South Jersey News - Shore News Network

Bomb Threat Made Against Wildwood Catholic Academy

Breaking Local News ReportApril 3, 20250

NORTH WILDWOOD, N.J. — Police responded to a reported bomb threat at Wildwood Catholic Academy after a student allegedly made a troubling statement about bringing an explosive device to school, according to the North Wildwood Police Department. School officials alerted authorities after becoming concerned about the comment. The student in question was interviewed by police, along with their parents, as part of the investigation. Detectives later searched the student’s residence and found no evidence of weapons or explosives. Authorities concluded that the statement was made as a joke and did not represent a credible threat. “Further investigation included a search

Busted at Big Daddy’s: Trio caught red-handed in seafood spot burglary attempt

Breaking Local News ReportApril 3, 20250

GLOUCESTER CITY, N.J. — Three suspects were arrested early Wednesday after officers interrupted a burglary in progress at Big Daddy’s Seafood, where the group was caught attempting to steal a commercial ice cream machine, according to police. Key Points At approximately 4:25 a.m., Patrolmen Dominick Stellaccio and Darren Darcangelo of Platoon “B” observed suspicious activity at the eatery. Believing a break-in was underway, additional units responded with a coordinated approach led by Sgt. Mike Prus. On the scene, officers found three individuals actively trying to remove the appliance from the premises. The suspects were identified as Keith Blackwell, 65, of

Nuclear siren system test set for Tuesday evening in Salem and Hope Creek areas

Breaking Local News ReportMarch 31, 20250

LOWER ALLOWAYS CREEK, N.J. — A full-scale sounding test of the emergency siren system for the Salem and Hope Creek Nuclear Generating Stations will take place at approximately 7:20 p.m. on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. Officials emphasized there is no emergency at the plant and no public action is required during the test. The quarterly test, conducted on the first Tuesday of January, April, July, and October, is part of routine federal compliance measures. The sirens, which are part of the Alert and Notification System (ANS), are designed to warn the public in the event of a nuclear emergency, prompting

Man shot and killed while driving on New Jersey highway

Breaking Local News ReportMarch 30, 20250

MOUNT LAUREL, NJ — Authorities are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred early Saturday morning in Mount Laurel and are calling on the public for help identifying the shooter. The Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office said a man was found bleeding from multiple gunshot wounds around 2:30 a.m. in the 1000 block of Atrium Way. He was transported to Cooper University Hospital in Camden, where he was pronounced dead at approximately 4:15 a.m. Investigators believe the man had been shot moments earlier while driving northbound on Route 73 in his 2014 silver Mercedes-Benz E350 sedan. His name is being withheld pending

New Jersey janitor sentenced to eight years for tainting school lunches with bodily fluids

Breaking Local News ReportMarch 30, 20250

BRIDGETON, NJ — A former school custodian who admitted to contaminating food with bodily fluids and chemicals at a New Jersey school was sentenced Friday to eight years in state prison, prosecutors announced. Giovanni Impellizzeri, 25, of Vineland, pleaded guilty to second-degree official misconduct and third-degree possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). He must serve at least five years before becoming eligible for parole, according to Cumberland County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae. Impellizzeri was arrested following a New Jersey State Police investigation into videos he recorded of himself while employed at the Upper Deerfield School District. In the footage, he

New Video Shows Arrest of Drunk Driving New Jersey Mayor With Toddler in Car

Breaking Local News ReportMarch 29, 20250

Lumberton, NJ — A new video released this week shows the arrest of drunk-driving New Jersey mayor Gina LaPlaca. The Democrat mayor is seen in the video exiting her vehicle with her toddler as police arrive to question her about complaints received about her driving. Officers conducted a roadside sobriety test, at one point asking the drunken Democrat what she hit on her way home. She did not remember. She was placed under arrest for driving while intoxicated. Recently Reported: In a tense and packed one-hour public comments session during Monday night’s Lumberton Township Committee meeting, residents voiced outrage and

