New Jersey News

Pets rescued, family displaced in Thursday night Perth Amboy fire

**Fire engulfs single-family home in Perth Amboy causing displacement and pet rescue**

Perth Amboy, NJ

Firefighters responded to a house fire on State Street that resulted in significant damage and displacing six residents. The dispatch occurred on Thursday at 5:22 PM after reports indicated heavy smoke and flames from the rear of the home.

A second alarm was activated to mobilize additional crews. Firefighters deployed two hoses to contain and extinguish the fire while conducting searches and ventilation within the structure.

Rescue team members removed a dog from the residence, administering oxygen using a specialized mask. The dog recovered following the incident without serious injuries reported.

Six individuals were displaced by the fire and are receiving assistance from the city’s relocation officers and the Red Cross.

The Perth Amboy Fire Department is conducting an investigation into the cause of the fire. Support was provided by the Woodbridge Fire Department and Hopelawn Rescue Company.

The following units from Perth Amboy were on scene: E-1, E-2, E-4, T-2, R-1, C-1, C-2, C-4, and C-5. Sayreville Engine 3 covered additional duties in the city.

Route 18 closures scheduled for overnight repairs in East Brunswick

Route 18 closures scheduled for overnight repairs in East Brunswick

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ – Route 18 southbound will close for overnight detours this week due to a drainage and pavement rehabilitation project. The closure will take place on Monday, October 20, and Tuesday, October 21, between West Ferris Street and Arthur Street.

The first closure will begin at 10 p.m. on Monday and last until 5 a.m. on Tuesday. The second closure will follow the same schedule on Tuesday evening. The purpose of the closure is for pavement reconstruction.

Motorists heading south on Route 18 will be redirected to take the ramp to West Ferris Street/All Turns. They will then cross over Route 18 and make a right turn onto Old Bridge Turnpike/CR 527, followed by another right onto Arthur Street to return to Route 18.

Additionally, Route 18 will close in both directions on Friday, October 24, starting at 10 p.m. and ending at 5 a.m. on Saturday, October 25. This closure is necessary for milling and pavement resurfacing.

Detours for the Friday closure will follow a similar pattern. Southbound motorists will use the same route as earlier in the week. Northbound motorists will take the ramp to Arthur Street, turn right onto Arthur Street, left onto Old Bridge Turnpike/CR 527, and turn left back onto West Ferris Street.

Variable messaging signs will be deployed to provide advance notice of the changes in traffic patterns. Timing of the work may change due to weather or other factors.

Motorists can check NJDOT’s traffic information website for updates on construction and real-time travel information.

These scheduled closures are part of ongoing efforts to improve Route 18 in East Brunswick.

Former church official charged with stealing more than $500,000

Former church official charged with stealing more than $500,000

TRENTON, NJ – Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced that Joseph A. Manzi, a former officer at the Church of Saint Leo the Great in Lincroft, has been charged with theft by unlawful taking. The charge comes after allegations that Manzi embezzled over $500,000 from the church.

Manzi, 78, of Atlantic Highlands, is accused of using church funds for personal purchases. Attorney General Platkin stated that the defendant is alleged to have “used his position of trust to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars from the church.”

The complaint details that Manzi’s actions were not for basic needs but for a “more lavish lifestyle.” Director of the Division of Criminal Justice, Theresa L. Hilton, emphasized that church members who donated funds expected their contributions to be used appropriately.

Manzi served as the director of finance, operations, and development at St. Leo until his employment ended on approximately June 26. The review of the church’s credit card statements revealed unauthorized charges linked to Manzi.

Investigators discovered that he allegedly utilized the church’s credit accounts for more than $300,000 in unauthorized purchases. Additionally, he is accused of diverting over $200,000 in cash from the church for personal use between January 2019 and May 2025.

Items purchased with the stolen funds reportedly include luxury clothing, vehicle repairs, and tickets to sports events. Manzi allegedly maintained sole control of the church’s credit cards, which were in his name.

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Conner Ouellette. Charges of this nature are serious, with second-degree theft carrying a potential sentence of five to ten years in state prison.

Manzi faces legal consequences for his alleged actions, leaving church members in disbelief.

Correctional officer, three others arrested in drug probe at Hudson County Jail

Prison-Jail-Cell

Correctional officer, three others arrested in drug probe at Hudson County Jail

JERSEY CITY, NJ — Four individuals have been arrested following a narcotics investigation at the Hudson County Correctional Facility, including a correctional police officer. Acting Hudson County Prosecutor Wayne Mello stated the arrests occurred due to the efforts of the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Internal Affairs Unit.

The individuals arrested include Marquis Santiago, 33, a correctional police officer, and Francisco Salcedo, 44, an inmate at the facility. They face three counts of distributing K2 and conspiracy to distribute K2, both third-degree crimes. Santiago was arrested at the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office on Tuesday, October 14, and was released pending a court appearance.

Salcedo and another inmate, Israel Rosado, 38, were processed at the Hudson County Correctional Facility. Rosado is charged with possession of K2, also a third-degree crime. Alvin DeLeon, 31, of Bayonne was arrested on Thursday, October 16, on charges of conspiracy to distribute K2 and was released after processing.

The investigation revealed that between January 8 and April 7, Santiago provided K2 to Salcedo, who then distributed it within the facility. DeLeon allegedly assisted in the distribution process.

Hudson County Department of Corrections Director Becky Scott commented on the integrity of the facility. “Our employees are held to a high standard to protect the integrity of this facility,” she said.

Acting Prosecutor Mello praised the investigation efforts by the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Internal Affairs Unit. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

In a significant law enforcement action, the Hudson County Correctional Facility deals with serious drug charges against its own.

Somerset County expands Raritan River Greenway with new land acquisition

Somerset County expands Raritan River Greenway with new land acquisition

SOMERSET, NJ – Somerset County announced the acquisition of an additional 0.23 acres of vacant, wooded land along the Raritan River in Bridgewater Township. This acquisition is part of the county’s ongoing effort to expand the Raritan River Greenway.

The Raritan River Greenway is a linear park that extends along the Raritan River from the convergence of the North and South Branches to the Middlesex County boundary. The park runs through several municipalities in Somerset County, including Bridgewater, Hillsborough, Somerville, Raritan, Manville, Bound Brook, and South Bound Brook.

County officials noted that the expansion and preservation of the greenway will provide major benefits, such as protecting environmentally sensitive areas and allowing for recreational development. It also aims to preserve local character and manage development effectively.

According to the county, greenway expansion plays a crucial role in preventing the development of sensitive areas, offering both floodplain and aquifer recharge protection. The Raritan River Greenway now includes Duke Island Park’s 351 acres, bringing the total to 842 acres.

In the last decade, more than 22 acres have been added to the greenway through the county’s Open Space Preservation program. Approximately 20 additional acres in the same geographical area are currently under consideration for acquisition.

The greenway is anticipated to be an essential part of the future open space network in Somerset County. It will connect with the county’s award-winning Park System.

Somerset County’s efforts to enhance public space are ongoing as officials focus on sustainable developments. The greenway aims to maintain ecological integrity and promote community engagement while preserving natural resources.

Somerset County continues to invest in expanding its green spaces, demonstrating a commitment to environmental conservation.