township

Lacey Township Woman Admits to Drug Operation That Involving Minors

Lacey township woman admits to drug operation that involving minors

Lacey Township Woman Admits to Drug Charges Involving Minors

**Lacey Township, NJ** – Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on November 18, Margaret Whalen, 60, of Lacey Township, pled guilty to several charges, including possession of psilocin mushrooms with intent to distribute, employing a juvenile in a drug distribution scheme, and endangering the welfare of a child. Whalen entered her plea before the Honorable Dina M. Vicari, J.S.C. The state is seeking prison terms ranging from four to five years for each charge at Whalen’s sentencing on January 10, 2025, with all sentences to run concurrently.

In March, Lacey Township Police were informed by the Division of Child Protection and Permanency about Whalen’s alleged activities involving the manufacture and distribution of psilocin mushrooms from her residence on Elwood Street. Following a court-authorized search on March 13, law enforcement seized several jars containing the suspected substance. Laboratory tests conducted by the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation lab confirmed the presence of psilocin mushrooms on May 23.

Further investigations by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit and Lacey Township

Suspect Arrested for Sexual Assault in Galloway Township

Bars from a prison jail cast a shadow on the floro.

Suspect Arrested for Sexual Assault in Galloway Township

**Galloway Township, NJ** – The Galloway Township Police Department reported the arrest of a suspect involved in a sexual assault case with a minor following an investigation prompted by a complaint.

Sunday, officers from the department initiated an investigation after receiving allegations against an adult male for engaging in sexual activity with a female under 16. Cell phone evidence obtained by the police corroborated the victim’s statements, leading to search warrants being issued for the suspect’s phone, vehicle, and place of business, Everest Gymnastics in Galloway Township.

The investigation resulted in the arrest of 51-year-old Matthew A. Shriver from Brigantine, NJ. He was charged with multiple offenses including Aggravated Sexual Assault and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Shriver is currently held at the Atlantic County Justice Facility awaiting a court date.

The department has emphasized its commitment to addressing sexual assault cases, particularly those involving juveniles. They encourage individuals to report incidents to their office, available 24/7 at the provided contact number. All charges are currently accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

21-Year-Old Arrested for Homicide in Schuylkill Township

21-year-old arrested for homicide in schuylkill township

21-Year-Old Arrested for Homicide in Schuylkill Township

**Schuylkill Township, PA** – Authorities reported the arrest of Holden Hoffsis, 21, from Phoenixville, for the alleged murder of his friend, Daniel Gray. The incident occurred during the early morning hours of Friday. Hoffsis is facing charges including First Degree and Third Degree Murder, and is detained at Chester County Prison without bail.

At approximately 3:27 a.m. on Friday, Schuylkill Township Police responded to a shooting on Westhorpe Lane, Phoenixville. Investigators determined that Hoffsis shot Gray in the chest following an argument over a video game. Further investigation revealed marijuana, drug packaging materials, and a bag of suspected cocaine in Hoffsis’s possession.

Chester County District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe commented on the situation, citing it as another instance where drugs and guns result in violence and death. Schuylkill Township Police Chief William Fitzsimmons expressed gratitude for the help from Chester County Detectives and the District Attorney’s Office, voicing determination to secure justice for the victim’s family.

The investigation is being led by the Schuylkill Township Police Department and

Juvenile Arrested for Carjacking in Bernards Township

Juvenile arrested for carjacking in bernards township

Juvenile Arrested for Carjacking in Bernards Township

**BERNARDS TWP., N.J.** – A 15-year-old was arrested in connection with a carjacking at a gas station in Bernards Township on Wednesday. Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald, along with Chief of County Detectives Francisco Roman Jr. and Bernards Township Police Chief Jon Burger, announced the arrest.

The incident occurred at approximately 11:35 a.m. at a gas station on Valley Road. The juvenile attempted to take a vehicle after assaulting an adult male who was adding air to his tires. After reversing the car, the juvenile moved forward, causing the man to be trapped underneath the vehicle until gas station attendants assisted.

