GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ – The Gloucester Township Police Department announced their participation in the national “Click it or Ticket” campaign, aimed at enforcing seat belt usage. The campaign begins on May 20 and will continue until June 2. This enforcement effort will include high visibility seat belt checkpoints and saturation patrols, specifically targeting areas in town with a high incidence of crashes involving unrestrained occupants.
In addition to road enforcement, Gloucester Township Police Officers from the Traffic Safety Unit will be engaging with high school seniors. They will deliver presentations focused on the risks of driving without a seat belt and the dangers of impaired driving, coinciding with the prom season. This initiative is part of a broader national effort to highlight the life-saving benefits of wearing seat belts.
- Florida Man Posing as Homebuyer Accused of Sexually Assaulting Child During House Showing
Lee County deputies arrested Uriel Santiago Perez after investigators say he arranged to tour a North Fort Myers home listed for sale, then isolated a juvenile boy in a bathroom and sexually assaulted him.
NORTH FORT MYERS, FL — A man posing as a prospective homebuyer was arrested in Southwest Florida after allegedly sexually assaulting a juvenile boy while touring a house with the child’s father, according to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.
Uriel Santiago Perez was arrested October 6 after deputies responded to a reported sexual battery at a residence in North Fort Myers.
Investigators said Santiago Perez had contacted the homeowner after he advertised his property for sale and arranged an appointment to view the house.
What began as a routine home showing turned into a criminal investigation when the prospective buyer allegedly separated the homeowner’s son from his father and sexually assaulted him inside a bathroom.
Suspect allegedly isolated boy during home tour
According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the victim’s father had recently listed the family home for sale.
Santiago Perez contacted him and arranged to visit the property as a potential buyer.
When he arrived, the father and his son began showing him around the residence.
During the tour, investigators allege Santiago Perez managed to get the boy alone inside a bathroom, where he sexually abused him.
The victim reported the incident to authorities, prompting a response from sheriff’s deputies and the department’s Special Victims Unit.
Deputies find suspect waiting near home
Authorities said Santiago Perez left the residence before deputies arrived.
Before departing, however, he allegedly told the juvenile to meet him at the end of the road.
Responding deputies located Santiago Perez at that location, according to the sheriff’s office.
Detectives subsequently developed probable cause to arrest him on a charge of sexual battery involving a victim between the ages of 12 and 18.
The sheriff’s office did not disclose the exact age of the victim or the nature of the relationship, if any, between the suspect and the family before the showing.
Suspect held at Lee County Jail on immigration detainer
The sheriff’s office said Santiago Perez was being held at the Lee County Jail on an Immigration and Customs Enforcement hold.
The agency did not release details about Santiago Perez’s immigration history or identify the country of origin.
Subsequent local reporting identified Santiago Perez as a woman. The sheriff’s release did not specify the juvenile victim’s gender, so those details should not be treated as established by the initial announcement.
Sheriff condemns alleged assault
Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno strongly condemned the allegations.
“To say I am repulsed by the acts of this disgusting individual is an understatement,” Marceno said.
“I am incredibly proud of my Special Victims Unit and deputies who responded and immediately investigated.”
Marceno said his department would pursue the charges to the fullest extent of the law.
Santiago Perez is accused of sexual battery involving a juvenile between 12 and 18 years old. The charge remains an allegation, and Santiago Perez is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
- Philadelphia Police Officer Shot 12 Times, Second Officer Hit Three Times in West Philly Ambush
Two Philadelphia police officers were rushed into emergency surgery after a gunman opened fire on them during an early Saturday morning call. Police later arrested a suspect hiding in a tree and recovered three firearms.
PHILADELPHIA, PA — Two Philadelphia police officers were seriously wounded early Saturday morning, October 10, when a gunman opened fire as they responded to a report of an armed man outside a West Philadelphia home, striking one officer 12 times and another three times.
The shooting occurred around 1 a.m. in the 100 block of North 52nd Street, where officers from the 19th Police District had been dispatched to investigate a man reportedly carrying a firearm on a residential porch.
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said the officers came under heavy gunfire as they approached the property.
The two wounded officers, ages 33 and 40, were rushed to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, where they underwent emergency surgery. Their medical conditions had not been officially confirmed Saturday morning.
