blotter - Shore News Network

New Jersey Congresswoman Faces Potential Federal Assault Charges After Incident at ICE Facility

Breaking Local News ReportMay 16, 20250

NEWARK, NJ — Democratic Congresswoman LaMonica McIver, representing New Jersey’s 10th District, could soon face federal assault charges following a chaotic confrontation at the Delaney Hall ICE detention facility in Newark. The incident, which unfolded last week, has sparked controversy and drawn national attention to the freshman lawmaker’s actions during what she described as a routine oversight visit. McIver, alongside Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and fellow Democratic Representatives Bonnie Watson Coleman and Rob Menendez, arrived at Delaney Hall, a recently reopened immigration detention center, to inspect conditions and ensure compliance with federal standards. Tensions escalated when federal agents arrested Baraka

Brick GOP leaders urged to resign amid payments to club leaders, husband of board president

Breaking Local News ReportMay 16, 20250

BRICK, NJ — Leading members of the Brick Republican Club are facing growing pressure to resign following allegations of questionable campaign expenditures tied to the 2023 election cycle. Calls for the resignation of Ruthanne Scaturro and Marc Vasquez, both of whom have served in executive roles within the organization, have intensified as internal concerns mount over payments made during and after the campaign. Vasquez, listed as president, was reportedly paid nearly $20,000 in consulting fees, including a $1,000 payment for his involvement on Election Day. Scaturro serves as president of the Brick GOP Club. She is also vice-chairwoman of the

Disbarred Spring Lake Heights attorney charged with stealing $130K from client’s estate

Breaking Local News ReportMay 16, 20250

FREEHOLD, N.J. — A disbarred Monmouth County attorney has been charged with misappropriating more than $130,000 from the estate of a deceased client over a seven-year span, authorities announced Thursday. Kathleen M. Cehelsky, 60, of Spring Lake Heights, is facing charges of second-degree misapplication of entrusted property, fourth-degree false uttering, and fourth-degree forgery, according to Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago. An investigation by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Financial Crimes & Special Prosecutions Unit began in May 2024 following a referral from the New Jersey Office of Attorney Ethics. That agency had previously conducted a probe that led to

Elderly pedestrian killed in Newark shopping center parking lot crash

Breaking Local News ReportMay 15, 20250

NEWARK, Del. — Newark Police are investigating a fatal pedestrian crash that occurred Wednesday morning in the parking lot of a shopping center on the 200 block of East Main Street. Officers responded to the scene at approximately 9:30 a.m. after reports that a pedestrian had been struck by a pickup truck while crossing the lot toward nearby storefronts. According to a preliminary investigation, the driver was traveling through the lot when the collision occurred. Emergency medical aid was provided at the scene by Newark officers and EMS personnel from Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder Company. The victim, an elderly

ICE arrests MS-13 gang member in Maryland after multiple detainer refusals by local jail

Breaking Local News ReportMay 15, 20250

BALTIMORE — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested 26-year-old Salvadoran national Nelson Vladimir Amaya-Benitez in Gaithersburg on Monday following a string of criminal convictions and multiple detainer requests that were declined by local authorities. Amaya, a validated member of the MS-13 gang, has been convicted of robbery, vehicle theft, second-degree malicious burning, and other offenses in Texas and Maryland. ICE stated that Amaya reentered the country illegally after being removed in 2019 and continued to commit crimes while eluding immigration enforcement due to detainers not being honored. “The arrest of this criminal alien MS-13 gang member is yet another

Stolen SUV kills moped rider in DC hit and run

Local News ReportMay 15, 20250

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A Germantown man has died following a hit and run crash involving a stolen vehicle early Sunday in Northwest Washington, according to the Metropolitan Police Department. Around 3:30 a.m. on May 11, officers were called to the intersection of 7th Street and New York Avenue NW for a reported collision. Investigators determined that a white 2017 Infiniti QX60, reported stolen, was traveling northbound on 7th Street when it struck a motor-driven cycle at the intersection. The occupants of the Infiniti fled the scene on foot after the crash. The moped operator, later identified as 24-year-old Jose Carlos

