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Public Safety

Wildfire Near Large South Jersey Sculpture Deemed Suspicious, State Police Investigating Wildfire Near Large South Jersey Sculpture Deemed Suspicious, State Police Investigating
Wildfire Near Large South Jersey Sculpture Deemed Suspicious, State Police Investigating Troopers were asking for the public's help after a wildfire near a well-known sculpture in Hainesport was ruled suspicious, authorities said. State police have launched an investigation into the Big Rusty Wildfire, troopers said in a Facebook post on Thursday, Nov. 21. The blaze that ignited near Bancroft Lane and Cove Court on Monday, Nov. 18 scorched 40 acres and threatened 20 homes. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service said no evacuations were needed and the wildfire was fully contained by 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 20. Crews have remained on-site to monitor the area for flare-…
Jersey Shore Youth Soccer Coach Admits To Sexually Exploiting Players, Prosecutors Say Jersey Shore Youth Soccer Coach Admits To Sexually Exploiting Players, Prosecutors Say
Jersey Shore Youth Soccer Coach Admits To Sexually Exploiting Players, Prosecutors Say A Union Beach youth soccer coach admitted to molesting two players and sending sexual pictures to several others, authorities said. Ryan Gunsauls, 33, pleaded guilty during a hearing in superior court, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago said in a news release on Monday, Nov. 18. The investigation began in May when a teen reported Gunsauls had asked for and shared sexually explicit material through a social media app. As the case developed, eight additional victims between 11 and 17 years old were identified. Gunsauls was held in the Monmouth County Correctional Institution an…
Atlantic City Man Who Threatened Ex-GF With Her Gun Sentenced, Prosecutors Say Atlantic City Man Who Threatened Ex-GF With Her Gun Sentenced, Prosecutors Say
Atlantic City Man Who Threatened Ex-GF With Her Gun Sentenced, Prosecutors Say An Atlantic City man will spend up to half a decade in prison for threatening his ex-girlfriend with her gun, authorities said. Dennis Bell, 39, was sentenced to five years in state prison for second-degree unlawful possession of a handgun, the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office said in a news release on Monday, Nov. 18. Egg Harbor Township police responded to a domestic dispute at a home on Leap Street on Monday, Feb. 12. The caller said her ex-boyfriend had a gun. Officers found Bell in a bedroom being held down by the couple's underage son. Bell told police he came to the home to …
South Jersey Man Who Killed GF With Toilet Tank Cover, Belt On Her Birthday Sentenced: Feds South Jersey Man Who Killed GF With Toilet Tank Cover, Belt On Her Birthday Sentenced: Feds
South Jersey Man Who Killed GF With Toilet Tank Cover, Belt On Her Birthday Sentenced: Feds A New Jersey man will spend up to a quarter-century in prison after admitting to brutally killing his girlfriend in a Washington, D.C. hotel, authorities said. William Barrett, 69, of Mount Holly, was sentenced on Friday, Oct. 25 to 25 years in prison, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia said in a news release on Monday, Oct. 28. He was arrested in the killing of 36-year-old Romaine Maddox, a resident of the northeast quadrant of D.C. According to trial evidence, Barrett and Maddox checked into Ivy City Hotel on New York Avenue, Northeast at around 7 p.m. …
Throngs Of Unruly Teens Break Up NJ Haunted Hayride Event, Police Say Throngs Of Unruly Teens Break Up NJ Haunted Hayride Event, Police Say
Throngs Of Unruly Teens Break Up NJ Haunted Hayride Event, Police Say About 200 teens and young adults caused chaos at a PTA-sponsored hayride in Collingswood, authorities said. The large group was dropped off by several vehicles on the outskirts of Knight Park on Saturday, Oct. 19, the Collingswood Police Department said in a Facebook post. The teens and young adults started fighting each other, ran recklessly through the crowd, and cut in line for the Haunted Hayride. Officers at the event broke up the unruly teens and other Camden County police departments were called in to help. "To ensure the safety of those in attendance, the decision was mad…
