BROOKLYN, Md. — Six individuals, including five juveniles, were arrested on New Year’s Day following an altercation with police during a traffic stop on Ritchie Highway near Shelly Road, according to authorities.

At approximately 10:40 a.m., officers stopped a black Mercedes for a registration violation. While speaking with the driver outside the vehicle, several occupants exited and began assaulting the officers in an apparent attempt to disrupt the stop.

During the altercation, officers observed one individual attempting to flee with a black bag taken from inside the vehicle. Upon stopping the individual, police discovered the bag contained a loaded Polymer 80 handgun.

Backup units responded to assist, and officers restrained the combative suspects. All six occupants of the vehicle were arrested and face charges related to the assault and weapons violation.

The arrested individuals include Jerlmell Gary Johnson Jr., 21, of Brooklyn, Maryland, as well as a 17-year-old male from Severn, Maryland, and four female juveniles, ages 14, 15, 16, and 17, from Brooklyn, Maryland.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy has permanently revoked the license of Essex County massage therapist Peter Petrovic, also known as Jagadisha Peter Petrovic, following allegations of sexual misconduct involving a female client, officials announced Wednesday.

According to the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, Petrovic is accused of groping and digitally penetrating a female client during a massage session in his Verona, N.J., office in July 2020. The client, identified as “Client 1,” was receiving therapeutic massage for chronic pain management when the alleged incident occurred.

Petrovic agreed to the license revocation as part of a Final Consent Order filed on December 23, 2024. Under the terms of the agreement, he surrendered his license, which is now permanently revoked without the possibility of reapplication. He is also barred from practicing or holding himself out as a massage therapist in New Jersey and prohibited from having any client contact or benefiting financially from massage services provided by others.

“No client should ever have to fear being sexually exploited or abused while interacting with a licensed professional in New Jersey,” said Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin in a statement. “We take allegations of sexual misconduct by professionals very seriously and will rigorously investigate and hold accountable licensees that prey on the clients who trust them.”

The Division of Consumer Affairs Director Cari Fais emphasized that while most massage therapists uphold professional standards, “the actions of a rogue few can cause immeasurable harm to clients and adversely impact the profession as a whole.”

The State’s case was based on a Verified Complaint filed with the Board that alleged Petrovic violated rules prohibiting sexual contact with clients and engaged in conduct that endangered client safety. The investigation was conducted by the Enforcement Bureau of the Division of Consumer Affairs, with the State represented by Deputy Attorneys General Cristina E. Ramundo and Yudelka Felipe.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

BARNEGAT, N.J. — The Barnegat Township Police Department officially welcomed two new officers, Patrolman Kevin Wagner and Patrolman Evan Sands, during a swearing-in ceremony held this morning in the presence of their family and friends.

Patrolman Wagner, a current Barnegat resident, brings 13 years of law enforcement experience to the department. His resume includes serving as a SWAT team member, Field Training Officer, Firearms Instructor, Less Lethal Weapons Instructor, and Detective.

Patrolman Sands, a Barnegat native, joins the department with just over a year of police experience. In addition to his law enforcement background, he is a certified personal trainer and has demonstrated a strong dedication to serving his local community.

“We’re thrilled to have these dedicated officers join our department,” the Barnegat Police Department said in a statement. They also expressed gratitude to the Township Committee for its ongoing support.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, N.J. — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has expanded temporary restrictions on drone flights in several areas of New Jersey, with new rules now in effect through January 18, 2025.

The restrictions, initially announced earlier this month, prohibit most drone activity in nearly two dozen towns and municipalities, adding new limits to areas across Gloucester, Hudson, Middlesex, Monmouth, and Union counties.

The newly restricted zones include:

  • Gloucester County: Paulsboro, Westville
  • Hudson County: South Kearny
  • Middlesex County: Port Reading
  • Monmouth County: Atlantic Highlands, Belford, Fort Hancock, Highlands
  • Union County: Linden

The FAA has not publicly detailed the specific reasons for the expanded restrictions, but such measures are typically implemented for safety, security, or operational concerns.

The ban, which began on Monday, applies to unauthorized drone flights and will remain in place until January 18.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

BRIDGETON, N.J. — A Delaware woman was arrested after driving her car into a hospital emergency department in southern New Jersey on New Year’s Eve, police said.

Officers with the Bridgeton Police Department responded to Inspira Health Center shortly after 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 31, following reports of a vehicle crashing into the building.

