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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…
Snow Forecast Expands In NJ, PA: Here's How Much Snow Is Now Being Predicted Snow Forecast Expands In NJ, PA: Here's How Much Snow Is Now Being Predicted
Snow Forecast Expands In NJ, PA: Here's How Much Snow Is Now Being Predicted A powerful low-pressure system is set to bring more snow and rain to the region than initially predicted, with higher elevations now expected to see significant snowfall by Friday evening, Nov. 22 in parts of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Rainfall amounts have been updated to range from 0.1 to 0.25 inches across much of South Jersey, while northern areas, including Mount Pocono, could see up to 1.5 inches of rain, according to the National Weather Service. In addition to the rain, snow accumulations in higher elevations are expected to be heavier than earlier forecasts: Mount Pocono could no…
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…
Train Operator Dead, 23 Passengers Hurt In NJ Transit Crash With Tree Train Operator Dead, 23 Passengers Hurt In NJ Transit Crash With Tree
Train Operator Dead, 23 Passengers Hurt In NJ Transit Crash With Tree 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. …
Two Men Busted For Selling, Buying Heroin: Hunterdon County Prosecutor Two Men Busted For Selling, Buying Heroin: Hunterdon County Prosecutor
Two Men Busted For Selling, Buying Heroin: Hunterdon County Prosecutor Two men were arrested in Hunterdon County on Tuesday, Sept. 24 after they were observed making a narcotics transaction, authorities said. Lambertville police and the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office’s Narcotics Task Force began investigating earlier this month after receiving reports of suspicious narcotics transactions on George Street, Hunterdon County Prosecutor Renée Robeson and Lambertville Police Department Lt. Robert Brown said. The investigation resulted in the arrests of Carl Decicco, a 33-year-old Lambertville resident and Rayshawn Robbins, a 39-year-o…
Driver, 31, Arrested At Airport After Fleeing To Turkey In Deadly Route 46 Crash: Prosecutor Driver, 31, Arrested At Airport After Fleeing To Turkey In Deadly Route 46 Crash: Prosecutor
Driver, 31, Arrested At Airport After Fleeing To Turkey In Deadly Route 46 Crash: Prosecutor A 31-year-old Wayne man was identified as the driver who struck and killed a pedestrian in Parsippany before fleeing the scene and then trying to flee the country last month, authorities said. Davut Batca was behind the wheel of a Toyota RAV4 when he struck Jelson Cabrera, 35, of Trenton, on Route 46 West near Sandra Drive just before 10 p.m. Monday, Aug. 19, Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll said. Cabrera was taken to Morristown Medical Center where he was pronounced dead, authorities said. Meanwhile, Batca fled the scene and then left the United States for Turkey, the pros…
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.…
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…
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…
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…
DWI Driver Strikes Trenton Pedestrian, Rams 3 Cars Before Flipping: Police DWI Driver Strikes Trenton Pedestrian, Rams 3 Cars Before Flipping: Police
DWI Driver Strikes Trenton Pedestrian, Rams 3 Cars Before Flipping: Police A suspected drunken driver plowed through three cars and struck a pedestrian in Trenton, authorities said. The chain reaction collision occurred at about 2:20 a.m. Tuesday, July 9 at 1120 S. Broad St., Trenton police said. Diogenes Martinez Ramirez, 46, of Trenton, was later charged with driving while intoxicated, assault by auto, reckless driving and other moving violations, police said. As Trenton Police Officer Michael Cruse and Officer Maria Herrera-Corcuera approached Liberty Street on South Broad Street they observed a 2020 Toyota Rav4 recklessly heading into their lane from the onco…
E-Scooter Rider Remains Critical After July Fourth Crash In Trenton (UPDATE) E-Scooter Rider Remains Critical After July Fourth Crash In Trenton (UPDATE)
E-Scooter Rider Remains Critical After July Fourth Crash In Trenton (Update) A teenager remains in critical condition after a July Fourth crash on an electric scooter in Trenton, authorities said. "He is still intubated and critical," Detective Lieutenant Lisette Rios, a Trenton police spokeswoman, said on Monday morning, July 8. The driver of the car that collided with the scooter was not found at fault, Rios said. At approximately 9:50 p.m. on July 4, Trenton police received a call about a collision with injuries at the intersection of Division Street and S. Clinton Avenue, they said.  "Patrol Bureau officers responded to the scene and observed an olde…
NJ Restaurant Owner Preyed On Job Applicant, Sexually Assaulted Others, Authorities Say NJ Restaurant Owner Preyed On Job Applicant, Sexually Assaulted Others, Authorities Say
NJ Restaurant Owner Preyed On Job Applicant, Sexually Assaulted Others, Authorities Say The owner of three restaurants in Trenton has been arrested for multiple sexual assaults including a job applicant, authorities said. Gerald Araya, 44, of Ewing, was arrested in Trenton on Wednesday, June 19, according to Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri, Lawrence Township Police Chief Christopher Longo and Trenton Police Director Steve Wilson.  He is charged with five counts of first-degree aggravated sexual assault, one count of first-degree sexual assault, two counts of second-degree sexual assault, one count of first-degree kidnapping, two counts o…
