NEWARK, NJ—The Newark Department of Public Safety continues its urgent search for 17-year-old Aaliyah Bryant, reported missing since Wednesday, August 30, 2023. Aaliyah, known to have run away in the past, was last seen on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, in the 100 block of Chancellor Avenue. At the time, she was dressed in a long white T-shirt and black leggings, and was carrying a cross-body bag.
Aaliyah is described as being 5 feet 3 inches tall, weighing 300 pounds, with a light-brown complexion and blonde hair. She has a silver nose piercing.
Aaliyah is also diagnosed with Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Public Safety Director Fritz G. Fragé is calling on anyone with information regarding her whereabouts to contact the Newark Police Division’s 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477). All tips are confidential and could lead to a reward.
- Over 150 Fall Ill, 16 Hospitalized at Mass Casualty Incident During New Jersey High School Graduation
PATERSON, NJ — A sweltering heat wave turned what should have been a joyous celebration for Paterson’s graduating seniors into a medical emergency on Monday, June 23, as soaring temperatures at Hinchliffe Stadium led to 150 attendees being treated for heat exhaustion and 16 hospitalizations.
The extreme conditions forced city officials to halt the afternoon commencement ceremonies, prompting Mayor Andre Sayegh to declare a state of emergency.
The Paterson School District held two outdoor graduation ceremonies at Hinchliffe Stadium, with temperatures climbing to nearly 100 degrees and a heat index exceeding 107 degrees. The morning session, starting at 9 a.m., honored graduates from International High School and John F. Kennedy High School. By 11:30 a.m., emergency crews had treated approximately 50 people for heat-related issues, with nine transported to local hospitals for dehydration and severe heat exhaustion.
Despite the morning’s challenges, the district proceeded with the afternoon ceremony at 12:30 p.m., which included Eastside High School, Rosa L. Parks School of Fine and Performing Arts, STARS/T.I.E.S. Academy, Paterson P-TECH High School, and Paterson STEAM High School. The decision proved costly as conditions worsened.
An additional 100 attendees required medical attention, and seven more were hospitalized. Emergency medical technicians scrambled to assist those affected, many of whom were graduates and family members seated on artificial turf or in unshaded concrete grandstands.
City officials declared the event a “mass casualty incident” about an hour into the afternoon ceremony, abruptly ending the proceedings as administrators were announcing Eastside High School graduates’ names. Mayor Sayegh, who had suggested holding the ceremonies indoors, authorized the shutdown and issued a citywide state of emergency to address the crisis.
The city had already issued an extreme heat advisory, effective from June 22 through June 25, urging residents to take precautions.
Paterson Fire Department Deputy Chief Jason Macones reported that emergency crews set up triage stations and distributed ice to alleviate symptoms. Paterson Public Schools Superintendent Laurie Newell faced scrutiny for proceeding with the afternoon session despite the morning’s heat-related incidents. Neither School Board President Eddie Gonzalez nor Vice President Joel Ramirez commented on the decision.
The lack of shade at Hinchliffe Stadium, combined with the heat-retaining artificial turf, exacerbated the situation.
Attendees, including parents like one who refused hospital transport to stay for her son’s graduation, described chaotic scenes as people fainted and required oxygen or cooling measures. The city opened cooling centers at the Paterson Main Library and Northside Library to provide relief amid the ongoing heat wave.
- Linden opens JTG Center as cooling site for residents without power
LINDEN, N.J. — Mayor Derek Armstead announced Monday that the JTG Center at 311 Helen Street will remain open to assist residents without power amid rising indoor temperatures.
The center is offering air conditioning and access to charging stations for phones and electronic devices. City officials warned that indoor heat can become dangerous more quickly than outdoor conditions, particularly for those with health concerns.
“Indoor temperatures are much hotter than outdoor temperatures and can quickly become dangerous,” the advisory stated.
Residents are urged to check on elderly neighbors and individuals with chronic or mental health conditions who may be more vulnerable to heat-related illness.
The city advised residents to stay alert for symptoms of heat stress and to call 911 in the event of a heat-related emergency.
Linden officials are keeping a community cooling center open as heat and power outages continue.
- DWI Checkpoint Announced in North Jersey
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Law enforcement officials will conduct a joint Driving While Intoxicated checkpoint in Florham Park from June 27 through June 29 as part of an initiative to deter impaired and distracted driving.
The operation is being led by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office in partnership with the Florham Park Police Department. It is being held in memory of Tim and Bridget O’Donnell, a father and daughter killed by a driver in a prior crash.
“Regrettably, impaired and drunk driving continues to pose a serious threat and harm to our citizens,” officials stated in announcing the checkpoint.
Pam O’Donnell, who lost her husband and daughter in the crash, has led a public awareness campaign aimed at educating drivers about the risks of driving under the influence and driving while distracted. The effort has influenced continued law enforcement commitment to such checkpoints across the county.
Ongoing countywide efforts
The checkpoint is part of a broader strategy funded by grants from the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety. The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office conducts similar operations throughout the county in coordination with local police departments.
Authorities emphasized that these sobriety checkpoints are both preventative and educational, designed to stop unsafe driving behaviors before they lead to injury or death.
Past operations have taken place in several municipalities across Morris County, with officials confirming that additional checkpoints will continue with advance notice.
- Police seek help identifying suspect in Newark robbery
NEWARK, NJ — Newark police are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect wanted in connection with a robbery earlier this month on Park Avenue.
According to Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda, Sr., the incident occurred around 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 4, when a man approached a woman from behind in the 300 block of Park Avenue. He allegedly slammed her to the ground and attempted to take her bag.
The woman reportedly fell on top of the bag to protect it, but the suspect kicked her in the side and forcibly took the purse before fleeing. Police say the man ran northbound on Roseville Avenue with the victim’s belongings.
The suspect is described as a Black male, approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing around 160 pounds. Authorities have released an image of the suspect and are hoping someone recognizes him.
Crime Stopper tips can be submitted anonymously
Director Miranda is urging anyone with information to contact the Newark Police Division’s 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477). Officials note that all tips can be submitted anonymously and may be eligible for a reward.
As of Monday, no arrests have been made in connection with the case. Police have not released any updates regarding the victim’s condition following the assault.
The investigation remains ongoing as officers continue reviewing area surveillance footage and following leads.
Police continue their search for the suspect as they seek information from the community.
- A New Jersey Deputy Mayor is Stuck in Israel as War with Iran Continues
TEANECK, N.J. — Former New Jersey gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli said Thursday that Teaneck Deputy Mayor Elie Y. Katz and his family remain stranded in Israel due to the ongoing conflict, along with many other American citizens.
In a Zoom conversation shared publicly, Ciattarelli noted that Katz had traveled to Israel with his wife, son, and daughter two weeks ago for a family wedding. Due to the conflict, they have been unable to return home to Bergen County.
“They are not alone,” Ciattarelli stated. “Hundreds of thousands of Americans, including many New Jerseyans, have also been unable to return.”
U.S. Embassy coordinating departures for American citizens
Ciattarelli cited an urgent update from the U.S. Embassy in Israel, which is organizing evacuation flights and cruise ship departures for U.S. citizens still in the country. Those seeking to leave must enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at mytravel.state.gov/s/step.
No specific timeline has been provided for the evacuations.
New Jersey officials are monitoring the situation as Teaneck’s deputy mayor remains among many U.S. citizens stranded in Israel amid ongoing conflict.
