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Plainfield, NJ

Person Shot During Facebook Marketplace Robbery: Plainfield PD Person Shot During Facebook Marketplace Robbery: Plainfield PD
Person Shot During Facebook Marketplace Robbery: Plainfield PD A person was shot during a robbery while selling an item through Facebook Marketplace in Plainfield on Monday, Dec. 29, authorities said. At 4:30 p.m., officers responded to Coolidge Street after a 34-year-old said they were attempting to sell an item through Facebook Marketplace, only the meeting was used as a pretext for a robbery, Plainfield police said. As the victim attempted to flee, the suspect shot them, police said. The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries, police said. The investigation remains under investigation, police said.
NJ Substitute Teacher Charged With Child Endangerment At Day Camp: Prosecutor NJ Substitute Teacher Charged With Child Endangerment At Day Camp: Prosecutor
NJ Substitute Teacher Charged With Child Endangerment At Day Camp: Prosecutor A 23-year-old Plainfield resident and substitute teacher was arrested and charged with endangering the welfare of a child, authorities announced Thursday, Aug. 21. Tory James, a substitute teacher at the Queen City Academy Charter School and mentor at the Queen City Mentoring Academy — a “Day Camp” for young women and men of Plainfield — is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and promoting obscene material to a child under the age of 18, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone said. Prosecutors did not say specifically what James did to merit the charges, but said the incide…
Man Killed After Being Struck By Train In Plainfield: Authorities Man Killed After Being Struck By Train In Plainfield: Authorities
Man Killed After Being Struck By Train In Plainfield: Authorities A man was fatally struck by a train in Plainfield on Sunday, Aug. 3, authorities said. At 10 a.m., Raritan Valley train 5515, hit and killed the man in the vicinity of Grant Avenue just west of Plainfield Station, NJ Transit said. The victim has not been identified. No injuries were reported to the 37 customers and crew on board the train, which had departed Newark Penn Station at 9:38 a.m. and was scheduled to arrive at Raritan Station at 10:42 a.m., NJ Transit said. Raritan Valley Line service was temporarily suspended in both directions between Plainfield and Bound Brook stations, NJ Tr…
Plainfield Burglar One Of Four Teens Busted Breaking Into Homes: Police Plainfield Burglar One Of Four Teens Busted Breaking Into Homes: Police
Plainfield Burglar One Of Four Teens Busted Breaking Into Homes: Police Four burglars, three juveniles, were arrested and charged after they tried to break into homes in Marlboro, authorities announced Wednesday, July 30. At 12:05 a.m. on Saturday, July 27, officers responded to a 911 call from a homeowner on Witherspoon Way about people walking up his back patio and attempting to open his rear sliding glass door, Marlboro police said. The burglars fled when the homeowner yelled, leaving the area in a black sedan, police said. Officers received another 911 call from a homeowner on Whipple Way who said people were attempting to make entry into his basement, but …
Plainfield Gunman Charged After Shooting At Pedestrian Outside Business, Prosecutor Says Plainfield Gunman Charged After Shooting At Pedestrian Outside Business, Prosecutor Says
Plainfield Gunman Charged After Shooting At Pedestrian Outside Business, Prosecutor Says A 20-year-old man from Plainfield has been arrested and charged in connection with a shooting outside a business on Route 22 West in Watchung earlier this year, authorities said. Naseem Eure was taken into custody in Plainfield on Monday, June 2, in connection with the incident that occurred around 9:39 p.m. on Monday, March 17, Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald said in a release Monday, July 28. Watchung police responded to a 911 call reporting gunshots at a business on Route 22 West. Officers arrived to find gunshot damage to the building, McDonald said. Investigators say a veh…
SWAT Raid Seizes Machine Gun, Assault Weapons In NJ: Prosecutor SWAT Raid Seizes Machine Gun, Assault Weapons In NJ: Prosecutor
SWAT Raid Seizes Machine Gun, Assault Weapons In NJ: Prosecutor A 29-year-old Willingboro man was arrested and charged after illegal firearms, including a machine gun, were seized from a residence in Plainfield, authorities announced Friday, July 25. A six-month investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies revealed Anthony Rogers sold nearly two dozen illegal firearms, including three assault weapons and one machine gun, Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel and Plainfield Police Director James T. Abney said. Rogers was arrested Tuesday, July 22, during a traffic stop. His passenger, Quaran Hannibal Edwards, a 34-year-old Plainfield resid…