Family Plans Lawsuit After NJ Transit Train Operator Killed By Fallen Tree Family Plans Lawsuit After NJ Transit Train Operator Killed By Fallen Tree
Family Plans Lawsuit After NJ Transit Train Operator Killed By Fallen Tree The family of the New Jersey Transit train operator killed by a fallen tree is planning to sue several organizations for negligence, an attorney said. Jessica Haley of Levittown, Pennsylvania, was identified as the person who died in the crash, according to a news release from the Anapol Weiss law firm on Thursday, Oct. 15. The single mother of three boys was 41 years old. Haley was operating a River LINE train heading north from Trenton at around 6 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 14. The light rail train struck a tree that had fallen on the tracks south of the Roebling station in Mansfield …
Smoke Expected To Linger For Days After NJ Forest Fire Smoke Expected To Linger For Days After NJ Forest Fire
Smoke Expected To Linger For Days After NJ Forest Fire A 30-acre forest fire has been contained, however, smoke could linger across parts of South Jersey for days, fire officials said. The fire broke out on Friday, Oct. 11 along Heath Road in the Tamarac section of Medford Township, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said. It consumed up to 30 acres by the time it was fully contained on Saturday, Oct. 12. "Smoke is expected to remain present until significant rain falls over the fire area," the agency said. "Forest Fire Service staff will remain on scene and continue to monitor control lines and address areas of concern until significant…
Thief Wanted For Snatching 83-Year-Old Woman's Purse At Jersey Shore Supermarket Thief Wanted For Snatching 83-Year-Old Woman's Purse At Jersey Shore Supermarket
Thief Wanted For Snatching 83-Year-Old Woman's Purse At Jersey Shore Supermarket Somers Point police were looking for a man who stole an elderly woman's purse at a supermarket, authorities said. Officers responded to the "strong-armed robbery" at the ACME Markets on New Road at around 10:50 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 3, the Somers Point Police Department said in a news release. Investigators said the 83-year-old Somers Point woman was near the grocery store's entrance when she was assaulted from behind and her purse was stolen.  The suspect was described as a younger man wearing a mask and dark clothing. He ran away from the scene towards Bethel Ro…
New Jersey Hospital Worker, Nursing Student Arrested In Dangerous Car Rally New Jersey Hospital Worker, Nursing Student Arrested In Dangerous Car Rally
New Jersey Hospital Worker, Nursing Student Arrested In Dangerous Car Rally An illegal car meetup with fires and a police officer nearly being struck has led to two more arrests — this time of people from outside the Philadelphia suburbs, police announced on Saturday, Sept. 28.  Alexis Boyce, 20 of Englishtown, NJ, turned herself into Philadelphia Police at 600 Arch Street at 11:15 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 27, and Albert Woynar, 18 of Pittsburgh, was arrested by Pennsylvania State Troopers later that day, Philadelphia Police detailed in the release. Both were wanted in connection with a 50-car meetup in the 7400 block of Bustleton Avenue on Saturday, Se…
Four Officers Lauded In Jersey Shore Water Rescues Four Officers Lauded In Jersey Shore Water Rescues
Four Officers Lauded In Jersey Shore Water Rescues Four police officers are being recognized in three separate water rescues at unguarded New Jersey beaches. On Friday, Sept. 13, Seaside Park Class One Officers Dakota Giglio and Bryan Urspruch were conducting a quad patrol near Stockton Avenue Beach when they were flagged down for a swimmer in distress. The swimmer, approximately one hundred feet out in the water, was rescued by Giglio and Urspruch, and later declined medical attention. On Thursday, Sept. 19, Class Two Officer Mason Kinlan and Class One Officer Luke Cox were conducting a quad patrol when they were dispatched…