According to authorities, 38-year-old April Love, of New Castle, Delaware, drove her car through the doors of the ambulance bay at the hospital’s Emergency Department and continued about 60 feet down a hallway.

A security guard was forced to jump out of the way to avoid being struck, sustaining a minor injury, police said.

Love remained at the scene and was arrested. She was later charged with assault by a motor vehicle, endangering another person, and criminal mischief.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — A retired construction supervisor from Baltimore County is celebrating a $50,000 Maryland Lottery Pick 5 win, calling the unexpected prize “a blessing” for his family.

The Owings Mills resident purchased the winning $1 straight ticket on Dec. 23 while running errands. A spur-of-the-moment decision led him to stop at One Stop Liquors & Wine in Reisterstown, where he selected numbers that he said “just felt right.”

“I get a ticket when I think about it,” the winner told lottery officials. “I saw the store and turned right in.”

The big win came during the Dec. 28 midday drawing, one of 10 drawings for which he had purchased tickets. The following day, he checked the results and discovered he had hit the game’s top prize. “I could not believe it at first. Could not believe that it had happened to me,” he said.

The winner plans to use the funds to assist family members with medical expenses, describing the prize as a “blessing” and expressing deep gratitude. The store that sold the winning ticket will also receive a $500 bonus from the Maryland Lottery.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

LAUREL, Md. — A coordinated effort by the Maryland Car Rally Task Force (MCRTF) and partner law enforcement agencies led to the arrests of three individuals, including one juvenile, while dismantling and preventing multiple illegal car rallies on New Year’s Eve, officials announced Wednesday.

The task force responded to a planned large-scale car rally expected to draw participants from Maryland and neighboring states between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m. on December 31. The rally, intended to involve roadway shutdowns and exhibition driving in industrial areas, public streets, and parking lots, was focused on locations across Prince George’s County and Baltimore.

MCRTF successfully dismantled four illegal exhibition driving events during the night and prevented five additional rallies from forming in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Howard County, Montgomery County, and Prince George’s County.

“This operation was a coordinated effort to maintain public safety and deter illegal and disruptive activities,” the Maryland State Police said in a statement.

Officials have not released the names of the arrested individuals or additional details about the charges.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

HIGH BRIDGE, N.J. — A Glen Gardner man has been issued motor vehicle summonses following a crash that killed 79-year-old Robert Bork, a crossing guard, at the intersection of CR 513 and Larrison Avenue on November 27, 2024, authorities announced Wednesday.

Steven Leyden, 57, was cited by the High Bridge Police Department for failure to yield to a pedestrian and careless driving. Leyden remained at the scene after the incident, according to the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office.

Bork, who was in the crosswalk area performing his duties as a crossing guard, was struck by Leyden’s southbound vehicle on CR 513. He was airlifted to Morristown Medical Center, where he died of his injuries.

Emergency personnel, including the High Bridge Police Department, Fire Department, Annandale Fire Department, and South Branch Emergency Services, responded to the scene, with the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office Forensic Analysis Collision Team assisting in the investigation.

Prosecutor Renée M. Robeson confirmed the charges and thanked first responders for their efforts, while extending condolences to Bork’s family and the High Bridge community.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

WORCESTER, Mass. — A Worcester County Grand Jury has indicted 17-year-old Kayden M. Keane Hoffler on a murder charge in connection with the April 2024 shooting death of 19-year-old Eathan Renteria, the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office announced Wednesday.

The incident occurred on April 30, when Worcester Police responded to a report of a car crashing into a house on Paine Street around 9 p.m. Officers discovered Renteria inside the vehicle, suffering from a gunshot wound. Renteria was hospitalized for nearly three weeks before dying from his injuries on May 16.

Hoffler, also of Worcester, was arrested on May 8 and initially charged in juvenile court with armed assault to murder and firearms offenses. The case escalated to a murder charge, and Hoffler was arraigned on Oct. 1 in Worcester Central District Court.

The murder indictment was handed down on Dec. 20, following months of investigation. Officials have not disclosed further details about the case or any potential motive for the shooting.

“This indictment represents the next step in seeking justice for Eathan Renteria and his family,” said District Attorney Joseph D. Early, Jr., in a statement.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — A man was arrested less than an hour after a fatal shooting on Dec. 30, thanks to a coordinated effort between Virginia Beach and Norfolk police and the use of license plate reader technology.

