ATLANTIC CITY, NJ—The Atlantic City Police Department successfully apprehended a suspect involved in a car theft, aided by footage from the vehicle’s dashboard camera. The incident initially came to police attention on Tuesday around 4:53 PM, after a vehicle was reported stolen on the first block of North Morris Avenue.
Several hours following the theft, Officer Christopher Campbell discovered the unoccupied car on the 2600 block of Atlantic Avenue. The vehicle’s owner, upon retrieving the car, showed Officer Campbell the video captured by the dashboard camera. This crucial footage allowed police to identify and disseminate the image of the suspect to the entire department.
On Wednesday, Sergeant TJ Moynihan spotted Brandon Keyser, the suspect, near the location of the initial theft. Keyser, a 31-year-old resident of Topping, VA, was arrested without any resistance. He faces theft charges and has been detained at the Atlantic County Justice Facility.
As per usual legal procedure, these charges constitute only accusations, and Keyser is considered innocent until proven guilty. The Atlantic City Police urge anyone with more information on this case to get in touch with their Criminal Investigations Unit or to send an anonymous tip through tip411 by starting the text with “ACPD.”
- Police Arrest Two 15-Year-Olds for Failed Baltimore Carjacking
BALTIMORE, MD — Baltimore Police have apprehended two 15-year-old males following an attempted carjacking incident in the Central District. The arrest occurred on Wednesday evening around 5:40 p.m. on the 400 block of West Saratoga Street.
The incident unfolded when four males allegedly surrounded the victim and attempted to steal his cell phone and scooter keys. The victim's calls for help to nearby pedestrians prompted the suspects to flee the scene.
Central District officers responded promptly to the scene after being alerted. They successfully located and arrested two of the suspects, who were then transported to Juvenile Booking for processing.
The police are continuing their investigation into the incident and are seeking the other individuals involved. The quick response of the officers and the community's assistance were crucial in preventing the escalation of the incident and securing the arrests.
- NYPD Seizes Over 100 Illegal Scooters as Motorized Crime Increases
QUEENS, NY — Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, in conjunction with the NYPD, has taken a significant step towards curbing illegal scooter use linked to criminal activities across several neighborhoods including South Jamaica, South Ozone Park, and Jackson Heights. In a recent operation, 99 scooters, primarily unregistered and uninsured, were seized due to their illegal parking on sidewalks and streets.
The crackdown also resulted in the confiscation of one unregistered motorcycle and one unregistered dirt bike. The heightened enforcement efforts led to the seizure of an additional five scooters in motion, including one at the intersection of 135th Avenue and 140th Street in South Ozone Park, which had been reported stolen.
DA Katz emphasized the growing concern over scooters used in violent crimes such as drive-by shootings and robberies. "Illegal scooters have become a significant concern in our city," Katz stated, highlighting the importance of the initiative in enhancing community safety by removing these vehicles from circulation.
The operation is part of a broader campaign that started in February, targeting the misuse of scooters in crimes. To date, the initiative has successfully removed a total of 515 scooters, two motorcycles, and one dirt bike from Queens streets.
The coordinated efforts involved detectives from the Queens District Attorney's Detective Bureau and officers from the NYPD's 106th, 110th, 113th, and 115th Precincts. These actions were carried out under the leadership of several senior NYPD and DA officials, reflecting a robust partnership aimed at maintaining public safety and order.
- Police Target Aggressive Driving on Route 30
ABSECON, NJ — The Absecon Police Department, in collaboration with the Atlantic-Cape May Regional Highway Traffic Safety Office and the Atlantic City Police Department, has conducted a targeted aggressive driving enforcement campaign on U.S. Route 30.
The initiative took place Wednesday morning and lasted for four hours, during which Absecon officers issued 34 citations for speed-related violations. This operation is part of a broader effort to ensure safer travel conditions on local roadways.
The Atlantic-Cape May Regional Highway Traffic Safety Office supported this enforcement action, emphasizing the ongoing commitment to reduce aggressive driving incidents. The partnership aims to enhance safety for both residents and visitors traveling through the area.
Authorities express their gratitude for the continued support from the community and partner organizations in these traffic safety initiatives. They are dedicated to maintaining a vigilant presence on the road to deter dangerous driving behaviors.
- Arsonist Suspected in Multiple Incidents Arrested in Wilkins Township
WILKINS TOWNSHIP, PA — The Allegheny County Police Department has announced the arrest of David Harknett, 41, of Pittsburgh, following a series of fires and thefts across the county starting on Monday.
Early Wednesday morning, at 3:21 am, emergency services responded to a report of a commercial structure fire at 3498 William Penn Highway. Visible smoke and flames were reported, and a witness saw a suspicious individual near the scene. This suspect, later identified as Harknett, was spotted hiding behind an electrical transformer.
