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Saturday, nov 23
Tag:
Old Bridge, NJ
Obituaries
U.S. Army Vet, Freehold Dad Joseph 'Joey' Black Dies, 30
Shock and sadness spread following the death of Freehold's Joseph "Joey" Black, who passed away on Sunday, Nov. 10 in Jackson, his obituary on the Old Bridge Funeral Home website says. He was 30 years old. Joey proudly served in the US Army from 2014 to 2017, where he was stationed in Korea as a skilled tank operator and member of the Panthers, later receiving an honorable discharge. After his military service, he worked as a trackman for NJ Path Train Union TWU, known for his dedication and camaraderie. A passionate NJ Devils fan, Joey will be remembered as a creative spirit, pa…
Police & Fire
NJ Teen Who Killed Wawa Employee With Truck During Dispute Sentenced, Prosecutors Say
An Old Bridge teen will spend up to a decade in prison for killing a gas station worker in a pickup, authorities said. Bryce Lomas from the township's Parlin section was sentenced on Thursday, Oct. 17 to 10 years in state prison, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone said in a news release. The 18-year-old pleaded guilty to second-degree vehicular homicide and knowingly leaving the scene of a fatal motor vehicle crash resulting in death on Monday, Apr. 22. Old Bridge police responded to a hit-and-run crash report at the Wawa convenience store on Route 34 at around 7:41 a.m. …
Lifestyle
Central Jersey EMTs To Appear On 'Impractical Jokers' In Show's 'Biggest Double Cross'
Some Middlesex County paramedics will help the "Impractical Jokers" pull off a highly anticipated prank on the hit TV show. Old Bridge Township Emergency Medical Services posted on Facebook about their cameo on the TBS show that will air on Thursday, Sept. 26. "Any "Impractical Jokers" fans out there in our community, be sure to check out tonight's midseason finale," the emergency provider wrote. "Your Old Bridge EMS is featured and playing a huge role in helping pull a prank on one of the guys!" The paramedics shared a screenshot from the Instagram account of James Murray, a com…
Police & Fire
DUI Driver Charged In Crash That Killed Motorcyclist, 25, In Middlesex County: Prosecutor
Charges have been filed against a 61-year-old Perth Amboy man in connection with a deadly crash last month, authorities said. Jorge Lopez surrendered to local police on Friday, Sept. 20, and was charged with one count of second-degree vehicular homicide, DUI, and other motor vehicle offenses, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone said. Lopez was behind the wheel of a sedan that struck Michael Fernandez, 25, of Perth Amboy, who was found lying in the roadway at Kamm Road and Convery Boulevard just before 6 p.m. Aug. 23, Ciccone previously said. Fernandez was taken to Robert Wood …
Police & Fire
Two Firefighters Injured, Three Boats Destroyed In Keyport Marina Explosion (
Update
)
Two firefighters were injured and three boats were destroyed after an explosion at a marina in Keyport, officials said. The first call for the fire at Brown's Point Marina came in just after 3 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 9, a Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office spokesperson said. One firefighter was brought to a hospital with minor injuries and released, while the other was treated at the scene. At approximately 15:31 on 9/9/24, the department was requested into Keyport for the Rapid Intervention Team to respond... Posted by Morganville Fire Department on Tuesday, September 10,…
Police & Fire
Three Boats Catch Fire After Explosion At Brown's Point Marina In Keyport (
Developing
)
Crews were responding to three boats on fire after an explosion at a marina in Keyport, officials said. The fire broke out at Brown's Point Marina on Monday, Sept. 9, Keyport's emergency management office said in a Facebook post at 3:53 p.m. Residents were asked to avoid the area near the West Front Street facility. Keyport police said officers first received a call about the fire at around 2:50 p.m. The U.S. Coast Guard, New York City Fire Department (FDNY), the New Jersey State Police's marine unit, and firefighters from other Monmouth County communities were…
Police & Fire
Boat Explosion Launches Victim Into Water At NJ Marina, 2 Injured (
Update
)
Two people were injured in a fiery boat explosion at a New Jersey marina Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 28, police said. The explosion at the Route 35 Raritan Marina in Laurence Harbor caused a 57-year-old Old Bridge resident to be launched into the water, police said. He was rescued by bystanders and airlifted with burns to his face and legs. First responders battle boat fire at Raritan Marina in Old Bridge, New Jersey https://t.co/vX7KGJm5W4 pic.twitter.com/rw9qXFZgPQ — Eyewitness News (@ABC7NY) August 28, 2024 A 47-year-old South Amboy resident suffered blast injuries from gla…
Business
Portnoy Just Reviewed 12 Jersey Shore Pizzerias: How'd He Do?
