HURLOCK, MD—The Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal is conducting an investigation into a vehicle fire that occurred at 6205 Mission Hill Road. The incident was reported on Tuesday at 5:02 PM and involved a black Pontiac four-door passenger car.
The Hurlock Volunteer Fire Department responded to the scene, where it took firefighters approximately 30 minutes to control the fire. A total of 14 firefighters were engaged in the response.
No injuries or arrests were reported in connection with the fire.
The car, whose owner has yet to be identified, sustained estimated damages of $4,000.
The fire originated in the passenger compartment of the vehicle and was discovered by a passerby. Preliminary investigations suggest the fire may have been set intentionally, as it is currently being described as incendiary.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact the Lower Eastern Regional Office of the State Fire Marshal at 410-713-3780. Insights from the public could be crucial in advancing the ongoing investigation.
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- Phil Murphy’s New Jersey Gas Car Ban Hits Road Block as Sales Down Significantly in 2024
TRENTON, NJ—By the end of the year, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy expects 330,000 electric vehicles to be on the Garden State's roads. Things were going well until this year, and that goal appeared to be attainable. However, this year, sales in the electric vehicle industry have dropped significantly, forcing manufacturers to pull back on their once-ambitious sales goals.
The push towards electric vehicles has encountered significant challenges, with uncertain prospects ahead. Although EV sales continue to increase, the growth rate has slowed considerably compared to the peaks seen in 2022 and early 2023. That slowdown will most likely cause Governor Murphy to miss his 2025 goal unless something changes in the very near future.
Economists believe the slowdown is due to a combination of factors. First, the demand for electric vehicles is not high. Most people who want an EV have bought them and trying to convinces the rest of America that they should buy an EV has proven to be a difficult sale.
Second, the charging station infrastructure doesn't exist yet to accommodate the large volume growth being mandated by states like California, New Jersey, and the federal government.
Third, concerns about EV range have not been adequately addressed by manufacturers or the government.
Lastly, the economy and inflation are preventing the manufacturers from being able to compete with gas-powered cars, and people have less money to spend due to soaring inflation.
Until 2024, New Jersey is making significant strides in electric vehicle (EV) adoption, closing in on its ambitious goal of having 330,000 plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) on the roads by the end of 2025, as outlined in the 2020 EV law. According to the latest report from the Department of Environmental Protection, PEV registrations in the state surged to 154,153 by the end of December 2023, a substantial increase from the 91,727 vehicles recorded at the close of 2022.
The current total includes 151,827 light-duty vehicles (LDVs) and 2,327 medium- and heavy-duty vehicles (MHDVs), both segments experiencing the highest year-over-year growth ever noted in the state. Specifically, the LDV-PEV segment saw an impressive 66% growth in registrations, a notable jump from the 42% increase observed in 2022. Throughout 2023, 62,317 LDVs were added, with an almost equal split between the first and second halves of the year. The LDV-PEV numbers have doubled every two years since 2018, positioning New Jersey to potentially meet its 2025 goal of 330,000 vehicles.
Governor Phil Murphy's initiative, known as Clean Cars 2, aims to ban gas-powered vehicles but faces challenges in achieving its 2025 objectives. However, market trends align with the goals of major automakers like General Motors, Ford, and Volvo, which are committed to full electrification and plan to release numerous EV models over the next few years. In the first half of 2023, 33,000 EVs were sold in New Jersey, nearly matching the 37,000 sold in all of 2022, indicating strong consumer interest and market transformation.
The Charge Up NJ EV Incentive Program, managed by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU), has played a crucial role in this progress. Offering cash incentives to new car buyers, the program has put 16,375 new EVs on New Jersey roads in its first three years, accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles.
Despite this success, national trends show a mixed picture. According to Kelley Blue Book, U.S. EV sales in the first quarter of 2024 totaled 268,909, making up 7.3% of total new-vehicle sales. However, this represented a decrease from Q4 2023, with a 15.2% drop quarter-over-quarter, although there was a modest 2.6% year-over-year increase. This slowdown contrasts sharply with the robust growth seen in previous years.
Stephanie Valdez Streaty, director of Industry Insights at Cox Automotive, noted the complexities influencing EV market dynamics, including Tesla's sales decline. Despite these challenges, some brands have seen significant year-over-year growth, with the industry still poised for expansion due to more products, incentives, inventory, leasing options, and infrastructure developments expected throughout 2024.
The next report on New Jersey's EV progress is scheduled for release in June 2024. This report will continue to track the state's advancements towards its electrification goals.