State lawmakers blast Dem utility hikes, call for nuclear energy alternative

Breaking Local News ReportMarch 28, 20250

TRENTON, N.J. — Members of the 9th Legislative District warned Friday that soaring electricity and natural gas rates have created a “full-blown crisis” in New Jersey, calling for immediate financial relief and a reversal of the state’s energy strategy in joint testimony before legislative committees. In written remarks submitted to the Senate Select Committee and Assembly Telecommunications & Utilities Committee, Senator Carmen Amato, Assemblyman Brian Rumpf, and Assemblyman Gregory Myhre condemned recent utility rate increases and sharply criticized the state’s offshore wind initiatives as costly and ineffective. Key Points “The financial situation of many residents is so dire that the

New Jersey bill seeks to reverse Murphy-era school aid caps that devastated dozens of suburban districts

Breaking Local News ReportMarch 27, 20250

TRENTON, N.J. — Senator Latham Tiver (R-08) announced Thursday he will co-sponsor legislation aimed at fully restoring state education aid to New Jersey school districts that have lost funding since fiscal year 2018, challenging the 6% cap on aid increases imposed under Gov. Phil Murphy’s administration. The proposed legislation, introduced by Senator Declan O’Scanlon (R-13), would remove the current limit on annual aid increases for fiscal year 2026, allowing districts like Evesham to recoup larger shares of lost funding. Tiver said the bill is designed to address what he called an “arbitrary restriction” that has disproportionately impacted many communities. Key

Rainforest Cafe Closes Iconic Edison Location, Leaving New Jersey with One Remaining Outpost

Breaking Local News ReportMarch 26, 20250

Edison, NJ – The Rainforest Cafe at Menlo Park Mall in Edison, New Jersey, has officially shut its doors, marking the end of a 27-year run as a beloved family dining destination. The closure, which took effect on February 19, reduces the themed restaurant chain’s presence in the Garden State to just one location, leaving fans mourning the loss of a nostalgic jungle experience. Known for its immersive tropical rainforest atmosphere—complete with animatronic animals, periodic thunderstorms, waterfalls, and a menu featuring everything from burgers to seafood—the Rainforest Cafe had been a staple at Menlo Park Mall since opening in September

Fight breaks out at Cherry Hill Mall, two injured in juvenile altercation

Breaking Local News ReportMarch 24, 20250

CHERRY HILL, NJ — A physical altercation between two groups at the Cherry Hill Mall on Sunday resulted in minor injuries to two individuals and an ongoing police investigation, authorities said. Key Points According to the Cherry Hill Police Department, officers responded to the mall following reports of a fight. Two people suffered minor lacerations and were taken to a local hospital for treatment. Police said the incident primarily involved juveniles, none of whom are residents of Cherry Hill. Detectives are currently interviewing persons of interest connected to the altercation. The department has asked anyone with information about the incident

DWI Dem New Jersey Mayor Checking into Rehab After St. Patrick’s Day Hit and Run

Breaking Local News ReportMarch 19, 20250

LUMBERTON, NJ — Lumberton Mayor Gina LaPlaca was arrested Monday night after allegedly fleeing the scene of a hit-and-run while intoxicated, with her child in the vehicle. Authorities say LaPlaca, 42, struck another vehicle in Mount Laurel before driving home, where she was later taken into custody by a Lumberton police officer she had hired. She has been charged with endangering the welfare of a child and cruelty and neglect of children, with additional charges possibly pending. LaPlaca was endorsed by now-U.S. Senator Andy Kim, who went knocking on doors to help her win the election. This latest arrest adds

New Jersey Public Libraries Are Now Giving Out ICE Evasion Cards, Candidate Says He Will Stop It

Breaking Local News ReportMarch 18, 20250

BURLINGTON COUNTY, NJ — New Jersey gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli is blasting a Burlington County public library for distributing cards advising individuals on their rights when confronted by immigration enforcement agents. Ciattarelli, a Republican who ran against Gov. Phil Murphy in 2021, and now running again, took to social media to express outrage over the cards, which instruct recipients not to open their doors for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), refuse to answer questions, and avoid signing documents without consulting a lawyer. “Why are public libraries (this one in Burlington County) handing out cards instructing people to resist ICE

Cyclist trapped under car in New Jersey crash rescued by good Samaritans

Breaking Local News ReportMarch 17, 20250

GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A cyclist was hospitalized Saturday night after being struck by a car and becoming trapped underneath the vehicle near the intersection of Wrangleboro Road and Collins Road. Police responded to the crash at approximately 7:50 p.m. on March 15, where they found the victim, Dana Kutassy of Galloway, pinned beneath a Nissan Versa. The driver, Yovana Martinez-Mora of Pleasantville, had been making a left turn from Collins Road onto Wrangleboro Road when her vehicle struck Kutassy, who was riding an electric bicycle in the crosswalk. Two good Samaritans stopped at the scene and used floor jacks

New Jersey Senator Andy Kim’s Security Clearance Delay—Racism or Radicalism?

