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Trenton, NJ

'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…
Trenton Man Sentenced To Life For Violent Carjacking Spree That Seriously Injured 2, Feds Say Trenton Man Sentenced To Life For Violent Carjacking Spree That Seriously Injured 2, Feds Say
Trenton Man Sentenced To Life For Violent Carjacking Spree That Seriously Injured 2, Feds Say A Trenton man will spend the rest of his life in prison nearly seven years after a violent carjacking spree that left two victims with life-altering injuries, authorities said. Cedrick Hodges, 41, received his life sentence in Trenton federal court, New Jersey's U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger said in a news release on Wednesday, Nov. 20. He was found guilty on five counts after a seven-day trial on Thursday, Oct. 24. Sellinger said Hodges "terrorized" Hamilton Township on the night of Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017. "The sentence handed down today will ensure that this violent offender will …
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…
Million-Dollar Winner: Scratch-Off Sold At Trenton Wawa Wins Big Prize Million-Dollar Winner: Scratch-Off Sold At Trenton Wawa Wins Big Prize
Million-Dollar Winner: Scratch-Off Sold At Trenton Wawa Wins Big Prize A scratch-off lottery ticket worth $1 million was purchased at a convenience store in Mercer County, officials said. The $1,000,000 Platinum Payout scratch-off was sold at the Wawa on Flock Road in Trenton, the New Jersey Lottery said in a news release on Monday, Oct. 28. Each ticket costs $20 and the $1 million prize is the game's largest. The winner was bought at the gas station near the intersection with Quakerbridge Road on Thursday, Oct. 24. The $1,000,000 Platinum Payout game started on Saturday, Feb. 3. Out of 7,254,760 printed tickets, one $4 million prize remains. …
$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, 6 Hurt In NJ Transit Crash With Tree In Burlco Train Operator Dead, 6 Hurt In NJ Transit Crash With Tree In Burlco
Train Operator Dead, 6 Hurt In NJ Transit Crash With Tree In Burlco 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…
Man, 19, Wanted In Trenton Teen's Killing Captured, U.S. Marshals Say Man, 19, Wanted In Trenton Teen's Killing Captured, U.S. Marshals Say
Man, 19, Wanted In Trenton Teen's Killing Captured, U.S. Marshals Say A man accused of shooting and killing another teen in Trenton, authorities said. Keisan Simmons, 19, was arrested on Saturday, Sept. 30, the U.S. Marshals Service Philadelphia posted on Twitter. He was wanted in the death of 17-year-old Opium Leverette of Trenton on Sunday, Sept. 22. Police responded to the shooting on the 200 block of Homan Avenue at around 12:32 p.m. Officers gave aid to Leverette after finding him with a gunshot wound to his back. Homan Avenue near the intersection with Parkside Avenue in Trenton, NJ. Google Maps Paramedics rushed Levere…
Repeat Offender Convicted In Trenton Shooting That Paralyzed Man, Prosecutors Say Repeat Offender Convicted In Trenton Shooting That Paralyzed Man, Prosecutors Say
Repeat Offender Convicted In Trenton Shooting That Paralyzed Man, Prosecutors Say A Trenton man was found guilty of shooting and paralyzing another man more than two years ago, authorities said. A jury convicted 40-year-old Henry Hutchinson on all counts on Wednesday, Sept. 25, Acting Mercer County Prosecutor Theresa Hilton said in a news release. He was indicted in a shooting that happened at around 11 p.m. on Saturday, July 16, 2022. Investigators said Hutchinson shot a 38-year-old man twice on the 100 block of Chambers Street. "After the victim fell to the ground, Hutchinson stood over him and shot him a third time," said Hilton. "The victim was rendered a …
Trenton Boy, 17, Killed In Sunday Afternoon Shooting: Prosecutors Trenton Boy, 17, Killed In Sunday Afternoon Shooting: Prosecutors
Trenton Boy, 17, Killed In Sunday Afternoon Shooting: Prosecutors A Trenton teen was killed in a shooting in the capital city's West Ward section, authorities said. Opium Leverette, 17, died in the shooting on Sunday, Sept. 22, Acting Mercer County Prosecutor Theresa Hilton said in a news release.  Police responded to a ShotSpotter activation near the intersection of Parkside and Homan avenues at around 12:32 p.m. Officers gave aid to Leverette after finding him with a gunshot wound to his back.  Paramedics rushed Leverette to Capital Health Regional Medical Center. He was pronounced deceased at …
Trenton Police Sergeant Exposed Himself To Female Officers In Dept. Gym, Lawsuit Claims Trenton Police Sergeant Exposed Himself To Female Officers In Dept. Gym, Lawsuit Claims
Trenton Police Sergeant Exposed Himself To Female Officers In Dept. Gym, Lawsuit Claims A Trenton police sergeant was accused of exposing himself in front of two female officers in the department's gym several times, according to a sexual harassment lawsuit. The two officers filed a civil suit on Friday, Aug. 9 against Sgt. Noel Santiago, accusing him of sexual harassment and other forms of creating a hostile workplace. The officers also claimed the police department didn't properly respond to their allegations against Santiago, who had a supervisory role over them. Daily Voice reached out to the Trenton Police Department to comment on the suit. The department hadn't…
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.…
Trenton Pharmacy Owner, Accounting Professor Who Evaded $1.25M In Taxes Convicted: Feds Trenton Pharmacy Owner, Accounting Professor Who Evaded $1.25M In Taxes Convicted: Feds
Trenton Pharmacy Owner, Accounting Professor Who Evaded $1.25M In Taxes Convicted: Feds A Trenton pharmacy owner was convicted of evading federal income taxes and filing false tax returns, authorities said. Gordian Ndubizu, 69, of Princeton Junction, was found guilty on Thursday, Aug. 15 of four counts of tax evasion and four counts of filing false tax returns, New Jersey's U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger said in a news release. The jury deliberated for about two hours following the four-day trial in federal court. According to court documents and evidence, Nudbizu was an accounting professor at Drexel University and a co-owner of Health Care Pharmacy between the…
Two Men Arrested For Paintball Shooting Spree In Trenton, Police Say Two Men Arrested For Paintball Shooting Spree In Trenton, Police Say
Two Men Arrested For Paintball Shooting Spree In Trenton, Police Say Two men were accused of a series of paintball shootings across Trenton, authorities said. Jamal Crusoe, 24, and Jesse Jones, 20, were arrested in the case, the Trenton Police Department said in a news release on Monday, Aug. 19. Their arrests came after a three-month investigation into the paintball shootings in the city in June. Police received several reports of men hit by paintballs shot from a moving vehicle. In separate incidents, two men were walking on a sidewalk when they were hit and a third was struck while sitting on a porch. Each victim suffered bruises and scrapes. …
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…
Pedestrian Hit By Two Trains, Killed In Central Jersey: NJ Transit Pedestrian Hit By Two Trains, Killed In Central Jersey: NJ Transit
Pedestrian Hit By Two Trains, Killed In Central Jersey: NJ Transit A pedestrian was struck by two trains and killed in West Windsor Township, officials said. The person was hit by a Northeast Corridor train for the New Jersey Transit just west of Princeton Junction Station at around 9:26 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 13, an NJ Transit spokesperson said. Train No. 3825 had left New York Penn Station at 8:12 a.m. and was scheduled to arrive in Trenton at 9:48 a.m. The pedestrian was also struck by an Amtrak train at the same location. None of the 180 passengers or crew members on the NJ Transit train were injured. Northeast C…
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…