'Apocalyptic:' Smoke From NJ Wildfire Triggers 911 Calls, Sets Off Carbon Monoxide Alarms 'Apocalyptic:' Smoke From NJ Wildfire Triggers 911 Calls, Sets Off Carbon Monoxide Alarms
'Apocalyptic:' Smoke From NJ Wildfire Triggers 911 Calls, Sets Off Carbon Monoxide Alarms Residents across Gloucester County woke up to thick smoke from the 133-acre Pheasant Run wildfire in the Glassboro Wildlife Management Area last week, causing widespread smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to sound off early Friday morning, Nov. 8. The Gloucester County Office of Emergency Management warned that changing wind directions could further affect surrounding communities, including Glassboro, Washington Township, and Williamstown, where local fire departments have been fielding an “unprecedented” number of emergency calls. A TikTok video that shows smoke covering the area is title…
NJ Correctional Officer Seriously Hurt In Parkway Motorcycle Crash With Deer, Campaign Says NJ Correctional Officer Seriously Hurt In Parkway Motorcycle Crash With Deer, Campaign Says
NJ Correctional Officer Seriously Hurt In Parkway Motorcycle Crash With Deer, Campaign Says A senior officer with the New Jersey Department of Corrections suffered serious injuries in a motorcycle crash with a deer on the Garden State Parkway last week, according to a campaign for his recovery and state police. Joel Hernandez, 54, of Fair Lawn, was riding his motorcycle home after work when he collided with a deer on the Garden State Parkway North near milepost 150.7 in Bloomfield, New Jersey State Police Trooper Sgt. Charles Marchan said. A GoFundMe campaign organized by William Sullivan says Hernandez suffered internal bleeding and multiple broken bones, requiring…
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…
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…
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…
Falling Powerline Sparks Morris County Brush Fire, Wildfires Rage Across NJ Falling Powerline Sparks Morris County Brush Fire, Wildfires Rage Across NJ
Falling Powerline Sparks Morris County Brush Fire, Wildfires Rage Across NJ Washington Township Police and Fire Department personnel responded to a large brush fire Friday night, Nov. 8. The blaze, ignited by a downed powerline, was quickly contained and extinguished along West Valley Brook Road, the police department said. With the arrival of cooler weather, officials are reminding residents that the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has issued a total fire ban across the state on both private and public properties.  The ban, imposed due to extremely dry conditions, prohibits the use of fire pits, campfires, or any form of open b…
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…
'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…
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…
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…
Malnourished Dog Adopted By Police In Sussex County Comforts Those In Need: NJSP Malnourished Dog Adopted By Police In Sussex County Comforts Those In Need: NJSP
Malnourished Dog Adopted By Police In Sussex County Comforts Those In Need: Njsp In March, Remo was found by New Jersey State Police in Sussex County, malnourished and desperately in need of care. After two months of rehabilitation from Newton Animal Control, Remo fully recovered and was gifted to state police, where he was adopted by Trooper Ryan Dichiara, state police said. Meet Remo, the rescued pup who’s become a hero in more ways than one! In March 2024, New Jersey State Police Troop “B”... Posted by New Jersey State Police on Thursday, November 7, 2024 "Remo has been a beloved part of our team ever since," state police said. "Not only has Remo boost…
Teen Dirt Bike Operator Remains Critical Following Crash In Hunterdon County: Prosecutor Teen Dirt Bike Operator Remains Critical Following Crash In Hunterdon County: Prosecutor
Teen Dirt Bike Operator Remains Critical Following Crash In Hunterdon County: Prosecutor A 15-year-old remains hospitalized after a dirt bike he was operating crashed into a pickup truck on Thursday, Oct. 17, in Holland Township, authorities said. At 7:05 p.m., Holland Township police and firefighters responded to Milford Warren Glen Road to treat the 15-year-old, the Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office said.  The operator of the dirt bike was transported by helicopter to Leigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest in Allentown and remains in serious condition, authorities said. The dirt bike was not equipped with lights or reflectors, was not intended for use on a r…
Landing Gear Fails Mid-Flight, Plane Skids Off Runway At NJ Airport Landing Gear Fails Mid-Flight, Plane Skids Off Runway At NJ Airport
Landing Gear Fails Mid-Flight, Plane Skids Off Runway At NJ Airport 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…
Crash Shuts Route 202 In Readington Crash Shuts Route 202 In Readington
Crash Shuts Route 202 In Readington All lanes of Route 202 were closed in Readington due to a crash investigation on Wednesday, Nov. 6. The DOT site said it happened around 3:35 p.m. in the northbound lanes near Pleasant Run Road.