Investigations were led by detectives from Bernards Township Police, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit, Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and Collision Analysis Reconstruction Team. As a result, charges filed against the juvenile include first-degree carjacking and robbery, second-degree aggravated assault, and several other charges.

Authorities urge anyone with further information to contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit or the Bernards Township Police Department. Anonymous tips can be reported through the STOPit app or Somerset

Grand Jury Declines Charges in Manchester Township Police Shooting

Courtroom stock photo

Grand Jury Declines Charges in Manchester Township Shooting

**TRENTON, NJ** – A state grand jury voted not to file criminal charges related to the death of Shannon Rose, a 39-year-old from Manchester Township. Rose was shot on December 5, 2023, in a police encounter in Ocean County.

The Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) investigated Rose’s death, presenting findings to a state grand jury. The investigation included witness interviews, video footage analysis from body cameras, ballistics testing, and autopsy results. The grand jury concluded no charges would be filed against Officers Nicholas Greenwood and Michael Anderson.

On December 5, 2023, at about 8:28 p.m., the Manchester Police Department responded to a distress call concerning Rose, who reportedly had a semi-automatic rifle. Following a vehicle crash involving Rose’s van, officers located him in a wooded area and attempted negotiations for about twenty minutes. After Rose refused to disarm, Officers Greenwood and Anderson discharged their firearms. Rose was later confirmed deceased, with ballistic evidence showing a discharged casing from his rifle.

Released recordings include a police body-worn camera and two 911 calls. Under New Jersey law, any death involving law enforcement officers requires

Pedestrian Injured in Berkeley Township Vehicle Collision

Pedestrian injured in berkeley township vehicle collision

Pedestrian Injured in Berkeley Township Vehicle Collision

**Berkeley Township, NJ** – Berkeley Township Police responded to an incident involving a pedestrian struck by a vehicle on Saturday at around 10:53 a.m. The incident occurred near 430 Atlantic City Blvd.

Upon arriving, police officers found a blue Mazda and a male pedestrian on the ground. The initial investigation indicated the Mazda was moving southbound when the pedestrian, crossing from the east without using a crosswalk, stepped in front of the car.

The impact propelled the pedestrian into the air and dragged him along the pavement. The vehicle’s windshield was shattered, but it remained otherwise undamaged.

While the Mazda’s occupants were unharmed, the pedestrian sustained multiple injuries, including a severe facial laceration, a compound arm fracture, a broken leg, and road burns. He was airlifted to Jersey Shore Medical Center for evaluation. Officer Slocum is investigating the crash further.

Gloucester Township Police Arrest Five for Driving While Intoxicated

Gloucester township police arrest five for driving while intoxicated

Gloucester Township Police Arrests Five for Driving While Intoxicated

**Gloucester Township, NJ** – Between 6:51 p.m. Friday and 3:19 a.m. Saturday, the Gloucester Township Police responded to five separate vehicle crashes involving suspected intoxicated drivers. The incidents took place on state highways and residential streets, resulting in damage to multiple vehicles, personal property, and utility poles. All drivers suspected of Driving While Intoxicated were taken into custody, processed, and released pending a court appearance.

The first crash occurred on the Black Horse Pike at Lower Landing Road when a vehicle struck a utility pole. The driver, residing in Crabapple Court, Blackwood, was unharmed. The second incident happened on Millbridge Road where the driver failed to negotiate a curve, causing the vehicle to flip after hitting a parked car. The driver was a resident of Millbridge Apartments and was not injured.

The third crash took place on Cressmont Avenue, with a resident finding an unknown vehicle parked in their driveway and a male passed out on the lawn. The parked vehicle had damage on both sides from colliding with other parked cars. The driver lived on Chews Landing Road, Lindenwold, and was not harmed

Fire Displaces Resident in Gloucester Township

Fire displaces resident in gloucester township

Fire Displaces Resident in Gloucester Township

**Gloucester Township, NJ** – A structure fire occurred on Sunday at approximately 3:38 PM on Edinburgh Road in the Blackwood section of Gloucester Township. Emergency responders were called to the scene where they encountered substantial smoke and flames. No residents were present or injured during the incident.