Father of five shot 12 times responding to emergency call
One of the injured officers is a 33-year-old father of five who was struck by gunfire 12 times, according to Bethel.
The second officer, 40, was shot three times. He is also a father of two children.
Police received the initial emergency call around 12:21 a.m. Saturday. By approximately 1:02 a.m., another responding officer located the two wounded officers on the porch of the residence.
Both were transported to the hospital by fellow officers.
The severity of their injuries prompted an emotional response from city officials during an early morning news conference.
“I am so damn proud of the men and women who serve in this department,” Bethel said. “Consistently, they go into danger, and they give their lives for this job.”
Gunman continues shooting as additional officers arrive
Following the initial shooting, additional Philadelphia police officers rushed to the neighborhood and attempted to locate and surround the gunman.
Bethel said the suspect continued firing at responding officers as they closed in.
Police established a staging area near 52nd and Race streets while officers secured the surrounding blocks.
The operation involved specialized police personnel, including SWAT officers, as authorities searched for the armed suspect.
Residents in the immediate neighborhood were placed under lockdown during the operation.
Suspect found hiding in tree, three firearms recovered
The search ended when police located the suspect hiding in a tree and took him into custody.
Investigators recovered three firearms, including two handguns and a shotgun, according to Bethel.
One of the recovered handguns had reportedly been taken from one of the wounded officers during the encounter.
Authorities have not released the suspect’s identity or announced formal criminal charges.
Investigators are working to establish the sequence of events, including how the suspect obtained the officer’s handgun and the circumstances surrounding the additional gunfire directed at responding police.
Mayor Cherelle Parker visits hospital, urges prayers
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker joined police leadership at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, where she met with the injured officers’ families.
Parker described the shooting as a reminder of the dangers officers encounter during routine calls for service.
“When our police officers leave their homes every day to go to work, they literally do not know whether — or when — they are coming home,” Parker said.
“They put themselves in harm’s way every day, and put their lives on the line — to protect the People of Philadelphia.”
The mayor urged residents to keep the wounded officers and their families in their thoughts as doctors worked to treat their injuries.
Investigation continues after officers wounded
Police have not disclosed what prompted the suspect to open fire or whether the responding officers discharged their weapons during the initial confrontation.
The officers’ names have not been publicly released.
The Philadelphia Police Department is continuing its investigation into the shooting, with additional information expected as the officers’ conditions become clearer.
The suspect remains in custody.
- Former Toms River Councilman Terrance Turnbach Springs Accomplice Who Helped Wawa Murder Suspect Escape
Criminal defense attorney and former Toms River Councilman Terrance Turnbach secured the release of a Brick man accused of obstructing the investigation into the fatal shooting of Bruce Gress at a Route 37 Wawa.
TOMS RIVER, NJ — Former Toms River Councilman Terrance Turnbach is back in the courtroom defending a man accused of helping a murder suspect evade police after the fatal shooting of a 42-year-old man outside a Wawa convenience store last month.
Turnbach represents Ronald Hagan, 50, of Brick Township, one of four people charged with hindering the apprehension of Douglas Cobb, 51, of Toms River, who is wanted in the September 18 murder of Bruce Gress.
During an October 7 detention hearing in Ocean County Superior Court, Turnbach challenged the prosecution’s allegations and argued that his client had been falsely implicated by a longtime female friend who was also charged in connection with Cobb’s escape.
Superior Court Judge Wendel E. Daniels ultimately ordered Hagan released from the Ocean County Jail under court supervision.
Turnbach was recently named New Jersey State Bar Association’s “Professional Lawyer of the Year”.
Toms River Mayor Dan Rodrick doesn’t think Turnbach deserves such an award, calling Turnbach “A real sleazeball.”
“[Turnbach] uses his connections to get reduced sentences for rapists, pedophiles, murderers, and human traffickers,” the mayor said about the local criminal defense lawyer who has close ties to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer.
Victim shot in head outside Toms River Wawa
Gress was fatally shot September 18 during an argument in the parking lot of the Wawa at Route 37 and Garfield Avenue in Toms River.
Police responded shortly before 7:30 a.m. and launched a homicide investigation that led to murder charges against Cobb.
Cobb remained a fugitive as of the October 7 court hearing.