He calls himself the pizza professional. But is he really? Dave Portnoy's latest One Bite Pizza Review tour across New Jersey has come to an end, with scores of 12 new restaurants set in stone. But Daily Voice wants to know, did the Barstool CEO get it right? Email clevine@dailyvoice.com with your thoughts. Here are the restaurants Portnoy reviewed and their scores. Surf City Pizza (Surf City, NJ): 6.2 BLVD Pizza (Surf City, NJ): 7.9 Martell's (Point Pleasant Beach, NJ): 7.1 Joey Tomato's (Point Pleasant Beach, NJ): 6.9 Nino's Coal Fired Pizza (Brick Township, NJ): 7.4 Za…
Obituaries
Air Force Firefighter, RWJ Paramedic Who Died Of Leukemia Saved First Life At 10
Robert J Conklin III, a New Jersey first responder and Air Force veteran, died on Monday, Aug. 12. He was 39 years old. Robert's mother, Arlene Savarese, said that he died of leukemia. Savarese said her son saved his first life at just 10 years old, when he performed the Heimlich maneuver on his aunt. "The rest of the path was set for him," Savarese said. Robert went on to serve as a firefighter in the United States Air Force, helping to evacuate Afghanistan in 2021. Upon return to the U.S., he continued his work as a volunteer firefighter and as a paramedic for Rober…
Police & Fire
Thief Broke Into Several Businesses, Vehicles In Central Jersey, Police Say
An Old Bridge man was accused of breaking into several businesses and vehicles in Aberdeen, authorities said. Johnathan Ruck II was charged with several burglary and theft offenses, the Aberdeen Township Police Department said in a news release on Monday, Aug. 12. Investigators said Ruck broke into several businesses and vehicles on Route 35 late at night on Wednesday, Aug. 7, and early on Thursday, Aug. 8. Police arrested Ruck at his home and officers found several stolen items inside it. Some items have been returned to their owners, while others still need to have their owner…
Business
Pizza From Brothers' NJ Shop Leaves Crunch To Be Desired, Portnoy Says
Dave Portnoy is kicking off another "One Bite" New Jersey pizza review tour in Old Bridge. Barstool Sports' CEO stopped by Via Sposito in Old Bridge, where he said he had one day to load up on pies before his colonoscopy. That's besides the point. On to the pizza. Portnoy ultimately gave the pizza a 7.4, telling owner Anthony Esposito his pies could use a little bit more crunch — but putting it in a cardboard box definitely wasn't helping. Via Sposito is owned by Anthony and his brother, Vincent Esposito Jr., both fourth generation Italians whose family previously lived in Brooklyn,…
Police & Fire
NJ Construction Business Owner Who Owes $1.3M+ In Taxes Admits To Evasion Scheme: Feds
A New Jersey construction company owner admitted to using his personal bank account to evade more than $1.3 million in taxes, authorities said. Alain Rodrigues, 49, of Old Bridge, pleaded guilty on Thursday, Aug. 1 to tax evasion and failure to collect and pay over taxes, New Jersey's U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger said in a news release on Tuesday, Aug. 6. Rodrigues owned and operated a construction company in Old Bridge and Newark. According to court documents and statements, Rodrigues deposited some customers' payments into a business bank account and converted the ba…
News
Middlesex County Men Indicted In Alleged $7M Fuel Investment Scheme: AG
A New Jersey grand jury has indicted two Middlesex County men for allegedly defrauding fuel investors out of approximately $6.7 million, authorities said. The scheme used sham companies and false identities to deceive investors into believing they would receive large guaranteed returns from investments in fuel products, according to Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. Instead, the defendants diverted investor funds for their own benefit, Platkin said. Shahid Javed, 39, of Old Bridge, and Wilfredo Topacio, 64, of Woodbridge, were charged in an indictment with first-degree conspiracy, …
News
Fake NJ Doc, Wife Sentenced For Unlawful Medical Practice, Sex Assaults On Patients
A New Jersey married couple was sentenced to prison time after both were caught running an unlicensed medical practice where he posed as a doctor and sexually assaulted patients, authorities said. The medical practice of Orger Sibaja-Bolanos, 67, and his wife, Rosa Perez, 64, both of Old Bridge, came under investigation in 2022 after two patients reported being sexually assaulted by Sibaja-Bolanos, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone said (scroll down for sentencings). An investigation found he posed as a doctor and gave two patients injections and sexually assaulted …
Police & Fire
Husband Was Racing At 117 MPH In Crash That Killed Wife On Route 9: Affidavit
A Monmouth County man was driving 117 mph just before a multi-car crash on Route 9 in Middlesex County that killed his wife and injured others, authorities said. Benjamin Futerman, 32, of Manalapan, was charged on Wednesday, July 10 with aggravated manslaughter and vehicular homicide in the death of his wife, Kristina Godich, 31, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Old Bridge Police Chief Thomas J. Montagna announced Thursday, July 11. She was killed at about 1 a.m. on June 2 on Route 9 near Ferry Road in Old Bridge, they said. Investigators analyzed surveillance video and the …
News
Husband Charged In NJ Crash That Killed Wife, Prosecutor Says
