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Cranford, NJ

Grand Jury Declines To Indict Cranford Police Officers In Fatal Shooting On GSP: AG Grand Jury Declines To Indict Cranford Police Officers In Fatal Shooting On GSP: AG
Grand Jury Declines To Indict Cranford Police Officers In Fatal Shooting On GSP: AG Cranford police officers who fatally shot a Perth Amboy man on the Garden State Parkway in December 2023 will not face charges, the state attorney general's office announced Friday, Oct. 25. On Thursday, Dec. 28, officers from the Cranford Police Department were pursuing a stolen vehicle when it crashed in the area of Exit 131 on the Parkway southbound, Attorney General Matthew Platkin said.  After the crash, the driver of the vehicle, Kevin Harlfinger, exchanged gunfire with Cranford Police Officers Christopher Folinusz and Ryan McSharry, Platkin said. Harlfinger was pronounced d…
Man Wanted For Unlawfully Possessing Weapon In Somerset County: Prosecutor Man Wanted For Unlawfully Possessing Weapon In Somerset County: Prosecutor
Man Wanted For Unlawfully Possessing Weapon In Somerset County: Prosecutor A 37-year-old man is at large after he unlawfully possessed a handgun in Somerset County in June 2021, authorities said. James Schoenknecht was named Somerset County's Fugitive of the Month for August by the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office. He has remained at large since he was charged with unlawful possession of a handgun and possession of a prohibited weapon or device since an incident that occurred on June 26, 2021 in Sound Bound Brook. Schoenknecht is believed to be in Cranford or Naples, Fla, authorities said. Anyone with information on Schoenknecht's whereabouts should contac…
These 23 New Jersey Athletes Are At The Paris Olympic Games: Here's When To Watch These 23 New Jersey Athletes Are At The Paris Olympic Games: Here's When To Watch
These 23 New Jersey Athletes Are At The Paris Olympic Games: Here's When To Watch The Paris Olympics have begun!  And, in case you missed it, several of Garden State's fittest and most athletic residents are there (scroll for their names, sports, and hometowns). A total of 23 athletes from New Jersey have qualified for the Olympics and are ready to make their run at the gold. Events kicked off Friday, July 26. Click here for a complete schedule of the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Garden State athletes include: Paxten Aaronson, of Medford: Soccer Bam Adebayo, of Newark, and 2020 Olympian: Basketball Jack Alexy, of Morristown: Swimming Jackie Dubrovich, of Riverda…
'Quick But Powerful' Storm Displaces Rutherford Family; Downs Dozen+ Wires, Trees (UPDATE) 'Quick But Powerful' Storm Displaces Rutherford Family; Downs Dozen+ Wires, Trees (UPDATE)
'Quick But Powerful' Storm Displaces Rutherford Family; Downs Dozen+ Wires, Trees (Update) Thousands of New Jersey residents were without power as temperatures spiked and storms swept through on Saturday, June 22. In Rutherford, a "quick but powerful" storm took down five trees including 14 significant limbs and 13 power lines, Police Chief John Russo said. One family was displaced due to a tree impacting their home and most of the 3,500 residents that PSE&G said lost power were on the west side of town, according to Russo. Six PSE&G crews were on scene as of press time "PSEG mobilized very quickly as usual and quickly had half of those without power back up and running,…
Dad, Motorcyclist Killed In Crash On NJ Turnpike: State Police Dad, Motorcyclist Killed In Crash On NJ Turnpike: State Police
