Convicted Killer Fired Multiple Gunshots At SWAT Team: New Jersey AG Convicted Killer Fired Multiple Gunshots At SWAT Team: New Jersey AG
Convicted Killer Fired Multiple Gunshots At SWAT Team: New Jersey AG Additional details have been released in the police involved shooting that left a 52-year-old Atlantic City man dead. On Tuesday, June 2, the Atlantic City Police Department's SWAT team attempted to execute a search warrant at a residence on the 100 block of North Florida Avenue, the New Jersey Attorney General's Office said. Officers notice the front door was open, but then it promptly closed, authorities said. Officers announced themselves at the door and then used a mechanical device to breach the door, authorities said. As police opened the door, Donald Gardner, who spent 30 years…
PHOTOS: Honda Pilot Slams Into Utility Pole In Ho-Ho-Kus PHOTOS: Honda Pilot Slams Into Utility Pole In Ho-Ho-Kus
Photos: Honda Pilot Slams Into Utility Pole In Ho-Ho-Kus A driver suffered non-life-threatening injuries when an SUV crashed into a utility pole in Ho-Ho-Kus early Friday morning, June 5, according to incident photographer Boyd A. Loving. A black Honda Pilot slammed into the utility pole, causing significant damage to the vehicle on northbound Sheridan Avenue just south of Hollywood Avenue. Photos from the scene show the heavily damaged SUV with airbag deployment resting near the pole before it was removed by a flatbed tow truck, according to Loving. PSE&G Electric Division crews were requested to evaluate the damaged utility pole, whic…
3 Firefighters Treated As Blaze Rips Through Vacant Bergen County Business 3 Firefighters Treated As Blaze Rips Through Vacant Bergen County Business
3 Firefighters Treated As Blaze Rips Through Vacant Bergen County Business Three volunteer firefighters were evaluated for dehydration after crews battled a fire at a vacant business in Palisades Park Thursday night, June 4, authorities said. Emergency responders were dispatched to a reported structure fire near West Ruby Avenue and Grand Avenue at approximately 8:52 p.m. on Thursday, June 4, according to Palisades Park Police Capt. James Rotundo. Police officers and firefighters arrived to find a working fire on the second floor of the building, Rotundo said. The Palisades Park Fire Department responded and extinguished the blaze with assistance from mutual …
Woman Ejected, Killed In Routes 1&9 Crash In Newark Woman Ejected, Killed In Routes 1&9 Crash In Newark
Woman Ejected, Killed In Routes 1&9 Crash In Newark A woman was killed after being ejected from her vehicle during a crash on Route 1&9 in Newark Friday morning, June 5, authorities said. Police and firefighters responded to the express lanes of Route 1&9 North at approximately 8:35 a.m., on a report of a one-car motor vehicle collision, according to Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda. The vehicle overturned after the driver lost control and struck a guardrail, Miranda said. The female driver was ejected from the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Miranda. The crash remains under investigation…
Man Hunted Across NJ For Aunt's Murder Nabbed By US Marshals: Officials Man Hunted Across NJ For Aunt's Murder Nabbed By US Marshals: Officials
Man Hunted Across NJ For Aunt's Murder Nabbed By US Marshals: Officials A 27-year-old Woodstown man was apprehended by US Marshals after murdering his aunt, authorities announced Thursday, June 4. On Saturday, May 30, Woodstown police responded to Lee Street for a wellness check and discovered Jacqueline Martin, 59, dead from multiple gunshot wounds, the Salem County Prosecutor's Office said. An investigation determined Leroy Martin, Jr., who lived with his aunt, had been involved in a domestic dispute before the shooting and fled the residence, authorities said. The victim's vehicle was recovered the next day in Camden while Martin Jr. evaded capture by moving…
Pink Suitcase Carrying 61 Stolen Items Found On Bronx Men At Bergen Town Center: Cops Pink Suitcase Carrying 61 Stolen Items Found On Bronx Men At Bergen Town Center: Cops