Muhammad Ali nabbed after victim shoved and robbed on DC street

Local News ReportMay 15, 20250

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A 25-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a daytime robbery earlier this month in Northeast Washington, police announced Wednesday. The incident occurred on Friday, May 2, around 10:36 a.m. in the 600 block of Division Avenue NE. According to the report, the victim was approached from behind, pushed to the ground, and had their property stolen before the suspect fled. Following an investigation by Sixth District detectives, Muhammad Ali of Northeast D.C. was identified and arrested on Friday, May 9. He has been charged with Robbery (Force and Violence). The arrest was the result of

YouTubers and influencers driving dangerously in New Jersey traffic to create viral videos

Breaking Local News ReportMay 15, 20250

NEWARK, NJ — A growing number of social media influencers and YouTubers are filming high-speed stunts on New Jersey roads, weaving through traffic and reaching excessive speeds in cars and motorcycles to gain views—raising alarm among law enforcement and the public over road safety. Videos posted across platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram show drivers engaging in risky behavior across major highways including the Garden State Parkway, Interstate 287, and Route 22. Footage often features motorcycles threading through cars at high speed, drivers running red lights, and influencers narrating their maneuvers while ignoring traffic laws. Law enforcement officials and transportation

Baraka campaign paid brother’s firm over $500K this year, records show

Breaking Local News ReportMay 15, 20250

NEWARK, NJ — Gubernatorial candidate and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka’s campaign has directed more than $500,000 to a consulting firm owned by his brother in 2025 alone, according to recent campaign finance disclosures. Filings show that the firm, Bottom Up, collected roughly $529,200 this year for consulting services. In 2024, it was paid $46,000 for voter outreach efforts. As of May 9, Baraka’s campaign has reported a total of $4.8 million in expenditures. This comes weeks after it was reported that Common Sense Club, a non-profit political group founded by GOP candidate Bill Spadea paid the candidate $250,000 through an

Two men killed in separate Philadelphia shootings hours apart

Breaking Local News ReportMay 15, 20250

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Two men were shot and killed in unrelated incidents hours apart Wednesday in different parts of Philadelphia, police said. The first fatal shooting occurred around 3:55 a.m. when officers from the 25th District responded to a call for a person with a gun near 100 West Cambria Street. Police found three men with gunshot wounds, including 42-year-old Shawn D. Baskins of Norristown, PA, who was located on the highway with multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported by police to Temple University Hospital and pronounced dead at 4:07 a.m. A second victim, a 49-year-old man, was also found

7-Eleven shopper in Maryland snags $20K Mega Millions prize

Local News ReportMay 15, 20250

WALDORF, Md. — A Mega Millions ticket worth $20,000 was sold in Waldorf for the May 13 drawing, Maryland Lottery officials confirmed Wednesday. The winning ticket, purchased at the 7-Eleven located at 11575 Berry Road in Charles County, matched four of the five white ball numbers and the Mega Ball — 6, 29, 33, 47, 68, and 20. The match qualified the player for a third-tier prize of $10,000. Under Mega Millions’ updated game format introduced in April, the ticket included a built-in 2X multiplier, doubling the total prize to $20,000. All $5 plays now come with a randomly selected

Man shot in car during violent mugging incident in Brooklyn

Breaking Local News ReportMay 15, 20250

BROOKLYN, N.Y. — A man was shot and two others were threatened during a robbery spree in Flatbush early Tuesday morning, according to police. At approximately 4:10 a.m., a 44-year-old man was sitting in his vehicle in front of 2816 Church Avenue when he was approached by an unidentified individual who demanded his property, police said. A struggle followed, during which the suspect displayed a firearm and shot the man in the left leg. The victim was transported by private means to NYC Health and Hospitals/Kings County, where he was listed in stable condition. Following the shooting, the suspect fled

