Police blotter reports are generally written by the authoritative agency and only edited by Shore News Network for grammar and accuracy. If you have any questions regarding the information in these reports, please contact the issuing authority.
NEW YORK CITY, NY -A 30-year-old transgender migrant from Colombia allegedly committed a shocking crime against a child in the heart of Manhattan, according to law enforcement sources. Nicol Suarez,…
QUEENS, N.Y. — A 58-year-old woman was found dead inside her Queens apartment early Saturday morning, police said. Officers responded to a 911 call at 12:32 a.m. at 90-06 95th…
BRONX, N.Y. — An off-duty New York City firefighter was arrested early Saturday morning and charged with driving while intoxicated, police said. Jonathan Muniz, 30, was taken into custody at…
QUEENS, N.Y. — A 14-year-old boy was arrested and charged with first-degree gang assault Friday in connection with the fatal stabbing of another teenager in Queens, police said. Officers responded…
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A man was shot early Saturday morning just blocks from Howard University, prompting a police investigation in Northwest D.C. Officers from the Metropolitan Police Department responded to…
A surge of legal challenges against early Trump administration policies may inadvertently bolster his ability to reshape executive power. Legal experts argue that while judges have temporarily blocked Trump’s funding…
NEWARK, N.J. — Authorities are asking for the public’s help in locating a woman wanted for questioning in connection with a shooting investigation, Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda Sr.…
HARRISBURG, Pa. — A York County couple has been charged with abandoning a care-dependent woman in a basement while they went on vacation, Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced. Ashlee…
CHERRY HILL, N.J. — Authorities have arrested a 27-year-old Oregon man in connection with the fatal stabbing of a veterinarian in Cherry Hill, officials announced. Cristian Custodio-Aquino, of Portland, has…
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – Authorities are investigating a shooting that occurred Friday afternoon in Myrtle Beach, police said. Officers responded to the 1100 block of Dunbar Street at approximately 4:41…
BROOKLYN, N.Y. – A Brooklyn man has been arraigned on murder and arson charges in connection with the 2012 killing of Lorena Escalera, a trans performer found dead after her…
LEONIA, N.J. – A fire at a Leonia home Friday morning led to the escape of two pets, and police are asking for the public’s help in locating them. The…
NEWARK, DE – A New Jersey man was arrested on firearm and DUI charges after a traffic stop in Newark, authorities said. Sean Dotson, 21, was pulled over by Newark…
BOWIE, MD — A pedestrian was struck and killed Thursday night in Bowie, prompting an ongoing police investigation. Officers responded to the intersection of Maryland 197 and Northview Drive just…
BALTIMORE, MD — Investigators are asking for the public’s help in identifying two individuals wanted in connection with an armed robbery that took place on February 5. The incident occurred…
BALTIMORE, MD — A 25-year-old man was shot Wednesday evening in Baltimore’s Southern District and later sought treatment at a local hospital, police said. Officers initially responded to reports of…
Utica Police Conduct Successful Drug and Weapon Raid
**UTICA, NY** – A search warrant was executed on February 11 at 1129 Miller St as part of an investigation into narcotics and weapons possession. The operation was a joint effort by the Utica Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit, GIVE Unit, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms.
On Tuesday, officers from the UPD SIU and Patrol, Oneida County Narcotics Unit, and METRO SWAT detained Douglas Smallwood, 24, the target of the search warrant, at the residence on Miller St. The search led to the discovery and seizure of significant evidence.
Authorities seized four handguns, one modified with a “switch” to make it fully automatic, three extended handgun magazines, and 448 grams of fentanyl. Additionally, assorted ammunition, narcotics packing materials, and $9,275 in US currency were confiscated.
Smallwood faces charges including criminal possession of a controlled substance in the first and third degrees, criminal possession of a firearm, and multiple counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second and third degrees.
Shooting Incident Leads to Arrest in Columbus
**Columbus, OH** – On December 5, officers were called to the 3400 block of Nutcreek Ct. in response to a reported shooting. Upon arrival at approximately 4:48 p.m., they discovered Gerald Jackson, age 38, who had suffered a gunshot wound.
Mr. Jackson was taken to the hospital where he was later pronounced dead at 5:28 p.m. His death prompted an investigation by the Columbus Division of Police.
Following the investigation, Dasha Vinson, 38, was taken into custody on Wednesday. She faces charges related to the murder of Gerald Jackson after new evidence was uncovered by detectives.
The Columbus Division of Police’s ongoing efforts in this case have led to the indictment of Ms. Vinson for the crime. Further details on the investigation or upcoming court proceedings have not been disclosed.
Baltimore County Judge Sentences Nicole Johnson to Life in Prison
**Baltimore, MD** – A judge in Baltimore County has sentenced Nicole Johnson to life imprisonment, with all but 50 years suspended. This sentence follows Johnson’s arrest in July 2021 when police discovered the decomposing bodies of her 7-year-old niece and 5-year-old nephew in the trunk of her vehicle during a traffic stop.
In addition to the prison sentence, Johnson has been placed on five years of probation and is required to obtain mental health treatment. The judge has also barred Johnson from having any contact with minors under the age of 18.