At 4:45 am the same morning, Harknett was apprehended by Wilkins Township Police. The arrest was made following a coordinated effort by local authorities and the Allegheny County General Investigations Unit.
Investigations linked Harknett to multiple incidents in the area, including additional fires and thefts that began on Monday. Notably, he is suspected in a commercial fire at Christ the Divine Shepherd Parish in Monroville and several vehicle fires and thefts across Monroeville, Pleasant Hills, Brentwood, and Jefferson Hills.
These incidents have caused significant concern in the communities affected, with authorities working to assess the full extent of the damages and losses incurred.
- NJEA President Who Fought Against Parental Rights Seeks to be New Jersey’s Next Governor
Spiller supports drag queen story hour in public schools
Sean Spiller, a progressive figure in New Jersey politics and the current NJEA president, is voicing a strong message of inclusivity and reform as he campaigns for governor. Spiller, who began his career as a high school science teacher and a college hockey player, has been a notable political presence in the state, especially after being considered for the lieutenant governor position in 2013.
During his tenure as NJEA President, Spiller supported identity politics, reduction of parental rights in the classroom, bans against libraries removing inappropriate books and the attack on Dr. Seuess.
In a recent statement, Spiller emphasized, "Today, I say to all of New Jersey, we can do better. This is our chance, for all of us. It’s not just millionaires and Wall Street that should have a voice. It’s the rest of us." His comments highlight his ongoing commitment to represent the broader public's interests over those of the wealthy and powerful.
Elected mayor of Montclair in 2020, Spiller did not pursue a second term, choosing instead to focus on his gubernatorial campaign. He points to his achievements in Montclair, such as implementing rent control to assist hard-working families, as indicators of his dedication to improving quality of life for all citizens. Spiller's platform includes significant investments in public education, support for small businesses, and economic reforms aimed at benefiting the state's middle and working-class populations.
Test scores in New Jersey still trail pre-COVID-19 figures under Spiller
According to the Bergen Record, "Student performance on New Jersey's statewide tests in math, English and science improved in 2023 from last year but the numbers remain below pre-pandemic levels, state officials said Wednesday during a presentation of results from standardized testing conducted in the spring."
Spiller asserts that his policies will create an economically successful New Jersey that also enhances the lives of its residents, making it a place where they can afford to live and thrive. His campaign continues to gather momentum as he advocates for an inclusive approach to governance.
Drag Queen Story Hour
At the 2022 NJEA Convention Spiller and the NJEA called fo drag queen story hour in public schools
In “LGBTQ+ Issues and Content in the History Classroom,” Steve Koumoulis emphasized how critical it is for history students to understand that they are part of the story. Truly authentic learning happens in myriad ways, including through storytelling that centers intersectional perspectives about lived experiences. This allows students to understand there were and are people like them in this world, making history feel relevant and affirming for their identities.
- New Jersey Dems Push Bail Reform Leniency Further With New Bill
New Jersey Advances Pilot Program to Enhance Pretrial Services
TRENTON, NJ—New legislation aimed at reforming New Jersey’s pretrial release system has moved forward. The Senate Judiciary Committee, chaired by Senator Brian Stack, together with Senator Vin Gopal, has sponsored a bill that initiates the “Pretrial Partnership for Community Support and Services Pilot Program.” This program will be tested in Monmouth, Union, Camden, and Cumberland Counties.
Opponents of pre-trial release highlight the recidivism rate and injustice of the system when criminals are released from jail without bail for violent crimes and crimes against children.
The bill, designated as S-301, stipulates that eligible defendants, as part of their release conditions, undergo biophysical or other appropriate assessments, followed by tailored treatment and services provided by approved pretrial community support providers.
Progressive Democrats Continue to Tout Chris Christie's Bail Reform Act as a Success
Senator Stack highlighted that despite the successes of the New Jersey Criminal Justice Reform Act in reducing pretrial detentions, released defendants often struggle without support services, facing issues like housing insecurity, unemployment, and substance abuse disorders. “Providing adequate services during the pretrial release period will improve defendants’ pretrial success and potentially reduce their sentence,” stated Senator Stack.
Drug addicts and mental health patients will receive state assistance after committing crimes
The proposed assessments for eligible defendants will cover a range of needs including substance use disorders, medical, mental health, behavioral health, employment readiness, and capacity for independence. Based on these assessments, community support providers will develop a personalized pretrial services case plan for each defendant.
Gopal says goal is to reduce criminal case loads in courts
Senator Gopal emphasized the benefits of this oversight during the pretrial period, noting that it could lead to reduced court caseloads and enhanced public safety. He also mentioned that creating individual plans for employment and sobriety could improve compliance with release conditions.
The bill received unanimous support in the committee, passing with an 11-0 vote, underscoring the bipartisan agreement on the importance of supporting defendants effectively during the pretrial phase.