NEWARK, NJ—The Newark Department of Public Safety continues its urgent search for 17-year-old Aaliyah Bryant, reported missing since Wednesday, August 30, 2023. Aaliyah, known to have run away in the past, was last seen on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, in the 100 block of Chancellor Avenue. At the time, she was dressed in a long white T-shirt and black leggings, and was carrying a cross-body bag.
Aaliyah is described as being 5 feet 3 inches tall, weighing 300 pounds, with a light-brown complexion and blonde hair. She has a silver nose piercing.
Aaliyah is also diagnosed with Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Public Safety Director Fritz G. Fragé is calling on anyone with information regarding her whereabouts to contact the Newark Police Division’s 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477). All tips are confidential and could lead to a reward.
- New Jersey State Police Add 120 Troopers for Memorial Day Crackdown on Speeding and DWI
West Trenton, NJ – New Jersey State Police will ramp up patrols across highways and waterways this Memorial Day weekend as officials warn drivers about the heightened risk of deadly crashes during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
State police announced Friday that more than 120 additional troopers will be deployed statewide between Friday, May 22, and Tuesday, May 26, targeting speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving and aggressive behavior behind the wheel.
The enforcement push comes after nine fatal crashes during the 2025 Memorial Day weekend, including five linked to drugs or alcohol, according to the New Jersey State Police.
Troopers Target Speeding, Distracted Driving and DWI
Officials said the increased patrols will focus on major holiday travel corridors as millions of drivers head to the Jersey Shore, parks, lakes and family gatherings throughout the extended weekend.
Enforcement efforts will specifically target aggressive driving, seat belt violations, cell phone use, commercial vehicle violations and driving while intoxicated.
Acting Superintendent Jeanne Hengemuhle urged both motorists and boaters to make safety a priority as travel volume increases across the state.
“A moment of attentiveness, a responsible decision, or a simple precaution can mean the difference between tragedy and a safe return home,” Hengemuhle said in a statement.
Authorities encouraged travelers to arrange designated drivers, use rideshare services such as Uber or Lyft or stay overnight with family and friends rather than driving impaired.
Police also warned drivers about the dangers of fatigue behind the wheel, saying drowsy driving can impair reaction times and judgment similarly to alcohol impairment.
Key Points
• New Jersey State Police will deploy more than 120 extra troopers during Memorial Day weekend
• Enforcement will target DWI, speeding, distracted driving and aggressive behavior
• Nine fatal crashes occurred during the 2025 holiday weekend, including five tied to drugs or alcohol
Move Over Law Enforcement Also Planned
State police reminded drivers to comply with New Jersey’s Move Over Law, which requires motorists to change lanes or slow down when approaching emergency vehicles, tow trucks or roadside crews with flashing lights activated.
Officials said the law is designed to protect first responders and roadside workers who face dangers from passing traffic during emergency operations and vehicle recoveries.
“When a lane change cannot be made safely, drivers must slow to a speed below the posted limit and proceed with caution,” the agency said.
The warning comes as roadside incidents involving emergency personnel continue to draw concern nationwide during heavy holiday traffic periods.
Marine Bureau Expands Waterway Patrols
In addition to highway enforcement, the New Jersey State Police Marine Bureau will increase patrols on waterways statewide throughout the holiday weekend and summer season.
Marine troopers will focus on impaired boating, reckless operation of boats and personal watercraft and compliance with state boating laws and licensing requirements.
Authorities said troopers will verify operators possess the proper certifications required to legally operate watercraft in New Jersey.
The state police urged residents and visitors to remain vigilant whether traveling by road or water as summer tourism activity ramps up statewide.
“As we enjoy this time with family and friends, let us also pause to remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation,” Hengemuhle said.
- NJ Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia Demands Answers to Democrats’ World Cup Financial Debacle
Trenton, NJ — New Jersey Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia sharply criticized state leaders and World Cup organizers Thursday, accusing officials of saddling New Jersey taxpayers with traffic, security, and infrastructure burdens tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup while New York receives most of the global attention and branding benefits.
Fantasia’s comments targeted both FIFA and the NY/NJ Host Committee overseeing preparations for matches scheduled at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford next summer.
The Republican lawmaker also accused the host committee — chaired by former New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy — of refusing repeated requests to testify before the state Legislature about costs, transportation planning, and logistical concerns surrounding the tournament.
Fantasia Questions Taxpayer Costs and Oversight
In a lengthy social media statement posted Thursday, Fantasia mocked what she described as outrage from Democratic officials over FIFA’s corporate-driven operations, arguing organizers should have expected the international sports organization to prioritize revenue, branding, and VIP access.
