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Jefferson Township, NJ

Video Shows Vehicle Pulling Into Path Of Police Car In Deadly Sussex County Crash: AG Video Shows Vehicle Pulling Into Path Of Police Car In Deadly Sussex County Crash: AG
Video Shows Vehicle Pulling Into Path Of Police Car In Deadly Sussex County Crash: AG Video has been released in a crash involving a Franklin Borough police officer and a 19-year-old Sussex County woman who died as a result of it back in May. Sgt. William Grissom was driving southbound on Route 23 in Franklin when a black Honda Prelude pulled out of the ShopRite parking lot near Walsh Street on Monday, May 27 around 10:40 a.m., NJ Attorney General Matthew Platkin said. Video shows the Prelude emerging from behind vehicles in traffic on the northbound side of the roadway, the attorney general's office said.  The officer's dashcam, released Monday, Oct. 28 by Platki…
Sudden Death Of Mario Solorzano Jr., 31, Of Morris County, Leaves Loves Ones Reeling Sudden Death Of Mario Solorzano Jr., 31, Of Morris County, Leaves Loves Ones Reeling
Sudden Death Of Mario Solorzano Jr., 31, Of Morris County, Leaves Loves Ones Reeling The sudden loss of a 31-year-old Morris County man has left a void in the lives of those who knew him. Mario Solorzano Jr., of Jefferson Township, died unexpectedly on Nov. 16 at home, surrounded by his loved ones, according to his obituary. RIP Mario Solorzano. So much laughter & ball busting in the gym just a few short years ago! I’ll never forget looking... Posted by Shaun Mason on Friday, November 17, 2023 Rest in Peace Mario Solorzano you were loved by so many and truly the life of the party anywhere you went. I’ll never... Posted by Annemarie Devine on Friday, November 17…
Massive Fire Burns Through Morris County Home Massive Fire Burns Through Morris County Home
Massive Fire Burns Through Morris County Home A massive house fire raged for hours in Jefferson Township as firefighters battled the blaze on Tuesday night, authorities say.  First responders were called to a home on Vassar Road in Newfoundland just after 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 20 for a reported structure fire, county officials said.  On arrival, firemen saw the home "fully engulfed in flames," but found that the building had been safely evacuated. Multiple agencies across Morris and Passaic counties took "several hours" to extinguish the flames, authorities added.  The cause of the fire remains under investigation by Jeffer…
Jury Finds Former Cop Guilty Of Murder In Shooting Of Estranged Wife: Morris County Prosecutor Jury Finds Former Cop Guilty Of Murder In Shooting Of Estranged Wife: Morris County Prosecutor
Jury Finds Former Cop Guilty Of Murder In Shooting Of Estranged Wife: Morris County Prosecutor A jury has found a former Newark police officer guilty of murder in the 2019 shooting of his estranged wife and the attempted murder of her partner in Morris County following an eight-day trial, authorities announced. John Formisano, 52, was found guilty of first-degree murder, first-degree attempted murder, hindering apprehension or prosecution, official misconduct, and two counts each of child endangerment and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll said in a joint release on Tuesday, Oct. 4. Formisano, an Acting Lieutenant, was off-duty …
Morris County Officer Struck By Drunk Driver: Police Morris County Officer Struck By Drunk Driver: Police
Morris County Officer Struck By Drunk Driver: Police A Morris County police officer was struck by a drunken driver while assisting at the scene of a crash overnight, his department said. Jefferson Township Police Officer Tyler LaMantia was sitting in his marked patrol vehicle on Route 15 near Berkshire Valley Road when he was struck from behind by David Prontnicki, 45, of Budd Lake, around 3:05 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 28, Jefferson police Capt. Robert Bush said. Prontnicki was arrested at the scene for suspicion of driving under the influence, while LaMantia was taken to Morristown Memorial Hospital. He had been released as of Sunday afternoon. Th…
Lake Hopatcong Boat Fire Spreads, Damages Surrounding Vessels, Docks (PHOTOS) Lake Hopatcong Boat Fire Spreads, Damages Surrounding Vessels, Docks (PHOTOS)
Lake Hopatcong Boat Fire Spreads, Damages Surrounding Vessels, Docks (Photos) A fire that broke out on a boat on Lake Hopatcong spread and caused damage to the surrounding vessels and docks, authorities said. The Jefferson Township Fire Company No. 2 responded to the blaze in the Great Cove area of Lake Hopatcong on Wednesday, June 29. Upon arrival, the chief confirmed a working fire with the potential for exposure issues, the department said. The fire was quickly placed under control, though the blaze did cause minor damage to the surrounding boats and docks, authorities said. Scroll down to view additional photos from the scene. Posted by Jefferson Township …
