Susan Loyer covers Middlesex County and more for MyCentralJersey.com. 2023 www.mycentraljersey.com. Matt Kemper had gone missing on Jan. 5 and was last seen in Las Vegas, Nevada. Smith said the state conference was disappointed to see police actions "irrefutably showing the disparate treatment of African-Americans in our police institutions.". Moench noted in a statement that the rules governing use of force by police officers in New Jersey are codified by the state attorney generals office. In a post on the department's Facebook page, the fire company is reporting BRIDGEWATER, NJ - A Sherlin Drive resident reported that their vehicle had been stolen from their driveway at about 2:15 p.m. Thursday, according to Bridgewater Police. South Bound Brook childrens book author Apara Mahal Sylvester's new book, Mousies Way Home, focuses on the plight of feral cats. BRIDGEWATER The Bridgewater Police Department has called for an internal affairs investigation after a video circulated on social media showing officers response to a fight at Bridgewater Commons over the weekend. A female officer then helped, placing her knee near the back of ZKye's neck as they put him in handcuffs, according to the clip. We also protect and serve patrons, visitors and workers of the businesses and large corporations in town such as the Bridgewater Commons Mall, Bausch Health, iConnective, Sanofi-Aventis, J&J, MetLife, PVH, Qualcomm and events at TD Bank Park which is home of the Somerset Patriots - AA Affiliate of the New York Yankees, That video says it all," he said. To register complaints about emails from TAPinto.net, please email, Fire District Budgets Pass in Annual Elections, According to Unofficial Results, Crim Students Welcome Bridgewater Officers, Security Officers for National Law Enforcement Appreciation, Settlement Reached in Lawsuit Filed Against Raritan Borough, Raritan Police Following Death of Matias Ortega in 2018, Bridgewater Introducing Phase 1 of BridgewaterSHIELD Program, Bridgewater Fire District Elections to be Held Feb. 18, Moench: Delay in Report on February 2022 Bridgewater Mall Incident Rests With Trenton, Not Bridgewater, Attorney General May Release Own Report on February 2022 Incident at Bridgewater Commons Mall, Prosecutor Reveals Motive in Killing of Employee Outside PSEG in Somerset, Bridgewater Township: Attorney General Concludes Investigation Into February 2022 Mall Incident, District Releases Information on Possible Cybersecurity Breach Involving Personal Information of Employees, County Prosecutor: Washington Man Dies of Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wound in Bridgewater After Shooting Man in Franklin, No Updates 1 Year After Bridgewater Commons Mall Incident, Flemington Arrested for Breaking Window, Stealing Packages at Closed Raritan Restaurant, Raritan Police Seeking Three Adults Who Didn't Pay Bill at Char Steakhouse, South Bound Brook Man Arrested for Hitting McDonalds Employee With Rock, Two Somerville Teens Arrested After Shots Fired From Pellet Gun at Bridgewater Commons Mall, Police: Robbinsville Man Taken to Hospital Following Motor Vehicle Crash on Chimney Rock Road Tuesday, Bridgewater Officers Promoted to Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Portion of Washington Valley Road Closed Due to Wires Down Following Car Accident, Bridgewater Police: Car Stolen From Resident's Driveway Thursday Afternoon, District Computer Services Restored, BRHS Principal Notes Rumors About Threat at School are False, Bridgewater Police: Rumors of Threat to Bridgewater-Raritan High School are False, Bridgewater Police Reminding Residents to be Mindful of Valuables When Out Shopping, County's New K9 Given New Name Following Contest, John Mitzak Sworn in as New Bridgewater Police Chief, Parents Express Concerns About Safety at Pedestrian Intersections Near BRHS, Moench to Recommend New Bridgewater Police Chief at Monday Council Meeting, Bridgewater Township Acknowledges Fire Prevention Week, Raritan Police Department Now Named an Accredited Law Enforcement Agency. WEBINAR: Learn About Wills, Living Trusts and Nursing Home Asset Protection, Saint Joseph High School Annual Basket Raffle, School Bus Company Seeking Fleet Mechanic, Protect Your Home from Ticks with Yard Guard from Viking Pest, Now Hiring Front Counter Sales/Business Development, Bridgewater Area Pets Up For