Assistance came from multiple fire departments, including Blackwood Fire Company, Chews Landing Fire Department, Gloucester Twp. Squad 88, Blenheim Fire Co., Lambs Terrace Fire Company, Erial FD, Pine Hill Fire Department, and Deptford Fire Department. The fire was brought under control with help from Inspira BLS and Virtua ALS.

The sole resident of the house was displaced, leading them to temporarily stay with family. Streets in the surrounding Chestnut Glen neighborhood were closed for several hours. A firefighter from Pine Hill needed medical evaluation and was transported to a local hospital by Inspira EMS & Ground Transport BLS.

Currently, the fire does not appear suspicious and remains under investigation by the Fire Marshal from the Blackwood Fire Department Station 84. Authorities remind residents to ensure their fire suppression systems, including smoke alarms, are functional.

Allegheny County Police Investigate Fatal Shooting in Stowe Township

Allegheny county police investigate fatal shooting in stowe township

Allegheny County Police Investigate Fatal Shooting in Stowe Township

**Stowe Township, PA** – The Allegheny County Police Department’s Homicide Unit is investigating a shooting that left one man dead in Stowe Township. The county’s 911 center was called early on the morning of Thursday regarding a shooting incident in a residence on McKinnie Avenue.

First responders arriving at the scene found an adult male with gunshot wounds. The victim was pronounced dead at the location. Detectives have begun their investigation into the incident.

Authorities are urging anyone with information about the shooting to contact the County Police Tip Line at 1-833-ALL-TIPS. The department assures potential informants that they may choose to remain anonymous.

Additional details regarding the case are subject to change as the investigation proceeds. Updates will be communicated through social media channels.

Bensalem Township Council Enacts Gaming Device Ban

Bensalem township council enacts gaming device ban

Bensalem, PA – Bensalem Township Council Enacts Gaming Device Ban

On Monday, Bensalem Township Council adopted an ordinance prohibiting local gaming devices, also known as “skill games,” throughout the township. The ordinance, approved by Mayor Joseph DiGirolamo, will take effect in ten days.

Over the past two years, there has been an increase in these unregulated devices, with the township estimating approximately 170 currently in operation. Concerns over related criminal incidents and the welfare of residents, particularly minors, led township officials to collaborate with Bucks County District Attorney Jennifer Schorn, resulting in the proposed ordinance.

The ban applies to all locations except those with an active Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board license, which must ensure age-restricted access to these devices. Non-compliance will incur fines and potential revocation of premises permits.

Officials believe this measure will enhance community safety by removing these devices and reducing loitering at retail establishments. The ordinance is part of ongoing efforts to maintain the quality of life in Bensalem Township.

Wall Township Resident Pleads Guilty to Motor Vehicle Theft

Wall township resident pleads guilty to motor vehicle theft

Wall Township Resident Pleads Guilty to Motor Vehicle Theft

**Toms River, NJ** – Jaquel Accoo, 29, from Wall Township, pled guilty to motor vehicle theft and witness tampering. This plea was made in the presence of Judge David M. Fritch, J.S.C., in relation to an incident in Toms River in October 2023. At his sentencing on January 3, 2025, the state will recommend a five-year prison term for each charge to run concurrently in New Jersey State Prison.

An individual reported his motor vehicle stolen on October 14, 2023, at the Toms River Township Police Headquarters. The investigation revealed that Accoo had not returned the borrowed vehicle and had sold it to an individual in Georgia. This led to a theft charge being filed against Accoo on November 22, 2023.

A warrant was issued for Accoo’s arrest, and he was placed in the National Crime Information Center database. The New York/New Jersey United States Marshals Service Regional Fugitive Task Force, along with the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, apprehended Accoo in Red Bank on January 22, 2024. He was released under New Jersey Bail Reform after being

Teenager Missing in Township of Hamilton

Teenager missing in township of hamilton

Teenager Missing in Township of Hamilton

**Hamilton, NJ** – The Township of Hamilton Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in finding a missing 14-year-old boy, Christopher Rivas. He was last seen at the Artist Walk Development on Sunday night.

