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North Plainfield, NJ

10,000 Without Power Due To Storm: See Rainfall Totals In NJ So Far 10,000 Without Power Due To Storm: See Rainfall Totals In NJ So Far
10,000 Without Power Due To Storm: See Rainfall Totals In NJ So Far Torrential downpours and flash flooding triggered widespread power outages and traffic disruptions across New Jersey on Thursday, July 31. As of 9 p.m., more than 10,000 residents were without power. PSE&G reported: 2,812 outages in Middlesex County, including 2,680 in Woodbridge 883 outages in Somerset County, mostly in North Plainfield JCP&L reported more than 7,000 outages in Ocean County, including: 5,129 in Manchester 995 in Ocean Gate 586 in Berkeley Township Utility crews were working through the night to restore power as the storms continued into the evening. As of 8:50…
Fugitive: North Plainfield Man Charged With Sexual Assault At Large, Prosecutor Says Fugitive: North Plainfield Man Charged With Sexual Assault At Large, Prosecutor Says
Fugitive: North Plainfield Man Charged With Sexual Assault At Large, Prosecutor Says A 45-year-old North Plainfield man wanted for sexual assault is at large, authorities announced Tuesday, July 29. On Sunday, July 20 at 2:07 a.m., officers responded to a woman who said she was sexually assaulted by a man while walking home on Manning Avenue in North Plainfield,  Somerset County Prosecutor John McDonald, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of County Detectives Francisco Roman Jr., and North Plainfield Chief of Police Alan McKay said. The woman attempted to flee but the suspect, later identified as Oscar Vasquez Barraza, caught up to her and sexually assaulted her…
‘Good Trouble’ Anti-Trump Protests Set For Thursday: Here's Every One Set In NJ ‘Good Trouble’ Anti-Trump Protests Set For Thursday: Here's Every One Set In NJ
‘Good Trouble’ Anti-Trump Protests Set For Thursday: Here's Every One Set In NJ Five years after the death of civil rights icon Congressman John Lewis, communities across the country will gather on Thursday, July 17, for a national day of peaceful protest aimed at protecting civil rights and confronting the policies of President Donald Trump. Dozens of protests are scheduled across New Jersey (scroll down to find the location nearest you). The campaign, called "Good Trouble Lives On," is organizing hundreds of local protests and community actions to fight back against what organizers call “attacks on our civil and human rights by the Trump administration.” Events will…
Two People Killed In NJ Flood, Home Explodes, Animals Rescued During Fierce Storms: Officials Two People Killed In NJ Flood, Home Explodes, Animals Rescued During Fierce Storms: Officials
Two People Killed In NJ Flood, Home Explodes, Animals Rescued During Fierce Storms: Officials Two people were killed in Plainfield and a home exploded in North Plainfield Monday, July 14, as fierce storms swept across the state. Meanwhile, on Tuesday morning, much of New Jersey remained under water. A vehicle was swept into Cedar Brook during the height of flash flooding in Plainfield Monday, killing two people, who were pronounced dead at the scene, the city said in a release. The victims have not been identified.  At 2:45 a.m., officers responded to 643 Parkview Ave. and found the home fully engulfed in flames, North Plainfield police said. The explosion appears to have been…
Woman Rescued From Roof In North Plainfield Fire (VIDEO) Woman Rescued From Roof In North Plainfield Fire (VIDEO)
Woman Rescued From Roof In North Plainfield Fire (Video) A woman escaped a fire after being rescued from the roof of her home in North Plainfield early Friday morning, July 11, authorities said. At 1:25 a.m., first responders were dispatched to 489 Richard Way and found the residence engulfed in flames with several residents standing on the front lawn, North Plainfield police said. One woman was still inside the residence, police said. Officials began rescue attempts, however the woman was extremely frightened to leave the roof area, police said. Firefighters extended a large ladder onto the roof so she could be rescued, police said. To view foo…
Officials ID Mom Of Two, 44, Killed By Storms That Swept Through North Plainfield Officials ID Mom Of Two, 44, Killed By Storms That Swept Through North Plainfield
Officials ID Mom Of Two, 44, Killed By Storms That Swept Through North Plainfield 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…
NWS Confirms 80 MPH Winds In NJ Storm That Left 3 Dead NWS Confirms 80 MPH Winds In NJ Storm That Left 3 Dead
NWS Confirms 80 MPH Winds In NJ Storm That Left 3 Dead The National Weather Service says the severe storm that struck parts of Central Jersey Thursday, July 3, packed winds as strong as 80 miles per hour and caused widespread damage across multiple towns. In a public information statement issued Friday afternoon, July 4, the NWS confirmed that the destruction — which caused three deaths — was caused by “straight-line winds and downbursts.” The storm hit Somerset and Middlesex counties just after 6 p.m., tearing through North Plainfield, South Plainfield, Green Brook Township, Bound Brook, and Metuchen, the NWS said. “Based on photos shared wit…