Dad, Motorcyclist Killed In Crash On NJ Turnpike: State Police A 37-year-old Monmouth County motorcyclist was killed in a crash on the New Jersey Turnpike in Newark on Saturday June 8, authorities said. At 2:31 a.m. Ryan Schamlz, a Keyport resident, was opearting a Harley Davidson south on the ramp of the Turnpike by Interchange 14 when he crashed into an international truck hauling a utility trailer that was stopped on the access road at the intersection, Jeffrey Lebron, a spokesman for the New Jersey State Police said. Schmalz suffered fatal injuries, Lebron said. The crash remains under investigation, Lebron said.  I have no words right no…
Late-Night Drunken Assault Near Meadowlands Sends One Man To Hospital, Other To Jail Late-Night Drunken Assault Near Meadowlands Sends One Man To Hospital, Other To Jail
Late-Night Drunken Assault Near Meadowlands Sends One Man To Hospital, Other To Jail A drunken man was hospitalized and another jailed for assaulting him at a private industrial garage in Rutherford, authorities said. The 40-year-old victim from Cranford approached an East Rutherford police officer who was fueling his patrol vehicle at the Rutherford DPW garage on Highland Cross -- just off northbound Route 17 near the Meadowlands -- around 11:30 p.m. Saturday, June 8, Police Chief John Russo said.  He was bleeding from a head wound, the chief said. "It was determined he was assaulted by an acquaintance at a private industrial garage where both were at that eveni…
Construction Worker Killed In Trench Accident ID'd As Former Rutgers Wrestler, 29 Construction Worker Killed In Trench Accident ID'd As Former Rutgers Wrestler, 29
Construction Worker Killed In Trench Accident ID'd As Former Rutgers Wrestler, 29 The construction worker killed in a Kenilworth trench accident earlier this month has been identified as a 29-year-old former Rutgers University athlete. Corey Greg Stasenko, of Cranford, was killed on Monday, May 6, during a project on Monroe Street, Daily Voice has learned. Police at the time, without identifying the worker, said he was trying to install a storm drain in the back of a business using an excavator when he became trapped around 9 a.m. First responders attempted life saving measures but he was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. Man, this really is heartbreak…
Driver, 44, Airlifted When Vehicle Overturns On Route 78: NJSP Driver, 44, Airlifted When Vehicle Overturns On Route 78: NJSP
Driver, 44, Airlifted When Vehicle Overturns On Route 78: Njsp A 44-year-old Cranford man was airlifted to a nearby hospital after his vehicle overturned on Route 78 in Hunterdon County on the evening of Sunday, April 28, authorities said. At 7:07 p.m., a GMC SUV was traveling eastbound on Route 78 in Union Township when the driver lost control, ran off the roadway and overturned, Jeffrey Lebron, a spokesman for the New Jersey State Police said.  The man sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to an area hospital, Lebron said. The crash remains under investigation, Lebron said. 
'Crazy Left Wingers Who Hate America:' NJ Bakery Receives Bizarre Anti-Pride Letter 'Crazy Left Wingers Who Hate America:' NJ Bakery Receives Bizarre Anti-Pride Letter
'Crazy Left Wingers Who Hate America:' NJ Bakery Receives Bizarre Anti-Pride Letter A New Jersey bakery has received an influx of sweet support after receiving a bitter anti-Pride letter in the mail. Sweet n' Fancy Emporium on South Avenue East in Cranford a letter in the mail earlier this month, signed by the Citizens of Cranford. "As a concerned citizen that was about to shop at your site… I noticed the rainbow flag hanging in your window," the typed letter reads "I have notified all of my girlfriends who in turn have decided to boycott your store. It is not that we despise the flag… it is just we do not want to be associated with crazy left wingers who hate America." O…
Where Is Central Jersey? Monmouth U. Poll Finds Answers To NJ's Tricky Regional Debate Where Is Central Jersey? Monmouth U. Poll Finds Answers To NJ's Tricky Regional Debate