Killer Who Aimed To 'Flood Streets' Of Trenton With Heroin Gets 17-Year Minimum In Fed Pen Killer Who Aimed To 'Flood Streets' Of Trenton With Heroin Gets 17-Year Minimum In Fed Pen
Killer Who Aimed To 'Flood Streets' Of Trenton With Heroin Gets 17-Year Minimum In Fed Pen 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: Jerome “Righteous" Roberts will have to see his 70th birthday before he can taste freedom again. A convicted killer who aimed to "flood the streets" of Trenton with a "motherlode" of heroin, Roberts, 53, was sentenced this week to what will be a minimum of 17 years in federal prison for his role in a drug ring that once dominated the capital city. Federal jurors had convicted Roberts, of Delran, of drug conspiracy following a three-week trial in Trenton in October 2021. U.S. District Judge Georgette Castner, in turn, sentenced the Bloods gang leader to a 245-month prison sentence t…
Reign Of Terror: NJ Ex-Con Gets 16 Years For Series Of Armed Robberies, Carjackings Reign Of Terror: NJ Ex-Con Gets 16 Years For Series Of Armed Robberies, Carjackings
Reign Of Terror: NJ Ex-Con Gets 16 Years For Series Of Armed Robberies, Carjackings 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: A 25-year-old ex-con from Trenton who’s already served 2½ years in state prison is headed to federal prison for 16 more for a string of gunpoint carjackings and robberies. Joshua M. Perez was one of three armed robbers who commited a Oct. 10 carjacking, another on Dec. 5 and the robbery later than second night of a local gas station, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger said. Surveillance cameras captured video of Perez and two other robbers emerging from a sedan, pointing handguns at occupants of another vehicle, Sellinger said. They then fled with money and cellphones in the victims…
Chainsaw-Wielding Man Shot By Police In Keansburg Chainsaw-Wielding Man Shot By Police In Keansburg
Chainsaw-Wielding Man Shot By Police In Keansburg A man wielding a chainsaw was shot and critically wounded by police sent to his Keansburg home on a welfare check, authorities said. Borough officers who went to the Seabreeze Way home shortly after 1 p.m. on Memorial Day "encountered an adult male civilian who possessed numerous weapons and a running chainsaw," New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin said. "As the male approached officers with the running chainsaw, one officer deployed a [Taser] and another officer fired his service weapon, striking the individual," the attorney general said. on Friday, May 31. Unconfirmed reports wer…
Ex-NJ Boy Scouts Worker, 70, Admits Trafficking Child Porn, Recording Kids In Bathroom: Feds Ex-NJ Boy Scouts Worker, 70, Admits Trafficking Child Porn, Recording Kids In Bathroom: Feds
Ex-NJ Boy Scouts Worker, 70, Admits Trafficking Child Porn, Recording Kids In Bathroom: Feds 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: A 70-year-old former New Jersey Boy Scout camp employee admitted secretly recording videos of children using bathrooms there, federal authorities said.  William Mickel was employed by the Boy Scouts of America in Morris County when he trafficked videos and still images of child sex abuse via email, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger said. Mickel had hundreds of files stored on electronic devices in his Lake Hopatcong home, some of which "depicted children who were surreptitiously recorded using bathrooms in the Boy Scout camps where Mickel worked," Sellinger said.…
STICKY FINGERS: Serial Shoplifter, Others Nabbed In Lyndhurst STICKY FINGERS: Serial Shoplifter, Others Nabbed In Lyndhurst
Sticky Fingers: Serial Shoplifter, Others Nabbed In Lyndhurst A serial shoplifter was among a number of people seized by Lyndhurst police while trying to get away with five-finger discounts. Roger Pencile, 33, of Newark was in a Valley Brook Avenue store when Sgt. Richard Jasinski and Officers Glenn Flora and Robert Litterio, showed up late Saturday morning, May 25, Detective Lt. Vincent Auteri said. Pencile -- who was wanted for three other shoplifting in Lyndhurst -- dropped two large bags full of stolen merchandise and was headed toward the door when they grabbed him, the lieutenant said. He remained held Thursday in the Bergen County Jail on…
Confessed NJ/Philly Sex Trafficker Who Beat, Threatened Victims Gets 10 Years, No Early Release Confessed NJ/Philly Sex Trafficker Who Beat, Threatened Victims Gets 10 Years, No Early Release
Confessed NJ/Philly Sex Trafficker Who Beat, Threatened Victims Gets 10 Years, No Early Release UPDATE: A confessed sex trafficker from Philadelphia was sentenced in federal court in New Jersey to 10 years in prison. Mallie M. Evans, 37, must spend at least 8½ years behind bars before he’ll be eligible for release because there’s no parole in the federal prison system. Evans “recruited and coerced multiple victims” as prostitutes, shuttling them between Philly and Central and South Jersey, U.S. Attorney For New Jersey Philip R. Sellinger said. “Evans used fraud, emotional manipulation, physical violence, and threats of death and bodily injury to coerce the victims into engaging in co…