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Public Safety

Mysterious Drones Are Flying Over North Jersey: What We Know Mysterious Drones Are Flying Over North Jersey: What We Know
Mysterious Drones Are Flying Over North Jersey: What We Know Authorities in North Jersey are investigating reports of drone activity observed by law enforcement, they said on Tuesday, Nov. 19. The drones posed no known threat to public safety, Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll said. Following the announcement, residents in other areas reported seeing the drones. Residents are urged to stay cautious about misinformation online.  “We encourage the public to be mindful that what they read online may not be accurate,” officials said. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact their local police department directly. …
NJ Youth Soccer Coach Admits To Sexually Exploiting Players, Prosecutors Say NJ Youth Soccer Coach Admits To Sexually Exploiting Players, Prosecutors Say
NJ 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…
Air Quality Levels Improve, 3,000-Acre Wildfire Still Raging In West Milford Air Quality Levels Improve, 3,000-Acre Wildfire Still Raging In West Milford
Air Quality Levels Improve, 3,000-Acre Wildfire Still Raging In West Milford A sprawling wildfire, now covering 3,000 acres, continues to burn through West Milford Monday, Nov. 11, however, air quality levels across the region have improved. The Jennings Creek Wildfire threatens 24 structures across both New Jersey and New York, including two homes in New Jersey, eight historic buildings in the Long Pond Ironworks Historic District, and 14 structures on East Shore Road in Greenwood Lake, NY, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said. As of the latest update, the fire is only 10% contained, prompting officials to close East Shore and Beech Roads, along with all tr…
2,500-Acre Jennings Creek Wildfire Continues To Burn, Cannonball 3 Wildfire Mostly Contained 2,500-Acre Jennings Creek Wildfire Continues To Burn, Cannonball 3 Wildfire Mostly Contained
2,500-Acre Jennings Creek Wildfire Continues To Burn, Cannonball 3 Wildfire Mostly Contained A massive wildfire spanning 2,500 acres is burning through West Milford, NJ, and into Orange County, NY, threatening homes and historic sites as firefighters battle to contain it.  Known as the Jennings Creek Wildfire, the blaze has put two residential buildings in New Jersey and 14 structures on East Shore Road in New York at risk, along with eight historic buildings in the Long Pond Ironworks Historic District, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said in the latest update Sunday morning, Nov. 10. Good Morning West Milford, Today Forest Fire will begin back burn operations in the …
18-Year-Old Parks Worker Dies Battling Wildfire At Sterling Forest 18-Year-Old Parks Worker Dies Battling Wildfire At Sterling Forest
18-Year-Old 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. Click here for a new, updated story - 18-Year-Old Killed In Wildfire At Sterling Forest Remembered As HS Baseball Standout 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 Jersey. He's been identified as 18-year-old Dariel Vasquez, police said. Vasquez suffered fatal injuries after a tree fell, according to the New York Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Pr…
Wildfire Smoke Blankets North Jersey As Pompton Lakes Blaze Grows To 100 Acres Wildfire Smoke Blankets North Jersey As Pompton Lakes Blaze Grows To 100 Acres
Wildfire Smoke Blankets North Jersey As Pompton Lakes Blaze Grows To 100 Acres Residents across North Jersey are facing worsening air quality due to smoke from a major wildfire burning in Pompton Lakes.  UPDATE: Unhealthy Air Quality Levels Reported In North Jersey As New 1,800-Acre Wildfire Rages Smoke from the Pompton Lakes wildfire. North Jersey Video Service or NJVS Dubbed the "Cannonball 3 Wildfire," the blaze has expanded to 100 acres with no containment, as per the latest update from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. By late Friday night, Nov. 8, smoke from the raging Passaic County wildfire drifted as far as Fair Lawn, Hackensack, New Milfo…
'Be Better Dude:' Fed-Up NJ Resident Calls Out Morris County Smoker Amid NJ Wildfires 'Be Better Dude:' Fed-Up NJ Resident Calls Out Morris County Smoker Amid NJ Wildfires