Pink Suitcase Carrying 61 Stolen Items Found On Bronx Men At Bergen Town Center: Cops Two Bronx men were arrested after Paramus police recovered more than 60 allegedly stolen items hidden inside a pink suitcase following a reported shoplifting at Bergen Town Center, authorities said. Members of the Paramus Police Department Crime Suppression Unit and patrol officers responded to a report of a shoplifting in progress at Marshalls in Bergen Town Center on Thursday, June 4, according to Police Chief Robert Guidetti. Store loss prevention personnel, assisted by Officer Cassandra Gomez and Officer Nicholas Bucci, located the suspects in the mall parking lot with merchandise conce…
NJ Nurse Spotted With Gas Canister Before Fires At Workplace, His Apartment: Prosecutor NJ Nurse Spotted With Gas Canister Before Fires At Workplace, His Apartment: Prosecutor
NJ Nurse Spotted With Gas Canister Before Fires At Workplace, His Apartment: Prosecutor A Gloucester Township nurse is accused of setting multiple fires Thursday, June 4, including at his apartment, vehicle, and workplace, where employees and patients were inside, authorities said. Taquan N. Ayers, 25, was arrested and charged in connection arson for fires in Gloucester Township and Winslow Township,  Camden County Prosecutor Grace MacAulay said. Ayers worked as a licensed practical nurse at Oaks Integrated Care, MacAulay said. At 11:52 a.m., officers and firefighters responded to Cherrywood Apartments on Little Gloucester Road in Gloucester Township for a fire at Ayers' …
Child Porn Found On Pickleball Pro In Bergen County, Prosecutor Finds Child Porn Found On Pickleball Pro In Bergen County, Prosecutor Finds
Child Porn Found On Pickleball Pro In Bergen County, Prosecutor Finds A 25-year-old Bergen County pickle ball coach has been arrested on child porn charges, authorities said. On Thursday, June 4, members of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Cyber Crimes Unit executed a search warrant at the Hasbrouck Heights home of Mario H. Kaldas, during the course of an Internet child sexual abuse material investigation, Prosecutor Mark Musella said.  The investigation revealed Kaldas used the Internet to view, download, possess, distribute, and share items depicting nude and/or sexually explicit pubescent and prepubescent children, Musella sai…
Undercover Bergen County Smoke Shop Drug Bust Nets Mushrooms, Pot: Cops Undercover Bergen County Smoke Shop Drug Bust Nets Mushrooms, Pot: Cops
Undercover Bergen County Smoke Shop Drug Bust Nets Mushrooms, Pot: Cops An investigation into drug sales at a Bergen County smoke shop led to the seizure of marijuana, psychedelic mushrooms, and THC products, along with the arrest of a Passaic County man, authorities announced. The Elmwood Park Police Department and the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office Narcotics Task Force conducted a joint investigation into reports of illegal narcotics being sold at Lava Smoke Shop, located at 103 Broadway, Police Chief Michael Foligno said. After several undercover purchases of illegal narcotics and substances, law enforcement officers carried out enforcement actions that r…
Trio Arrested At Garden State Plaza Linked To Willowbrook Theft: Cops Trio Arrested At Garden State Plaza Linked To Willowbrook Theft: Cops
Trio Arrested At Garden State Plaza Linked To Willowbrook Theft: Cops Three out-of-state suspects were arrested at the Westfield Garden State Plaza in Paramus after police recovered more than $3,100 worth of allegedly stolen merchandise during an organized retail theft investigation, authorities said. Members of the Paramus Police Department Crime Suppression Unit were investigating an organized retail theft group believed to be responsible for multiple shoplifting incidents throughout northern New Jersey on Tuesday, June 2, according to Police Chief Robert Guidetti. The investigation began after retail loss prevention personnel reported three suspects allege…
Drunk Driver Charged In River Edge Fiery Crash, Injuring 3: Prosecutor Drunk Driver Charged In River Edge Fiery Crash, Injuring 3: Prosecutor
