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New Jersey Launches Anti-Bias Youth Competition

New jersey launches anti-bias youth competition

New Jersey Launches Anti-Bias Youth Competition

**TRENTON, NJ** – The Office of the Attorney General and the Division on Civil Rights (DCR) announced the “No Hate in the Garden State Youth Competition” aimed at combating bias and discrimination across New Jersey. This initiative invites middle and high school students to develop projects that tackle bias within their communities.

As part of a broader campaign launched earlier this year, “No Hate in the Garden State,” seeks to address increasing bias incidents and crimes. The campaign is funded federally and highlights elementary and secondary schools as the most common settings for bias incidents in the state.

The competition encourages students to create projects or events that focus on combating hate and celebrating New Jersey’s diversity. Possible projects include social media campaigns, cultural celebrations, and educational workshops designed to raise awareness and inspire change.

Participants, required to be New Jersey residents in grades 6 through 12, will enhance their civil rights knowledge and leadership abilities through DCR-led virtual trainings. Project proposals must be submitted by January 13, 2025. Additional details are available on the competition’s website.

Woman Arrested in Utica for Prostitution-Related Offenses Involving Police Struggle

Woman arrested in utica for prostitution-related offenses involving police struggle

Woman Arrested in Utica for Prostitution-Related Offenses Involving Police Struggle

**Utica, NY** – On Friday at approximately 12:40 p.m., Utica Police officers attempted to arrest Julie Mitchell, 55, of Utica, on charges related to prostitution. Mitchell reportedly resisted arrest and engaged in a physical altercation with the officers.

During the confrontation, one officer sustained a shoulder injury while trying to detain Mitchell. Officers eventually subdued Mitchell with assistance from additional units, allowing them to arrest her.

Mitchell faced several charges, including assault in the second degree, prostitution, and resisting arrest. She was subsequently taken to the Utica Police Department for processing.

The injured officer received medical attention and has been placed on medical leave for an unspecified duration.

Domestic Dispute Leads to Woman’s Arrest in Wilkes-Barre

Domestic dispute leads to woman's arrest in wilkes-barre

Domestic Dispute Leads to Woman’s Arrest in Wilkes-Barre

**Wilkes-Barre, PA** – A domestic dispute led to an assault incident at 320 North Empire Court on November 20, at 3:25 AM. Police officers responded to reports of an altercation.

Upon arrival, officers spoke with the 25-year-old male victim from Wilkes-Barre. The victim reported a verbal confrontation with 20-year-old Diana Thomas, also from Wilkes-Barre, regarding their relationship.

The victim claimed that during the altercation, Thomas struck him multiple times. He managed to call 911 after the incident.

Officers arrested Thomas at the scene. She was taken to City Headquarters for processing and arraignment.

Robbery at Taco Bell in Chesapeake

Robbery at taco bell in chesapeake

Robbery at Taco Bell in Chesapeake

**Chesapeake, VA** – On Tuesday at approximately 10:28 p.m., Chesapeake Police were dispatched to the 100 block of Hillcrest Parkway following reports of a robbery at a Taco Bell. Officers discovered upon arrival that a male suspect entered the restaurant and stole items before fleeing on foot.

Authorities are currently seeking assistance from the public to identify and apprehend the suspect involved.

Individuals with any information regarding this incident are urged to contact the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP. Tips can also be submitted online at P3TIPS.COM or through the P3TIPS APP on a smartphone.

Anonymity is guaranteed for tipsters, and they won’t be required to appear in court. Moreover, there is a possibility of receiving a cash reward of up to $1,500 if the provided tip leads to an arrest, recovery of drugs, or stolen property.

Queens Man Charged in Network Cable and Wi-Fi Theft

Queens man charged in network cable and wi-fi theft

Queens Man Charged in Network Cable and Wi-Fi Theft

**Queens, NY** – Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz has announced that Kong Gao has been charged with fraudulent making of an electronic access device and criminal possession of forgery devices. This is in relation to a large-scale theft of network cable streaming and Wi-Fi services in Flushing and Whitestone.

Gao, aged 35, allegedly manufactured approximately 200 modem devices embedded with malware that mimics legitimate services like Spectrum, operated by Charter Communications. On Friday, Gao was arraigned, and he faces a potential maximum sentence of seven years if convicted of the top count. Judge Marty Lentz has ordered Gao to return to court on January 16, 2025.

In April, Charter Communications launched an investigation into widespread unauthorized use of their services, identifying about 6,000 cloned accounts. The investigation, assisted by a private investigative firm, linked Gao to advertisements offering fraudulent Wi-Fi services and modem installations. Authorities executed a search warrant at Gao’s residence on November 14.

The search at Gao’s Whitestone residence uncovered 200 modems intended for sale, along with tools and malware programs used to infiltrate Charter’s services. The scheme’s estimated impact exceeds $1 million in

Newark Officials Request Assistance in Identifying Robbery Suspects

Newark officials request assistance in identifying robbery suspects

Newark Officials Request Assistance in Identifying Robbery Suspects

**Newark, NJ** – The Newark Department of Public Safety is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying three suspects connected to a robbery that took place on October 27.

The incident occurred at approximately 1:55 a.m. on the 200 block of Park Avenue near 6th Street. A man waiting for a taxi was accosted by three individuals who stole his necklace, took $400 cash, and physically assaulted him before absconding northbound on North 6th Street.