Three Killed In New Jersey As Storm Uproots Trees, Crushes Cars, Flattens Homes Three Killed In New Jersey As Storm Uproots Trees, Crushes Cars, Flattens Homes
Three Killed In New Jersey As Storm Uproots Trees, Crushes Cars, Flattens Homes 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 …
Speeding Driver Charged With Vehicular Homicide In Deadly North Plainfield Crash: Officials Speeding Driver Charged With Vehicular Homicide In Deadly North Plainfield Crash: Officials
Speeding Driver Charged With Vehicular Homicide In Deadly North Plainfield Crash: Officials A Plainfield ex-con is facing a long list of charges—including vehicular homicide—after a deadly crash in North Plainfield killed a 68-year-old Bridgewater man, officials said. Kavon Powell-Coleman, 35, was arrested on Friday, March 13 in Somerville following a crash that occurred on the afternoon of Tuesday, March 4, Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald said. Police responded around 1:16 p.m. to Greenbrook Road and Duer Street, where a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, driven by Powell-Coleman, had collided with a 2014 Ford F-150 pickup truck, authorities said. The F-150 had veered off the …
Green Brook Woman Fired Gunshots At Vehicle During Route 22 Road Rage Incident: Prosecutor Green Brook Woman Fired Gunshots At Vehicle During Route 22 Road Rage Incident: Prosecutor
Green Brook Woman Fired Gunshots At Vehicle During Route 22 Road Rage Incident: Prosecutor A 26-year-old Somerset County woman is facing attempted murder charges after she fired gunshots at a vehicle during a road rage incident last month on Route 22 , authorities announced on Tuesday, March 18. On Sunday, Feb. 2, at 8:45 p.m., North Plainfield resident was driving on North Avenue and Madison Avenue when a dark colored Mercedes-Benz attempted to merge into his lane of travel, eventually passing the victim and another vehicle using the right shoulder, Somerset County Prosecutor John McDonald, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of County Detectives Francisco Roman Jr., and No…
Union County Burglar At Large After String Of Somerset County Break-ins: Prosecutor Union County Burglar At Large After String Of Somerset County Break-ins: Prosecutor
Union County Burglar At Large After String Of Somerset County Break-ins: Prosecutor A 26-year-old Scotch Plains man is wanted by police after previously being charged with a string of burglaries that occurred last year in Somerset County, authorities said. On Tuesday, Nov. 26, at 9:20 p.m., a business on Route 206 in Somerville was broken into by Emmanuel Tolentino, Somerset County Prosecutor John McDonald and Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of County Detectives Francisco Roman Jr. said. Tolentino made off with cash, authorities said. On Friday, Nov. 29 at 1:45 a.m. Tolentino broke into a business on Route 22 East in Green Brook, prying open the door an…
New North Plainfield Dad, 33, Dies Month After Fourth Child Born New North Plainfield Dad, 33, Dies Month After Fourth Child Born
New North Plainfield Dad, 33, Dies Month After Fourth Child Born Bryan Jaramillo, a North Plainfield resident, died on Sunday, Feb. 16, a month after his fourth child was born, according to a fundraiser set up to support his family. Jaramillo is being remembered as a devoted loving and family member who had a special bond with his four children, Jezebel, Jayhail, Jazaya, and Jayce, according to his obituary from the Scarpo-Las Rosas Funeral Home. Aside from his children, Jaramillo is survived by his sister Mariela and his mother, Susana, his obituary reads. "Though his time with us was far too short, Bryan’s spirit and the joy he brought to his lov…
Police ID Woman Killed In Tractor Trailer Crash In Franklin Township Police ID Woman Killed In Tractor Trailer Crash In Franklin Township
Police ID Woman Killed In Tractor Trailer Crash In Franklin Township A 28-year-old North Plainfield woman was identified as the person killed in a crash with a tractor trailer on the early morning of Saturday, Feb. 1, authorities said. Kelly Haymond was driving a 2020 orange Dodge Charger when it collided with a 2009 black Volvo tractor trailer at South Middlebush Road and Jacques Lane,  Prosecutor John McDonald, Chief of County Detectives Frank Roman, and Franklin Township Public Safety Director Quovella M. Maeweather said. Haymond was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. The driver of the Volvo was not injured, police said. The crash remains un…
Dodge Charger Driver, 28, From North Plainfield Dies In Tractor Trailer Crash Dodge Charger Driver, 28, From North Plainfield Dies In Tractor Trailer Crash