Drunk Driver Charged In River Edge Fiery Crash, Injuring 3: Prosecutor A New Milford man was charged after authorities said he crashed his SUV into a building in River Edge while driving under the influence of alcohol, injuring himself, his passenger and a resident inside. River Edge police responded to a serious crash at the intersection of Kinderkamack Road and Midland Avenue at approximately 2:55 a.m. on Wednesday, June 3, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said. Officers arrived to find a vehicle on fire after it left the roadway and struck a building at the intersection, according to Musella. The driver, identified as 35-year-old Johan M. Valencia…
NJ Husband Pleads Not Guilty In Barbell Killing Of Wife He Hated For 18 Years: Report NJ Husband Pleads Not Guilty In Barbell Killing Of Wife He Hated For 18 Years: Report
NJ Husband Pleads Not Guilty In Barbell Killing Of Wife He Hated For 18 Years: Report The man accused of killing his wife with a barbell pleaded not guilty in Monmouth County Superior Court Wednesday, June 3. Michael Kless, 67, is charged with murder and numerous weapons offenses in the death of his wife, Stacy Epstein- Kless, 66. Judge Paul Escandon ordered Kless be held without bail. In court, prosecutors showed an email Kless sent to his children admitting to the killing, saying he hated his wife for the past 18 years of their marriage after she said she was no longer in love with him, NJ Advance Media reports. Kless had started a relationship with a woman he me…
Support Swells For NJ Cop Wounded In Shooting Support Swells For NJ Cop Wounded In Shooting
Support Swells For NJ Cop Wounded In Shooting Sergeant Christian Ivanov was one of two Atlantic City police officers injured in a shooting on Tuesday, June 2 and now the community is coming together to help. A GoFundMe has been launched for Ivanov, who is described as a devoted husband and loving father to his three children. Ivanov is in stable but serious condition, according to the fundraiser. "Christian is a highly respected SWAT Sergeant with the Atlantic City Police Department, a leader who has spent his career running toward danger when others are running away from it," Valmir Loga, who organized the fundraiser said. "He is know…
Paterson Man Admits To Armed Robbery That Ended In Shooting: Ocean County Prosecutor Paterson Man Admits To Armed Robbery That Ended In Shooting: Ocean County Prosecutor
Paterson Man Admits To Armed Robbery That Ended In Shooting: Ocean County Prosecutor A 38-year-old Paterson man pleaded guilty to robbing a man in Little Egg Harbor Township, authorities announced Tuesday, June 2. Christopher Miller faces a decade in prison as part of a plea agreement with prosecutors, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said. On Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023 at 4:30 a.m., Little Egg Harbor Township police responded to a residence on East Hudson Drive and found a 36-year-old man with multiple gunshot wounds,  Billhimer said. The victim had visited Miller and Marc Manfredonia, a 34-year-old Little Egg Harbor Township resident at the residence, but…
NJ Man, 20, Had Sexual Contact With Girl, 15, In NY After Meeting On Snapchat: Police NJ Man, 20, Had Sexual Contact With Girl, 15, In NY After Meeting On Snapchat: Police
NJ Man, 20, Had Sexual Contact With Girl, 15, In NY After Meeting On Snapchat: Police A 20-year-old New Jersey man faces charges after having sexual contact with a 15-year-old girl in the Hudson Valley, NY, following their meeting over Snapchat, police said.  Passaic County resident Joseph D. Hand, 20, of West Milford, was arrested on sexual misconduct and child endangerment charges in connection with the alleged activity, New York State Police announced on Tuesday, June 2.  According to police, on Monday, June 1, troopers learned of a possible sex offense involving a child at a home in the Dutchess County town of Red Hook.  Investigators determined that Hand…
Video Shows Moment Speeding Car Slams River Edge Real Estate Firm, Bursts Into Flames Video Shows Moment Speeding Car Slams River Edge Real Estate Firm, Bursts Into Flames