According to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, the shooting prompted a joint investigation involving county detectives, Toms River police and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office.
Four people subsequently faced charges alleging they helped Cobb avoid capture.
Turnbach challenges allegations against accused accomplice
During Hagan’s detention hearing, Assistant Ocean County Prosecutor Elizabeth Paterno alleged that Hagan lied to investigators about his communications with Cobb.
Prosecutors also accused him of providing another defendant with two cellphones and instructions about when to activate them and how to respond to questions about Cobb and the homicide investigation.
That defendant, identified as Jennifer Rizalvo, 48, of Lakewood, was allegedly involved in driving Cobb around Toms River following the shooting.
Paterno alleged that Rizalvo told investigators Hagan had intimidated her and threatened to come to her residence if she did not respond to communications as directed.
Turnbach disputed the accusations, arguing that Rizalvo implicated his client only after she faced criminal charges herself.
“He knows J.R.,” Turnbach told the judge, referring to Rizalvo by her initials. “He’s traveled to Mexico with J.R. and his family. They’ve been on a cruise together. This is not someone he does not know. He did not do this.”
Turnbach is jockeying to become a New Jersey Supreme Court Judge and has been rumored to be a potential candidate for mayor of Toms River next year.
Former councilman argues case cannot proceed as charged
Turnbach also challenged the legal structure of the prosecution’s case, arguing that complications could arise because Rizalvo is both a defendant in the alleged hindering conspiracy and the person claiming intimidation by Hagan.
“This case, as it’s presently constituted, can never be tried,” Turnbach argued.
The defense attorney maintained that Hagan denied threatening Rizalvo and questioned the reliability of accusations made after she had become a defendant herself.
Prosecutors opposed Hagan’s release, citing his criminal history, which includes 12 prior convictions, and arguing that he could continue interfering with the investigation.
Turnbach countered that Hagan voluntarily surrendered to authorities after learning of the charges and cooperated with investigators by providing his cellphone for examination.
The prosecutor’s office confirmed Hagan surrendered September 28 at Toms River police headquarters while accompanied by his attorney.
Judge releases Hagan despite prosecution’s objections
After hearing arguments, Daniels ordered Hagan released from custody.
The judge imposed conditions requiring Hagan to report weekly to court personnel and avoid contact with his codefendants.
Two other defendants, Cherice Nicholson, 46, of Howell, and Sylvester Green, 43, of Berkeley Township, had previously been released following detention hearings.
Prosecutors allege Nicholson allowed Cobb to stay at her residence before driving him out of state toward the Delaware-Virginia area.
Green, Cobb’s brother, is accused of retrieving personal belongings, including prescription medications, from Cobb’s home.
Rizalvo received a summons rather than being jailed.
Hagan, Nicholson and Green are scheduled to return to court October 19.
Turnbach returns to courtroom in another high-profile criminal case
Turnbach, a Democrat who previously served on the Toms River Township Council, has continued practicing criminal defense law following his departure from local government.
He is a partner at Starkey, Kelly, Kenneally, Cunningham, Turnbach & Yannone, a Toms River law firm handling criminal and civil cases.
His previous clients include defendants in several prominent Ocean County criminal cases.
Earlier this year, Turnbach represented Genell McInaw, who received a five-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to vehicular homicide in the death of Robert Popovics, the owner of the Shady Rest Restaurant in Bayville.
The attorney has also represented defendants in other serious assault and homicide-related proceedings.
His representation of Hagan is separate from any allegation of wrongdoing by Turnbach himself. Hagan is entitled to legal representation, and his attorney’s courtroom arguments do not establish that the allegations are true or false.
Wawa murder suspect remains wanted
The underlying murder investigation remains unresolved while Cobb, the man accused of shooting Gress, remains wanted by authorities.
Hagan and the three other defendants face allegations that they interfered with efforts to locate Cobb after the September 18 killing.
None of the four has been convicted of hindering apprehension in connection with the case.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
- Hackensack man busted after woman beaten outside Newark apartment
A Hackensack man was taken into custody after a woman was repeatedly punched outside her apartment
Newark, NJ — A woman walking home from a bus stop after work was followed to her Newark apartment and repeatedly punched in the face and body during a frightening early-morning attack, with police announcing the arrest of a 41-year-old Hackensack man weeks after the assault.