At 12:03 p.m., Virginia Beach Emergency Communications received multiple reports of a shooting at a business in the 5400 block of Virginia Beach Boulevard. Responding officers found Lequan Cherry, 26, of Norfolk, dead at the scene.

Police quickly identified and broadcast a description of the suspect and the vehicle involved. Using the Virginia Beach Police Department’s Real Time Crime Center (RTCC), investigators searched the license plate reader database to track locations where the suspect’s vehicle had been seen.

Norfolk police located the vehicle at one of these locations and attempted a traffic stop. The driver, identified as 22-year-old Jeremiah Quinones of Norfolk, fled but was apprehended after a brief pursuit into Virginia Beach.

Quinones was charged with first-degree murder, malicious wounding, and two counts of using a firearm in the commission of a felony. “This arrest underscores the vital role technology plays in modern policing,” said Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

ALBEMARLE COUNTY, Va. — A 19-year-old man was injured in a shooting early Wednesday on the 900 block of Upper Brook Court, according to police.

Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after 12:26 a.m. to find the victim suffering from a gunshot wound to his leg. He was transported to the University of Virginia Medical Center for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries, authorities said.

Police described the incident as isolated and confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the public.

Both the Albemarle County Police Department and Albemarle County Fire Rescue responded to the scene.

Officials stated that the investigation is active and have not released additional details.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

VOORHEES, N.J. — A dog struck by two separate vehicles in Merchantville is recovering at the Voorhees Animal Orphanage (VAO), thanks to quick action by rescuers and emergency veterinarians.

The dog, whose identity and owners remain unknown, was rushed to an emergency veterinary clinic after being hit by the cars. Despite the severity of the incidents, shelter staff confirmed that the dog has survived and is recuperating under their care.

“The shelter is no place for any dog to recover from such an experience,” the VAO stated in a public social media post, urging people to share the dog’s story in the hopes of locating its owner.

Under New Jersey law, shelters are required to hold stray animals for seven days to allow owners time to come forward before making the animal eligible for adoption. The VAO noted they remain optimistic that someone is searching for the dog.

Anyone with information about the dog or its owner is encouraged to contact the VAO directly.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

TRENTON, N.J. — A New Jersey lottery player struck it big on Thursday, winning $87,044 in the $5 Merry Money Match Fast Play Progressive game, officials announced.

The winning ticket, which represents 50% of the progressive jackpot, was sold at the 7-Eleven #11444 located at 30 Vineyard Road in Edison, Middlesex County.

Fast Play Progressive tickets are instant-win games that allow players to find out immediately if they have won. The jackpot grows with every ticket purchased until a winning ticket is sold.

Lottery officials encourage players interested in learning more about the Fast Play Progressive games and their current jackpots to visit the official New Jersey Lottery website.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

BALTIMORE, MD. — A man is in critical condition after being shot in the head Sunday morning in Baltimore’s Southeast District, police said.

Officers responded to the 2300 block of Milliman Avenue at approximately 8:29 a.m. on Dec. 29 following reports of a shooting. They found an unidentified male suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the head.

Emergency medics transported the victim to a nearby hospital, where he remains in critical condition. Homicide detectives have taken over the investigation due to the severity of the injuries.

Detectives are urging anyone with information about the shooting to contact them at 410-396-2100. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7LOCKUP or via the MCS website.

Police continue to investigate the circumstances of the attack as the victim fights for his life.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

TRENTON, NJ — A New Jersey Cash 5 ticket worth $494,401 was sold at a ShopRite in Burlington County, lottery officials announced.

The winning numbers for Friday’s drawing were 08, 13, 31, 40, and 43, with an XTRA number of 02. The Bullseye number for the draw was 31.

The ticket, purchased at the ShopRite located at 1520 Route 38 in Hainesport, matched all five numbers, securing the jackpot. The retailer will receive a $2,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket.

This win comes as attention was drawn to a historic $1.269 billion Mega Millions jackpot recently won in California.

The New Jersey Lottery urges players to check their tickets and claim prizes.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

TRENTON, N.J. — A lucky lottery player from Mercer County started the new year with a $1 million prize after matching five white balls in the Mega Millions drawing on New Year’s Eve.

