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Public Safety

'Here's The Real Issue:' 42K Unsettled NJ Residents Join Online Hunt For Answers Behind Drones 'Here's The Real Issue:' 42K Unsettled NJ Residents Join Online Hunt For Answers Behind Drones
'Here's The Real Issue:' 42K Unsettled NJ Residents Join Online Hunt For Answers Behind Drones A Facebook group focused on unraveling the mystery of drones flying over New Jersey has exploded in popularity, growing to more than 42,000 members in just one week. Titled "New Jersey Mystery Drones - Let’s Solve It," the group allows members to share everything from their personal theories, videos, and news articles to their frustrations and discoveries. Despite pressure from politicians and no explanation from government officials, some residents are threatening to shoot the drones down (note, the FAA says shooting down any aircraft is illegal), while others have resigned themselves to t…
Drones In The Sky: NY, NJ Senators Demand Answers From FBI, DHS, FAA Drones In The Sky: NY, NJ Senators Demand Answers From FBI, DHS, FAA
Drones In The Sky: NY, NJ Senators Demand Answers From FBI, DHS, FAA The senators representing New York and New Jersey are demanding answers about the drones that have been spotted flying in the skies of New York and New Jersey this past month. New York Senators, Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and New Jersey Senators Cory Booker and Andy Kim, all Democrats, wrote a letter on Thursday, Dec. 12 to FBI Director Christopher Wray, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and FAA Director Michael Whitaker demanding an immediate briefing on what they are doing to address the issue. "We are...especially concerned about how these drones may …
NJ Transit Banning All Beverages Saturday For SantaCon NJ Transit Banning All Beverages Saturday For SantaCon
NJ Transit Banning All Beverages Saturday For SantaCon If you’re planning to ho-ho-hop on a Metro-North, NJ Transit or LIRR train this SantaCon weekend, leave the spiked eggnog at home — the MTA and NJ Transit are implementing its annual booze ban. In preparation for SantaCon 2024, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has announced a 32-hour alcohol ban across all Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Metro-North Railroad trains and stations. The restriction will take effect at 4 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14, and remain in place until noon on Sunday, Dec. 15, aiming to ensure a safe and smooth ride for all passengers. “Our top priority is …
CEO Murder: How A Hash Brown At McDonald's Ended Manhunt For Luigi Mangione CEO Murder: How A Hash Brown At McDonald's Ended Manhunt For Luigi Mangione
CEO Murder: How A Hash Brown At McDonald's Ended Manhunt For Luigi Mangione The rare times in which Luigi Nicholas Mangione removed his face mask may have been the main reason for his arrest for the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson after a five-day manhunt. Click here for a new, updated story - CEO Murder: Luigi Mangione Notebook Detailing Shooting Plans Revealed, Reports Say In the first instance, Mangione was asked by a receptionist at a hostel in Manhattan's Upper West Side to remove the mask so she could compare his face to the photo on an allegedly fake ID. The 26-year-old Maryland native checked in there 10 days before the targeted shooti…
Drone Sightings Across NJ Prompt Statements From Murphy, Booker Drone Sightings Across NJ Prompt Statements From Murphy, Booker
Drone Sightings Across NJ Prompt Statements From Murphy, Booker Authorities along the East Coast are grappling with a surge in drone sightings, raising security concerns and prompting high-level responses. In New Jersey, residents have reported numerous drone sightings since mid-November, particularly in Morris and Somerset counties, and more than a dozen mayors are calling for investigations. Gov. Phil Murphy is urging residents to report suspicious drone activity to law enforcement and emphasizing the state's commitment to public safety.  "We are actively monitoring the situation and in close coordination with our federal and law enforcement par…
Ivy Leaguer From Prominent Family Officially Charged Overnight With CEO's Murder Ivy Leaguer From Prominent Family Officially Charged Overnight With CEO's Murder
Ivy Leaguer From Prominent Family Officially Charged Overnight With CEO's Murder An Ivy League-educated high school valedictorian from a privileged, politically connected family has been charged with the execution-style murder of the CEO of one of the nation's largest healthcare providers after a days-long manhunt. Click here for a new, updated story - CEO Murder: Whiz Kid Suspect May Have Spiraled After Traumatic Back Surgery New York prosecutors have formally charged 26-year-old Luigi Nicholas Mangione, a native of Towson, Maryland, with the fatal shooting of United Healthcare executive Brian Thompson.  The incident occurred outside the New York Hilton in midt…
New Images Show Suspect Fleeing In Cab After Brazen Targeted Killing Of CEO In Manhattan New Images Show Suspect Fleeing In Cab After Brazen Targeted Killing Of CEO In Manhattan