'Be Better Dude:' Fed-Up NJ Resident Calls Out Morris County Smoker Amid NJ Wildfires As wildfires continue to rage in Morris County, patience is wearing thin. A Morris County wildfire that residents say was caused by fireworks set off on Halloween night had spread to nearly 140 acres last week as the state continues to be hit with a drought of more than a month. The wildfire occurred at The Craigmeur Lookout near Notch Road in Rockaway Township. Several farms in the area had  to to evacuate their animals for the second time this month, following the Microwave Wildfire last month. One Redditor had enough, in the thread "To the guy in the white Acura…
'Deranged' Man Attacks Nanny, Curses At Kids In Hoboken Park On Halloween: Police, Campaign 'Deranged' Man Attacks Nanny, Curses At Kids In Hoboken Park On Halloween: Police, Campaign
'Deranged' Man Attacks Nanny, Curses At Kids In Hoboken Park On Halloween: Police, Campaign A 31-year-old man was arrested after police say he was cursing at children and then attacked a nanny in a Hoboken park on Thursday, Oct. 31, Halloween, according to police and the nanny's family. Officers were called to Church Square Park around 12:30 p.m. where a man later identified Troy Timberlake had been cursing at children and elderly people, Hoboken City spokeswoman Marci Rubin. Timberlake then began hitting people, including a woman identified by a local family on a GoFundMe campaign as "B." "A deranged man assaulted her in broad daylight in front of many people and kids," the…
7-Year-Old Hospitalized After Costume Catches Fire While Trick-or-Treating: Lambertville PD 7-Year-Old Hospitalized After Costume Catches Fire While Trick-or-Treating: Lambertville PD
7-Year-Old Hospitalized After Costume Catches Fire While Trick-or-Treating: Lambertville PD A 7-year-old girl sustained burn injuries after her costume caught fire on Halloween in Lambertville, authorities said. At 8 p.m., the girl was trick or treating on North Union Street with her parents when she walked up a flight of steps to a house for candy, when her costume made contact with a lit candle lining the steps and caught on fire, Lambertville police said. A resident, who was also trick or treating with their child, saw what was happening and patted out the flames with hands, police said. The child was attended to by neighbors and the homeowner until officers arrived, along wit…
Three Boys Alert Morris County Firefighters To Two-Alarm Blaze: FD Three Boys Alert Morris County Firefighters To Two-Alarm Blaze: FD
Three Boys Alert Morris County Firefighters To Two-Alarm Blaze: FD Some quick thinking young men alerted firefighters to what became a two-alarm fire in Morris County on Friday, Oct. 25, authorities said. At 3:10 p.m., firefighters were alerted to a fire in the White Meadow Lake section of Rockaway Township by three boys, the Rockaway Township Fire Department said. Firefighters confirmed a second fire and swiftly upgraded it to a second alarm, requesting additional units to assist with fighting the blaze, fire authorities said The fire was knocked down around 5 p.m., firefighters said. Parsippany Rescue and Recovery Unit was requested and assisted with sa…
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…
Hudson County Officer In Deadly Secaucus Crash Won't Be Indicted: AG (VIDEO) Hudson County Officer In Deadly Secaucus Crash Won't Be Indicted: AG (VIDEO)
Hudson County Officer In Deadly Secaucus Crash Won't Be Indicted: AG (Video) A state grand jury declined to file criminal charges in the death of motorcyclist who was fleeing police in Secaucus in August 2023, authorities said. On Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023, Hudson County Sheriff Officer Andrew Conti attempted to stop a motorcycle, operated by Reymis Geronimo-Segura, a 28-year-old North Bergen resident, for motor vehicle violations, State Attorney General Matthew Platkin said (click here for bodyworn camera footage of the incident). Conti observed the motorcycle in the area of Paul Amico Way and Seaview Drive, Platkin said.  Conti followed the motorcycle on Count…
Videos Show Crowds Waiting For Trump Hours Ahead Of PA Visit, Major Traffic Delays Could Follow Videos Show Crowds Waiting For Trump Hours Ahead Of PA Visit, Major Traffic Delays Could Follow
Videos Show Crowds Waiting For Trump Hours Ahead Of PA Visit, Major Traffic Delays Could Follow Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump won't be in Reading for another eight hours or so, but crowds of people are already lining up to see him. Trump will be holding a campaign rally at Santander Arena Wednesday, Oct. 9 at 8 p.m. (scroll for traffic impacts). Videos posted to X show the crowds waiting outside of the area. Big line in Reading, PA to see President Trump more than eight hours before he’s scheduled to speak tonight.Reading is a Latino-majority city.Trump is scheduled to speak in Scranton earlier today. pic.twitter.com/1npqA8yIjI — Daniel Baldwin (@baldwin_daniel_) …