Where Is Central Jersey? Monmouth U. Poll Finds Answers To NJ's Tricky Regional Debate Monmouth University pollsters have tried to answer a question that has been hard to solve for many in the Garden State: Where is Central Jersey exactly? The Monmouth University Polling Institute released a survey on Tuesday, Apr. 16 that asked New Jerseyans what region they live in and if they believe their region gets a fair share of state resources. The pollsters also asked people to pick their favorite convenience store. According to the poll, 41 percent of New Jerseyans said they live in North Jersey, 34 percent said they're in Central Jersey, and 23 percent said they're from South…
Four Busted In Summer Series Of Luxury Car Thefts, Burglaries Across North Jersey Towns: Police Four Busted In Summer Series Of Luxury Car Thefts, Burglaries Across North Jersey Towns: Police
Four Busted In Summer Series Of Luxury Car Thefts, Burglaries Across North Jersey Towns: Police Four people have been charged, with one currently at large, in a series of car thefts and burglaries across North Jersey last summer, police announced Thursday, March 21. It all began on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, at 2:27 a.m., when Fairfield police responded to a crash at Route 280, the department said. The occupants of the vehicle had fled the scene prior to state troopers arriving on scene, police said. An investigation revealed the vehicle had just been stolen from a residence on Hollywood Avenue, police said. Personal belongings were also stolen from the residence, police said. The sam…
NJ's Theresa 'Tess' Callaghan Dies Year After Cancer Diagnosis, 29 NJ's Theresa 'Tess' Callaghan Dies Year After Cancer Diagnosis, 29
NJ's Theresa 'Tess' Callaghan Dies Year After Cancer Diagnosis, 29 Theresa Callaghan, a 29-year-old Mount Olive native, died on Monday, Feb. 26 after battling brain cancer, according to her obituary. Born in Cranford, Callaghan graduated from Mount Olive High School in 2012, her obituary reads. She graduated from East Carolina University with a degree in nutrition and dietetics and later achieved her master's in nutrition from St. Elizabeth University, according to her obituary. Callaghan was diagnosed with brain cancer in March 2023, according to a fundraiser set up to support her medical bills. As of Thursday, March 7, more than $106,000 had been raised.…
13-Year-Old Newark Boy Carjacked Victim In Cranford: Police 13-Year-Old Newark Boy Carjacked Victim In Cranford: Police
13-Year-Old Newark Boy Carjacked Victim In Cranford: Police A 13-year-old Newark boy was recently arrested for a carjacking in Cranford that occurred last fall, authorities said. On Saturday, Sept. 23 at 9:26 p.m., police responded to a business on the 300 block of East North Avenue following a report of a motor vehicle theft, Detective Lieutenant  Spencer Durkin of the Cranford Police Department, said.  The victim said a person entered the passenger side of their car and tried to drive off while they were putting air in the tires, Durkin said. The two got into a physical altercation, during which a second suspect arrived and threatened th…
These North Jersey Towns Got The Most Snow These North Jersey Towns Got The Most Snow
These North Jersey Towns Got The Most Snow New Jersey residents are digging out of this week's snow storm — the worst of the season so far. According to the National Weather Service, the storm left 15 inches in the northern-most part of the state, canceling schools across the region. Here are the towns who got the most snow in the Tuesday, Feb. 13 storm, according to the National Weather Service. BERGEN River Vale: 9.8 inches Franklin Lakes: 9.1 Waldwick: 9.0 Bergenfield: 8.1 Mahwah: 8.0 Fair Lawn: 7.0 Lyndhurst: 6.5 HUDSON Harrison: 5.5 East Newark: 5.0 SW Hoboken: 4.8 MORRIS Green Pond/Randolph: 11.5 Denville: 10.2 Kinnelon…