Ex-Con Arrested After Manhunt Canceled Classes In Jersey Shore School District: Troopers Ex-Con Arrested After Manhunt Canceled Classes In Jersey Shore School District: Troopers
Ex-Con Arrested After Manhunt Canceled Classes In Jersey Shore School District: Troopers A Cape May Court House man was accused of an armed robbery, sparking an investigation that forced Dennis Township schools to cancel classes, authorities said. Jamar Lovett, 28, was arrested on Tuesday, Sept. 10, a state police spokesperson said. Troopers responded to a shooting report at a home on Kings Highway in Dennis Township at around 5:28 a.m. Investigators said the victim saw two suspects stealing a dirt bike and one male ran away when confronted. The victim reported being shot at when chasing after him. The owner of Tamerlane Campground told the Daily Voice that he c…
PA Man Accused Of Drugging, Assaulting Women He Met On Sugar Daddy Site, DA Says PA Man Accused Of Drugging, Assaulting Women He Met On Sugar Daddy Site, DA Says
PA Man Accused Of Drugging, Assaulting Women He Met On Sugar Daddy Site, DA Says At least six women are known to have been sexually assaulted after going out with a man they met on an online dating site who ended up drugging them, District Attorney Jennifer Schorn and Bristol Township Police Chief Robert Coulton announced on Wednesday, Sept. 11.  Andrew Gallo, 40, of Copper Beech Lane, Bristol Township, was charged with five counts of rape by causing impairment, six counts of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, four counts of strangulation, two counts of selling or furnishing liquor or malt or brewed beverage to minors, and one count each of s…
Campfire Accidentally Sparked Fishers Pit Wildfire In Bayville, Investigators Say Campfire Accidentally Sparked Fishers Pit Wildfire In Bayville, Investigators Say
Campfire Accidentally Sparked Fishers Pit Wildfire In Bayville, Investigators Say An illegal and abandoned campfire started a massive wildfire that burned for three days in Ocean County, authorities said. Investigators determined the wildfire was accidentally started by "an unknown person(s) improperly extinguishing a campfire," Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release on Wednesday, Sept. 11. The roughly 189-acre wildfire burned near Fishers Pit, a sand and gravel pit in the Bayville section of Berkeley Township. In its final update, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said the wildfire was 100 percent contained a…
Police Investigation With Helicopter, K-9s Cancels School In Jersey Shore Township (DEVELOPING) Police Investigation With Helicopter, K-9s Cancels School In Jersey Shore Township (DEVELOPING)
Police Investigation With Helicopter, K-9s Cancels School In Jersey Shore Township (Developing) School was canceled in Dennis Township due to a state police investigation that forced students to stay inside, authorities said. The Dennis Township School District said classes wouldn't be held on Tuesday, Sept. 10 "due to the continued threat in our area" and to keep students and staff safe. The district announced the cancelation in a Facebook post at 9:19 a.m. The township said state police were actively investigating with a helicopter and K-9 units in the South Seaville section of Dennis. "Please be vigilant and keep yourself and property secure," the township said…
Sidewalk Save: Bodycam Footage Shows NJ Officers Saving Choking Baby Sidewalk Save: Bodycam Footage Shows NJ Officers Saving Choking Baby
Sidewalk Save: Bodycam Footage Shows NJ Officers Saving Choking Baby Newly-released body-worn camera footage shows two New Jersey police officers saving a choking baby. Hightstown Officers Daniel Abbatemarco and Kenneth Larsen responded to a call of a choking baby girl on March 31. Upon arrival, they were met by a man holding the girl. Larsen arrived on scene and quickly performed the Infant Heimlich Maneuver on the girl, who was breathing again in a matter of seconds. Meanwhile, Abbatemarco and Larsen comforted the man holding her and a woman crying at the scene. "She's breathing, she's clear," the officers say. "Let's let out a cry sweetheart!" …