“New York wanted the World Cup prestige. New Jersey gets the traffic, transit chaos, security costs, infrastructure burden & taxpayer-funded BS,” Fantasia wrote.
The Sussex County assemblywoman said lawmakers still lack clear answers about financial obligations connected to the event despite significant public commitments tied to transportation logistics, advertising, and infrastructure upgrades.
Fantasia also criticized the host committee’s leadership, saying officials have declined legislative requests to answer “the most basic fiscal and logistical questions.”
Key Points
• Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia criticized FIFA and New Jersey officials over World Cup-related taxpayer costs.
• Fantasia accused the NY/NJ Host Committee of refusing legislative oversight requests.
• The lawmaker argued New Jersey will absorb traffic, transit, and security burdens tied to the tournament.
MetLife Stadium Set to Host Major World Cup Matches
MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford will serve as one of the primary venues for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including the tournament’s final match.
The event is expected to bring millions of visitors to the New York-New Jersey region and generate major economic activity for hotels, restaurants, transportation systems, and tourism-related businesses.
However, the scale of the tournament has also raised concerns among some lawmakers and local officials regarding public safety costs, transit capacity, traffic congestion, and taxpayer-funded infrastructure demands.
Fantasia argued those concerns deserve greater transparency from organizers and state leaders.
“What did these people think this was? A church raffle with soccer nets???” she wrote.
Political Debate Intensifies Over World Cup Planning
The comments add to growing political debate surrounding preparations for one of the world’s largest sporting events.
State and regional leaders have largely promoted the World Cup as a once-in-a-generation economic opportunity expected to boost tourism and international visibility for the region.
Critics, however, have questioned whether taxpayers could ultimately shoulder major public costs tied to policing, transportation, emergency management, and infrastructure improvements needed to support the event.
Neither the NY/NJ Host Committee nor Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s office immediately responded publicly to Fantasia’s remarks Thursday.
Preparations for the tournament continue across the region as organizers finalize transportation plans, security coordination, and fan events ahead of the 2026 competition.
- New Jersey Cop Impersonator Made Fake I-80 Traffic Stop and Handcuffed driver in Morris County
Roxbury Township, NJ — A Wayne man faces attempted kidnapping and impersonation charges after New Jersey State Police say he pulled over a driver on Interstate 80 while pretending to be a law enforcement officer, then handcuffed the victim during a late-night roadside encounter in Morris County.
Investigators identified the suspect as 36-year-old Julio Estrada-Mogollon of Wayne, New Jersey. State police allege he stopped a woman driving on I-80 westbound near Exit 28 in Roxbury Township around 2:45 a.m. on May 3 while operating a red Chrysler 200.
According to investigators, the suspect conducted fake field sobriety tests and placed the victim in handcuffs before she managed to escape.
Victim Escaped Handcuffs and Drove Away, Police Say
New Jersey State Police said the woman slipped out of the handcuffs, returned to her vehicle, and fled the scene before later reporting the incident to authorities.
At approximately 10:50 a.m. the same day, the victim arrived at the Troop “B” Netcong Station to file a report with investigators, according to state police.
The incident triggered an investigation by the Troop “B” Criminal Investigation Office, which authorities said involved multiple investigative steps that eventually identified Estrada-Mogollon as the suspect.
Police arrested him May 13 at a residence on Knox Terrace in Wayne.
Key Points
• New Jersey State Police charged a Wayne man with impersonating an officer during an I-80 traffic stop.
• Investigators say the suspect handcuffed a driver after conducting fake sobriety tests in Roxbury Township.
• The victim escaped and later reported the incident to the Netcong State Police station.
Suspect Faces Attempted Kidnapping Charge
Authorities charged Estrada-Mogollon with attempted kidnapping, theft, and impersonation of law enforcement.
Following his arrest, police lodged him in the Morris County Jail pending future court appearances.
State police did not release additional details about what led investigators to the suspect or whether they believe other incidents may be connected.
The case has raised renewed concerns about police impersonation schemes, particularly during overnight traffic stops on major highways where drivers may feel isolated or vulnerable.
State Police Ask Drivers to Report Similar Encounters
Investigators are asking anyone with information about the incident — or any similar encounters involving a person posing as law enforcement — to contact the Troop “B” Netcong Station Detective Bureau at 973-347-1001.
Anonymous tips are also being accepted.
Law enforcement agencies often advise drivers who are uncertain whether a traffic stop is legitimate to slow down, activate hazard lights, and call 911 to verify the officer and vehicle before stopping in a safe, public area.