Adoption: Clara, Casper, Caleb & More, Patch's Playground Spotlight: North Branch Park, Somerville Coffee Shop Rebrands Itself Again, This Time For Good, Bridgewater Boy's Love Of Pokmon Grows Into Thriving Business, Defeated: Largest Development In Bridgewater's History Since Mall, Gourmet Breakfast & Lunch Caf Opens In Bridgewater. A pair of New Jersey police officers are facing criticism for how they responded to a fight between teenagers at a shopping mall. New Jersey State Police and Finderne Volunteer Firefighters came out to the snowy scene to help early Tuesday morning. The video shows no sign of resistance from the Black teen. His mother, Ebon, who only shared her first name to NBC New York, was outraged. At about 2:29 a.m., a Volkswagen Tiguan was traveling in the left lane of southbound I-287 and a pedestrian, Alfred Hernandez, was walking near the left lane ahead of the vehicle, State Police said. The township council unveiled a proclamation in honor of the event, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. The suit claimed Raritan cops shouldn't have released Ronald B. Rebernik after arresting him for heroin hours before the deadly 2018 crash. Proudly created with. Branchburg Township Police were called to a business on Route 202 to check for a man who had been in a restroom for over an hour. The Bridgewater Mall Fight is the clearest example of how police actively use race as a shorthand for who they perceive as a threat.See for yourself. The 2021 report also shows 17 agencies in the county had no police with major violations. Tactics used by police breaking up a fight between two teenagers prompts demands for an internal investigation. As the Black teen is being handcuffed on the ground, the white teen is seen standing up looking at the officers before the female officersits him back on the couch as the Black teen is lifted off the ground by the male officer. SUMMIT, NJ - A touching tale mixing heartbreak and humor takes center stage at The Summit Playhouse LONG BEACH ISLAND REGION - Although the official start to spring is still over a month away, the About Us North Plainfield Patrolman Francis Steinhauser was fired for "Statutory Misconduct" for multiple violations of insubordination, failure to obey orders of the Chief of Police, absent without leave, according to the report. I always saw a Bridgewater BRIDGEWATER, NJ - A group of local parents have asked the Bridgewater Township Council for assistance regarding what they say is a dangerous pedestrian intersection located near the BridgewaterRaritan High School. Mike Voorhees, the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District security coordinator, was joined by four members of the school RARITAN, NJ - A settlement has been reached between Raritan Borough and the estate of Matas Ortega, who was killed in 2018 after he was hit by a car driven by Raritan resident Ronald Rebernik. A resident of Schindler Terrace reported Aug. 27 that their Black Mongoose bicycle was stolen from in front of their home. The officers were able to respond quickly to this incident and stop it from escalating because of a tip we received from the community," the post says. Bound Brook Police used a garden hose on the fire before volunteer firefighters arrived and extinguished the blaze. The appearance of what is racially disparate treatment is deeply, deeply disturbing and it's just another reminder that the progress we've made on the relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve that our work is not done,and we need to continue that. Somerset County 4-H Association Tricky Atlantic Health Systems Morristown and Overlook Medical Centers Named Among Worlds Best Hospitals by Newsweek, United Way Offering Free Tax Prep by Appointment or Walk-In, Elon University names Lena Reilly to Presidents List, Prosecutor: Man Faces Multiple Drug Charges Following Arrest at Easton Avenue Hotel, Saint Joe's Strothers Wins NJSIAA Individual Bowling Championship, Kiessling Places Second, TAPinto Rahway Publisher David Brighouse Speaks with Rahway Chamber of Commerce Members, Mother Chronicles Son's Battle with Rare Cancer for TAPinto Coral Springs, Love and Loss Intermingle in The Old Settler, Spring Fishing Season is on the Horizon, Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association Getting Ready, Flemington - Awesome 3 Bedroom Townhome