Woman Critically Injured, Man Arrested In Unprovoked Asbury Park Stabbing: Prosecutors Woman Critically Injured, Man Arrested In Unprovoked Asbury Park Stabbing: Prosecutors
Woman Critically Injured, Man Arrested In Unprovoked Asbury Park Stabbing: Prosecutors An Asbury Park man was accused of critically injuring a woman in an unprovoked stabbing on Labor Day, authorities said. Travis Cavanaugh, 39, was arrested in the case, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago said in a news release on Wednesday, Sept. 4. Asbury Park police responded to the 500 block of Asbury Avenue for a report of a stabbing on Monday, Sept. 2.  Officers found the woman suffering from several stab wounds and bystanders were giving her aid. The woman was rushed to a hospital and she was listed in critical condition. Investigators said …
BF Set GF's House On Fire After Being Kicked Out In Central Jersey, Police Say BF Set GF's House On Fire After Being Kicked Out In Central Jersey, Police Say
BF Set GF's House On Fire After Being Kicked Out In Central Jersey, Police Say A 50-year-old man has been arrested after police say he set his girlfriend's house on fire in South Brunswick. Officers were called to the home at 155 Old Beekman Place by a resident around 3 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3, asking for help making Leonard Jones IV leave the home, South Brunswick Police Chief Raymond Hayducka said. Boyfriend charged with setting fire to girlfriend’s parents home. Three residents escaped the fire.#Arson pic.twitter.com/rtdaS7YJDv — So Brunswick PD (@SoBrunswickPD) September 3, 2024 As officers were responding, a second 9-1-1 call came in, this one saying the …
Boy, 4, Critical After Near-Drowning In Jersey Shore Swimming Pool: Police Boy, 4, Critical After Near-Drowning In Jersey Shore Swimming Pool: Police
Boy, 4, Critical After Near-Drowning In Jersey Shore Swimming Pool: Police A 4-year-old boy was in critical but stable condition after nearly drowning in a Jersey Shore swimming pool Friday, Aug. 30, authorities said. Berkeley Township Police responded to a home in South Seaside Park on a report that a boy had been removed from a swimming pool and found to unresponsive around 3:30 p.m., Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said. Emergency life-saving techniques were performed on the child. He was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where he is listed in critical but stable condition. The incident is under investigation by the Oce…
Atlantic City Neighborhood Evacuated When ATV Rider Hit Gas Meter, Police Say Atlantic City Neighborhood Evacuated When ATV Rider Hit Gas Meter, Police Say
Atlantic City Neighborhood Evacuated When ATV Rider Hit Gas Meter, Police Say An ATV rider was accused of crashing into a gas meter, forcing residents to evacuate from an Atlantic City neighborhood, authorities said. Laron Wright of Atlantic City was charged with recklessly creating the risk of widespread injury/damage and disorderly conduct, the city's police department said in a news release on Wednesday, Aug. 28. Officers responded to the crash on the 100 block of North Morris Avenue at around 7:49 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 26. Police began evacuating the neighborhood due to a natural gas odor. Investigators said Wright was driving an ATV when he entered an …
Michele Rhodes, 55, ID'd As Woman Who Died At Elizabethtown Fair: Coroner Michele Rhodes, 55, ID'd As Woman Who Died At Elizabethtown Fair: Coroner
Michele Rhodes, 55, ID'd As Woman Who Died At Elizabethtown Fair: Coroner The woman who died following a "medical emergency" at the Elizabethtown Fair on Tuesday, August 20 has been identified by the Lancaster County Coroner's Office.  Michele Rhodes, 55, of Akron, PA, and originally from Mount Holly, NJ, choked to death at the Elizabethtown Fair, Chief Deputy Coroner Eric Bieber explained and as detailed in her obituary posted by Roseboro Stradling Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc., Denver.  Police officers were eating lunch at the fair located at 900 East High Street in Elizabethtown Borough when the incident began at 12:55 p.m. Aug. 20, as Da…