Dodge Charger Driver, 28, From North Plainfield Dies In Tractor Trailer Crash A 28-year-old woman died in a fiery tractor-trailer crash early Saturday, Feb. 1 in Somerset County, authorities said. The North Plainfield resident had been driving a 2020 orange Dodge Charger died on impact in the crash with a 2008 black Volvo tractor-trailer, the driver of which was not injured, Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald said. The vehicles collided around 2:50 a.m. near South Middlebush Road and Jacques Lane, the prosecutor said. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, where they found the woman, dead on impact. She was the sole occupant, as was the tr…
North Plainfield Man Killed In Motorcycle Crash: Berkeley Heights Police North Plainfield Man Killed In Motorcycle Crash: Berkeley Heights Police
North Plainfield Man Killed In Motorcycle Crash: Berkeley Heights Police A 55-year-old North Plainfield resident was killed in a single-vehicle motorcycle crash in Berkeley Heights on Wednesday, Nov. 13, authorities said. The crash occurred at Plainfield Avenue near Connell Corporate Park, Berkeley Heights police said. The man, whose identity is being withheld by police, was taken to Overlook Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, police said. The crash remains under investigation, police said.
Video Shows DUI Flying Jeep Driver Chatting With Police In Hospital After Wild Holmdel Crash Video Shows DUI Flying Jeep Driver Chatting With Police In Hospital After Wild Holmdel Crash
Video Shows DUI Flying Jeep Driver Chatting With Police In Hospital After Wild Holmdel Crash Newly released bodycam footage shows the arrest of a 39-year-old man who police say was intoxicated when he blew a stop sign and sent a Jeep Wrangler airborne and onto the back deck of a New Jersey homeowner. Video shared to YouTube by Transparency Bodycam this week shows the massive police and fire response in Holmdel on Aug. 31, caused by Anthony Hernandez, of North Plainfield. “I just feel below myself,” Hernandez told officers from the hospital (around the 2-hour mark in the video). "I'm just happy you’re okay," the officer responded, saying things could've been a lot worse given the n…
Man Admits To Vandalizing Rutgers Islamic Center On Muslim Holiday, Feds Say Man Admits To Vandalizing Rutgers Islamic Center On Muslim Holiday, Feds Say
Man Admits To Vandalizing Rutgers Islamic Center On Muslim Holiday, Feds Say A North Plainfield man admitted to trashing an Islamic center at Rutgers University-New Brunswick during an important Muslim holiday, authorities said. Jacob Beacher, 24, pleaded guilty on Wednesday, Oct. 9 to damage to religious property, New Jersey's U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger said in a news release. According to court documents and statements, Beacher broke into the Center for Islamic Life at Rutgers University (CILRU) at around 2:41 a.m. on Wednesday, Apr. 10. That day was Eid-al-Fitr, a holy celebration for Muslims at the end of Ramadan. Prosecutors said Beacher caused m…
Plainfield Man Convicted Of Dragging Police Officer On Dirt Bike: Prosecutor Plainfield Man Convicted Of Dragging Police Officer On Dirt Bike: Prosecutor
Plainfield Man Convicted Of Dragging Police Officer On Dirt Bike: Prosecutor A 39-year-old Plainfield man was convicted on Friday, Sept. 13 of assaulting a North Plainfield police officer by dragging him on his dirt bike in April 2022, authorities said. On April 13, Victor Ogando-Marte was driving an illegal dirt bike on Route 22 along with 15 to 20 others, the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office said. The dirt bikers were driving recklessly by weaving in and out of traffic, popping wheelies and obstructing the passage of other vehicles, authorities said. Officer James Kirchner attempted to apprehend Ogando-Marte near Rock Avenue, but he used his dirt bike to drag h…
Woman Fatally Struck By Vehicle In North Plainfield: Police Woman Fatally Struck By Vehicle In North Plainfield: Police
Woman Fatally Struck By Vehicle In North Plainfield: Police A woman was killed after she was struck by a vehicle in North Plainfield on the evening of Wednesday, Sept. 4, authorities said. At 9:06 p.m., officers responded to a report of a woman struck by a vehicle while crossing Norwood Avenue near Manning Avenue, North Plainfield police said. The driver of the vehicle, which was heading northbound on Norwood Avenue before striking the victim, remained at the scene, police said.  The victim, a North Plainfield resident, was transported to RWJ New Brunswick Hospital by first responders where she was pronounced dead on Thursday, Sept. 5. An…
Pickpocketing Family Steals $1,400 From Unsuspecting Victim At Secaucus Sneaker Expo: Police Pickpocketing Family Steals $1,400 From Unsuspecting Victim At Secaucus Sneaker Expo: Police
Pickpocketing Family Steals $1,400 From Unsuspecting Victim At Secaucus Sneaker Expo: Police A family of pickpocketers from Somerset County are facing charges after police allege they stole more than $1,400 from an unsuspecting victim in Hudson County. Anthony Curichumbe-Guilcapi, 21, Luis Cholota-Maldonado, Silvia Curichumbe-Guilcapi, 38, and Dolores Cholota-Curichumbe, 21, who live together in North Plainfield, conspired to steal the cash from the victim at Sneaker Expo on Plaza Drive in Secaucus on Aug. 22 around 9:30 a.m., Secaucus Police Deputy Chief Joseph Baccola said. "Anthony, Luis and Dolores bumped into the victim to distract the victim, while Silvia stole the cash …