Lee Darryl Harris was arrested Friday, October 9, in connection with the September 18 attack in the 200 block of Leslie Street, according to Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda Sr.
Photo: police in south jersey to enforce seat belt use in "click it or ticket" campaign The victim fought back and screamed during the assault, causing her attacker to flee.
Woman followed from bus stop to Newark apartment
The attack happened around 1:30 a.m. after the woman finished work and was walking home from a bus stop.
While making her way toward her apartment, she noticed a man watching and following her.
When she reached her residence in the 200 block of Leslie Street, the man approached her from behind.
The woman turned around, and the attacker began repeatedly punching her in the face and body while ordering her to remain quiet, according to the Newark Department of Public Safety.
Despite the blows, the woman fought back and screamed, prompting the attacker to run away.
Police did not provide details about the extent of her injuries or whether she required hospitalization.
Hackensack man arrested on assault charges
Newark detectives investigating the attack identified Harris as a suspect and obtained a warrant charging him with aggravated assault and criminal trespass.
Miranda announced Friday that Harris had been taken into custody without incident.
“The violent nature of this incident is both heinous and alarming,” Miranda said.
He credited detectives for their efforts to locate and arrest the suspect following the attack.
“Our detectives have worked tirelessly to apprehend this suspect. Thankfully, he was arrested today without incident,” Miranda said.
The public safety director also expressed hope that the arrest would bring the woman some relief while she recovers from the assault.
“I trust that this arrest brings the victim a measure of peace as she continues to heal and to seek justice for this terrifying attack,” Miranda said.
Investigation leads to arrest weeks after attack
The arrest came three weeks after the reported assault, which occurred during the early-morning hours in a residential section of Newark.
Authorities have not released additional details about what led investigators to Harris or where he was arrested.
Police also did not announce bail information or a scheduled court appearance.
Harris faces charges of aggravated assault and criminal trespass. The charges are accusations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The case adds to ongoing Newark crime coverage involving violent assaults and New Jersey police investigations.
- Bad timing for burglars after Bensalem police catch two suspects inside building
A suspicious parked car led officers to a broken window, an open door and two arrests
Bensalem, PA — A routine overnight patrol turned into a burglary bust early Friday when Bensalem police spotted a suspicious vehicle, discovered signs of a break-in and caught two suspects inside a building on Tremont Avenue.
The arrests happened around 12:44 a.m. on October 9 after officers noticed an unoccupied vehicle parked at the end of Tremont Avenue.
While checking the surrounding area, officers discovered a broken window and an unsecured door at 3190 Tremont Avenue, raising suspicions that someone had entered the building illegally.
Police and K9 officer search building
Additional officers, including a K9 officer, responded to the scene before police entered the building to investigate.
Inside, officers located two people identified as Matthew Guiffrida, 44, of Newtown, and Lauren McKenna, 38, of Warminster.
According to the Bensalem Township Police Department, searches of both suspects uncovered tools believed to have been used during the burglary, along with suspected illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia.
Both individuals were taken into custody at the scene.
The arrests came after officers discovered the suspicious vehicle during a patrol rather than responding to a reported burglary.
Two suspects face felony burglary charges
Guiffrida and McKenna were each charged with second-degree felony burglary, second-degree felony criminal trespass, first-degree misdemeanor possession of an instrument of crime, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Both appeared before Magisterial District Judge Terrence P. Hughes Sr. for arraignment.
Guiffrida’s bail was set at 10% of $200,000, requiring $20,000 to secure release under the terms of his bail.
McKenna’s bail was set at 10% of $25,000, requiring $2,500 under the same arrangement.
Both defendants were subsequently transported to the Bucks County Correctional Facility.
The charges remain allegations, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Overnight patrol credited with stopping burglary
The Bensalem Township Police Department credited the officers involved for spotting the suspicious vehicle and investigating the area, which led to the discovery of the alleged burglary in progress.
The department specifically recognized the proactive patrol efforts that resulted in the two arrests.
The incident adds to ongoing crime coverage in Bucks County, including burglary investigations and other Pennsylvania crime reports.
Officials did not specify whether anything had been stolen from the building or provide an estimate of property damage.