New Images Show Suspect Fleeing In Cab After Brazen Targeted Killing Of CEO In Manhattan New images released by authorities show the suspect in the brazen targeted killing of the CEO of one of the nation's largest healthcare companies in midtown Manhattan fleeing the crime scene in the back of a taxi cab. Click here for a new, updated story - CEO Murder: 26-Year-Old Being Held In Pennsylvania In Connection To Manhattan Case The NYPD released the latest images early Sunday morning, Dec. 8.  "The full investigative efforts of the NYPD are continuing, and we are asking for the public's help," the NYPD said in a statement accompanying the release of the new i…
Subway Death: Judge Dismisses Manslaughter Charge Against Ex-Marine In NJ Street Artist's Death Subway Death: Judge Dismisses Manslaughter Charge Against Ex-Marine In NJ Street Artist's Death
Subway Death: Judge Dismisses Manslaughter Charge Against Ex-Marine In NJ Street Artist's Death A New York judge dismissed the top criminal count against an ex-Marine accused of choking a New Jersey street artist to death aboard a Manhattan subway after the jury deadlocked. Manhattan Judge Maxwell Wiley granted a defense motion to dismiss the manslaughter charge against Daniel Penny late Friday afternoon, Dec. 6, after jurors were unable to reach a verdict on the top count, NBC News reports. The dismissal came hours after jurors told Wiley they were deadlocked on whether Penny was guilty of second-degree manslaughter and the judge ordered them to continue deliberations.…
'Unexplained Drones' Fly Over Jersey Shore, Adding To Statewide Mystery 'Unexplained Drones' Fly Over Jersey Shore, Adding To Statewide Mystery
'Unexplained Drones' Fly Over Jersey Shore, Adding To Statewide Mystery Drones were spotted flying along the Jersey Shore in the latest mysterious sighting in the Garden State, authorities said. In a Facebook post, the Point Pleasant Beach Police Department said three drones were seen at night on Thursday, Dec. 5. The drones reportedly flew over the town's southern coastline and train tracks. Following protocol from the state police Regional Operations and Intelligence Center, officers notified the appropriate state and federal agencies. "I am working closely with our police department and my law enforcement contacts to determine the origin and purpose of thes…
Photo Released Of People Wanted In Suspicious Wildfire Near South Jersey Sculpture: Troopers Photo Released Of People Wanted In Suspicious Wildfire Near South Jersey Sculpture: Troopers
Photo Released Of People Wanted In Suspicious Wildfire Near South Jersey Sculpture: Troopers Troopers have shared a photo of five people that may be linked to a suspicious wildfire that scorched 40 acres near Hainesport Township’s iconic "Big Rusty" sculpture, authorities said. State police released the photo of what appeared to be five teens or young adults in a Facebook post on Friday, Dec. 6. They were wanted in connection with the Big Rusty Wildfire, which erupted on Monday, Nov. 18, and threatened 20 homes. The wildfire ignited near Bancroft Lane and Cove Court at approximately 4:39 p.m. The surveillance photo showed one person in a red or pink hoodie, another wearing a hoodie…
Trenton Water Works Employee Falsified Data: Mayor Vows Accountability, Assures Water Safety Trenton Water Works Employee Falsified Data: Mayor Vows Accountability, Assures Water Safety
Trenton Water Works Employee Falsified Data: Mayor Vows Accountability, Assures Water Safety A water sample collector for Trenton Water Works falsified drinking water data, prompting swift action and reassurances to the public about the safety of the city’s water supply, officials said. Trenton Water Works is under scrutiny after officials revealed that a water sample collector tampered with drinking water data, violating public trust and leading to immediate action.  The discovery was made in the fall of 2023, according to Mayor W. Reed Gusciora. "This individual’s actions were a clear violation of public trust and are deeply disturbing," Mayor Gusciora said. "TWW immediatel…
Mystery In The Skies: FBI Probing Unexplained Drone Sightings In Three NJ Counties (VIDEO) Mystery In The Skies: FBI Probing Unexplained Drone Sightings In Three NJ Counties (VIDEO)
Mystery In The Skies: FBI Probing Unexplained Drone Sightings In Three NJ Counties (Video) The skies over New Jersey remain a puzzling hotspot for drone sightings as reports continue nearly two weeks after they first emerged, with residents growing increasingly uneasy (scroll for video). On Wednesday, Dec. 4, Warren County officials confirmed they are working with the FBI-Newark, New Jersey State Police, and the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness to monitor, assess, and investigate the unusual activity. This follows a similar announcement from Morris and Somerset counties, where prosecutors, sheriffs, and emergency management offices are coordinating efforts …
ICE's Controversial Plans To Expand NJ Detention Centers Revealed By ACLU ICE's Controversial Plans To Expand NJ Detention Centers Revealed By ACLU