Detectives have described the suspects as three Black males. Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda has called for anyone with relevant information to reach out.

Individuals with information can contact the Police Division’s 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477) or submit tips via the Police Division’s website at www.newarkpublicsafety.org. Tips are anonymous, confidential, and could lead to a reward.

Pulaski Highway road rage escalates to shooting

Pulaski highway road rage escalates to shooting

Shooting Incident Investigated in Newark by Delaware Police

**Newark, DE** – Delaware State Police Detectives are investigating a shooting incident that occurred in the Newark area on Sunday afternoon.

On Sunday, at approximately 1:21 p.m., troopers responded to a late report of a shooting on Pulaski Highway between LaGrange Parkway and Pleasant Valley Road. Investigations revealed a 37-year-old man was traveling westbound on Pulaski Highway between 12:30 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. when he engaged in a confrontation with an unknown black male in a separate vehicle. During the encounter, the suspect in a dark blue four-door sedan lowered the front passenger window and shot at the victim’s vehicle before escaping on Pleasant Valley Road. The victim’s vehicle was struck by gunfire, but no injuries were reported.

As of now, suspect details are not available, and no surveillance videos or images have been released. Troop 2 Criminal Investigations detectives are continuing the investigation into this incident. Detectives request that anyone with information or who witnessed the event contact Detective J. Lucyk at 302-365-8446. Information can also be shared via a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police

Teenager Killed in Fatal Largo Shooting

Teenager killed in fatal largo shooting

Teenager Killed in Fatal Largo Shooting

**LARGO, MD** – A fatal shooting on Saturday night is under investigation by the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Homicide Unit. The victim, identified as 16-year-old Kesean Hunt from Accokeek, was found at the scene.

Officers responded to a report of a shooting on the 700 block of Harry S. Truman Drive at approximately 9:00 p.m. The victim was discovered outside with a gunshot wound and was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

Detectives are actively investigating the incident and have identified and interviewed several individuals involved. They are also consulting with the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office. No charges have been filed at this time.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Homicide Unit at 301-516-2512. Anonymous tips can also be submitted via Crime Solvers at www.pgcrimesolvers.com, the “P3 Tips” mobile app, or by calling 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), referencing case number 24-0068757.

Man found shot to death inside apartment building in Suitland

Man found shot to death inside apartment building in suitland

Homicide Investigation Launched Following Shooting in Suitland

**Suitland, MD** – Homicide Unit detectives are conducting an investigation into a fatal shooting that occurred on Friday. The victim has been identified as 30-year-old Brian Speaks, a resident of Suitland. Authorities are offering a reward of up to $25,000 for any information that leads to an arrest and indictment in this case. Preliminary findings suggest that the crime was not random.

On Friday, at approximately 5:45 p.m., police responded to a report of a shooting in the 3500 block of Parkway Terrace Drive. Upon arrival, officers found the victim inside an apartment building suffering from gunshot wounds. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Detectives are working actively to identify potential suspects and establish a motive for the shooting. The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone who has information relevant to this case is encouraged to contact the Homicide Unit at 301-516-2512. Tips may also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers at www.pgcrimesolvers.com, through the “P3 Tips” mobile app, or by calling 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). Reference case number 24-0068482

Man Shot Multiple Times Dead in Oxon Hill

Man shot multiple times dead in oxon hill

Homicide Investigation in Oxon Hill

**Oxon Hill, MD** – Detectives from the Homicide Unit are investigating a fatal shooting that took place Saturday in Oxon Hill. The victim, identified as 30-year-old Denis Zepeda Cruz, was from Oxon Hill. A reward of up to $25,000 has been announced for information leading to an arrest and indictment. Preliminary investigations suggest the crime wasn’t random.

The shooting was reported on the 7300 block of Roanne Drive approximately at 10:00 p.m. on Saturday. Upon arrival, officers found the victim outside with gunshot wounds and he was pronounced dead on the scene.

Detectives are currently working to establish a motive and identify any suspect or suspects involved in the incident. Authorities have requested anyone with information regarding this case to contact the Homicide Unit at 301-516-2512.

Information can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers online at www.pgcrimesolvers.com, via the “P3 Tips” mobile app, or by calling 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). The case reference number is 24-0068762.

Police Seek Public’s Help to Identify Suspect

Police seek public's help to identify suspect

Police Seek Public’s Help to Identify Suspect

**Keene, NY** – The New York State Police are requesting assistance in identifying a man involved in an incident during the summer in Keene and surrounding areas.

On July 9, at approximately 5:43 p.m., an unidentified Caucasian elderly male allegedly exposed himself to two children near the Hulls Falls Road Bridge over the Ausable River in Keene. The male was described as heavyset, balding with light-colored or white hair on the sides, wearing a light blue raincoat and dark blue pants, and was observed sitting on the riverbank across from the children. He left the scene in an unknown direction, and it remains unclear whether he departed by foot or vehicle.

State Police responded to the area and checked other local swimming spots where children may frequent. Investigations continue, with similar reports having been made to law enforcement agencies over the summer. The locations investigated include Split Rock Falls on State Route 9 in Elizabethtown and a swimming hole on State Route 73 across from Five Mountain Loop trailhead.

In all reported incidents, the suspect’s description has been consistent. Anyone with information regarding the July incident or any related occurrences in other locations over the