Breaking Local News ReportMarch 16, 20250

MARLTON, NJ – When U.S. Senator Andy Kim first entered Congress, he faced an unexpected hurdle: a delay in obtaining his security clearance. Kim, a New Jersey Democrat and the first Korean-American senator, has publicly attributed this delay to anti-Asian bias and discrimination. It’s a compelling narrative, especially in a time when Asian Americans have faced heightened scrutiny and prejudice. But Kim has yet to provide concrete evidence to substantiate these claims—no documents, no specific incidents, just an assertion that fits neatly into a broader conversation about systemic racism. While discrimination is a real issue that deserves serious attention, there’s

Three charged in Ocean County fentanyl drug dealing investigation

Breaking Local News ReportMarch 11, 20250

WARETOWN, N.J. — Three Ocean County residents have been charged with narcotics offenses following a month-long investigation into drug distribution, authorities said. Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that detectives identified a residence on Dock Avenue in Waretown as a distribution site for cocaine and fentanyl-laced alprazolam pills. Joelene Leck, 31, was accused of using the home for storage and sales. On Feb. 25, investigators stopped a black Ford Explorer leaving the residence and arrested the driver, Thomas Rotella, 47, of Bayville, and passenger Danny Skinner, 32, of Seaside Heights. Skinner was found with cocaine and 49 fentanyl-laced alprazolam

Large brawl erupts at New Jersey flag football tournament

Breaking Local News ReportMarch 10, 20250

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A fight involving about 40 people broke out at an unauthorized flag football tournament at Gloucester Township Community Park on Saturday afternoon, prompting a police response, authorities said. Officers arrived around 1:07 p.m. to find a large group shoving and arguing near the football field while a crowd gathered. Police quickly intervened, separated those involved, and remained on-site for an hour to maintain order. Investigators determined that the fight stemmed from a dispute between coaches and the tournament organizer over entry fee refunds. The event had been advertised on social media but was not sanctioned by

New Jersey police cop pleads guilty to hacking, distributing private images

Breaking Local News ReportMarch 7, 20250

MOUNT LAUREL, N.J. — A former Mount Laurel police officer has pleaded guilty to illegally accessing social media accounts and distributing private images of multiple women, Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw announced. Ayron Taylor, 25, of Moorestown, entered guilty pleas on March 3 to charges of computer theft and official misconduct, both second-degree offenses. Under a plea agreement, he faces 12 years in state prison when sentenced in September. The investigation began in September 2022 after a victim reported that her Snapchat and Facebook accounts had been hacked, with nude images of her sent to contacts and posted online.

Fatal crash in Monroe Township leaves one dead, another injured

Breaking Local News ReportMarch 7, 20250

MONROE TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A fatal crash early Thursday morning at the intersection of West Piney Hollow Road and Jackson Road left one driver dead and another injured, according to the Monroe Township Police Department. The crash occurred at approximately 6:37 a.m. when a Nissan traveling eastbound crossed the center of the roadway into the westbound lane, colliding head-on with a Toyota approaching the intersection. Both vehicles came to a stop a short distance from the impact site. Emergency responders extricated the Nissan’s driver, who was pronounced dead at the scene. The Toyota’s driver sustained injuries and was transported by

Mount Laurel woman charged with child abuse after infant found with bruised eye

Breaking Local News ReportMarch 7, 20250

MOUNT LAUREL, N.J. — A Mount Laurel woman has been charged with abusing two children under her care, including an infant who was found with a bruised eye, authorities announced. Danielle Ingraham, 36, of the 300 block of Evergreen Road, was arrested Monday and charged with two counts of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child and two counts of fourth-degree cruelty to a child. She is being held at the Atlantic County Justice Facility in Mays Landing pending a detention hearing in Superior Court in Mount Holly. The investigation began last week after an infant’s family took the child

