STAFFORD COUNTY, VA—In the early hours of May 25th, Stafford County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a single-vehicle accident involving a Ford Ranger at 65 Joshua Road. Despite the vehicle sustaining significant damage, thankfully, no serious injuries were reported.
Upon arrival at the scene around 3:00 AM, Deputy P.J. Leon conducted an investigation which led to the arrest of the 20-year-old male driver from Stafford County. The driver was found to be intoxicated and faced multiple charges including DUI, driving after illegally consuming alcohol, reckless driving, driving under the influence on a revoked license, and underage possession of alcohol. He was subsequently placed in the Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.
![](https://www.shorenewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DUICrash2-1.jpg)
Additionally, Deputy W.E. Trainor IV responded to assist and arrested a 21-year-old passenger for public intoxication. The passenger was held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.
The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office continues to emphasize the importance of responsible driving and the serious consequences of violating DUI laws.
- One Dead in Trenton Shooting
TRENTON, NJ – Authorities are currently investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Tuesday evening in Trenton, as announced by Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri. The incident has drawn the involvement of the Mercer County Homicide Task Force alongside the Trenton Police Department.
Responding to a shot spotter activation around 5:10 PM on June 11, 2024, at the intersection of Stuyvesant Avenue and Hoffman Avenue, Trenton patrol units arrived at the scene. Subsequently, they were informed that two gunshot victims had been transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center. While one male was treated and released, the other victim, identified as Jonathan Applegate from Trenton, succumbed to multiple gunshot injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The investigation into this shooting is actively ongoing. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward and assist by contacting MCHTF Detective Karl Johnston at (609) 439-5248 or Sgt. Roberto Reyes at (609) 256-0997. Tips can also be sent via email to mchtftips@mercercounty.org.
- New Jersey Seeks to Ban Online Foreclosure Sales
TRENTON, NJ – The Assembly Housing Committee has favorably reported with amendments Assembly Bill No. 3791, termed the "New Jersey Online Foreclosure Sale Act." Dated June 13, 2024, the bill aims to modernize the process of selling foreclosed properties by allowing these transactions to occur in an online, public forum.
The proposed legislation does not change the timeline for foreclosure sales but significantly alters how these sales are noticed. Under the new bill, notices for foreclosure sales must be published online, specifically on the website where the sale will be conducted. This move is expected to increase bidder participation and potentially raise the final sale prices, benefiting both creditors and debtors.
Key amendments include allowing counties to contract with vendors to manage online foreclosure sales on behalf of sheriffs or other authorized personnel. The bill emphasizes the need for vendors to have a proven track record in creating competitive auctions that maximize financial recovery for all parties involved.
Additional requirements set by the bill for online foreclosure sales include:
- Mandatory identity verification for all bidders before they can place bids.
- A comprehensive registration process for bidders, which collects necessary identification and contact information.
- Checks against the federal Office of Foreign Assets Control Sanctions List before finalizing any property purchase.
The bill also introduces flexibility in payment methods and timelines for the deposit and balance payments, which were previously restricted to cash or certified check. Now, the successful bidder can pay the 20% deposit immediately after the sale concludes or within a timeframe set by the sheriff, with continued flexibility on payment methods for the balance.
The Assembly Housing Committee's amendments also remove the necessity to repost online sales notices if a sale must resume due to a default by the winning bidder.
This legislation represents a significant step toward modernizing property transactions in New Jersey, aiming to make the foreclosure sale process more accessible and efficient.
- Mount Rainier Responds to Fire Department Staffing Adjustments
MOUNT RAINIER, MD – The City of Mount Rainier has issued a statement addressing the concerns raised by residents regarding the temporary staffing adjustments at the Bunker Hill Fire Station and other locations within Prince George's County. These changes, effective from July 1 to October 1, 2024, are aimed at managing a critical shortage of firefighters that has led to mandatory overtime and excessive use of callbacks and holdovers.
City officials, including Mayor Celina Benitez and Councilmember Valerie Woodall, have consulted with Prince George’s County Fire Department Chief Tiffany Green. Chief Green has reassured the community that the summer staffing strategy is based on thorough research and will not compromise emergency response capabilities. The Bunker Hill Fire Station will retain its Battalion Chief, and emergency services in the area will continue without interruption.
In response to the staffing changes, the City of Mount Rainier is taking proactive measures. The Mount Rainier Volunteer Fire Department (MRVFD), under the leadership of Chief Jason Fisher, is coordinating with the Brentwood Volunteer Fire Department to supplement staffing at the Bunker Hill Station with volunteers. The city also continues to support the recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters through budget discussions and funding initiatives.
The city has committed to biweekly meetings with Chief Green to monitor the situation and make necessary adjustments. Additionally, the community will be kept informed about any new developments related to the fire department's staffing and response capabilities.
Residents with inquiries or those interested in joining the fire service can contact the city council at council@mountrainiermd.org or explore career opportunities with the Prince George’s County Fire and EMS.
- Man Killed Wife Injured in D.C. Hit and Run
Washington, D.C. – The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a fatal hit and run that killed a man and injured his wife on Wednesday.
Preliminary investigation revealed that on June 12, at approximately 12:17 p.m., a white Ford Taurus with dark tinted windows was traveling eastbound in the 2800 block of Alabama Avenue, Southeast, and crossing Naylor Road. The vehicle struck 62-year-old Alton Kelly and his wife as they crossed Alabama Avenue in or near the crosswalk. The Ford continued eastbound, dragging Kelly through a parking lot until he was dislodged in the 2900 block of Denver Street, Southeast. The vehicle then fled the scene.
Kelly was pronounced dead at the scene, while his wife was transported to a local hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The suspect vehicle was found empty by officers canvassing the area, but the driver remains at large.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to call the police at (202) 727-9099 or text a tip to 50411.
- Baltimore Police Publish Body-Cam Footage from Officer-Involved Shooting
Baltimore, MD – The Baltimore Police Department (BPD) has released video footage from the May 24, 2024, officer-involved shooting on the 3400 block of S. Hanover Street.
Officers patrolled the area when they approached a person of interest, 39-year-old Anthony Ferguson. During the questioning, Ferguson stood up and pointed a gun at the officers. Despite several verbal commands to drop the weapon, Ferguson did not comply, leading to an exchange of gunfire. Both Ferguson and one officer were struck and taken to a hospital, where Ferguson was pronounced dead shortly after. The officer sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
The officers involved, all from the Southern District, include:
- Sergeant Timothy Copeland, an 18-year veteran
- Detective Nicholas Wellems, a 10-year veteran
- Officer Brandall Mable, a 6-year veteran
- Officer Nicolas Sturla, a 4-year veteran
- Officer Kevin Retamales, a 3-year veteran
All officers are on routine administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation conducted by the Independent Investigations Division of the Attorney General’s Office and BPD’s Special Investigative Response Team (SIRT).
- $3.0 Million Pick-6 Jackpot Won in Burlington
Trenton, NJ – A $3.0 million Pick-6 jackpot ticket has been sold in Burlington County, marking a lucky week for South Jersey players.
The winning ticket, sold at Masonville News & Food Store in Mount Laurel, secured the $3.0 million jackpot for the Thursday, June 13, drawing. The retailer will receive a $10,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket.
“Congratulations to our latest Pick-6 winner! This marks the second huge jackpot this week,” said Executive Director James Carey. Earlier in the week, a Camden County ticket won over $200 million.
The winning numbers for the June 13 drawing were: 12, 14, 25, 29, 33, and 36. The next drawing on Monday, June 17, will have a reset jackpot of $2 million.