‘Live Like Luc:’ Morris County Town Declares Holiday For Beloved 3-Year-Old Drowning Victim ‘Live Like Luc:’ Morris County Town Declares Holiday For Beloved 3-Year-Old Drowning Victim
‘Live Like Luc:’ Morris County Town Declares Holiday For Beloved 3-Year-Old Drowning Victim The mayor of one Morris County town is celebrating the legacy of a 3-year-old boy tragically killed in a drowning incident two years ago with a holiday named in his honor. Luciano Franco, of Jefferson Township, drowned in Lake Hopatcong on Tuesday, August 18, 2020, according to a GoFundMe campaign that described him as “energetic, full of life, and a loving spirited child.” Jefferson Township Mayor Eric Wilsusen worked alongside Kristin Ruggerio from the Milton Tri-PTA to dedicate Franco’s birthday — Thursday, March 17 — as ‘Luciano Franco Day.’ “[Luciano] has left a tremendous impact on o…
New Wawa Store Opens On Route 15 New Wawa Store Opens On Route 15
New Wawa Store Opens On Route 15 A new Wawa store is now open on Route 15S in Morris County. The opening of the new Lake Hopatcong location was celebrated Thursday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Jefferson Township Mayor Eric Wilsusen. “Welcome and congratulations to Wawa!” Wilsusen said. “Thank you for choosing our community to open your business in and thank you for your generous donations to our first responders!” The new store’s menu features all the brand’s beloved hoagies, breakfast sandwiches, beverages and more. Plus, Wawa is offering free coffee every Tuesday for its rewards members. The new store is…
Motorcycle Crash Closes Route 15 In Jefferson Motorcycle Crash Closes Route 15 In Jefferson
Motorcycle Crash Closes Route 15 In Jefferson A motorcycle crash closed Route 15 in Jefferson Township Sunday afternoon. The crash appeared to be serious and occurred around 1 p.m. near the Taphouse. A medevac was requested, initial and unconfirmed reports say. This is a developing story. Check back for details.
'I Believe In Angels': NJ Woman Reflects After Neighbors Save Family From Roaring Fire (PHOTOS) 'I Believe In Angels': NJ Woman Reflects After Neighbors Save Family From Roaring Fire (PHOTOS)
'I Believe In Angels': NJ Woman Reflects After Neighbors Save Family From Roaring Fire (Photos) Andrea Garcia believes in angels. And not just one -- two. She says they are her  neighbors, who rescued her family and saved their home from what would have otherwise been a devastating fire. Garcia, 36, was enjoying the fireplace in the living room of her home on North Lyons Road in Jefferson Township when one of her neighbors, Michael Novitski, spotted five-foot flames billowing from the chimney around 9 p.m. Thursday. Without a second thought, Novitski jumped to action — literally. He scaled the tall, wooden fence surrounding the yard before barging in the home’s back door in a va…
Man, 25, Sentenced For Lake Hopatcong Boating Accident That Killed Friend Man, 25, Sentenced For Lake Hopatcong Boating Accident That Killed Friend
Man, 25, Sentenced For Lake Hopatcong Boating Accident That Killed Friend A 25-year-old Morris County man was sentenced to nearly a year in jail for a drunken boating accident that killed his friend in 2019, authorities said. Nicholas Zarantonello was sentenced to three years probation conditioned on 364 days in Morris County Jail and 200 hours of community service, Acting Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll said. Zarantonello also can not operate a boat for one year or drive for three months, Carroll said in a joint release with Acting Chief of Investigations Christoph Kimker and New Jersey State Police Superintendent Colonel Patrick Callahan. …
Man Arrested After Leading Police On 2½ Hour Pursuit Through Morris County Woods Man Arrested After Leading Police On 2½ Hour Pursuit Through Morris County Woods
Man Arrested After Leading Police On 2½ Hour Pursuit Through Morris County Woods The search for an emotionally-disturbed man with drugs and possibly a weapon ended after more than two hours in Morris County woods, authorities said. Jefferson Township police responding to a reports of a suicidal man with drugs found the 31-year-old suspect in a car in the Acme parking lot on Berkshire Valley around 6:15 p.m., Tuesday, Capt. Robert Bush said. The man, identified as an Oak Ridge resident, fled on foot into the woods behind the Acme store, Bush said. Several law enforcement agencies including the Morris County Sheriff's K-9 Unit searched the area for hours, until the man w…
Trespasser, 18, Airlifted After Fall From Mysterious Jefferson Rope Swing Trespasser, 18, Airlifted After Fall From Mysterious Jefferson Rope Swing