Video Shows Moment Speeding Car Slams River Edge Real Estate Firm, Bursts Into Flames UPDATE: A drunk driver has been charged in a high-speed crash into a building that left multiple people injured Wednesday, June 3 in River Edge. The Bergen County Prosecutor's Office is investigating a serious crash in River Edge after a vehicle struck a building and caught fire. Surveillance footage shows the vehicle speeding down Midland Avenue before careening into Nigito Realty on Kinderkamack Road just before 3 a.m. The car and the building then went up in flames. View this post on Instagram One of four tenants upstairs were rescued by a…
6 Hospitalized In Fire That Hurt Several In Hillsdale: FD 6 Hospitalized In Fire That Hurt Several In Hillsdale: FD
6 Hospitalized In Fire That Hurt Several In Hillsdale: FD The Bergen County Prosecutor's Office is investigating a house fire that left six people injured overnight in Hillsdale. The fire occurred at 116 Piermont Ave. shortly before 1 a.m. on Wednesday, June 3, according to authorities. The Hillsdale Fire Department was dispatched to the reported structure fire shortly before 1 a.m. Upon arrival, Chief Farrell found the residence heavily involved in fire and immediately requested a Working Fire Assignment, bringing mutual aid companies to the scene, the Hillsdale Fire Department said. Police and firefighters responded to the scene at approximatel…
Massachusetts Woman Killed In Virginia Bus Crash Was Headed To Long-Awaited Vacation Massachusetts Woman Killed In Virginia Bus Crash Was Headed To Long-Awaited Vacation
Massachusetts Woman Killed In Virginia Bus Crash Was Headed To Long-Awaited Vacation A Massachusetts woman killed in the deadly Virginia charter bus crash was looking forward to a long-awaited Florida vacation and promised a friend she would call when she arrived.  That call never came. Priscilla R. Mafalda, 25, of Worcester, was identified as the fifth victim killed in the crash on I-95 near Quantico, Virginia. The wreck happened early Friday morning as travelers made their way south. A family of four from Greenfield, Massachusetts, was also killed.  The day before the crash, Mafalda shared her excitement about the trip in a text message to her friend and c…
Two On-Duty Police K-9s Die Same Day, Handler Placed On Leave: Report Two On-Duty Police K-9s Die Same Day, Handler Placed On Leave: Report
Two On-Duty Police K-9s Die Same Day, Handler Placed On Leave: Report Two K-9s in the Salem County Sheriff's Office died on Friday, May 29, authorities said. The deaths of Rip and Boomer remain under investigation by the Salem County Prosecutor's Office, the Salem County Sheriff's Office said. "Their loyalty, service, and dedication to protecting the residents of Salem County will never be forgotten," the sheriff's office said on Facebook. "We honor their lives with gratitude for all they gave and the service they performed alongside our officers in the countless ways they helped protect our community. Due to the ongoing investigation, the sheriff's office s…
NJ Corrections Officer Killed In Motorcycle Crash, Union Says NJ Corrections Officer Killed In Motorcycle Crash, Union Says
NJ Corrections Officer Killed In Motorcycle Crash, Union Says A New Jersey corrections officer has died following a motorcycle crash, according to the New Jersey State Policemen's Benevolent Association Local 105. Senior Corrections Police Officer Aaron A. Elly, 29, of Cinnaminson, died after the crash, the union announced. Details of the crash were not immediately available. Elly's obituary says only that he died on May 31. A GoFundMe by PBA Local 105 had raised more than $11,000 as of Thursday, June 4. "Officer Elly was a dedicated correctional police officer, a respected coworker, and a friend to many. Our thoughts and prayers are with his fa…
Dodge Charger Driver, 30, Killed In NJ Crash: Prosecutor Dodge Charger Driver, 30, Killed In NJ Crash: Prosecutor
Dodge Charger Driver, 30, Killed In NJ Crash: Prosecutor A 30-year-old New York man died after a two-vehicle crash in Passaic County, NJ over the weekend, authorities said. The crash happened at approximately 5:55 p.m. on Saturday, May 31, in the area of Warwick Turnpike and Lake Shore Drive in Hewitt, Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and West Milford Police Chief Shannon Sommerville said. The collision involved a Dodge Charger and a Nissan Pathfinder. The driver of the Dodge Charger, a 30-year-old man from Bardonia, NY, was flown by medical helicopter to Saint Joseph's University Medical Center, authorities said. He died fr…