Christopher is described as being approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 130 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes.

Police stated he was wearing all black when he left the area on foot. Individuals with information on Christopher’s whereabouts are urged to contact the Township of Hamilton Police Department.

The department’s non-emergency Dispatch can be reached at 609-625-2700 ext 1.

Wall Township Transformer Fire Causes Power Outage

Wall township transformer fire causes power outage

Wall Township Transformer Fire Causes Power Outage

**Wall Township, NJ** – A transformer fire on Belmar Boulevard has resulted in a power outage affecting approximately 1,700 residents. The incident caused traffic lights at intersections 138/New Bed and New Bed/Belmar Boulevard to go out and forced the diversion of traffic in the area.

The power company has been informed about the outage to address the situation. The breakdown is expected to be resolved soon with power restoration taking place shortly.

Residents in the affected area have been advised to exercise caution while traveling as traffic signals are not operational. Local authorities are actively managing traffic to ensure safety and minimize disruptions.

An image related to the incident was shared on social media by Wall Township Police, providing a visual glimpse of the scene.

Wall Township Man Charged with Armed Bank Robbery

Wall township man charged with armed bank robbery

Wall Township Man Charged with Armed Robbery

**Freehold, NJ** – A Wall Township resident was apprehended and charged in connection with an armed robbery, as announced by Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago on Thursday.

Jeffrey L. Kniffin, age 50, faces charges including first-degree armed robbery, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and possession of hollow point bullets, a fourth-degree offense.

On Wednesday, officers responded to a robbery at a Bank of America on State Highway 35. The suspect, masked and armed, reportedly stole over $5,000 and fled.

An off-duty officer observed a suspect matching Kniffin’s description on a bicycle near the bank. He followed the individual to Kniffin’s M Street residence, where Kniffin was arrested.

Kniffin remains in custody at Monmouth County Correctional Institution. The case is managed by Assistant Prosecutor Michael Luciano, and Kniffin’s attorney details have not been released.

Halloween Parade to Prompt Road Closures in Township of Hamilton

Halloween parade to prompt road closures in township of hamilton

Halloween Parade to Prompt Road Closures in Township of Hamilton

**Hamilton Township, NJ** – The Township of Hamilton Police Department announced a Halloween Parade scheduled to take place on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Several roads will be temporarily closed as a result of this event.

Main Street from Route 40 and River Drive to Mill Street and Route 606 will be closed from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. For the same duration, Route 50 will be inaccessible from Old Egg Harbor Road to River Drive.

Residents are advised to plan accordingly and find alternate routes during the event. Motorists may opt to use Weymouth Road (CR559) through Old Harding Highway and Old Egg Harbor Road to Route 40.

Drivers employing these alternate routes should anticipate increased traffic given the expected congestion. The police department has urged motorists to exercise caution and patience.

Brick Township Man Charged for Lewd Images of Children

Brick township man charged for lewd images of children

Brick Township Man Charged with Child Pornography Possession

**Brick Township, NJ** – Dennis Hubert, a 42-year-old resident of Brick Township, was charged Thursday with possession of child pornography. The charge follows an investigation initiated by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.

The investigation began after a cyber-tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children was referred to the New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. This tip alerted authorities to an individual allegedly involved in sending and receiving child pornography online.

The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit identified an IP address belonging to a residence in Brick Township as the source of the illicit activity. Through further investigation, Dennis Hubert was identified as the individual accessing the illegal material.

On Thursday, law enforcement agencies including detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations, and Brick Township Police Department executed a search warrant at Hubert’s home. A forensic examination of electronic devices found several items of child pornography. Hubert was subsequently taken into custody and is being held at the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.

Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer acknowledged the collaborative effort of the various law enforcement agencies involved