Guttenberg Man Arrested For Serial 9-1-1 Calls Damaged Apartment Complex: Police A 34-year-old Guttenberg man was arrested and charged for the second time this month, this time with causing thousands of dollars in damage to an apartment complex on Sunday, Oct. 6, authorities said. At 10:54 p.m., officers responded to Galaxy Towers for a report of fire alarms activated and were informed there was a partially dressed man, Alfredo Gonzalez,  running from the 26th floor to the 20th floor, behaving erratically, Guttenberg police said.  Officers made their way to the 26th floor and heard loud screaming and banging, which led them to the 20th floor, police …
Hillside Resident Convicted Of Killing Man After Multiple Drive-By Shootings: Prosecutor Hillside Resident Convicted Of Killing Man After Multiple Drive-By Shootings: Prosecutor
Hillside Resident Convicted Of Killing Man After Multiple Drive-By Shootings: Prosecutor A 23-year-old Hillside man was convicted of first-degree murder on Friday, Nov. 1.  for shooting and eventually killing Quamir Nelson in two different drive-by shootings i 2021. On April 7, 2021, Nelson was sitting in his car when he was shot and critically injured by Justen Couram on the 200 block of Pomona Avenue, Essex County Prosecutor Theodore Stephens, II said. Minutes after the shooting, a vehicle driven by Couram and occupied by three other individuals was stopped by Newark police, Stephens said. Officers discovered a weapon that was later determined to have been used in t…
Landing Gear Fails Mid-Flight, Plane Skids Off Runway At Essex County Airport In Fairfield: PD Landing Gear Fails Mid-Flight, Plane Skids Off Runway At Essex County Airport In Fairfield: PD
Landing Gear Fails Mid-Flight, Plane Skids Off Runway At Essex County Airport In Fairfield: PD A plane carrying two people skidded off the runway at the Essex County Airport on Wednesday evening, Nov. 6 after its landing gear failed, Fairfield police said. The flight began at Essex County Airport but was cut short about six miles out when the pilot noticed electrical issues, Fairfield Police Chief Anthony Manna said.  The pilot, a 58-year-old Weehawken man, immediately turned back toward the airport, but due to the electrical malfunction, the landing gear failed to deploy, causing the plane to skid off the runway upon landing around 5:35 p.m., according to Manna. The 2011 Baron…
Queens Man Gets 15 Years For Fatally Shooting Jersey City Teen: Prosecutor Queens Man Gets 15 Years For Fatally Shooting Jersey City Teen: Prosecutor
Queens Man Gets 15 Years For Fatally Shooting Jersey City Teen: Prosecutor A 20-year-old Queens resident was sentenced to 15 years in prison in the fatal shooting of a 15-year-old Jersey City boy in 2022. In February 2022, Jersey City police responded to 112 Myrtle Ave. and found Devin Bryant, suffering from a gunshot wound, Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez said. He was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital that evening, Suarez said. Justin Goris was 17 at the time he fatally shot Bryant and was charged as a juvenile before being tried as an adult, Suarez said. He pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter in July, Suarez said.
Girl Critical After Being Shot By Boy At Ridgefield Park Apartment Complex: Prosecutor (UPDATE) Girl Critical After Being Shot By Boy At Ridgefield Park Apartment Complex: Prosecutor (UPDATE)
Girl Critical After Being Shot By Boy At Ridgefield Park Apartment Complex: Prosecutor (Update) A 16-year-old boy has been charged in connection with a shooting that left a 15-year-old in critical condition Wednesday night, Nov. 5 in Ridgefield Park, authorities said. Police called to the garden apartments along Teaneck Road around 7:25 p.m. and found the girl with a gunshot wound to her back, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said. The girl was hospitalized where she remains in critical condition. The 16-year-old boy at the scene was arrested and charged following an investigation that found he had fired the gun. While initial reports said the shooting had been accidental, M…
Newark First Responders Rescue Man From Passaic River: Police Newark First Responders Rescue Man From Passaic River: Police
Newark First Responders Rescue Man From Passaic River: Police A 23-year-old man was rescued after falling into the Passaic River in Newark on Saturday, Nov. 2, authorities said. At 10:22 p.m., first responders went to the Passaic River at Jersey Street and Raymond Boulevard on a call of a man in the water, Newark Public Safety Director Fritz Fragé said. The victim was safely rescued and transported to University Hospital for treatment, Fragé said.  He is reportedly in stable condition, Fragé said.