The winning ticket, which fell one number short of the $42 million jackpot, was purchased at Speedy Mart Food Store, located at 1097 Parkway Ave. in West Trenton. The winning numbers for the drawing were 13, 22, 27, 29, 35, with the gold Mega Ball number being 01.

While no one claimed the grand prize, the Mercer County player was one of the top winners in the latest drawing, which also featured a Megaplier of 2 that doubled non-jackpot prizes for participating players. The jackpot now grows to an estimated $42 million for Friday’s 11 p.m. drawing.

New Jersey Lottery officials reminded players that Mega Millions tickets, priced at $2, must be purchased before 10:45 p.m. on the day of the drawing to qualify. Tickets with the optional Megaplier cost an additional $1 and can multiply winnings by up to five times.

Mega Millions drawings are held every Tuesday and Friday, with tickets available in 47 jurisdictions across the United States.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

HOWELL, N.J. — Ice Cream on 9, a well-loved ice cream shop on Route 9, is set to reopen this spring after a prolonged hiatus, according to a sign posted at the storefront.

The sign, which reads “We promise this time,” marks the return of the local favorite, which has been shuttered for an extended period. The announcement has sparked excitement among residents who have long awaited the reopening.

The exact reason for the shop’s lengthy closure has not been made clear.

Ice Cream on 9 has been a staple for locals in Howell, offering a variety of frozen treats that have made it a go-to destination during warmer months. Its reopening is expected to restore a sense of nostalgia and community to the area.

Further details, including a specific opening date, have not been disclosed.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

TRENTON — A Jersey Cash 5 ticket sold in Burlington County has won a $494,401 jackpot in the drawing held on Friday, Dec. 27, state lottery officials announced Monday.

The winning ticket, purchased at the ShopRite on Route 38 in Hainesport, matched all five numbers: 08, 13, 31, 40, and 43, with an XTRA number of 02. The Bullseye number for the drawing was 31.

The lucky retailer will receive a $2,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket, adding to the excitement for the ShopRite location.

While the Mega Millions jackpot dominated headlines nationwide with its $1.269 billion prize claimed in California, this local win is a reminder of the smaller yet life-changing prizes available through state lottery games.

The identity of the jackpot winner has not yet been revealed, as the New Jersey Lottery encourages winners to sign their tickets and consult with financial and legal advisors before claiming their prize.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

OCEAN COUNTY, N.J. — Residents in Ocean County may notice drones hovering over power lines between West Creek and Marybell Road on Thursday as Atlantic City Electric begins scheduled inspections of its infrastructure.

The utility has subcontracted Zietview, a company specializing in aerial monitoring, to carry out the inspections using four drones marked with orange tape. The drones are being supported by two marked pickup trucks stationed in the area.

The inspections are part of routine maintenance to assess the condition of power lines and ensure the reliability of service across the region. Atlantic City Electric has urged residents not to be alarmed by the activity, emphasizing that the drones are being operated solely for inspection purposes.

This initiative reflects the increasing use of drone technology in utility management, offering a safer and more efficient way to identify potential issues on high-voltage lines.

“Residents can rest assured that these inspections are scheduled and part of our ongoing efforts to maintain the power grid,” Atlantic City Electric stated in a release.

Drones and marked vehicles will be visible throughout the day as the inspections proceed.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Baltimore County police are investigating a fatal crash that occurred Wednesday morning on Owings Mills Boulevard near Interstate 795.

At approximately 10:30 a.m., officers from the Franklin Precinct responded to the scene, where a 2013 Ford Expedition had left the roadway and struck a retaining wall, authorities said.

The driver, identified as 27-year-old Jamal Wright, was transported to a local hospital. He was pronounced dead shortly after arrival, according to police.

Investigators have not determined why the vehicle veered off the road. Detectives from the Baltimore County Police Crash Team are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — A pedestrian was struck and killed late on New Year’s Eve in a crash involving two vehicles, the Atlantic City Police Department reported.

The incident occurred at 10:47 p.m. at the intersection of Maryland Avenue and Absecon Boulevard. Officers responding to the scene found a 38-year-old Atlantic City man with fatal injuries; he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators determined that the man entered the roadway at Pennsylvania Avenue, where he was first struck by a vehicle driven by a 61-year-old Manahawkin resident, who had the right of way. The driver immediately stopped following the collision.

Moments later, a second vehicle, driven by a 54-year-old Atlantic City resident, struck the pedestrian and dragged him before stopping. Both drivers remained at the scene and cooperated fully with investigators.