Woman Charged For Breaking Into Tiger Enclosure At South Jersey Zoo, Police Say Woman Charged For Breaking Into Tiger Enclosure At South Jersey Zoo, Police Say
Woman Charged For Breaking Into Tiger Enclosure At South Jersey Zoo, Police Say A Millville woman was accused of hopping a fence at a Bridgeton zoo and trying to pet a Bengal tiger, authorities said. Zyair Dennis, 24, was charged with one count of defiant trespassing, the Bridgeton Police Department said in a news release on Monday, Aug. 26. She was also cited for two violations of city ordinances about people climbing fences at Cohanzick Zoo. Investigators said Dennis went into the restricted area near the zoo's tiger and bear enclosures on Sunday, Aug. 18. Police began investigating after the city's recreation department received video from other …
Boy Airlifted After Stepping On Hot Coals Illegally Dumped On NJ Beach, Officials Say Boy Airlifted After Stepping On Hot Coals Illegally Dumped On NJ Beach, Officials Say
Boy Airlifted After Stepping On Hot Coals Illegally Dumped On NJ Beach, Officials Say A boy was airlifted to a hospital after officials say he stepped on hot coals that had been illegally dumped on a New Jersey beach. Paramedics and EMTs from Sea Bright and Robert Wood Johnson were called to Sandy Hook near Guardian Park, where they found the boy with burns to both feet around 2:45 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 13, Gateway National Recreation Area spokeswoman Daphne Yun said. Witnesses said the child had stepped on hot coals that had been illegally dumped between rocks in the area, Yun said. The child was flown by Hackensack Meridian to a local burn center, and the area wher…
Boat Fire At Marina Sends Thick Smoke Into Sky Over Wildwood: Reports Boat Fire At Marina Sends Thick Smoke Into Sky Over Wildwood: Reports
Boat Fire At Marina Sends Thick Smoke Into Sky Over Wildwood: Reports A large boat caught fire at a marina in Wildwood, according to reports and social media posts. The fire broke out on a 41-foot boat named "Luv-It" at Schooner Island Marina at around 12:45 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 22, CBS Philadelphia reported. The Coast Guard said the boat was docked at the marina's fuel station when the flames sparked. No one was on the boat and no injuries were reported. Firefighters had the blaze put out by around 1:15 p.m. Schooner Island gas dock/boat fire Posted by Michelle Z Derer on Thursday, August 22, 2024 A drone video posted on Facebook by Don…
Intruder Breaks Into Tiger Enclosure, Nearly Gets Bitten At South Jersey Zoo (VIDEO) Intruder Breaks Into Tiger Enclosure, Nearly Gets Bitten At South Jersey Zoo (VIDEO)
Intruder Breaks Into Tiger Enclosure, Nearly Gets Bitten At South Jersey Zoo (Video) Police in South Jersey are seeking the public's help in identifying and locating a woman who hopped the fence at a local zoo to interact with a tiger. Video shared by Bridgeton police on Tuesday, Aug. 20 shows the incident from the tiger exhibit at the Cohanzick Zoo. Officers didn't say when the incident happened. The 16-second clip shows the female putting her hand through wire fencing and trying to pet the tiger. The big cat then appears to try biting the female's hand and starts frantically pacing. The female then backs away from the wiring and climbs back over the wooden fence on the o…
Two More Arrested In Plot To Murder Man In Jackson Township, Prosecutors Say Two More Arrested In Plot To Murder Man In Jackson Township, Prosecutors Say
Two More Arrested In Plot To Murder Man In Jackson Township, Prosecutors Say Two more men were charged in a plot to shoot and kill another man in Jackson Township, authorities said. Noah Phelps of Monroe Township and Glenn Franzson of Jackson Township were arrested, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release on Tuesday, Aug. 20. The two were facing charges in the shooting on Thursday, June 27. Jackson police responded to the shooting report on Larsen Road at around 12:20 a.m. and officers found a 27-year-old man with a gunshot wound to his face. He was treated at Jersey Shore University Medical Center and released from the N…