Man arrested in connection to Somerset County burglary spree

Breaking Local News ReportMarch 6, 20250

SOMERVILLE, N.J. — A months-long investigation into a string of commercial burglaries in Somerset County has led to the arrest of 26-year-old Emmanuel Tolentino of Scotch Plains and charges against a 17-year-old male from Roselle, authorities announced. Between November 26 and December 2, 2024, multiple businesses across Somerville, Green Brook, North Plainfield, Bridgewater, and Warren Township were targeted in late-night break-ins. Surveillance footage captured suspects using pry tools and crowbars to gain entry, primarily through rear or side doors, before stealing cash from registers and offices. Tolentino was first arrested on December 4 in Green Brook for a November 29

New Jersey newlyweds killed in head-on crash with alleged drunk driver

Breaking Local News ReportMarch 5, 20250

MAURICE RIVER TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A recently married couple was killed early Saturday when their car was struck head-on by an alleged drunk driver on Route 552/Mays Landing Road, according to police and court records. Thomas Splinter, 57, and his wife, Nancy Orellana-Splinter, 29, both of Mays Landing, died from their injuries after a 25-year-old Atlantic City man’s car crossed the centerline and collided with their vehicle near Ingersol Avenue. The crash occurred shortly before 4:15 a.m., according to a New Jersey State Police spokesman. The other driver sustained moderate injuries and was issued citations for driving under the influence

School Bus Involved in Crash With Medical Transport Vehicle in South Jersey

Breaking Local News ReportMarch 5, 20250

MEDFORD, NJ — A collision between a school bus and a medical transport van left both drivers injured early Wednesday morning in Medford, authorities reported. The incident occurred at 6:23 a.m. on Hartford Road, when the two vehicles crashed, causing the van to overturn, according to Medford police. The van’s driver sustained back and leg injuries and was airlifted to Cooper Trauma Center for treatment. Meanwhile, the school bus driver, who suffered an arm injury, was transported to Virtua Mount Holly Hospital. Police confirmed that neither vehicle was carrying passengers at the time of the accident. Investigators noted that the

Massive brush fire burns 40 acres in Gloucester Township, brought under control

Breaking Local News ReportMarch 2, 20250

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — A large brush fire spread rapidly through approximately 40 acres of land in Gloucester Township on Saturday night before being brought under control by firefighters from more than 20 agencies, officials said. A Gloucester Township police officer first spotted the fire around 9:30 p.m. near Primrose Lane, shortly after a resident reported it. Strong winds fueled the flames, prompting an emergency response from around 100 firefighters and first responders. Two homes were temporarily evacuated as a precaution, but no injuries or structural damage were reported. Authorities shut down Erial Road for about four hours, with portions

Four plead guilty in connection to 2020 shooting of New Jersey State Police detective

Breaking Local News ReportFebruary 27, 20250

SALEM, N.J. – Four defendants have pleaded guilty in connection with events surrounding the 2020 shooting of a New Jersey State Police detective at a Salem County mobile home park, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced Thursday. Markese Rogers, 30, of Pittsgrove, and Bridgeton residents Ashley Acevedo Diaz, 27, Shakeem Waters, 36, and Noel Lazu, 25, entered guilty pleas on February 14 and 21 during pretrial conferences before New Jersey Superior Court Judge Russell A. DePersia. Rogers, Waters, and Lazu pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit aggravated assault, while Acevedo Diaz pleaded guilty to riot. Under plea agreements, the state

New Jersey cop hospitalized after a shocking ambush attack; Suspect faces attempted murder charges

Breaking Local News ReportFebruary 25, 20250

CAMDEN, N.J. — A Camden County police officer is in critical but stable condition after being stabbed in the neck during an unprovoked attack while conducting a business check, authorities said. The assault occurred Sunday at approximately 5:54 p.m. near Broadway and Chestnut Street. The officer, a military veteran with two years on the force, was rushed to Cooper University Hospital, where he remains hospitalized. The suspect, identified as Richard Dennis, 38, of Sicklerville, was apprehended minutes later near South 7th Street and Kaighn Avenue. Following an investigation, Dennis was charged with first-degree attempted murder, multiple counts of aggravated assault,