Female Cop Busted for DWI, Drugs in Brooklyn

Breaking Local News ReportMay 15, 20250

BROOKLYN, N.Y. — A New York City police officer was arrested early Thursday morning and charged with multiple driving while intoxicated offenses in Brooklyn, authorities said. Shareca Allen, a 37-year-old NYPD officer, was taken into custody at approximately 12:44 a.m. within the 83rd Precinct, which covers the Bushwick section of Brooklyn. According to police, Allen was on duty at the time of the arrest. She faces several charges, including operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, driving while intoxicated, aggravated driving while intoxicated, and driving while ability impaired. The NYPD confirmed the arrest and charges

Manchester Township welcomes three new Class I Special Law Enforcement Officers

Local News ReportMay 15, 20250

MANCHESTER, N.J. — Three newly appointed Special Law Enforcement Class I Officers were sworn in during Monday’s Township Council meeting, marking the latest additions to Manchester Township’s public safety team ahead of the busy spring and summer seasons. Michael Kelliher, Nathaniel Kelliher, and Austin Williams took their oaths of office on May 12 during a ceremony attended by fellow officers, local officials, family, and friends. The Class I officers are authorized to perform routine traffic assignments, crowd control, and various support duties throughout the township. Their responsibilities will include maintaining safety in public spaces such as parks, recreation areas, and

ICE Philadelphia deports Ecuadorian fugitive wanted for rape

Local News ReportMay 15, 20250

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has removed an Ecuadorian national wanted for rape in his home country, officials announced Wednesday. Elvis Isaac Aguirre Yanez was deported to Ecuador on May 6 after a final order of removal. Ecuadorian authorities had issued an arrest warrant for Aguirre on December 14, 2017, on rape charges. Upon arrival, he was turned over to Ecuadorian law enforcement. Aguirre first entered the United States unlawfully near Paso Del Norte, Texas, on November 13, 2022. He was paroled into the country by Border Patrol and instructed to report to ICE Philadelphia’s office in

Stolen skid steer sold online leads cops to Utica thief

Local News ReportMay 15, 20250

UTICA, N.Y. — A 33-year-old Utica man has been charged in connection with the theft of a skid steer from a storage facility last month, after investigators traced the stolen equipment through social media posts. On April 8, police units responded to the 1700 block of Genesee Street after a report that a skid steer had been stolen from a secured location. The victim told officers that an unknown suspect had broken into the storage facility and removed the machinery. The case was assigned to a detective from the Criminal Investigations Division. During the course of the investigation, multiple social

Woman jailed for driving drugged with special-needs kids in school van

Local News ReportMay 15, 20250

LANCASTER, Pa. — A Dauphin County woman who drove a van of special-needs students while under the influence of multiple prescription drugs was sentenced to jail and probation last week following a guilty plea. Heather Elaine Shumberger, 41, of Lower Paxton Township, was sentenced to four months and three days to just under two years in county jail, followed by five years of probation. She pleaded guilty on Jan. 21 to multiple charges, including recklessly endangering another person, endangering the welfare of children, DUI, and a traffic offense. The October 2023 incident occurred while Shumberger was transporting four students, ages

Man down after shots ring out on Harrisburg street

Local News ReportMay 15, 20250

HARRISBURG, Pa. — A man was found shot Tuesday night in the 2200 block of Market Street following reports of gunfire, according to the Harrisburg Police Department. Officers responded around 10:00 p.m. and located an adult male who had been struck by gunfire. His current condition has not been released, and no details regarding a suspect or motive have been provided at this time. The area was secured while officers began their investigation. The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under review as detectives work to gather evidence and identify those involved. Police said updates on the case will be shared

Woman, 77, dies after head-on crash on Delaware highway

Local News ReportMay 15, 20250

GREENVILLE, Del. — A two-vehicle collision on Kennett Pike that occurred Saturday afternoon has resulted in the death of a 77-year-old woman, Delaware State Police confirmed Tuesday. The crash took place on May 10 at approximately 4:33 p.m. when a 2018 gray Hyundai Kona, traveling southbound on Kennett Pike near Stone Brook Drive, crossed into the northbound lane for unknown reasons. The vehicle struck a 2025 gray Hyundai Kona head-on. Linda Mahoney of Cochranville, Pennsylvania, was a passenger in the 2025 Hyundai Kona. She sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported to an area hospital, where she died on May 12.