Police Investigating Two Swatting Incidents Over Weekend Along Jersey Shore Police Investigating Two Swatting Incidents Over Weekend Along Jersey Shore
Police Investigating Two Swatting Incidents Over Weekend Along Jersey Shore Police in Cape May County were investigating two swatting incidents in Avalon, authorities said. County dispatchers received a 911 call from someone who claimed a murder was committed at a home on the 7700 block of Dune Drive in Avalon at around 4:22 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 18, the borough's government said in a Facebook post. The caller also said law enforcement may be killed if they go to the home. Avalon police and the county SWAT team responded to the home and the call turned out to be an instance of "swatting," which is when police are called to the scene of a false crime report. "R…
Popular Sea Isle Taco Shop Gutted By Fire Popular Sea Isle Taco Shop Gutted By Fire
Popular Sea Isle Taco Shop Gutted By Fire A popular Sea Isle restaurant was destroyed by a fire Wednesday, Aug. 14. A Facebook post shared on behalf of Casa Taco owner Victor Loaeza says that the restaurant suffered a roof collapse in the blaze just after 5 p.m. "Sometimes, life takes an unexpected turn, and this time it’s ours to face," the post reads. "The most important thing is that everyone is safe. We can’t thank our fire departments and emergency personnel enough for their quick response and bravery. Your support means more to us than we can express." Conshy Bakery shared footage of the fire. Dozens of patrons commented i…
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…
Why Sergeant Won't Be Charged In Crash That Killed 44-Year-Old Pedestrian: AG (VIDEO) Why Sergeant Won't Be Charged In Crash That Killed 44-Year-Old Pedestrian: AG (VIDEO)
Why Sergeant Won't Be Charged In Crash That Killed 44-Year-Old Pedestrian: AG (Video) Charges will not be filed against a police officer who last November struck and killed a 44-year-old man while on-duty in a patrol car, authorities said. Sgt. Richard Sbarra was on White Horse Pike (Route 30) in the Atco section of Waterford when he hit Christofe “Christopher” Wita, 44, of Berlin on Nov. 23, 2023, NJ Attorney General Matthew Platkin previously said. Bodycam footage and radio transmissions from the incident were released last month. On Monday, Aug. 12, Platkin said Sbarra would not be charged following an investigation by the Office of Public Integrity and Account…
5 Hospitalized In DWI Golf Cart Simulation Crash At Wildwood National Night Out, Police Say 5 Hospitalized In DWI Golf Cart Simulation Crash At Wildwood National Night Out, Police Say
5 Hospitalized In DWI Golf Cart Simulation Crash At Wildwood National Night Out, Police Say Five people were hospitalized in a DWI simulation involving a golf cart operator by a juvenile and an officer at National Night Out in Wildwood on Tuesday, Aug. 6, authorities said. The impaired operator simulation has been running at the annual event for 20 years, Wildwood police said in a news release. During one of the course operations Tuesday evening, a speed-governed cart operated by a juvenile and a Wildwood operator left the enclosed course at Fox Park and struck several people, police said. The City of Wildwood Fire Department was already on scene for the event and immediatel…
Toms River Police Officer Retires After 12 Years Of Public Service, Union Says Toms River Police Officer Retires After 12 Years Of Public Service, Union Says
Toms River Police Officer Retires After 12 Years Of Public Service, Union Says A Toms River police officer is retiring after more than a decade in public service. Officer Brittany Catalano has retired from the Toms River Police Department, the township's Policemen's Benevolent Association (PBA) chapter said in a Facebook post on Tuesday, Aug. 7. She started her career in 2012 as a public safety telecommunicator for the Monmouth County Sheriff's Office and in the same role part-time for Toms River police. Catalano was hired as a full-time police officer by the Cherry Hill Police Department and graduated from the Gloucester County Police Ac…