NJ Dad Who Assaulted Officer, Son Arrested In Jan. 6 Capitol Riot: Feds NJ Dad Who Assaulted Officer, Son Arrested In Jan. 6 Capitol Riot: Feds
NJ Dad Who Assaulted Officer, Son Arrested In Jan. 6 Capitol Riot: Feds A father-son duo from New Jersey has been arrested for their participation in the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol, federal officials announced. Richard Andrews, 72, of Brick, and Keith Andrews, 49, of Howell, were arrested on Oct. 29 in New Jersey, the U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Columbia in a press release. Richard and Keith Andrews attended the "Stop the Steal" rally at the Ellipse in Washington, D.C., before proceeding to the restricted Capitol grounds, court documents say. Richard wore a black zip-up jacket, blue tee, and gray knit skull cap, while Keith was d…
Charges Upgraded For Driver 2X Legal Limit After Death Of Jersey Shore Restaurateur: Prosecutor Charges Upgraded For Driver 2X Legal Limit After Death Of Jersey Shore Restaurateur: Prosecutor
Charges Upgraded For Driver 2X Legal Limit After Death Of Jersey Shore Restaurateur: Prosecutor A Seaside Park woman's charges were upgraded when a restaurant owner and well-known fly fisherman died more than a month after a hit-and-run crash. Genell Mcinaw, 50, surrendered to Seaside Heights police on Tuesday, Nov. 5, Ocean County First Assistant Prosecutor Michael Nolan Jr. said in a news release. She was previously charged in the crash that killed Robert Popovics of Seaside Park. Seaside Heights police responded to a report of a man lying in the road near the intersection of Dupont Avenue and the Boulevard at around 9:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 23. Officers found Popovics u…
Man Wanted Out Of Essex County Arrested For Using Counterfeit Cash: Police Man Wanted Out Of Essex County Arrested For Using Counterfeit Cash: Police
Man Wanted Out Of Essex County Arrested For Using Counterfeit Cash: Police A 49-year-old Central Jersey man is facing charges in Bergen County for using counterfeit money at the same business multiple times, said authorities who say they also found him with heroin. Shawn Beeks, of Carteret, passed a counterfeit  $100 bill at a business located in the 500 block of New York Avenue, Lyndhurst Police Detective Lt. Vincent Auteri said. On Oct. 17, Beeks bought $13.29 worth of assorted items using the counterfeit bill. On Oct. 19, Beeks bought $9.37 worth of assorted items using the counterfeit bill. On Oct. 27, Beeks bought $19.54 worth of assorted items using the…
Paterson Pair Were Trying To Kill 46-Year-Old Man In Morning Shooting: Prosecutor Paterson Pair Were Trying To Kill 46-Year-Old Man In Morning Shooting: Prosecutor
Paterson Pair Were Trying To Kill 46-Year-Old Man In Morning Shooting: Prosecutor The two people responsible for a shooting Monday morning, Nov. 4, were arrested less than two hours later, authorities said. Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes said only that Jose Ortiz, 31, and Yesenia Adorno, 43, both of Paterson, were responsible for the shooting of a 46-year-old man that happened at North Main and Arch streets around 8:30 a.m. The victim survived and was hospitalized with injuries. Ortiz and Adorno were identified as suspects and arrested around 10:15 a.m. at North Street and Clinton Street, Valdes said. Ortiz, who was found in possession of an illeg…
Fifth Suspect Captured In NJ Detective's Home Invasion Killing, Prosecutors Say Fifth Suspect Captured In NJ Detective's Home Invasion Killing, Prosecutors Say
Fifth Suspect Captured In NJ Detective's Home Invasion Killing, Prosecutors Say A fifth person has been arrested in the violent home invasion that killed a Cumberland County detective, authorities said. Byron Thomas of Paulsboro was charged with two counts of first-degree murder among other offenses, the Cape May County Prosecutor's Office said in a news release on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Sgt. Monica Mosley, a detective sergeant with the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office, was shot and killed in her Bridgeton home late at night on Tuesday, Oct. 15. Nyshawn Mutcherson, 29, of Vineland; Jarred Brown, 31, of Bridgeton; and Richard Hawkins Willis, 32, of Gl…
Dogs Mauling Child Shot, Officer Grazed By Bullet At Central Jersey Motel, Prosecutor Says Dogs Mauling Child Shot, Officer Grazed By Bullet At Central Jersey Motel, Prosecutor Says
Dogs Mauling Child Shot, Officer Grazed By Bullet At Central Jersey Motel, Prosecutor Says A police officer and a child were both hospitalized during a harrowing incident at a Central Jersey motel, authorities said. Sayreville police responded to The Knights Inn in Sayreville in response to a distressed family member staying at the motel who called 9-1-1 saying that their family dogs were attacking a 10-year-old boy around 11:20 a.m., Monday, Nov. 4, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone said. Arriving officers saw the dogs attacking a 10-year-old boy. To stop the attack upon the child, the officers shot the dogs, and in the process, an officer was struck and superfici…
Newark Burglar Wanted In Bergen County Luxury Car Theft Ring Captured, Police Say Newark Burglar Wanted In Bergen County Luxury Car Theft Ring Captured, Police Say
Newark Burglar Wanted In Bergen County Luxury Car Theft Ring Captured, Police Say A Newark man who tried burglarizing homes in part of a luxury car theft ring last spring in Maywood and Rochelle Park was taken into custody last month, police said. Alexander M. Colon, 20, was among two men in face masks who Maywood police said were trying to break into a Maywood home on Wednesday, May 22, around 2:50 a.m., Maywood Police Sgt. William Phayre said. While the residents were on the phone with the 911 operator, Colon and the other man fled in a white Jaguar. Officer Matthew Della Bella was responding to the call when he saw the white Jaguar heading south on Maywood Avenue near…
ID Of Tow Truck Operator Killed By Passing Car On Route 19 Released ID Of Tow Truck Operator Killed By Passing Car On Route 19 Released
ID Of Tow Truck Operator Killed By Passing Car On Route 19 Released A tow truck operator was killed by a passing vehicle on Route 19 over the weekend, authorities said. Manuel Perez, 64, was trying to hook another vehicle to his truck on the southbound side of the highway when he was struck by a Toyota sedan that then struck the tow truck and overturned around 11:40 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 3 at milepost 2-3,  Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes said. Perez was pronounced dead and the driver of the Toyota was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. This investigation is active and ongoing. More information will be released when…