Trespasser, 18, Airlifted After Fall From Mysterious Jefferson Rope Swing An 18-year-old woman who snuck onto a property in Jefferson Township was airlifted to the hospital after sustaining an injury on a rope swing, authorities said. The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. last Wednesday evening, on the private Schoolhouse Road property in Oak Ridge owned by Newark Watershed, Jefferson Township Lt. Robert Bush said.  Initial reports said the woman fell approximately 15 feet but police did not disclose details. "The property is private and there are multiple warning signs against trespassing and illegal parking," Bush said. "The rope swing has been ther…
Jefferson PD: Essex County Man Who Fled Dispute Had MAC-10, Heroin, Magazines Jefferson PD: Essex County Man Who Fled Dispute Had MAC-10, Heroin, Magazines
Jefferson PD: Essex County Man Who Fled Dispute Had Mac-10, Heroin, Magazines An Essex County man who fled the scene of a dispute in Jefferson Township was later found with heroin and a handgun, authorities said. Jefferson Township police responding to a report of an altercation outside a home on Cozy Lake Road were told that one of the men involved had left with a handgun Monday,  Police Chief Sean Conrad said. Justin McGriff, 22, of Orange, was subsequently located and had a handgun in his waistband, along with an illegal assault MAC 10 firearm, an illegal extended magazine, unprescribed Xanax pills and heroin, authorities said. McGriff was arrested…
Jefferson Police Officer Revives Overdose Victim Jefferson Police Officer Revives Overdose Victim
Jefferson Police Officer Revives Overdose Victim A man overdosing on suspected heroin was revived by a quick-acting Jefferson Township police officer, authorities said. Officer Christopher Smolt responded to reports of an unconscious man on a suspected heroin overdose on April 17, police said in a news release. Smolt administered Narcan before a team of Milton First Aid Squad members continued treatment. The victim was transported to St. Clare’s Denville and is expected to make a full recovery.  A hypodermic needle was recovered at the scene.  At the hospital, the victim was supplied with the Morris County resources related t…
Jefferson PD: Duo With Warrants Busted With Heroin Jefferson PD: Duo With Warrants Busted With Heroin
Jefferson PD: Duo With Warrants Busted With Heroin A Lake Hopatcong man and a Paterson woman both with arrest warrants were charged after they were found with heroin in a traffic stop, authorities said. David Wenegrat, 51, was pulled over for speeding on Route 15 North in Jefferson Township Feb. 21, authorities said. During the stop, officers discovered that Wenegrat had two warrants out of West Orange, township police said. The passenger, Sarah Mahmoud, 37, was subsequently found to be in possession of heroin and drug paraphernalia and also had two warrants out of West Orange, authorities said. Wenegrat was charged with speeding, careles…
Newark Police Lieutenant Shoots, Kills Ex-Wife, Authorities Say Newark Police Lieutenant Shoots, Kills Ex-Wife, Authorities Say
Newark Police Lieutenant Shoots, Kills Ex-Wife, Authorities Say A 24-year veteran of the Newark Police Department has been charged in the fatal shooting of his ex-wife at the family home in Jefferson Township around 11:20 p.m., authorities said. Lt. John Formisano, a 24-year department veteran, was arrested in Livingston about a half hour after the shooting,  according to authorities in Morris and Essex counties.  Formisano recently was suspended for an unknown cause, News 12 New Jersey reported. Officers responded to the Mirror Place home in the Oak Ridge section of the township on reports of shots fired, the Morris County Prosecutor's Offic…
#JusticeForJenny: Caged 10-Week-Old Golden Was Drowned In West Milford Lake, Rescue Group Says #JusticeForJenny: Caged 10-Week-Old Golden Was Drowned In West Milford Lake, Rescue Group Says
#JusticeForJenny: Caged 10-Week-Old Golden Was Drowned In West Milford Lake, Rescue Group Says UPDATE: A 10-week-old Golden Retriever puppy was alive when she was dumped into a West Milford lake, a local rescue group said after a Morris County woman was charged with killing her. Tonya Fea, 47, of Jefferson Township "reportedly confessed," The Last Resort Animal Rescue reported. "But, much to our horror, our worst fears were confirmed: The official [necropsy] report confirms that drowning was the cause of death," officials with the non-profit organization wrote. The dog "was intentionally drowned," they said. The Last Resort, which named the dog Jenny, had posted a reward that quic…
#JusticeForJenny: Caged 10-Week-Old Golden Was Drowned In West Milford Lake, Rescue Group Says #JusticeForJenny: Caged 10-Week-Old Golden Was Drowned In West Milford Lake, Rescue Group Says