in Concord Ridge. International Womens Day Event! Moench also thanked the public for refraining from jumping to conclusions while the investigation is ongoing, and thanked members of the Bridgewater Police Department for their service, and for keeping the public safe. International Womens Day Event! We also protect and serve patrons, visitors and workers of the businesses and large corporations in town such as the Bridgewater Commons Mall, Bausch Health, iConnective, Sanofi-Aventis, J&J, MetLife, PVH, Qualcomm and events at TD Bank Park which is home of the Somerset Patriots - AA Affiliate of the New York Yankees, 2023 Bridgewater Police Department. A Sherlin Drive resident reported Dec. 22 that their vehicle was stolen from their driveway. SC Sheriff's Officer Shane Rebuth was suspended for 7 days in 2021 for "Standard of Conduct." TAP in the News According to police, at 3:16 p.m. Jan. RARITAN, NJ - The Raritan Borough Police Department is seeking the public's help to find three adults who did not pay their bill after dining at Char Steakhouse on Route 202. BRIDGEWATER, NJ - The attorney general's office released an official statement Friday regarding the February 2022 police response at the Bridgewater Commons Mall, and said that although it. Shelley Mugavero, 27, of Bridgewater, was arrested at 7:04 p.m. Jan. 30 for driving while intoxicated after being found unresponsive in a vehicle on the shoulder of Route 22 eastbound. Bridgewater Township officer Anne Alosi was suspended for 180 days in 2020 for "Neglect of Duty and Truthfulness. IE 11 is not supported. Somerset County Sheriffs Office - Corrections Division. Isaiah C. Smith, 19, was charged with two BRIDGEWATER, NJ - A 40-year-old man was taken to Robert Wood Johnson Hospital in New Brunswick with a serious injury to his left arm following a motor vehicle accident on Chimney Rock Road near Gilbride Road Tuesday, according to Bridgewater Township Police. The men and women of the Bridgewater Township Police Department are committed to providing effective police service to all persons within our jurisdiction. The police department's post generated more than 200 comments, some questioning why both teens weren't restrained, or if the fight could have been broken up without the use of handcuffs. The video cuts off at this point. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Murphy's 2024 budget. Even through there was rightful anger and passion, folks had gotten a sense of a rhythm with each other," Murphy said. "The rules governing the use of force by police officers in New Jersey are codified by the Office of the Attorney General," Moench's letter said. The Bridgewater Police Department said in a statement on Monday that it is aware the community is "upset," and requested that the Somerset County Prosecutor's office assist in an investigation . | NJ mall::Black teen restrained by police in Bridgewater fight hires George Floyd's family lawyer. You had to load up the car Come and see 15 Morningside Road in Verona; open house 3/4 1-3pm and 3/5 1-4pm. Suzanne Russell is a breaking news reporter for MyCentralJersey.com covering crime, courts and other mayhem. According to police, officers BRIDGEWATER, NJ - Bridgewater Township celebrated the promotions of several township officers at a ceremony at the end of November. Joe Hernandez. Matt Kemper, who worked at his family's former business Kemper Pontiac Cadillac, was last seen in Las Vegas on Jan. 5. The seasonal cult favorite has returned to McDonald's. According to the report, at 1:11 p.m. Dec. 10, two Hispanic males shoplifted 17 pairs of designersunglasses from BRIDGEWATER, NJ - Bridgewater Township Police are investigating a report of an attempted shoplifting of power tools from the Home Depot, on Promenade Boulevard, according to a report from the police department. Violation of the Employee Handbook concerning alcohol-free workplace. Sienna's . Zachary Menendez was among 38 new firefighters to graduate from the Somerset County Fire Academy. To get unlimited access to her work,please subscribe or activate your digitalaccount today. Social media postings have drawn law enforcement attention nationally, Bridgewater Township Police said, but no real threat has been found. New Jersey Attorney General's Office investigation into Bridgewater Police's handling of a teen mall fight in February 2022 is