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…
NJ Man, 62, Busted On Child Porn Charges, Prosecutor Says NJ Man, 62, Busted On Child Porn Charges, Prosecutor Says
NJ Man, 62, Busted On Child Porn Charges, Prosecutor Says A 62-year-old Somerset County man has been arrested on child porn charges, authorities said. George Wohar, Jr., of North Plainfield, became the center of an investigation following a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald said. An investigation initiated by the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Special Investigations/Computer Crimes Unit confirmed that various electronic service providers containing numerous images of child pornography were all associated with George Wohar, Jr., McDonald said…
Two Men Broke Into Several Gas Stations To Swipe Vape Products: Somerset County Prosecutor Two Men Broke Into Several Gas Stations To Swipe Vape Products: Somerset County Prosecutor
Two Men Broke Into Several Gas Stations To Swipe Vape Products: Somerset County Prosecutor Two South Plainfield men were recently arrested and charged with burglarizing several gas stations on Route 22 in Somerset County in May, authorities said. On Thursday, May 2, at 3:16 a.m., Macario Wilchez, a 20-year-old South Plainfield resident wearing a hoodie, face mask and glove broke the glass in the front door of a gas station to gain entry and stole numerous vape products before fleeing the area, Somerset Prosecutor John McDonald said.  On Saturday, May 4, at 1:10 a.m., the gas station was burglarized again by Wilchez who broke the glass door to enter and stole vape products be…
17 Arrested, Six Wanted In Massive NJ Fentanyl Mill, Drug-Dealing Operation: Prosecutors 17 Arrested, Six Wanted In Massive NJ Fentanyl Mill, Drug-Dealing Operation: Prosecutors
17 Arrested, Six Wanted In Massive NJ Fentanyl Mill, Drug-Dealing Operation: Prosecutors Seventeen people were arrested and six more were wanted in a large drug-dealing operation throughout Monmouth County, authorities said. An eight-month investigation seized hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of drugs that were funneled from Passaic and Somerset counties, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago said in a news release on Monday, June 24. "The arrests and seizures being announced today mark the end result of a herculean investigative effort involving innumerable moving parts, all seamlessly coordinated with the help of more than two dozen other law enforcement agencies,…
Firefighters Battle 3-Alarm Blaze In Middlesex County Firefighters Battle 3-Alarm Blaze In Middlesex County
Firefighters Battle 3-Alarm Blaze In Middlesex County Two homes were heavily damaged by a three-alarm fire that started in a garage in Middlesex Borough, authorities said. On Friday, June 14, at 2:40 a.m., the Middlesex Borough Police Department responded to a report of a structure fire at 832 West Second Street.  Officers arrived on scene and confirmed that a garage was fully engulfed in flames. Prior to the fire spreading to 836 West Second Street, officers were able to safely evacuate the occupants of both residences, Middlesex police said. The Middlesex Fire Department, assisted by firefighters and equipment …
PA Man Extradited For 2023 Armed Robbery Of North Plainfield Gas Station PA Man Extradited For 2023 Armed Robbery Of North Plainfield Gas Station
PA Man Extradited For 2023 Armed Robbery Of North Plainfield Gas Station A 27-year-old Allentown, PA man was arrested and charged with a 2023 armed robbery in North Plainfield, NJ, authorities said. On Sept. 30, 2023, at 4:50 a.m., police in North Plainfield responded to a gas station at Route 22 for an armed robbery, Somerset County Prosecutor John McDonald said. The gas station attendant told police that an unknown male, later identified as Elijah Nunnally, pulled into the station and asked him to fill the tank, authorities said.  Nunnally then got out of his vehicle and pointed a handgun at the attendant, demanding money, before leaving with the ca…
Metalworker Killed In Forklift Accident In Central Jersey: Police Metalworker Killed In Forklift Accident In Central Jersey: Police
Metalworker Killed In Forklift Accident In Central Jersey: Police A 46-year-old metalworker from Central Jersey was killed in a forklift accident, authorities said. Jimmy Fernando Parrales Mora, of North Plainfield, was killed in the accident at Diamond Brite Metals, 333 Cedar Ave. in Middlesex, according to borough police. The accident occurred at about 7:20 a.m. on Tuesday, June 11.  It was determined that a metal beam fell and struck Parrales Mora while he was working, police said. Parrales Mora was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. OSHA is investigating.