Recent Widow Among Victims ID'd In Deadly NJ Floods Recent Widow Among Victims ID'd In Deadly NJ Floods
Recent Widow Among Victims ID'd In Deadly NJ Floods Two women were killed in Plainfield on Monday, July 14, as fierce storms swept across the state. Lubia Estevez and Forest Whitlock were killed after the vehicle they were in was swept into Cedar Brook during the height of flash flooding Monday, according to reports. Estevez and Whitlock were pronounced dead at the scene, the city said.  Forest Whitlock I’m gone miss you girl 💔 so many great memories….. you definitely was a Active Amazing Grandmother To my children I went to click on your page and all I see is photos of me 🙂 Posted by Renee Hollis on Tuesday, July 15, 2025…
Plainfield, Mountainside Drenched With 6+ Inches: See The Town-By-Town Totals Plainfield, Mountainside Drenched With 6+ Inches: See The Town-By-Town Totals
Plainfield, Mountainside Drenched With 6+ Inches: See The Town-By-Town Totals Overnight storms slammed North and Central Jersey with up to 7 inches of rain, flooding roads, trapping cars, and shutting down major highways by Tuesday, July 15, according to the National Weather Service and emergency alerts. The storm left two people dead in Plainfield, where waters rose quickly, leaving residents trapped in vehicles. The heaviest rainfall came from Oakland (Bergen County), where 7 inches were recorded, followed closely by: Plainfield (Union County): 6.59 inches Mountainside (Union County): 6.35 inches Watchung (Somerset County): 6.51 inches Edison Twp (Middlesex Count…
Officials ID Mom Of Two, 44, Killed By Storms That Swept Through New Jersey Officials ID Mom Of Two, 44, Killed By Storms That Swept Through New Jersey
Officials ID Mom Of Two, 44, Killed By Storms That Swept Through New Jersey Officials have identified the 44-year-old woman killed by storms that swept through New Jersey last week. Diana Ospina, of Middlesex, had pulled over to the side of Greenbrook Road on Thursday, July 3 in North Plainfield, when a large tree and a large portion of the sidewalk uprooted, landing on her 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee, local police said. A GoFundMe launched by Pedro Bessa for Diana's family said she was a mother of two boys, Derek and Jacob. She also leaves behind a loving husband, Robert Ospina. The campaign had raised more than $9,000 as of press time. "Diana’s love for her f…
Plainfield Victim, 25, Killed By Violent Storm Was Coming Home From Work, Campaign Says Plainfield Victim, 25, Killed By Violent Storm Was Coming Home From Work, Campaign Says
Plainfield Victim, 25, Killed By Violent Storm Was Coming Home From Work, Campaign Says Support is pouring in for the family of Bryan Ernesto Valladares, one of the three victims killed during Thursday’s violent thunderstorm in New Jersey/. As of Saturday, July 5, more than $4,400 had been raised on a GoFundMe to help send the 25-year-old Plainfield man's body back to his home country of El Salvador and support his grieving family. Bryan, described as a hard-working young man, was driving home from work around 6:56 p.m. on July 3 when a tree collapsed onto his vehicle, campaign organizer Yoselin Melendez wrote. “Bryan, only 25 years old, tragically lost his life when a tree f…
Plainfield Storm Kills 2 As Tree Crushes Car, Damages Dozens Of Homes (UPDATE) Plainfield Storm Kills 2 As Tree Crushes Car, Damages Dozens Of Homes (UPDATE)
Plainfield Storm Kills 2 As Tree Crushes Car, Damages Dozens Of Homes (Update) A violent thunderstorm that ripped through New Jersey Thursday night, July 3, left three people dead — including a Middlesex woman, a 79-year-old man, and a 25-year-old Plainfield resident — and caused widespread destruction across Union and Somerset counties, officials said. Storm photos in Edison below (scroll for fatal incidents). Yesterday’s strong thunderstorm caused many wires, countless trees, branches and other debris to come down but... Posted by Mayor Sam Joshi on Friday, July 4, 2025 North Plainfield: At around 6:30 p.m., a 44-year-old Middlesex woman was driving a 2018 …
Prolific NJ Soccer Coach, Teacher Joseph Colodne Dies Suddenly, 46 Prolific NJ Soccer Coach, Teacher Joseph Colodne Dies Suddenly, 46
Prolific NJ Soccer Coach, Teacher Joseph Colodne Dies Suddenly, 46 Multiple New Jersey school and soccer communities are mourning the sudden loss of Joseph “Joe” Colodne, a longtime educator and coach known for his passion, mentorship, and heart. Colodne, of Fanwood, died unexpectedly Wednesday, June 18, loved ones announced. He was a history teacher at Plainfield High School and an assistant women’s soccer coach at Kean University. “Joe was so many things,” said Kean women’s soccer head coach Brian Doherty. “A great coach, great mentor, great friend and more than that, just a great person.” “He was more than just a coach in our program. He was an educato…