The investigation remains ongoing as prosecutors prepare for future court proceedings in Morris County.
- Newark Police Seek Two Men After Motorcycle Shooting on Bloomfield Avenue
NEWARK, N.J. — Newark police are asking for the public’s help identifying and locating two individuals connected to a daytime shooting involving motorcycles earlier this month on Bloomfield Avenue.
Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda Sr. said Thursday that detectives are investigating a shooting reported around 3:57 p.m. Friday, May 7, near the intersection of Bloomfield Avenue and Crittenden Street.
According to investigators, officers responding to reports of gunfire recovered three shell casings at the scene after canvassing the area.
Detectives later determined that two people dressed in black clothing were traveling eastbound on Bloomfield Avenue on a motorcycle when the passenger allegedly fired several shots at another person riding a motorcycle westbound on the roadway.
Photo: newark teenager missing since last august, police continue search One Man Wanted for Questioning as Detectives Identify Second Person
Authorities said one of the individuals — described as wearing a hat in released images — is currently wanted only for questioning as investigators work to determine what led to the shooting.
Police are also attempting to identify a second person seen wearing a hooded sweatshirt.
Investigators have not released information about injuries, possible arrests, or whether the intended target was struck during the shooting.
Photo: newark teenager missing since last august, police continue search The Newark Department of Public Safety released photos connected to the investigation in hopes that community members may recognize the individuals.
Key Points
• Newark police are investigating a motorcycle-related shooting on Bloomfield Avenue
• Detectives recovered three shell casings near Bloomfield Avenue and Crittenden Street
• Authorities are seeking help identifying two individuals tied to the investigation
Public Urged to Submit Anonymous Tips
Director Miranda encouraged anyone with information about the individuals or the shooting to contact investigators through the department’s anonymous Crime Stoppers system.
Officials said anonymous tips remain confidential and may qualify for a reward.
Residents can contact the Newark Police Division’s 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477).
Anonymous information can also be submitted through the Newark Police Division website.
The shooting investigation remains active as detectives continue reviewing evidence and searching for the individuals captured in released images.
- Teaneck Man Charged After Juvenile Assault Investigation Leads to Child Abuse Counts
TEANECK, N.J. — A 64-year-old Teaneck man now faces multiple felony-level charges after investigators said a juvenile was physically assaulted Tuesday, prompting a joint child abuse investigation in Bergen County.
Miguel Mejia was charged May 19 with aggravated assault, child endangerment, child abuse, and refusing to provide a legally required DNA sample after detectives took him into custody, according to Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella. Authorities said the alleged assault happened in Teaneck and involved a juvenile victim.
The Teaneck Police Department first contacted the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit on Tuesday regarding the reported assault. Investigators later determined that Mejia allegedly assaulted and endangered the child during the incident.
Joint Investigation Led to Multiple Charges
The investigation involved detectives from both the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and the Teaneck Police Department.
According to prosecutors, Mejia also refused to submit a DNA sample after his arrest, despite legal requirements mandating the collection. That refusal resulted in an additional fourth-degree criminal charge.
Mejia now faces the following charges:
- Second-degree aggravated assault
- Second-degree endangering the welfare of a child
- Fourth-degree refusal to submit to DNA collection
- Fourth-degree child abuse
Authorities have not publicly released details about the juvenile’s age, injuries, or the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault.
After the charges were filed Tuesday, Mejia was remanded to the Bergen County Jail pending his first appearance in Bergen County Superior Court in Hackensack.
Key Points
• Teaneck resident Miguel Mejia, 64, faces aggravated assault and child abuse charges
• Bergen County investigators said a juvenile was assaulted and endangered Tuesday
• Prosecutors added a charge after Mejia allegedly refused a required DNA sample
Prosecutor Credits Teaneck Detectives
Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella credited the Teaneck Police Department for assisting with the investigation alongside the prosecutor’s Special Victims Unit, led by Chief Jeff Angermeyer.
The Teaneck Police Department operates under Chief Andrew McGurr.
Officials did not indicate whether additional charges could follow or whether child welfare agencies became involved in the case. Authorities also have not disclosed any relationship between Mejia and the juvenile.
The case remains in its early stages as prosecutors prepare for Mejia’s initial court appearance in Hackensack.
Charges Remain Allegations
Under New Jersey law, second-degree aggravated assault and second-degree endangering the welfare of a child carry significant criminal penalties if a defendant is convicted.
The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office emphasized that the charges against Mejia are accusations at this stage of the legal process.
“Prosecutor Musella states that the charges are merely accusations, and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt,” the release stated.
The investigation remains active.