Feds: Nine Sex, Money, Murder Members Nabbed With Fentanyl, Coke, More At Open-Air Drug Market Feds: Nine Sex, Money, Murder Members Nabbed With Fentanyl, Coke, More At Open-Air Drug Market
Feds: Nine Sex, Money, Murder Members Nabbed With Fentanyl, Coke, More At Open-Air Drug Market Nine reputed members and associates of the Sex, Money, Murder street gang were charged by Homeland Security agents in New Jersey with peddling fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine at an open-air drug market. Working with local law enforcers, agents with HSI Investigations Newark homed in on a neighborhood on West 3rd Street in Plainfield where the subset of the Bloods controlled the drug trade, U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger said. For months, they witnessed and recorded sales, conducted undercover buys -- some by confidential informants -- and analyzed phone records, the U.S. attorney said. …
GOTCHA! Federal, State Team Seize Local Man, 24, In Rutgers Islamic Center Vandalism GOTCHA! Federal, State Team Seize Local Man, 24, In Rutgers Islamic Center Vandalism
Gotcha! Federal, State Team Seize Local Man, 24, In Rutgers Islamic Center Vandalism UPDATE: An elite law enforcement team captured a 24-year-old local man on Monday who authorities said broke in and trashed the Center for Islamic Life at Rutgers University in New Brunswick earlier this month. Jacob Beacher was due for an initial afternoon appearance on federal hate crime charges in U.S. District Court in Newark on April 22. Beacher broke into the CILRU shortly after 2:30 a.m. April 10 and did an estimated $40,000 worth of damage, state and federal authorities said. It was during the Eid-al-Fitr -- the Islamic holiday commemorating the end of sunrise-to-dusk fasting during…
Person Fatally Struck By Vehicle Moments After Hitting Pedestrian: North Plainfield PD Person Fatally Struck By Vehicle Moments After Hitting Pedestrian: North Plainfield PD
Person Fatally Struck By Vehicle Moments After Hitting Pedestrian: North Plainfield PD A 57-year old Plainfield man was fatally struck by a car as he was checking on a pedestrian he hit with his vehicle near Costco in North Plainfield on Thursday, April 4, authorities said. At 11:37 p.m. police responded to Route 22 East and discovered two motor vehicle crashes had taken place, North Plainfield Police Chief William Parenti said. Danti Bryant had just struck a 31-year-old North Plainfield woman who was injured and lying in the roadway, Parenti said. As Bryant exited his vehicle to investigate what he had struck, he was struck by another vehicle that swerved to avoid hitting the…
Three Burglars Break Into Dispensary, Take $1,200: North Plainfield PD Three Burglars Break Into Dispensary, Take $1,200: North Plainfield PD
Three Burglars Break Into Dispensary, Take $1,200: North Plainfield PD Three burglars broke into a dispensary in North Plainfield just after midnight on Wednesday, Jan. 3, taking more than $1,200 in cash, authorities said. At 12:58 a.m., the three unknown suspects, wearing all black clothing, broke into Cloud 9 Dispensary at 513 Route 22 West by shattering the side window, police said. The suspects ransacked the cash registers, taking the money, before fleeing on foot, police said. The suspects remain at large, police said as they continue to investigate.