#JusticeForJenny: Caged 10-Week-Old Golden Was Drowned In West Milford Lake, Rescue Group Says UPDATE: A 10-week-old Golden Retriever puppy was alive when she was dumped into a West Milford lake, a local rescue group said after a Morris County woman was charged with killing her. Tonya Fea, 47, of Jefferson Township "reportedly confessed," The Last Resort Animal Rescue reported. "But, much to our horror, our worst fears were confirmed: The official [necropsy] report confirms that drowning was the cause of death," officials with the non-profit organization wrote. The dog "was intentionally drowned," they said. The Last Resort, which named the dog Jenny, had posted a reward that quic…
#JusticeForJenny: Morris County Woman Charged With Dumping 10-Week-Old Puppy In Lake #JusticeForJenny: Morris County Woman Charged With Dumping 10-Week-Old Puppy In Lake
#JusticeForJenny: Morris County Woman Charged With Dumping 10-Week-Old Puppy In Lake UPDATE: A Morris County woman was arrested Tuesday and charged with drowning a caged 10-week-old Golden Retriever puppy in a West Milford lake. Tonya Fea, 47, of Jefferson Township "reportedly confessed," The Last Resort Animal Rescue announced Tuesday. "But, much to our horror, our worst fears were confirmed: The official [necropsy] report confirms that drowning was the cause of death," officials with the non-profit organization wrote. The dog "was intentionally drowned," they said. The Last Resort, which named the dog Jenny, had posted a reward that quickly ballooned to $12,000, thanks…
#JusticeForJenny: Morris County Woman Charged With Dumping 10-Week-Old Puppy In Lake #JusticeForJenny: Morris County Woman Charged With Dumping 10-Week-Old Puppy In Lake
#JusticeForJenny: Morris County Woman Charged With Dumping 10-Week-Old Puppy In Lake UPDATE: A Morris County woman was arrested Tuesday and charged with drowning a caged 10-week-old Golden Retriever puppy in a West Milford lake. Tonya Fea, 47, of Jefferson Township "reportedly confessed," The Last Resort Animal Rescue announced Tuesday. "But, much to our horror, our worst fears were confirmed: The official [necropsy] report confirms that drowning was the cause of death," officials with the non-profit organization wrote. The dog "was intentionally drowned," they said. The Last Resort, which named the dog Jenny, had posted a reward that quickly ballooned to $12,000, thanks…
#JusticeForJenny: Woman Charged With Dumping 10-Week-Old Puppy In West Milford Lake #JusticeForJenny: Woman Charged With Dumping 10-Week-Old Puppy In West Milford Lake
#JusticeForJenny: Woman Charged With Dumping 10-Week-Old Puppy In West Milford Lake UPDATE: A Morris County woman was arrested Tuesday and charged with drowning a caged 10-week-old Golden Retriever puppy in a West Milford lake. Tonya Fea, 47, of Jefferson Township "reportedly confessed," The Last Resort Animal Rescue announced Tuesday. "But, much to our horror, our worst fears were confirmed: The official [necropsy] report confirms that drowning was the cause of death," officials with the non-profit organization wrote. The dog "was intentionally drowned," they said. The Last Resort, which named the dog Jenny, had posted a reward that quickly ballooned to $12,000, thanks…
Haworth Sergeant Recognizes, Nabs Ex-Englewood Basketball Star Who Claimed To Be Someone Else Haworth Sergeant Recognizes, Nabs Ex-Englewood Basketball Star Who Claimed To Be Someone Else
Haworth Sergeant Recognizes, Nabs Ex-Englewood Basketball Star Who Claimed To Be Someone Else Call it fame or call it notoriety: Trying to tell a police officer in Bergen County that he's someone else wasn't getting 6-foot-8 former Englewood basketball phenom turned career criminal Sean Banks very far. Banks was a passenger in a car with Florida license plates that was pulled over for a traffic violation by Haworth Police Sgt. Gianluca Ragone last Friday. Wanted by Englewood police for yet another domestic violence assault, he gave Ragone a different name, Detective Sgt. Justin Fox said. Trouble was: Ragone knew the onetime Bergen Catholic star from his days on the hardwood, which …
Passaic Prosecutor: Four-County Stolen Car Ring Smashed, Nine Busted Passaic Prosecutor: Four-County Stolen Car Ring Smashed, Nine Busted
Passaic Prosecutor: Four-County Stolen Car Ring Smashed, Nine Busted PATERSON, N.J. – Nine men from Paterson were charged with burglarizing a Clifton auto dealer twice and stealing vehicles from eight other dealerships in four counties while using juveniles as accomplices, authorities announced Thursday. Among the victims were B&M Auto Mall in Clifton, which was broken into twice, as well as Lakeview Auto (also in Clifton) and Otocity in Totowa, a 131-count indictment returned by a grand jury in Paterson says. Also victimized in a 10-month spree that began in January last year were dealerships in East Brunswick, Jefferson Township, Neptune Township, Old …