River Edge Gunpoint Carjackers Charged Nearly 2½ Years Later River Edge Gunpoint Carjackers Charged Nearly 2½ Years Later
River Edge Gunpoint Carjackers Charged Nearly 2½ Years Later A New York City man has been charged in connection with a violent River Edge carjacking that left a victim beaten with a gun and robbed of his vehicle nearly 2½ years ago, authorities said. Jaden Noboa, 20, of New York City, and two former juveniles from New York City have been identified as the suspects in the Dec. 23, 2023 armed carjacking in a parking lot on Grand Avenue, according to Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella. River Edge police responded to the scene after three male suspects approached a vehicle, physically removed the victim from the driver's seat at gunpoint, and demanded…
$7.7M Stolen In NJ Real Estate Scam: Bergen Man, Florida Accomplice Charged $7.7M Stolen In NJ Real Estate Scam: Bergen Man, Florida Accomplice Charged
$7.7M Stolen In NJ Real Estate Scam: Bergen Man, Florida Accomplice Charged A Bergen County man and his Florida accomplice are accused of helping launder more than $7.7 million stolen in a sophisticated fraud scheme targeting a Garden State real estate transaction, authorities said. Jason S. McNeill, 49, of Wyckoff, and Ryan A. Telesford, 43, of Lake Worth, FL, were charged with money laundering, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and conspiracy to commit theft by deception, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced Monday, June 1. The investigation began in December 2025 after the Hackensack Police Department contacted the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Offi…
Route 17 Street Racer Seriously Injures Woman In High-Speed Wreck: Cops Route 17 Street Racer Seriously Injures Woman In High-Speed Wreck: Cops
Route 17 Street Racer Seriously Injures Woman In High-Speed Wreck: Cops A 20-year-old New York man was charged after prosecutors said he was racing another vehicle on Route 17 in Paramus, NJ when he lost control and crashed into a Jeep, seriously injuring its driver. Aiden C. Perez, 20, of Washingtonville, NY, was driving a 2015 Audi at a high rate of speed when he lost control while attempting to change lanes, causing the Audi to collide with a 2019 Jeep, at around 9:55 p.m. Tuesday, April 28, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said. Paramus police responded to the two-vehicle crash in the southbound lanes of Route 17 near the Ridgewood Avenue exit, wh…
Police Sergeant Told Officer To Lie In Probe: Bergen Prosecutor Police Sergeant Told Officer To Lie In Probe: Bergen Prosecutor
Police Sergeant Told Officer To Lie In Probe: Bergen Prosecutor A police sergeant in Bergen County has been charged with witness tampering after prosecutors said he instructed another officer to provide false information during an internal investigation. Garfield Sgt. Anthony M. Pizzi, 30, was arrested Thursday, May 28, following an investigation by the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office Confidential Investigations Unit, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced. The investigation began on April 16 after the prosecutor's office received information regarding alleged witness tampering connected to an administrative investigation being conducted by t…
'Peeping Tom' At NJ Mall Targeted Women, Touched Girl In Movie Theater: Cops 'Peeping Tom' At NJ Mall Targeted Women, Touched Girl In Movie Theater: Cops
'Peeping Tom' At NJ Mall Targeted Women, Touched Girl In Movie Theater: Cops A Paterson man accused of spying on women in a Willowbrook Mall fitting room was arrested after police say he later recorded and touched a juvenile girl inside the mall's movie theater. Wayne police were first alerted to reports of a suspected "peeping Tom" at the Urban Planet store in Willowbrook Mall at approximately 8:20 p.m. on Sunday, May 24, Capt. Daniel Daly said.  Mall security was searching for a man accused of spying on two women inside a changing room when officers were dispatched to a second incident involving a girl at the Cinemark theater on mall property, Daly said. The…