NJ Man, 45, Who Took Upskirt Photos Of Females 13 To 57 Released: Police NJ Man, 45, Who Took Upskirt Photos Of Females 13 To 57 Released: Police
NJ Man, 45, Who Took Upskirt Photos Of Females 13 To 57 Released: Police A 45-year-old Passaic County man is facing charges after police say he was caught taking upskirt photos underneath females' skirts and dresses in a Morris County store. Christopher Smith, of Ringwood, was seen in a Hanover business using his cell phone to record underneath the victims' skirts and dresses, police said.   He then would place his cell phone in a handbasket facing up, and then, he would hold the handbasket low to the ground, walk up behind his victims, and record up their skirt or dress, police said.  The store’s loss prevention assisted in identifying the victi…
Man In NJ Police Station Calls 9-1-1 Over Scented Candle — And It Didn't Stop There, Cops Say Man In NJ Police Station Calls 9-1-1 Over Scented Candle — And It Didn't Stop There, Cops Say
Man In NJ Police Station Calls 9-1-1 Over Scented Candle — And It Didn't Stop There, Cops Say A 34-year-old Hudson County man was jailed after police said he walked into a local police station and called 9-1-1 over a scented candle, and continued with similar behavior until he was jailed later that day, police said. Alfredo Gonzalez, of Guttenberg, waltzed into the police station on Wednesday, Oct. 2 to speak with officials from the public safety office, Guttenberg police said. While inside, Gonzalez expressed concern over the lighting of a scented candle, police said. Gonzalez then called the county's emergency dispatch line, requesting North Hudson Regional Fire & Rescue to th…
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…
Would-Be Jumper Hospitalized After Closing Lanes Of George Washington Bridge (UPDATE) Would-Be Jumper Hospitalized After Closing Lanes Of George Washington Bridge (UPDATE)
Would-Be Jumper Hospitalized After Closing Lanes Of George Washington Bridge (Update) A would-be George Washington Bridge jumper was hospitalized Tuesday night, Sept. 24, after bringing traffic along the bridge to a halt, authorities said. A spokesperson for the Port Authority Police Department confirmed the investigation but not have any further information as of 7:40 p.m. Wednesday morning, a spokesperson said that the incident was reported at 5:42 p.m. near the 179th Street ramp in the westbound lanes. All lanes along the ramp were closed. The man was removed and taken to a local hospital, the PAPD said. Traffic resumed at 7:24 p.m.
Driver Crossed Double Yellow Lines In Sussex County Crash, Police Seek Help Tracking Them Down Driver Crossed Double Yellow Lines In Sussex County Crash, Police Seek Help Tracking Them Down
Driver Crossed Double Yellow Lines In Sussex County Crash, Police Seek Help Tracking Them Down Police in Hopatcong are seeking the public’s help in a hit-and-run crash investigation. The Hopatcong Police Department said the incident happened near 130 Dupont Ave. around 7:40 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13. The vehicle was trying to pass another motorist when they crossed over the double yellow line and hit a moving car and three parked cars, the HPD said.  The involved vehicle is believed to be a blue sedan with heavy front-end damage and missing part of the passenger side front bumper. The car was last seen traveling down Dupont Avenue towards Crescent Road, police said. Police ar…
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 Huge Wildfire Near Jersey Shore Neighborhood: Investigators Campfire Accidentally Sparked Huge Wildfire Near Jersey Shore Neighborhood: Investigators
Campfire Accidentally Sparked Huge Wildfire Near Jersey Shore Neighborhood: Investigators 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…
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!" …
Three Vehicles Stolen In Phillipsburg: Police Three Vehicles Stolen In Phillipsburg: Police
Three Vehicles Stolen In Phillipsburg: Police Police in Phillipsburg said they are investigating after three vehicles were stolen in the past week. In all three incidents, the vehicles were unlocked, and the keys were left inside, Phillipsburg police said. Officers are asking the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. "Please be sure to protect your belongings and remember to lock your doors," police said. "Remove any and all valuables from your vehicle. Try to park in a well-lit, populated area and always remove your keys."