22 Grams Of Heroin, 6 Handguns, 24 Arrests: Prosecutor Announces Massive Union County Drug Bust 22 Grams Of Heroin, 6 Handguns, 24 Arrests: Prosecutor Announces Massive Union County Drug Bust
22 Grams Of Heroin, 6 Handguns, 24 Arrests: Prosecutor Announces Massive Union County Drug Bust A drug raid in Union County on Thursday, May 29, resulted in the arrest of 24 people and the seizure of illegal drugs, firearms and money, authorities said. Numerous police departments and SWAT teams participated in the raid, which involved 14 search warrants throughout North Jersey,  Union County Prosecutor William  Daniel and Linden Police Chief David Hart said. The raids were part of a comprehensive investigation by the Union County Intelligence and Narcotics Division and the Linden Police Department Narcotics Bureau targeting a drug distribution networ…
Plainfield Man Killed After Car Bursts Into Flames On Route 78: NJSP Plainfield Man Killed After Car Bursts Into Flames On Route 78: NJSP
Plainfield Man Killed After Car Bursts Into Flames On Route 78: Njsp A 49-year-old Plainfield man was killed in a fiery crash on Route 78 on Thursday, May 22, authorities said. At 2:13 a.m., a Hyundai Kona was traveling westbound on Route 78 in Clinton Township when it veered off the roadway to the left, impacted a tree, overturned and was engulfed in flames, Jeffrey Lebron, a spokesman for New Jersey State Police said. The driver, Isaiah Hunter, sustained fatal injuries, Lebron said. The crash remains under investigation, Lebron said.
Plainfield Teacher, 26, Offered To Pay Child For Sex, Feds Say Plainfield Teacher, 26, Offered To Pay Child For Sex, Feds Say
Plainfield Teacher, 26, Offered To Pay Child For Sex, Feds Say A Union County teacher was arrested for possessing child sex abuse images and paying or offering to pay a minor for sex, federal officials announced. Jack Wilder, 26, a Plainfield history teacher who lives in Somerville, was charged with possession of child pornography and two counts of enticement of a minor, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba said on Sunday, May 4. He made his first court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael A. Hammer in Newark federal court and was detained. Wilder had been communicating with a minor victim using a mobile payment app, federal officials said. …
Woman Charged In Fatal Hit, Run That Plainfield Killed Mother Of 3: Prosecutor Woman Charged In Fatal Hit, Run That Plainfield Killed Mother Of 3: Prosecutor
Woman Charged In Fatal Hit, Run That Plainfield Killed Mother Of 3: Prosecutor A 62-year-old Piscataway woman was arrested and charged on Thursday, March 20 for fatally hitting a pedestrian with her car last August and leaving the scene, authorities said. On Friday, Aug. 30, Plainfield police responded the the 400 block of East Front Street and found Jennifer Harris, 65, fatally struck by a vehicle, Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel and Plainfield Police Director James Abney said. Harris was pronounced dead at the scene. An investigation determined Shernice Benbow was the driver and she was apprehended and faces charges of leaving the scene of an accident…
Two Teenagers Intentionally Set Fire At Plainfield Playground: Police Two Teenagers Intentionally Set Fire At Plainfield Playground: Police
Two Teenagers Intentionally Set Fire At Plainfield Playground: Police A 16-year-old and a 17-year-old boy were recently arrested and charged with setting a fire at a Temike Park Playground in Plainfield last October, authorities said. On Wednesday, Oct. 23, officers responded to a report of a fire engulfing the playground, Union County police said. The blaze was extinguished by firefighters, who determined the fire was an act of arson, police said. The structure sustained significant damage, police said. The teenage boys were charged with arson and criminal mischief, police said. They were released to their guardians pending a court appearance, police said.
GUILTY! Plainfield Man Convicted Of Murdering Pregnant Ex-GF: Middlesex County Prosecutor GUILTY! Plainfield Man Convicted Of Murdering Pregnant Ex-GF: Middlesex County Prosecutor
Guilty! Plainfield Man Convicted Of Murdering Pregnant Ex-GF: Middlesex County Prosecutor A 45-year-old Plainfield man was convicted on Thursday, Feb. 6 of murdering his pregnant ex-girlfriend in 2021, authorities said. On Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, Shakir Tyler fatally shot Tayeesa Webb, a 35-year-old Edison resident, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone said. Tyler shot her after confronting her outside her residence, Ciccone said. Tyler was also convicted of unlawful possession of a handgun, Ciccone said. He faces up to life in prison when he is sentenced in May, Ciccone said.