Prostitution Uncovered At Route 46 Massage Parlor: Prosecutor Prostitution Uncovered At Route 46 Massage Parlor: Prosecutor
Prostitution Uncovered At Route 46 Massage Parlor: Prosecutor Two people were arrested after an illicit massage parlor on Route 46 was busted, authorities announced Monday, June 1. An investigation determined prostitution was being offered at 46 Pine Tree Spa at 694 Route 46 in Kenvil, Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Roxbury Police Chief Mathew Holland said. Eongeun Ju, a 57-year-old Flushing resident, who oversaw the spa, made money off the sex acts performed at the business, authorities said. A search warrant led to the seizure of methamphetamine and $8,000 in cash, authorities said. Ju is …
NJ Man Sent Threatening Emails To Family Court Attorney, Sheriff Says NJ Man Sent Threatening Emails To Family Court Attorney, Sheriff Says
NJ Man Sent Threatening Emails To Family Court Attorney, Sheriff Says A New Jersey man was arrested after investigators said he sent threatening and harassing emails to an attorney involved in an ongoing family court matter. Lawrence Lightning, 37, of Little Falls, was charged following an investigation by the Passaic County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Division, Passaic County Sheriff Thomas Adamo announced Monday, June 1. Detectives were notified by the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office on May 22 about concerning communications sent by Lightning to a Legal Services attorney, according to the sheriff's office. The attorney had previously rep…
Fires Break Out At 2 Popular Bergen County Restaurants Within Hours Fires Break Out At 2 Popular Bergen County Restaurants Within Hours
Fires Break Out At 2 Popular Bergen County Restaurants Within Hours Two popular Bergen County restaurants were damaged by fires within hours of each other late Sunday, May 31, and Monday, June 1. The first fire broke out Sunday evening, May 31, at Brick House on Godwin Avenue in Wyckoff, according to the Wyckoff Fire Department. Firefighters responded after reports of a brush fire against the rear of the building with visible smoke and flames, officials said. Arriving crews confirmed the brush fire had extended into the restaurant's air ventilation system. Firefighters also encountered heavy smoke conditions in the basement and requested a working fire…
Manhunt Launched For ATV Rider Who Ran Over Cop In South Jersey: Police Manhunt Launched For ATV Rider Who Ran Over Cop In South Jersey: Police
Manhunt Launched For ATV Rider Who Ran Over Cop In South Jersey: Police A man is at large after he ran over a police officer while riding an ATV in Ewing on Sunday, May 31, authorities said. At 5:30 p.m., officers received numerous calls about an ATV riding recklessly throughout Ewing, Ewing police said. A police officer located a man attempted to fuel his ATV at a Delta gas station on Princeton Avenue and attempted to stop him, police said. The man drove over the officer and a pursuit was initiated before eventually being terminated for safety reasons, police said. The officer that was struck was transported to a nearby hospital with non-life threatening …
Referee Strangles Coach During South Jersey Youth Football Game: Cops Referee Strangles Coach During South Jersey Youth Football Game: Cops
Referee Strangles Coach During South Jersey Youth Football Game: Cops A referee was charged after police said he strangled a coach during a youth flag football game in Gloucester County on Sunday afternoon, May 31. Franklin Township police responded to the Franklin Township Sports Complex on Pennsylvania Avenue at approximately 1:30 p.m. following reports of an assault at a youth football game, according to the department. A dispute over an on-field call escalated when the referee strangled a 46-year-old Newfield man who was coaching one of the teams. Witnesses corroborated the assault, leading to the arrest of the referee, Edward McKinnie Jr., 47, of Bl…