NJ School Closings: These Districts Have Early Dismissals Ahead Of Snow Storm NJ School Closings: These Districts Have Early Dismissals Ahead Of Snow Storm
NJ School Closings: These Districts Have Early Dismissals Ahead Of Snow Storm School districts across New Jersey have begun announcing schedule changes for Friday, Jan. 19, ahead of the second snow storm of the week. Parts of the state could see up to six inches of snow, expected to begin falling between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m. Friday, the National Weather Service said. The following districts have early dismissals: Cranford Dumont Franklin Lakes Hackensack Hanover Park Regional HS Lyndhurst Marlboro Maywood Millburn Mountainside North Arlington Oradell Parsippany-Troy Hills Pompton Lakes Rockaway Roselle Park Scotch Plains-Fanwood Totowa Warren Watchung/Watchung Hills R…
Ex-Con Killed In Shootout With Police On Garden State Parkway ID'd Ex-Con Killed In Shootout With Police On Garden State Parkway ID'd
Ex-Con Killed In Shootout With Police On Garden State Parkway ID'd New Jersey's top law officer on Monday identified a gunman who was killed in a shootout with Cranford police following a high-speed pursuit and crash on the Garden State Parkway in Woodbridge. Ex-con Kevin Harlfinger, a 40-year-old ex-con from Perth Amboy, was behind the wheel of a stolen white work van being pursued by Cranford officers when it crashed near Exit 131 shortly before midnight Dec. 28, according to a brief statement released on Monday, Jan. 8, by the office of Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin in Trenton. Harlfinger exchanged shots with the officers, wounding one of them, au…
Popular NJ Brunch Spot 'Toast' Unveils New Location Popular NJ Brunch Spot 'Toast' Unveils New Location
Popular NJ Brunch Spot 'Toast' Unveils New Location A popular and fast-growing brunch spot in New Jersey has opened another new location. Toast officially opened last week in Cranford at The Cranford Hotel on Walnut Street. The menu has something for everyone, including eggs galore, classic breakfast and lunch sandwiches, yogurt and grain bowls, pancakes and waffles, salads, and more. The eatery's flagship store opened in Montclair in May 2007, with the mantra "Peace, Love & Pancakes." Later came Red Bank and Asbury Park (click here for locations). Check out Toast in Cranford at 10 Walnut St. Come hungry.
Dump Truck Driver Killed In Head-On Crash With Another Dump Truck In Central Jersey: Police Dump Truck Driver Killed In Head-On Crash With Another Dump Truck In Central Jersey: Police
Dump Truck Driver Killed In Head-On Crash With Another Dump Truck In Central Jersey: Police A 46-year-old dump truck driver from Passaic County was killed in a head-on collision with another dump truck in Central Jersey, authorities said. The crash occurred at 9:42 a.m. Friday, Sept. 22. on Port Reading Avenue near Lee Street, Woodbridge police said. The dump trucks were traveling in opposite directions, police said. One truck traveling eastbound crossed over the double yellow line resulting in a collision with the other truck.  A driver from Woodland Park was found unconscious in the driver's seat.  CPR was initiated and the driver was transported to Robert Wood …
Lucy Liu Poses With Police Amid Movie Filming In North Jersey Lucy Liu Poses With Police Amid Movie Filming In North Jersey
Lucy Liu Poses With Police Amid Movie Filming In North Jersey Hollywood has apparently come to North Jersey. Movie star Lucy Liu stopped to snap photos with Cranford cops while filming a movie in town. Special thanks to Lucy Liu for stopping to greet Lt. Gene Perrotta and SLEO Walt Berg this month while filming a movie in Cranford. Lucy Liu Posted by Cranford Police Department on Tuesday, September 19, 2023 Police did not say which movie the "Charlie's Angels" star was filming or where, just that they were flattered she stopped by on Sept. 19.