Woman Charged For Breaking Into Tiger Enclosure At NJ Zoo, Police Say Woman Charged For Breaking Into Tiger Enclosure At NJ Zoo, Police Say
Woman Charged For Breaking Into Tiger Enclosure At NJ 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…
Irvington Man, Garfield Woman Busted for Having Sex In Public: Newark PD Irvington Man, Garfield Woman Busted for Having Sex In Public: Newark PD
Irvington Man, Garfield Woman Busted for Having Sex In Public: Newark PD A 44-year-old Garfield woman and a 39-year-old Irvington man were recently arrested for having sex in public multiple times in Newark, authorities said. Melissa Barrett and Christopher Turner were arrested following multiple acts of lewdness that occurred between February 2024 and August 2024, Newark Public Safety Director Fritz Fragé said. On Sunday, Feb. 24, at 8:30 a.m., two juveniles reported they observed a man and woman having sex in public on the 200 block of Ferry Street, Fragé said. A photo of the couple having sex was provided to police, Fragé said. On Thursday, July 25, at 5:12…
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…
Franklin Man Fired Gunshots Onto Neighbor's Property: Police Franklin Man Fired Gunshots Onto Neighbor's Property: Police
Franklin Man Fired Gunshots Onto Neighbor's Property: Police A 52-year-old Franklin man was arrested on Saturday, July 27, after he fired gunshots that damaged his neighbor's property, authorities said. Officers arrived on Corkhill Road and determined Kevin Kaye was intoxicated when he was handling the rifle, causing damage to his neighbor's fence, above-ground pool, children's clubhouse and garage, Franklin Borough police said.  The residents and their children were in the yard and swimming pool at the time shots were fired, police said. Kaye was charged with multiple weapons offenses, endangering the welfare of others, criminal mischief and o…
Wanted NJ Child Abuser Busted With Police Uniform, Handcuffs In NY Traffic Stop, Cops Say Wanted NJ Child Abuser Busted With Police Uniform, Handcuffs In NY Traffic Stop, Cops Say
Wanted NJ Child Abuser Busted With Police Uniform, Handcuffs In NY Traffic Stop, Cops Say A man who had been wanted out of New Jersey on child abuse charges was arrested in a New York traffic stop last week, when authorities found him with police uniforms and handcuffs, they said. Joseph Zuziela, 43, of Branchburg, NJ, was stopped in Oceanside, NY on Thursday night, Aug. 8. Somerset County Prosecutor's Fugitive Task Force Unit Nassau County Police said officers stopped Zuziela’s vehicle at around 11:45 p.m. near Merrick and Oceanside roads. Inside, they reportedly found a trove of law enforcement paraphernalia, including police uniforms, handcuffs, a gold badge, brass knu…
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…
Dump Truck Overturns In Sussex County, Driver Hospitalized: Fire Department Dump Truck Overturns In Sussex County, Driver Hospitalized: Fire Department
Dump Truck Overturns In Sussex County, Driver Hospitalized: Fire Department A person was hospitalized after they were trapped in an overturned dump truck Sussex County on Tuesday, Aug. 6, authorities said. At 3:02 p.m., first responders were dispatched to Route 15 southbound in Sparta Township and found a dump truck overturned with a driver trapped, the Sparta Township Fire Department said.  Sparta Township Fire Department The driver was out of the truck by the time first responders arrived and was treated and transported to a nearby hospital, firefighters said. Firefighters worked to secure the scene and eventually up righted the truck, authorities said.
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…