Newark cops hunt man tied to armed Uber Eats carjacking

Local News ReportMay 14, 20250

NEWARK, N.J. — Authorities are searching for a man wanted for questioning in connection with an armed carjacking involving an Uber Eats driver in Newark last month. Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda Sr. announced Tuesday that Shaun Motayne is being sought by police for questioning in the April 7 incident, which occurred in the 200 block of Broome Street. The victim had parked his silver 2021 Subaru Outback to deliver food when he was approached by a group of Black males wearing ski masks and black sweats. One suspect displayed a firearm and ordered the driver to empty his

Toms River said no, but June primary election could revive canceled downtown tower project

Breaking Local News ReportMay 14, 20250

Mo Hill allies could revive halted downtown tower project in Toms River GOP primary fight TOMS RIVER, N.J. — A June 10 Republican primary in Toms River is shaping up as a referendum on a stalled downtown redevelopment project, with council candidates aligned with former Mayor Maurice “Mo” Hill campaigning to bring back a controversial 10-story apartment plan halted last year. Councilmen James Quinlisk and David Ciccozzi (who championed the initial 10-story downtown towers) joined by running mates Robert Bianchini and Clinton Bradley, have launched a campaign apparently promoting a pro-development agenda that echoes Hill’s administration. Their slate could shift

14-year-old still missing after vanishing from Montgomery Village in April

Local News ReportMay 14, 20250

GAITHERSBURG, Md. — Detectives with the Montgomery County Police Special Victims Investigations Division are searching for 14-year-old Persia Sasha Lopez, who was reported missing after last being seen in Montgomery Village nearly four weeks ago. Lopez was last spotted on Saturday, April 19, in the area of the 18700 block of Walkers Choice Road. Investigators are now asking for the public’s help in locating her. She is described as 5 feet 4 inches tall, weighing 135 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. At the time she went missing, Lopez was wearing a red Tom and Jerry shirt, dark blue

Bar tab and busted Honda spell trouble for Stafford driver

Local News ReportMay 14, 20250

STAFFORD, Va. — A late-night drive ended in a crash and DUI arrest for a 26-year-old Stafford man after he struck a culvert in South Stafford, according to the sheriff’s office. Around 10:25 p.m. Tuesday, Deputy C.M. Sterne was patrolling Rocky Run Drive when he heard a vehicle horn sounding continuously. He located a silver Honda with deployed airbags and visible damage after it had veered off the road and crashed. The driver, Julian Ramirez of Stafford, was found at the scene. A receipt in his pocket indicated he had recently visited Happy Endings Bar and Grill in Fredericksburg. Ramirez

Gunman in pendant robs DC victim and vanishes in busted Kia

Local News ReportMay 14, 20250

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A man armed with a firearm carried out a robbery early Wednesday in Southeast Washington before fleeing in a damaged silver or gray Kia, according to officials. The incident occurred around 12:21 a.m. in the 3800 block of 4th Street SE. The suspect is described as a Black male with a dark complexion, wearing a silver necklace with a pendant. He was last seen driving a silver or gray Kia with a broken window. Responding units searched the area, but the suspect was not located. Details about what was taken during the robbery have not been disclosed.

Carjacking foiled in DC, teens on the run

Local News ReportMay 14, 20250

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Police are searching for four suspects after an attempted carjacking was reported Tuesday evening in Northeast Washington, according to the Metropolitan Police Department. The incident occurred around 5:40 p.m. in the 100 block of Florida Avenue NE. MPD units from the 5th District responded and confirmed an attempt was made to steal a vehicle. No injuries were reported. Authorities said they are looking for four Black males, estimated to be between 17 and 25 years old. All were last seen wearing dark clothing. No weapons have been confirmed at this time. The suspects fled the scene before