Crash Closes Portion Of Garden State Parkway, Backing Up Traffic In Union County Crash Closes Portion Of Garden State Parkway, Backing Up Traffic In Union County
Crash Closes Portion Of Garden State Parkway, Backing Up Traffic In Union County A crash shut down a portion of the Garden State Parkway and backed up traffic in Union County Friday afternoon, Sept. 15. The crash occurred on the northbound side near exit 139A in Roselle around 12 p.m., shutting down three of five right lanes, according to 511NJ. Crash on Garden State Parkway northbound Exit 139A - Roselle Park (Union Twp) 3 Right lanes of 5 lanes blocked https://t.co/1kpYI5Hlb0 — 511NJ GSP (@511njgsp) September 15, 2023 Traffic was backed up about three miles to the Stiles Street exit in Cranford as of about 12:35 p.m. Delays on Garden State Parkway northbound …
NJ Dancer Wows With Tribute To Mom Battling Cancer On 'AGT' NJ Dancer Wows With Tribute To Mom Battling Cancer On 'AGT'
NJ Dancer Wows With Tribute To Mom Battling Cancer On 'AGT' Donovyn Diaz has all the right moves. The 20-year-old Cranford native, who graduated from Union Catholic High School, stunned the judges on "America's Got Talent" earlier this month by performing a dance routine in honor of his mother, who is battling breast cancer.  "I want her to see me and think I raised a star," Diaz, who has a background in dance and gymnastics, said. Diaz then impressed the crowd with his dance to "How I Say Goodbye" by Dean Lewis, moving some audience members to tears. "I think you're mom is going to be so proud because this was spectacular," judge Sophie Verg…
Linden ShopRite Worker Who Battled Brain Cancer For 17 Years Dies: 'Always Been A Fighter' Linden ShopRite Worker Who Battled Brain Cancer For 17 Years Dies: 'Always Been A Fighter'
Linden ShopRite Worker Who Battled Brain Cancer For 17 Years Dies: 'Always Been A Fighter' Victor Vilela, a 42-year-old Elizabeth native, died on Monday, July 24, after a 17-year battle with brain cancer, according to his obituary. Born in Elizabeth, Vilela was an active member of a brain tumor support group and worked at Elizabeth General Hospital, ShopRite in Linden and Wegmans in Woodbridge, his obituary reads. He is survived by his wife, Meghan, his son, Mauricio, his parents, Maria and Acacio, his sister Sonia as well as other family members, according to his obituary. Following his death, Vilela's tribute wall was filled with remembrances. "Your sense of humor had everyon…
NJ Mom, 'Brilliant Mind' Amy Saccone Dies After 2-Year Cancer Battle NJ Mom, 'Brilliant Mind' Amy Saccone Dies After 2-Year Cancer Battle
NJ Mom, 'Brilliant Mind' Amy Saccone Dies After 2-Year Cancer Battle Amy Saccone, a 43-year-old Cranford resident, died on Sunday, June 18 after a two-year battle with colon cancer, according to her obituary. Amy grew up in Matawan and attended Georgian Court University in Lakewood, having double majored in biology and chemistry, her obituary says. She worked in technical sales and product management and was an account executive for Catalent, according to her obituary. There are absolutely NO words to express the brokenness felt💔 I am not even going to try. If you know me, you know the... Posted by Susan Buccellato on Wednesday, June 21, 2023 A fundrais…
Colombian Nationals Nabbed After NJ Home Break-In Nets Jewelry, Furs, Cash, More Colombian Nationals Nabbed After NJ Home Break-In Nets Jewelry, Furs, Cash, More
Colombian Nationals Nabbed After NJ Home Break-In Nets Jewelry, Furs, Cash, More Three Colombian nationals remain in federal custody and a fourth has already been deported after the government said they stole jewelry, a Rolex, an antique rifle, furs and cash in a home burglary in Union County. The quartet also took a stamp collection, luxury bags and more after breaking into the Cranford home shortly before 5 p.m. last Nov. 30, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger said. They then loaded the valuables into a red Honda Accord that they'd driven there, an FBI complaint on file in U.S. District Court in Newark says. Sellinger, who put the total value of the loss at more than …
Popular Diner Opens 4th NJ Location Popular Diner Opens 4th NJ Location
Popular Diner Opens 4th NJ Location A new diner is about to be the "Toast" of Union County. Toast City Diner announced it will be opening its fourth location in the Garden State in downtown Cranford.  The diner is expected to open in fall 2023 at South and Walnut Ave next to the Cranford Hotel and be run by founder Amy Russo and her partner Adam Torine. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Toast City Diner (@toastcitydiner_) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Toast City Diner (@toastcitydiner_) The diner has l…