Police stated that no charges have been filed as of this time, and the investigation remains ongoing.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

NEW ORLEANS, La. — The FBI has officially classified the recent New Orleans attack that left 14 dead and at least 35 injured as an act of terrorism, contradicting initial statements from an agency official that suggested otherwise.

FBI Deputy Assistant Director Christopher Rea, speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, confirmed that the suspect, Shamsa Din Jabbar, acted alone in what he described as a “premeditated and evil act” driven by terroristic goals.

“This was an act of terrorism,” Rea stated, offering condolences to the victims and their families. “We are deploying all of our resources to follow every lead and piece of evidence.”

The announcement came a day after Assistant Special Agent in Charge Alethea Duncan from the FBI’s New Orleans office suggested that the incident was not a terrorist attack, a statement that has now been officially contradicted.

The investigation remains in its early stages, just over 24 hours old, with federal and local agencies collaborating to uncover further details. Authorities are continuing to analyze evidence and follow tips from first responders and the public.

The FBI’s confirmation solidifies the motive behind the tragic attack, which has left New Orleans and the nation reeling.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

BEL AIR, Md. — A Harford County man, known to friends as “Mark the Lucky Plumber,” turned a routine night out in December into a $60,000 windfall by hitting the jackpot on a Keno ticket at a local restaurant.

Mark, a self-employed plumber, was spending the evening at Main Street Tower Restaurant and Lounge with his sister, brother-in-law, and longtime girlfriend when he decided to try his luck on a 5-spot Keno ticket. He played his favorite numbers — 1, 13, 19, 50, and 67 — and added the Super Bonus feature for two drawings.

“I played all of my lucky numbers, and I hit all of the numbers,” Mark said after claiming his prize at Maryland Lottery headquarters. His girlfriend, who stepped away before the game started, returned just in time to witness the numbers hit. “I literally walked up, and in that same moment, the numbers came up,” she recalled.

Mark, who has had smaller wins playing Keno in the past, called this $60,000 prize his biggest yet. He plans to reinvest part of his winnings into his plumbing business, pay bills, and treat his girlfriend to a vacation in Colorado.

The Main Street Tower Restaurant and Lounge will also benefit, receiving a $600 bonus from the Maryland Lottery for selling the winning ticket.

A night of Keno luck turned into a life-changing win for this Harford County plumber.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

BATON ROUGE, La. — Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry likened the ongoing investigation into a recent terrorist attack to solving a “child’s jigsaw puzzle” as law enforcement agencies continue piecing together evidence following the tragic act of violence.

Flags at all state buildings are flying at half-staff in memory of the lives lost, while over 1,000 law enforcement officials from the New Orleans Police Department, Louisiana State Police, the FBI, and other federal agencies analyze data, surveillance footage, and conduct interviews to track down those responsible.

“We are working tirelessly to assemble this puzzle,” Landry said. “Yesterday, I issued an emergency declaration to improve resource allocation and communication among all partners, and we are beginning to see positive outcomes.”

As New Orleans prepares to host the Sugar Bowl this afternoon, the city’s security presence has been bolstered by the Louisiana National Guard and Louisiana State Police, along with military police reinforcements and personnel from state agencies such as Wildlife and Fisheries, Corrections, and Veterans Affairs.

Authorities emphasized the dual focus on public safety and the active criminal investigation as officials follow every lead in their pursuit of justice.

Law enforcement intensifies its response to the attack while ensuring safety ahead of today’s Sugar Bowl in New Orleans.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

UTICA, N.Y. — A tractor trailer rollover has forced the closure of the Oriskany Street ramp to downtown from Route 12, as well as the eastbound lanes of Oriskany Street from the Varick Street/State Street ramp to Broadway, according to the Utica Police Department.

The accident occurred Wednesday morning, prompting authorities to advise motorists to use alternate routes while emergency crews work to clear the scene.

“Updates will be released upon road openings,” the department stated in a social media post.

No additional details regarding the cause of the rollover or potential injuries were immediately available.

Motorists in the area are urged to plan for delays and avoid the affected routes.

A tractor trailer rollover disrupts downtown Utica traffic, leaving key roadways closed until further notice.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

You can't access this website

Shore News Network provides free news to users. No paywalls. No subscriptions. Please support us by disabling ad blocker or using a different browser and trying again.