Woman Previously Banned From Walmart Busted For Shoplifting: Mt Olive PD Woman Previously Banned From Walmart Busted For Shoplifting: Mt Olive PD
Woman Previously Banned From Walmart Busted For Shoplifting: Mt Olive PD A woman with a history of shoplifting at a Walmart in Mount Olive was arrested again for the same crime on Friday, Nov. 1, authorities said. At 7:21 p.m., officers responded to Walmart for a shoplifter, later identified as Diane Perez-Cortes, a 57-year-old Franklin woman, in custody by loss prevention, Mount Olive police said. Loss prevention said Perez-Cortes was formally banned from all Walmart stores due to previous shoplifting attempts, police said. They observed Ms. Perez-Cortes in the store and watched her conceal multiple items on her person before attempting to exit withou…
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…
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…
Reckless Driver Drove Drunk On Halloween Night: Mt Olive Police Reckless Driver Drove Drunk On Halloween Night: Mt Olive Police
Reckless Driver Drove Drunk On Halloween Night: Mt Olive Police A 29-year-old Hackettstown man was arrested and charged on Halloween night for driving under the influence in Mt. Olive, authorities said. At 8:16 p.m., officers observed a Tesla pickup stopped at the intersection of Rt. 46 and Naughright road past the stop line into the intersection, Mount Olive police. The Tesla, driven by Todd Morici, was in the left lane of travel with its right turn signal activated, police said. As officers spoke with Morici, they detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage and noted that Morici appeared to be impaired, police said. Morici was asked…
Man Driving Porsche Possessed Heroin, Meth: Denville PD Man Driving Porsche Possessed Heroin, Meth: Denville PD
Man Driving Porsche Possessed Heroin, Meth: Denville PD A 38-year-old man was arrested and charged on Saturday, Oct. 26, after he was discovered to be in possession of heroin and methamphetamine in Denville, authorities said. Officers responded to the Sunoco gas station at 161 Route 46 for a report of a man, later identified as Shekeab Shroff, in a silver Porsche impaired, Denville police said. Officers observed the driver pulling out onto Route 46 and soon arrested him for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Shroff was discovered to be in possession of heroin and methamphetamine, police said. He was charged with possession of …
Mexican Restaurant Catches On Fire: Andover Township PD Mexican Restaurant Catches On Fire: Andover Township PD
Mexican Restaurant Catches On Fire: Andover Township PD A Mexican restaurant went up in flames on the early morning of Monday, Nov. 4 in Andover Township, authorities said. At 4 a.m., first responders in Andover Township received multiple calls reporting an active fire at Little Mexico Restaurant at 287 Newton-Sparta Road, Andover Township police said. Newton-Sparta Road was closed for four hours due to the active fire scene, police said. Two other tenants were set to open businesses at the site before the fire, police said. The fire is under investigation by the Andover Township Police Department, Sussex County Fire Marshal and Sussex County P…
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…
Residents Evacuated In Two-Alarm Fire At Florist Shop On Route 46: Mine Hill FD Residents Evacuated In Two-Alarm Fire At Florist Shop On Route 46: Mine Hill FD
Residents Evacuated In Two-Alarm Fire At Florist Shop On Route 46: Mine Hill FD A fire at a florist shop necessitated a second alarm in Morris County on the morning of Saturday, Nov. 2, authorities said. Firefighters responded to a fire at a mixed use occupancy structure on 173 Route 46 and found a fire on the first floor at Party Flower Florist Shop and transmitted a second alarm, with additional units responding to extinguish the blaze, the Mine Hill Township Fire Department said. Multiple residents were reported to be trapped on the second and third floors and were quickly evacuated, firefighters said. There was no word of any injuries.
Boy, Girl Posted Bomb Threat On Social Media: Mt Olive Police Boy, Girl Posted Bomb Threat On Social Media: Mt Olive Police
Boy, Girl Posted Bomb Threat On Social Media: Mt Olive Police A 14-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl were arrested on Friday, Nov. 1 after they posted a bomb threat directed at Mount Olive Middle School last month. Officers were contacted by the Mount Olive Township School District after the threat was discovered, Mount Olive police said. The incident was investigated and it was quickly determined that the posted social media threat was not credible, police said. At no point during the investigation was the safety or security of the students or school facilities compromised, police said. Both teenagers were charged with cyber harassment a…
Officer Kills Knife-Wielding Man In NJ Apartment Complex Stairwell: AG Officer Kills Knife-Wielding Man In NJ Apartment Complex Stairwell: AG
Officer Kills Knife-Wielding Man In NJ Apartment Complex Stairwell: AG A knife-wielding man in the stairwell of an apartment complex in Camden County was shot and killed by a police officer, authorities said. members of the Haddon Township Police Department responded to a 9-1-1 call regarding an attempted burglary in progress at an apartment complex located on West Crystal Lake Avenue in Westmont around 1:05 a.m., New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin said. Shortly after arrival, officers encountered a male in the stairwell armed with a knife. During an interaction in the stairwell, an officer fired his service weapon, striking the male, Platkin said.&nb…