complete. Bridgewater school district officials are warning parents of a fake email account claiming to be a Bridgewater-Raritan Regional official. News about Central Jersey and New Jersey for the Courier News community. Bystanders stepped in to restrain Faris N. Salem of South Bound Brook until Bridgewater Police Officers arrived, according to the report. February 16, 2022 at 11:12 a.m. EST Authorities are investigating how police in Bridgewater Township, N.J., responded to a weekend mall fight. . In the area of milepost 16, the front of the Volkswagen struck and killed Hernandez, according to the preliminary investigation. Bridgewater Police also reported making arrests for driving while intoxicated and shoplifting in the latest blotter. "In order to absolutely ensure that these policies and regulations were upheld in this instance, Chief (Paul) Payne has requested that the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office conduct an independent review of the incident, with the unqualified support of the BPD.". Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Getting things done around the house has never been easier. He was released with a pending court appearance. He was kind of saying, like, Youre a little kid, youre my little pet, and stuff like that, he told NBC New York. Somerset County 4-H Fair and theSomerset County July 4th Celebration. Ebon said: Its not fair that we are constantly having to fear the cops. SOLD OUT! According to Deputy Township Administrator Wells Winegar, the program addresses various community policing issues, BRIDGEWATER, NJ - The fire district elections are in February to vote on commissioners and budgets in each of the four districts. Bernards Township Officer David Martin was suspended for 31 days in 2021 for "violation of Bernards Township Police Department Policies and Procedures and Rules and Regulations," read the report. See district-by-district changes proposed as part of the $834 million in school funding in Gov. Black teen handcuffed by police at mall while white teen was scared of what could've happened. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Two dirt bikes and a catalytic converter were also stolen within the last month in the township, according to police. Hospitality Opportunities in Food Services, Housekeeping And Others! To register complaints about emails from TAPinto.net, please email. The white teen is placed onto the couch while the male officer tackles the Black teen to the ground, straddles his back and crosses his hands to handcuff him while the female officer appears to have her knee on his back. Korrie Keats, 38, of Plainfield, was arrested Oct. 12 at about . The winning name was chosen by sixth grader Timmy Miessler, of Branchburg, and Ruthanne Ungerleider, a BRIDGEWATER, NJ - A 25-year career police officer in Bridgewater Township, John Mitzak was sworn in Oct. 20 as the eighth police chief of the township department. Martin was convicted of driving while intoxicated(DWI) while on duty. 2023 www.mycentraljersey.com. The video shows two male teens, one Black and the other white, having an argument before pointing fingers at each other. The female officer appears to place her. We are a community oriented force and are always looking for ways to improve our service to you. Failure to conduct himself with high ethical standards. Sarah Berkovits began her career as a substitute teacher in the Bridgewater-Raritan school system before moving to Buildings and Grounds. I want to thank the public for its patience in refraining from jumping to conclusions while an investigation is pending., In his statement, Murphy said: Although an investigation is still gathering the facts about this incident, Im deeply disturbed by what appears to be racially disparate treatment in this video. She said the officers' responses weren't "fair.". Somerset Man Charged With Attempted Murder: Police, Car Loses Control, Hits I-287 Median, Rolls Over In Bridgewater, Court Denies Appeal: Parents' Comments To Be Used In Bound Brook Trial, Man Forcibly Tries To Steal English Bulldog In North Plainfield: Cops, No Credible Threat To Bridgewater From 'Day Of Hate' Posts: Police, Missing Bridgewater Man Found Dead In Nevada, Bridgewater Launches New Police Program To Improve Ties With Community, 2 Charged With Animal Cruelty After Abandoning Bound Brook Dog: Police, Branchburg