ICE's Controversial Plans To Expand NJ Detention Centers Revealed By ACLU U.S. Immigration and Customers Enforcement( ICE) is exploring plans to expand immigration detention facilities in New Jersey, potentially adding 600 beds across the state, according to documents obtained by the ACLU through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit. The revelations come as concerns mount over President-elect Donald Trump’s promise of a large-scale deportation and detention program. Advocates have criticized the Biden administration for enabling this expansion, warning it could pave the way for sweeping actions against immigrant communities. Two facilities under considerat…
Wildfire Near Large South Jersey Sculpture Deemed Suspicious, State Police Investigating Wildfire Near Large South Jersey Sculpture Deemed Suspicious, State Police Investigating
Wildfire Near Large South Jersey Sculpture Deemed Suspicious, State Police Investigating Troopers were asking for the public's help after a wildfire near a well-known sculpture in Hainesport was ruled suspicious, authorities said. State police have launched an investigation into the Big Rusty Wildfire, troopers said in a Facebook post on Thursday, Nov. 21. The blaze that ignited near Bancroft Lane and Cove Court on Monday, Nov. 18 scorched 40 acres and threatened 20 homes. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service said no evacuations were needed and the wildfire was fully contained by 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 20. Crews have remained on-site to monitor the area for flare-…
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…
South Jersey Man Who Killed GF With Toilet Tank Cover, Belt On Her Birthday Sentenced: Feds South Jersey Man Who Killed GF With Toilet Tank Cover, Belt On Her Birthday Sentenced: Feds
South Jersey Man Who Killed GF With Toilet Tank Cover, Belt On Her Birthday Sentenced: Feds A New Jersey man will spend up to a quarter-century in prison after admitting to brutally killing his girlfriend in a Washington, D.C. hotel, authorities said. William Barrett, 69, of Mount Holly, was sentenced on Friday, Oct. 25 to 25 years in prison, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia said in a news release on Monday, Oct. 28. He was arrested in the killing of 36-year-old Romaine Maddox, a resident of the northeast quadrant of D.C. According to trial evidence, Barrett and Maddox checked into Ivy City Hotel on New York Avenue, Northeast at around 7 p.m. …
Throngs Of Unruly Teens Break Up NJ Haunted Hayride Event, Police Say Throngs Of Unruly Teens Break Up NJ Haunted Hayride Event, Police Say
Throngs Of Unruly Teens Break Up NJ Haunted Hayride Event, Police Say About 200 teens and young adults caused chaos at a PTA-sponsored hayride in Collingswood, authorities said. The large group was dropped off by several vehicles on the outskirts of Knight Park on Saturday, Oct. 19, the Collingswood Police Department said in a Facebook post. The teens and young adults started fighting each other, ran recklessly through the crowd, and cut in line for the Haunted Hayride. Officers at the event broke up the unruly teens and other Camden County police departments were called in to help. "To ensure the safety of those in attendance, the decision was mad…
Family Plans Lawsuit After NJ Transit Train Operator Killed By Fallen Tree Family Plans Lawsuit After NJ Transit Train Operator Killed By Fallen Tree
Family Plans Lawsuit After NJ Transit Train Operator Killed By Fallen Tree The family of the New Jersey Transit train operator killed by a fallen tree is planning to sue several organizations for negligence, an attorney said. Jessica Haley of Levittown, Pennsylvania, was identified as the person who died in the crash, according to a news release from the Anapol Weiss law firm on Thursday, Oct. 15. The single mother of three boys was 41 years old. Haley was operating a River LINE train heading north from Trenton at around 6 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 14. The light rail train struck a tree that had fallen on the tracks south of the Roebling station in Mansfield …
Man, 34, Beaten To Death In New Brunswick Street Fight: Prosecutors Man, 34, Beaten To Death In New Brunswick Street Fight: Prosecutors
Man, 34, Beaten To Death In New Brunswick Street Fight: Prosecutors A New Brunswick man was beaten to death in the city over the weekend, authorities said. Oscar Sanchez, 34, died on Sunday, Oct. 13, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone said in a news release on Tuesday, Oct. 15. New Brunswick police responded to a 911 call on Comstock Street at around 3:03 a.m. Officers found Sanchez unconscious and performed CPR on him. He was rushed to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Investigators said Sanchez had been in a fight and suffered serious injuries. "It has been determined that this i…
Smoke Expected To Linger For Days After NJ Forest Fire Smoke Expected To Linger For Days After NJ Forest Fire
Smoke Expected To Linger For Days After NJ Forest Fire A 30-acre forest fire has been contained, however, smoke could linger across parts of South Jersey for days, fire officials said. The fire broke out on Friday, Oct. 11 along Heath Road in the Tamarac section of Medford Township, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said. It consumed up to 30 acres by the time it was fully contained on Saturday, Oct. 12. "Smoke is expected to remain present until significant rain falls over the fire area," the agency said. "Forest Fire Service staff will remain on scene and continue to monitor control lines and address areas of concern until significant…