Two drivers including the husband of a woman killed were found at fault in the Route 9 crash last month in Old Bridge, authorities said. Benjamin Futerman, 32, of Manalapan, and Wilson Familia, 22, of Old Bridge, have both been charged in the June 2 crash on Route 9 at Ferry Road that left Kristina Godich dead and several others injured, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Old Bridge Police Chief Thomas J. Montagna announced Thursday, July 11. Investigators found that speeding combined “with aggressive and reckless driving" contributed to the collision, Ciccone noted. Futerman …
News
Hours-Long Old Bridge Standoff Ends In Knife-Wielding Man's Arrest, Prosecutor Says
A 49-year-old man has been arrested after an hours-long standoff with police in Old Bridge, authorities said. Officers responding to reports of a disturbance were met by Giovanni Chiarappa, who was wielding a knife outside of a home on Pensacola Street around 6:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 9, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Old Bridge Police Chief Thomas J. Montagna said. Authorities tried to deescalate the situation, but Chiarappa had retreated into the home. After hours of negotiations with Chiarappa, the incident ended peacefully, and Chiarappa walked out of the home witho…
News
Asbury Park Restaurant Fined For Discriminating Against Nonbinary Customer, AG Says
A restaurant in Asbury Park was fined after it was accused of having a dress code that discriminated against a nonbinary person, officials said. Brando’s Citi Cucina agreed to several punishments, including a $5,000 payment to the customer, Attorney General Matthew Platkin said in a news release on Friday, June 28. The restaurant was found to have violated the state's Law Against Discrimination (LAD). Investigators said Brando's refused to serve the customer because staff believed they weren't following the restaurant's dress code, banning men from wearing sleeveless shirts while …
News
Temps Could Feel 105 Degrees This Week, Excessive Heat Watch Issued Across NJ, PA (
Timing
)
A heat advisory and excessive heat watch are both in effect across New Jersey and Pennsylvania ahead of scorching temps expected later this week. Temps are expected to rise into the low 90s Tuesday, June 18 (see heat index maps below) and get increasingly hotter as the week progresses. National Weather Service By Friday, temps are expected to be at 96, but could feel more like 100 or even 105, the National Weather Service says. Some New Jersey school districts have early dismissals planned. Those are: Bridgewater-Raritan (Tuesday, with 4-hour days already planned for Wednesd…
News
DWI Driver Sentenced In Fatal Central Jersey Crash: Prosecutor
A 21-year-old man from Old Bridge has been sentenced to five years in New Jersey State Prison in connection with a fatal drunk driving crash, authorities said. James Cannici was sentenced on Friday, June 14 in connection with the fatal crash that occurred at about 11:20 p.m. on July 16, 2023, when he drove the wrong way on Route 18 in Old Bridge, according to Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone. Florence Akoma, 45, of Sayreville, a passenger in a Honda Accord involved in the three-car crash, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Honda Accord sustained seriou…
Obituaries
Mom, 31, Killed In Route 9 Crash Was Risk Management Exec With Enormous Heart
The woman killed in a crash earlier this month in Central Jersey is being remembered for her abounding love and dedication to her family. Kristina Godich, 31, of Manalapan, was riding in a BMW at the time of a multi-vehicle accident around 1 a.m. Sunday, June 2, on Route 9 in Old Bridge, as previously reported by Daily Voice. Godich was pronounced dead at the scene, and five others were injured. According to her obituary on the Freeman Funeral Homes website, Kristina is survived by her son, Jayson, her husband, Ben Futerman, her parents Arthur and Marina Godich, and countless other clo…
Obituaries
NJ Mom Believed Slain By Son Was Longtime ShopRite Employee Turned Realtor
A Howell Township mother who prosecutors said was stabbed to death by her son is being remembered as her family's "heart and soul." Loretta Parody, 61, died on Monday, June 3 and police arrested 25-year-old Robert Parody at the family's home on Porter Road just before 1:30 a.m. Investigators said Robert Parody entered his mother's bedroom and stabbed her in the chest while she was sleeping. Loretta Parody was rushed to a hospital where she was pronounced dead. Robert Parody was charged with first-degree murder and was held at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution to await a…
Police & Fire
Woman, 31, Killed, 5 Hospitalized In Route 9 Muscle Car Crash, Prosecutor Says
One woman was killed and five others hospitalized in a multi-vehicle Route 9 crash overnight, authorities in Middlesex County said. Old Bridge officers responding to Route 9 and Ferry Road found a wrecked Ford Mustang with four occupants and a BMW with two occupants around 1:05 a.m. Sunday, June 2, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone said. All four of the Mustang's occupants were taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital for treatment, and were in stable condition as of press time. The driver of the BMW was taken to RWJUH in critical condition while the passenger, Krist…
Police & Fire
2 Vehicles Hit, Kill Pedestrian On Garden State Parkway Ramp, Police Say
A 46-year-old pedestrian trying to cross an exit ramp off the Garden State Parkway was killed by passing cars over the weekend. Mohammed Uddin was crossing the Exit 123 ramp in Sayreville around 9:45 p.m. Friday, May 31, when he was struck by a Dodge SUV and Buick SUV, heading south near milepost 124.6, New Jersey State Police Sgt. Jeffrey Lebron said. Uddin, of Old Bridge, was pronounced dead. No other injuries were reported.
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