Elementary School Accidentally Placed Into Lockdown: Police, Raritan Settles Lawsuit With Family Of 1-Year-Old Killed In DWI Crash, Controlled Forest Burn Happening At Duke Island Park, Duke Estate, Branchburg Man Arrested, Found With Heroin And Suspected Cocaine: Cops, Dog Abandoned On Side Of Road, Bound Brook Police Seek Public's Help, Attorney General, Bridgewater Mayor At Odds Over Mall Investigation, Mall Video Investigation Ends Without Charges For Bridgewater Cops, Trapped Driver Rescued By Bridgewater Firefighters In Route 22 Crash, Off-Duty Firefighter Uses Garden Hose To Knock Down Finderne Fire, 1 Month Later: Search Continues For Bridgewater Man Missing In Nevada, DWI Crash, Shoplifting, Stolen Vehicles Reported In Bridgewater, Bridgewater Firefighter Is Following In His Grandfather's Footsteps, Hammer-Wielding Man Smashes Restaurant's Window, Charged: Raritan Cops, Search For Missing Bridgewater Man Continues, Sister Pleas For Help, Firefighters Battle Fully Engulfed Car Fire In Martinsville: Video, New Police Officer Hired In Bridgewater Township, Navy Veteran From NJ Missing For 2 Weeks: Police, Cat Rescued In Bridgewater House Fire On Friday: Officials, 3 Wanted In Dine And Dash At Char Steakhouse In Raritan: Police, Duke Island Park To Close On Select Dates For Deer Control, Man Hits McDonald's Employee In Head With Rock In Bridgewater: Police, Airsoft Gun Shooting At Bridgewater Commons, 2 Teens Charged: Police, New Bridgewater Community Policing Program Coming In 2023, Mayor Says, Car Parked In Middle Of Road, Driver Charged With DWI In Raritan, Driver Trapped In Overturned Car Rescued In Bridgewater, Bridgewater Schools Warn Parents Of Fake Principal Email Account, 1 Hospitalized In Rt. BRIDGEWATER - Z'Kye Husain, the Black Somerville eighth grader who was wrestled to the floor at Bridgewater Commons by a township police officer and arrested following a scuffle last month, is . The trio ordered $321 worth of food and then fled the area, according to Raritan Police. As police arrive a female and male officer grabthe white teen off the Black teen. At about 2:29 a.m., a Volkswagen Tiguan was traveling . BRIDGEWATER - The township has found itself in the center of the national controversy over police use of force after a video showing two officers breaking up a fight between two teens, one. Bridgewater, NJ 08807 . ", Public safety: Tasers, hailed as a way to avoid deadly police shootings, are seldom used in NJ, Watchdog: NJ AG reveals names of cops who have been suspended, demoted, terminated. To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com. Reporting for duty under the influence of alcohol. Although there have been no credible threats in Bridgewater Township and New Jersey associated with social media posts circulating that reference a supposed "National Day of Hate" on Saturday,. "When Bridgewater police found two youths fighting, the immediate reaction was to aggressively throw the Black child to the ground, knee placed around the neck area and cuffed behind the back. Bridgewater Police Department100 Commons Way Bridgewater, NJ 08807. Phil Murphy commented Wednesday that the "racially disparate treatment is deeply, deeply disturbing.". On 11/19/22 at 9:48 PM, Mohammed Rashid (age 21) of Bridgewater, NJ was arrested for DWI after being involved in a motor vehicle crash on Route 28. The victim had left the BRIDGEWATER, NJ - Bridgewater Township has released its police blotter for the week ending March 10. We talked about thepride we had post the murder of George Floyd, we had thousands of demonstrations and very, very few incidents. One officer pushed the white teen into a seated position on the couch . The Department covers over thirty-four square miles of land, 3,600 acres of public and private parks, and major highways such as US 202, US 202/206, US 22, NJ 28, and. All results are expected to be certified Feb. 23. The driver was hospitalized with a serious injury on Tuesday, said police. BRIDGEWATER - A 38-year-old Morristown man was killed early Thursday morning while walking on Interstate 287, State Police said. /. Mitzak has been BRIDGEWATER, NJ - The second week of October will mark Fire Prevention Week in Bridgewater Township, from Oct. 9 through Oct. 15. "Major discipline" is defined as police officers who were terminated, demoted, or suspended for more than five