Suspect Wanted After Double Shooting Near Rutgers-New Brunswick Campus Suspect Wanted After Double Shooting Near Rutgers-New Brunswick Campus
Suspect Wanted After Double Shooting Near Rutgers-New Brunswick Campus Police were investigating after two men were shot in a New Brunswick neighborhood near the Rutgers University campus, authorities said. Officers responded to the shooting on Jones Avenue between Comstock and Hale streets at around 11:17 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 30, the New Brunswick city government said in a Facebook post. Investigators said two groups were fighting when a suspect from one group fired shots at the other one. Two New Brunswick men, ages 27 and 26, were brought to a nearby hospital. They were expected to survive their injuries. The Rutgers University Police Depar…
RWJ Hospital Worker Arrested In Dangerous Car Rally RWJ Hospital Worker Arrested In Dangerous Car Rally
RWJ Hospital Worker 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…
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 …
Man Exposed Himself To Woman On Rutgers Bus, Police Say Man Exposed Himself To Woman On Rutgers Bus, Police Say
Man Exposed Himself To Woman On Rutgers Bus, Police Say Rutgers University police were looking for a man who flashed a woman on a bus, authorities said. The woman "affiliated" with Rutgers reported the incident happened at around 3:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 23, the university's police department said in a community message. The victim was standing on a bus running on the Livingston Campus in Piscataway. The woman said the man exposed his genitals, "intentionally maintaining direct contact with her clothed buttocks." She confronted the man and he immediately got off the bus on Rockafeller Road. The victim wasn't injured during the incident. …
Four Officers Lauded In Jersey Shore Water Rescues Four Officers Lauded In Jersey Shore Water Rescues
Four Officers Lauded In Jersey Shore Water Rescues Four police officers are being recognized in three separate water rescues at unguarded New Jersey beaches. On Friday, Sept. 13, Seaside Park Class One Officers Dakota Giglio and Bryan Urspruch were conducting a quad patrol near Stockton Avenue Beach when they were flagged down for a swimmer in distress. The swimmer, approximately one hundred feet out in the water, was rescued by Giglio and Urspruch, and later declined medical attention. On Thursday, Sept. 19, Class Two Officer Mason Kinlan and Class One Officer Luke Cox were conducting a quad patrol when they were dispatched…
Naked Man Harassed Women, Touched Himself At South Brunswick Apartment Complex: Police Naked Man Harassed Women, Touched Himself At South Brunswick Apartment Complex: Police
Naked Man Harassed Women, Touched Himself At South Brunswick Apartment Complex: Police Police were looking for a man who had been harassing women while naked in a South Brunswick apartment complex, authorities said. The South Brunswick Police Department said a man has been approaching women at least five times in the parking lot of the Royal Oaks & East Garden Apartment Homes since July. The only article of clothing the suspect wore was a ski mask. Investigators said the man goes up to the women and "aggressively manipulates his waist area." The man has also approached women on a nearby trail. While previous incidents have happened between 11 p.m. and 12:30 a.m., the mos…
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!" …
Woman Critically Injured, Man Arrested In Unprovoked Asbury Park Stabbing: Prosecutors Woman Critically Injured, Man Arrested In Unprovoked Asbury Park Stabbing: Prosecutors
Woman Critically Injured, Man Arrested In Unprovoked Asbury Park Stabbing: Prosecutors An Asbury Park man was accused of critically injuring a woman in an unprovoked stabbing on Labor Day, authorities said. Travis Cavanaugh, 39, was arrested in the case, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago said in a news release on Wednesday, Sept. 4. Asbury Park police responded to the 500 block of Asbury Avenue for a report of a stabbing on Monday, Sept. 2.  Officers found the woman suffering from several stab wounds and bystanders were giving her aid. The woman was rushed to a hospital and she was listed in critical condition. Investigators said …
Early Morning House Fire Breaks Out In South Brunswick, Police Say Early Morning House Fire Breaks Out In South Brunswick, Police Say
Early Morning House Fire Breaks Out In South Brunswick, Police Say A 50-year-old man has been arrested after police say he set his girlfriend's house on fire in South Brunswick. Officers were called to the home at 155 Old Beekman Place by a resident around 3 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3, asking for help making Leonard Jones IV leave the home, South Brunswick Police Chief Raymond Hayducka said. Boyfriend charged with setting fire to girlfriend’s parents home. Three residents escaped the fire.#Arson pic.twitter.com/rtdaS7YJDv — So Brunswick PD (@SoBrunswickPD) September 3, 2024 As officers were responding, a second 9-1-1 call came in, this one saying the …