'Quiet, Humble' Teen Dies Days After Weekend Crash In Union County 'Quiet, Humble' Teen Dies Days After Weekend Crash In Union County
'Quiet, Humble' Teen Dies Days After Weekend Crash In Union County Steven Marinero, an 18-year-old Plainfield resident died on Tuesday, Dec. 10 after suffering injuries in a car crash on Saturday, Dec. 7, according to a fundraiser set up to support his family. Marinero, whose photo shows him celebrating graduation from Plainfield High School, was driving eastbound on East 2nd Street when he lost his control of his vehicle and crashed into a parked boat near the intersection, Tapinto reported.  "He was a wonderful brother, son and friend who touched the lives of those around him," Joseline Marinero, who organized the fundraiser wrote.  Joseli…
Students Kept Indoors After Bear Spotted Near Plainfield Schools Students Kept Indoors After Bear Spotted Near Plainfield Schools
Students Kept Indoors After Bear Spotted Near Plainfield Schools A bear was recently spotted near two schools in Plainfield, the district said. The bear was seen near Evergreen Elementary School and Plainfield High School, Plainfield Public Schools said on social media. "Out of caution, we urge all school community members to remain indoors and stay alert," Superintendent Rashon K. Hasan said. "The safety of our students, staff, and community is our top priority. We are closely monitoring the situation and are in communication with local authorities."
Last Look At New Jersey's 12 Congressional Races: Your Guide To The 2024 Election Last Look At New Jersey's 12 Congressional Races: Your Guide To The 2024 Election
Last Look At New Jersey's 12 Congressional Races: Your Guide To The 2024 Election More than 1.9 million people have already cast their vote in New Jersey ahead of the 2024 election. Here's one last look at who's on the ballot in the Garden State's 12 Congressional races, and what you need to know. District 1: All of Camden County, as well as parts of Burlington County and Gloucester County. Teddy Liddell and Donald Norcross. Teddy Liddell for Congress/Donald Norcross Facebook photos Democratic candidate Incumbent Rep. Donald Norcross: A father of three and electrician, Norcross was elected in 2014 having previously served in both the State Senate and Assembly. …
19 NJ Retailers Fined $4,500 For Selling Illegal Flavored Vape Products, AG Says 19 NJ Retailers Fined $4,500 For Selling Illegal Flavored Vape Products, AG Says
19 NJ Retailers Fined $4,500 For Selling Illegal Flavored Vape Products, AG Says Nineteen retailers across New Jersey are facing $4,500 after an investigation found they'd been selling flavored vape products banned in the Garden State, the NJ Attorney General's Office said. All 19 stores were issued a Notice of Violation after they were found to have violated the state's consumer protection laws, AG Matthew Platkin said. The enforcement actions are the result of a Division investigation into unlawful sales of flavored electronic smoking devices and products, including mint, candy, fruit, and chocolate flavors, Platkin said.  The Division launched its investigation…
New Charges Filed Against Former NJ Mayoral Candidate Accused Of Election Fraud: AG New Charges Filed Against Former NJ Mayoral Candidate Accused Of Election Fraud: AG
New Charges Filed Against Former NJ Mayoral Candidate Accused Of Election Fraud: AG A 70-year-old former mayoral candidate town previously accused of election fraud is facing new charges, New Jersey authorities announced Friday, Aug. 23. An indictment returned against Plainfield's former mayoral candidate Dr. Henrilynn Ibezim charges him with tampering with witnesses and informants and trafficking in personal identifying information pertaining to another person, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin said. Ibezim had previously been accused of trying to submit hundreds of bogus voter registration applications to Union County's election officials, and th…
Former Plainfield Recreation Director Killed In I-287 Crash: 'A Real Straight-Up Guy' Former Plainfield Recreation Director Killed In I-287 Crash: 'A Real Straight-Up Guy'
Former Plainfield Recreation Director Killed In I-287 Crash: 'A Real Straight-Up Guy' A Plainfield man was killed in a crash on Interstate 287 in Piscataway, authorities said. David Wynn, 68, died in the wreck on I-287 South on Thursday, Aug. 15, a state police spokesperson said. Troopers responded to the crash near milepost 8.8 at around 8:24 p.m. Investigators said Wynn was driving a Chevrolet vehicle when he crashed into the back of a trailer hauled by a Chevrolet pickup. Wynn's vehicle went off the highway and hit several trees. Wynn was a former director for Plainfield's parks and recreation department, according to a city council agenda and his Facebook page. Those w…