- An Escaped Prisoner is on the Loose in Annapolis
ANNAPOLIS, MD - The Annapolis Police Department reports that escaped prisoner James Cash Gregory remains at large. The suspect was last seen around Monroe Street and Bay Ridge Avenue on June 13, 2024, at 7:23 PM EDT. It is believed he has since changed clothes. Authorities advise the public not to approach him and to call or text 911 immediately if spotted.
James Cash Gregory escaped from the Anne Arundel County Jennifer Road Detention Center earlier on Thursday. He walked away from the Anne Arundel Medical Center premises at 11 AM and was last seen in the Truxtun Park area of Annapolis, wearing green Detention Center pants and no shirt.
If you have any information or see the suspect, contact emergency services immediately or dial 911.
- Toms River Offers Yoga on the Beach This Summer
TOMS RIVER, NJ - Toms River Township is excited to announce a series of summer yoga sessions, "Yoga on the Beach," presented by Toms River Recreation and taught by instructors from Pure Wellness & Yoga Studio. These sessions will take place at Shelter Cove Beach every Thursday from June 27 through August 29, from 7:30 am to 8:30 am.
The registration fee for this rejuvenating beach yoga series is $45, covering all nine sessions (note: there will be no class on July 4th). Interested participants can register online at Toms River Community Pass.
For additional information or inquiries, please contact Toms River Recreation at 732-341-1000, extension 8415. This is a wonderful opportunity to start your mornings with relaxation and scenic views at Shelter Cove Beach.
- Carteret Shooting Suspect Apprehended
CARTERET, NJ - Authorities have successfully apprehended the suspect involved in a recent shooting in the Borough of Carteret, as announced by Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Carteret Police Chief Dennis McFadden.
The incident occurred on June 12, 2024, on Roosevelt Avenue, where police responded to reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, two female victims with gunshot wounds were discovered and quickly airlifted to the hospital in critical condition. Tragically, one of the victims later died from her injuries, while the other remains in critical condition.
Detectives Keith Cassens of the Carteret Police Department and Javier Morillo of the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office led the investigation, which resulted in the swift apprehension of the suspect. With the suspect now in custody, authorities have confirmed that there is no further threat to the community.
The investigation is still active, and updates will be provided as more details become available. The Carteret Police Department continues to urge anyone with additional information about the incident to contact Detective Cassens at 732-541-3852 or Detective Morillo at 732-745-8843 to assist with the ongoing investigation.
- Route 18 Northbound Closure and Detour in East Brunswick
TRENTON, NJ – The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) has announced temporary closures and detours for Route 18 northbound in East Brunswick, Middlesex County, due to ongoing pavement and utility work. The closures are scheduled for tonight, Thursday, June 13, and tomorrow night, Friday, June 14, between the hours of 9:30 PM and 4:30 AM.
The affected segment extends from Rues Lane to Racetrack Road. This closure is part of the larger $86.1 million Route 18, East Brunswick, Drainage and Pavement Rehabilitation project, which is federally funded and aims to enhance approximately four and a half miles of Route 18.
Detour Information:
- Motorists traveling on Route 18 northbound will be directed to turn right onto Rues Lane, then left onto Old Bridge Turnpike/CR 527, followed by a left onto Racetrack Road, and finally a right to re-enter Route 18 northbound.
The project includes milling and paving, drainage system improvements, utility relocation, new sidewalks, ADA-compliant curb ramps, guiderail upgrades, and improvements to various intersections. It is expected to be completed by fall 2026.
Motorists are advised to follow the posted detours and plan additional travel time. In case of inclement weather, the construction activities may be rescheduled to the following evening.
- Two Cops Injured in Overnight Shooting In New Jersey
WOODBRIDGE, NJ - Two law enforcement officers, one from the Woodbridge Police Department and another from the New York City Police Department, are currently recovering after being shot overnight while on duty. The officers were engaged in an operation to locate a homicide suspect when the incident occurred.
The state's top law enforcement official emphasized the dangers that officers face daily and expressed a steadfast commitment to supporting and protecting law enforcement personnel. The incident has triggered a full investigation by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA). During the operation, the suspect involved was fatally shot at the scene.
This recent violence underscores the ongoing risks faced by law enforcement and the urgent need for continued efforts to combat gun violence. The official expressed gratitude towards all responding law enforcement agencies and reaffirmed the commitment to ensuring the safety of officers and the public.
Further details about the incident will be released later today by the appropriate authorities. Thoughts and support have been extended to the injured officers, their families, and all individuals impacted by gun violence.