Baltimore County Police Department has been involved in this case since the discovery of the children’s bodies. The case has attracted attention due to the severe nature of the crimes and the subsequent legal proceedings.
16-Year-Old Arrested for Assault and Weapon Offense in Millersville
**Millersville, MD** – On February 7, a School Resource Officer was informed of an assault during an Old Mill High School basketball game, which occurred on the Old Mill North Middle School property. The initial report indicated that the suspect confronted and assaulted the victims, and pointed a possible firearm at them.
Eastern District detectives quickly initiated an investigation with help from the School Resource Officer. They collected evidence and conducted interviews, leading to the identification of the suspect.
The investigation determined that the suspect used a replica BB gun during the incident, which was later recovered at the suspect’s residence. On February 10, the 16-year-old suspect was arrested without incident at Chesapeake High School.
The suspect, a resident of Odenton, Maryland, was charged with multiple counts of first and second-degree assault, reckless endangerment, and weapons offenses. The suspect remains in custody as the investigation continues.
Westfield Police Respond to Two Incidents at High School
**WESTFIELD, NJ** – The Westfield Police Department handled two separate incidents at Westfield High School on Wednesday. They responded to potential threats reported via social media and other comments made within the school premises.
Around 8:08 AM, officers reacted to a possible threat mentioned on a social media conversation. The school was placed under lockdown at 8:14 AM, while other district schools followed a shelter-in-place protocol. After a thorough search, the threat was deemed not credible, and lockdown ended at 9:05 AM.
Later, at 11:14 AM, the police were called again due to new threatening comments from within the school. A subsequent lockdown was enacted at 11:19 AM, with other schools again sheltering in place. The second threat was also found non-credible, and lockdown ended at 11:56 AM.
Individuals behind the complaints were taken for questioning, and investigations continue in collaboration with the Union County Prosecutor’s Office. No charges have been filed, and further details will be released as available.
Wall Township Police Conduct Arrests Over the Week
**Wall Township, NJ** – Wall Township Police made several arrests throughout the week, addressing various offenses including warrants, shoplifting, and drug-related charges.
On Monday, Jonathan Jones, 39, of Tinton Falls, was arrested by Patrolman Mark Daugherty on a Wall Township warrant at the Tinton Falls Police Department. Jones was subsequently transported to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution.
On Tuesday, Angela Sollitto, 35, of Belleville, was apprehended by Patrolman Fred Sprengel during a shoplifting investigation on State Highway 35. Sollitto was processed and released on a summons.
Wednesday saw the arrest of Edward Byham, 34, of Oakhurst, by Patrolman James Yannazzone for distributing marijuana, possession of marijuana exceeding six ounces, possession of cocaine, and possession of drug paraphernalia during a motor vehicle stop on State Highway 138. Byham was processed and released on a summons.
On Thursday, Joseph Reed, 51, of Philadelphia, was arrested by Patrolman Tyler Martin for possession of cocaine and drug paraphernalia after a motor vehicle stop on State Highway 18. Additionally, Patrolman Yannazzone arrested David Rep
High School Student Found with Guns on Campus
**Oxon Hill, MD** – The Prince George’s County Police Department is investigating an incident at Potomac High School involving a student bringing firearms to the campus. The student, identified as 19-year-old Jamel Curtis from Oxon Hill, is a junior at the school.
On Thursday morning at around 10:45 am, security personnel from Prince George’s County Schools discovered two loaded handguns in Curtis’ possession. The guns were detected by a metal detector as he entered the school premises, concealed within his clothing.
The student was immediately taken into custody by authorities. He is facing multiple charges, including carrying a handgun on his person and possessing a dangerous weapon on school property.
The police department is continuing its investigation into this matter. Further details about the case and any related safety measures have not yet been disclosed.
Myrtle Beach Man Given 10-Year Sentence for Drug Trafficking
**Conway, SC** – Jarrell Grant, a 50-year-old resident of Myrtle Beach, was sentenced on Monday for his involvement in a 2023 drug trafficking case. He pleaded guilty to multiple charges including trafficking cocaine; possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and heroin; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; and failure to stop for a blue light.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant Solicitor Brandon R. Lanier from the 15th Circuit Solicitor’s Office. Circuit Court Judge Alex Hyman sentenced Grant to 10 years in prison. The sentences for the charges reflect their nature, with some carrying penalties ranging from five to 30 years, making Grant ineligible for parole due to the serious and violent nature of the cocaine trafficking charge.
The charges originated from a search warrant executed at Grant’s residence following a drug trafficking investigation. Detectives discovered packaged narcotics and a firearm, the possession of which is illegal for Grant. After attempting to flee from authorities, he was eventually apprehended. His previous conviction for trafficking crack cocaine resulted in enhanced charges.
Assistant Solicitor Lanier acknowledged the efforts of the Myrtle Beach Police Department, particularly the
WASHINGTON, DC — A 17-year-old male has been arrested in connection with an armed burglary that took place last month in Southeast D.C., police said. On January 23 at approximately…