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…
Police ID Drowning Victim At Dangerous NJ Lake As 18-Year-Old Trespasser Police ID Drowning Victim At Dangerous NJ Lake As 18-Year-Old Trespasser
Police ID Drowning Victim At Dangerous NJ Lake As 18-Year-Old Trespasser A teen swimmer has died after being pulled from a notoriously dangerous and privately owned lake in Manchester Township. Victor Arias-Peralta, 18, of Perth Amboy drowned at Crystal Lake on Monday, July 29, the Manchester Township Police Department said in a news release.  Investigators said Arias-Peralta was with a group that trespassed on the Heritage Mineral property at around 6 p.m. Arias-Peralta and a friend tried to swim across the lake when Arias-Peralta suffered from "severe fatigue" and became distressed about 20 yards from the shore. Friends…
Kids Sexually Assaulted In NJ Church Bathroom, Police Say Kids Sexually Assaulted In NJ Church Bathroom, Police Say
Kids Sexually Assaulted In NJ Church Bathroom, Police Say A 68-year-old Plainfield man has been charged with sexually assaulting two minors in a church in North Plainfield last month, authorities said. On Sunday, June 23, at 4:38 p.m., police responded to a 9-1-1 call reporting a sexual assault of a minor earlier that day, Somerset County Prosecutor John McDonald, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of County Detectives Francisco Roman Jr., and North Plainfield Chief of Police William Parenti said.  Pierre Joseph, the suspect, was detained at the church while they awaited police, authorities said While Joseph was transported for questi…
Plainfield Man Gets 20+ For Fatal Shooting: Prosecutor Plainfield Man Gets 20+ For Fatal Shooting: Prosecutor
Plainfield Man Gets 20+ For Fatal Shooting: Prosecutor A 34-year-old Plainfield man was sentenced to 23 years in state prison on Thursday, May 16, for fatally shooting a man in 2022, authorities said. At 4 p.m. on March 11, Plainfield police responded to Johnston Avenue and East 2nd Street and found Eric Williams, a 50-year-old Plainfield resident hit with multiple gunshot wounds, Union County Prosecutor William Daniel and Plainfield Police Director James Abney said. He was transported to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead, authorities said. Haneef Welch was sentenced after pleading guilty to aggravated manslaughter, autho…
Plainfield Man Gets 40 Years For Strangling Girlfriend: Prosecutor Plainfield Man Gets 40 Years For Strangling Girlfriend: Prosecutor
Plainfield Man Gets 40 Years For Strangling Girlfriend: Prosecutor A 24-year-old Plainfield man was sentenced to 40 years in prison on Wednesday, May 15, for strangling his 19-year-old girlfriend to death in 2020, authorities said. On July 6, 2020, Plainfield police conducted a welfare check and found the body of 19-year-old Brenda Montoya-Cruz, Union County Prosecutor William Daniel and Plainfield Police Director James T. Abney said.  Bryan Gonzales-Martinez was convicted of first-degree murder last June, authorities said. He must serve 85% of his sentence before he is eligible for parole, authorities said. 
Union County Lottery Player Wins $1K/Week For Life Union County Lottery Player Wins $1K/Week For Life
Union County Lottery Player Wins $1K/Week For Life A lottery player in Union County is going to be reaping the benefits of his prize for the rest of his life. A CASH4LIFE ticket matched the five white balls in the Thursday, May 16 drawing, winning $1,000 a week for life. The ticket was sold at Quick Stop Convenience in Plainfield. 
Plainfield Man Sentenced For DWI Crash That Injured Seven: Somerset County Prosecutor Plainfield Man Sentenced For DWI Crash That Injured Seven: Somerset County Prosecutor
Plainfield Man Sentenced For DWI Crash That Injured Seven: Somerset County Prosecutor A 24-year-old Plainfield man was sentenced to five years in prison on Friday, May 10, for a DUI crash that left seven people injured last June. Jose Cruz Villanueva-Izaguirre was behind the wheel of a 2004 Honda Civic and collided with a Kia Sedona after driving at high speed through a red light on June 11, 2023, at 2:09 a.m., Somerset County Prosecutor John McDonald said. Villanueva-Izaguirre, as well as his passengers — two adults and a teen — were seriously injured in the crash, authorities said. One passenger was found unresponsive in the back seat, suffering from near-fatal i…