Coach, Special Ed Teacher Filmed Sex Acts With Child: Prosecutor Coach, Special Ed Teacher Filmed Sex Acts With Child: Prosecutor
Coach, Special Ed Teacher Filmed Sex Acts With Child: Prosecutor A former wrestling coach and special education teacher has admitted to having sexual contact with a child, authorities said. John.Denuto, 46, of Spotswood pleaded guilty to child endangerment and other offenses on Friday, April 14, according to Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone. Denuto, a former special education teacher at the Sayreville Middle School and former wrestling coach at numerous other schools and organizations who exploited his position as both a teacher and a wrestling coach to meet and abuse his victims was initially arrested on February 15, …
Car Thief With Bullets Found In Meadowlands Motel: PD Car Thief With Bullets Found In Meadowlands Motel: PD
Car Thief With Bullets Found In Meadowlands Motel: PD A woman driving a car stolen out of Newark was found with several handgun bullets inside of a Secaucus motel Monday morning, April 24, authorities said. A Secaucus officer was patrolling near the Red Roof Inn on the Meadowlands Parkway around 7:35 a.m., when he "randomly" accessed the registration of an unoccupied Kia Forte that was parked, but running in the parking lot, Police Chief Dennis Miller said. The car had been stolen out of Newark in April 2003, and the driver — Doniesha Coar, 27 of Glassboro — was found inside the motel, Miller said. During a search of her jacket, Coa…
Pedestrian Killed By Train In Union County, Delays Reported Pedestrian Killed By Train In Union County, Delays Reported
Pedestrian Killed By Train In Union County, Delays Reported Delays were reported on NJ Transit's Raritan Valley Line Sunday morning, March 26 due to a pedestrian having been fatally struck. The RVL train 5515, which left Newark Penn Station just before 9:40 a.m., struck the pedestrian around 9:50 a.m. on Galloping Hill Road near the Roselle Park station, NJT officials said.  Service was suspended between Cranford and Newark Penn Station as of 11:40 a.m. Raritan Valley Line rail service remains suspended in both directions between Cranford and Newark Penn Station due to a pedestrian fatality near Roselle Park. Substitute bus service is being pro…
Longtime Cranford Resident Jane Heyburn Dies, 60 Longtime Cranford Resident Jane Heyburn Dies, 60
Longtime Cranford Resident Jane Heyburn Dies, 60 Longtime Cranford resident Jane Heyburn died on March 18, surrounded by her family at home, her obituary says. She was 60 years old. A 1980 graduate of Cranford High School, Jane went on to earn her degree in business management from the University of Phoenix, prior to a 38-year career in the pharmaceutical industry, according to her obituary. Jane was being remembered as an avid gardener who loved to dance and spend time at the Jersey Shore. She is survived by her husband, Don; daughters Alexandra and Jessica; sisters Elizabeth Curry and Laureen Eldridge; and a host of nieces, nephews and…
3 Vehicles Collide On Garden State Parkway: State Police 3 Vehicles Collide On Garden State Parkway: State Police
3 Vehicles Collide On Garden State Parkway: State Police Three vehicles collided on the Garden State Parkway on Monday, March 6, in Union County, authorities said. The crash occurred at 1:33 p.m. on the parkway southbound near milepost 137.9 in Cranford, according to New Jersey State Police. Based on preliminary information, three vehicles were involved in a collision which caused one of the vehicles to overturn onto its side, State Police said. No injuries were reported and the lanes were re-opened within an hour, they said.
Young North Jersey Entrepreneur Has Message For The Non-Believers Young North Jersey Entrepreneur Has Message For The Non-Believers
Young North Jersey Entrepreneur Has Message For The Non-Believers One of North Jersey's newest business owners is also one of the area's youngest. At just 19 years old, Kamily Flores opened Craft Protein Bar in Cranford last November. And she's got a message for the non-believers:  "Don't underestimate us." The Elizabeth resident grew up watching her parents run a cafe of their own and knew quickly, she wanted to the same. "I grew up around entrepreneurial spirit," said Flores, a business marketing major at Union County College. "We like to work for ourselves." Flores felt her age worked to her advantage. "I'm young, I have nothing to lose," she told…