days. Please feel free to stop in to our Headquarters or send us and e-mail with any comments, concerns, and suggestions. Some three dozen individuals were in attendance, including Gallos family, the five council members and about a dozen Bridgewater police RARITAN, NJ - A Flemington man was arrested for criminal mischief after allegedly breaking a window at Char Restaurant, on Route 202, Jan. 23, according to Raritan Borough Police. After several seconds of punching, two uniformed Bridgewater police officers ran onto the scene and pulled the two apart. The fire broke out on Sunday in the Finderne section of Bridgewater Township. The men and women of the Bridgewater Township Police Department are committed to providing effective police service to all persons within our jurisdiction. . The Attorney General completed its investigation and sent a comprehensive Internal Affairs Report and Findings to Bridgewater in Sept. 2022. Raritan Police said Scott Edge, 47, of Flemington, was found sitting at the bar smoking a cigarette while the restaurant was closed. Bridgewater News, Breaking News in Bridgewater, NJ Hello Bridgewater Today's weather Times of clouds and sun High: 49F Low: 36F Top local news Bridgewater News Somerset Man. When your child was young, visiting the pediatrician was quite an event. Meanwhile, ZKye, already on the ground, was pinned onto his stomach by a male officer, with the officers knee appearing to be on his back. SOLD OUT! The Department covers over thirty-four square miles of land, 3,600 acres of public and private parks, and major highways such as US 202, US 202/206, US 22, NJ 28, and Interstate 287. According to police, the victim had been unloading items from their BRIDGEWATER, NJ - Bridgewater Township Police have released the police blotter for the end of November through mid December. WEBINAR: Learn About Wills, Living Trusts and Nursing Home Asset Protection, Saint Joseph High School Annual Basket Raffle, School Bus Company Seeking Fleet Mechanic, Protect Your Home from Ticks with Yard Guard from Viking Pest, Now Hiring Front Counter Sales/Business Development, Bridgewater Schools To Gain $1.1M In State Aid Next Year, Bridgewater Area Pets Up For Adoption: Clara, Casper, Caleb & More, Volunteers Needed For Raritan River Cleanup In Bridgewater, Bridgewater I-287 Pedestrian Crash Prompts Delays Thursday: DOT, McDonald's Shamrock Shake Returns To Bridgewater, Patch's Playground Spotlight: North Branch Park, Somerville Coffee Shop Rebrands Itself Again, This Time For Good, Bridgewater Boy's Love Of Pokmon Grows Into Thriving Business, Defeated: Largest Development In Bridgewater's History Since Mall, Gourmet Breakfast & Lunch Caf Opens In Bridgewater. According to a Facebook post from borough police, three adults failed to pay their bill after dining at the restaurant BRIDGEWATER, NJ - A South Bound Brook man was arrested for weapons possession and aggravated assault after a fight broke out in the McDonalds, on Promenade Boulevard, Jan. 16, according to Bridgewater Township Police Chief John Mitzak. | Contact Us Franchise TAP. Korrie Keats, 38, of Plainfield, was arrested Oct. 12 at about 1:15 p.m. for shoplifting after being found with merchandise from Wegmans, on Route 202. Two Bridgewater Police Department cops arrive and pull the White teen onto a nearby couch, as they pin the Black teen, 14, to the floor and handcuff him. It just doesnt make sense, she said. In district one, which is the Martinsville Volunteer Fire Company, the $616,197.38 budget passed by a vote of 314 to BRIDGEWATER, NJ - The students and staff at Crim Primary School had a first-hand experienced when they celebrated National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day Jan. 9. Sustained charges against Martin included: Martin was also previously suspended for 55 days in 2020 on the same violation, according to the report released in August 2021. A video showing police officers breaking up a fight between a Black teenager and a White teenager at a New Jersey mall has prompted outrage over the police response. BRIDGEWATER The township has found itself in thecenter ofthenational controversy over police use of force after a video showing twoofficers breaking up a fight between two teens, one Black and one white, at Bridgewater Commons over the weekend went viral. Police are asking anyone with video of the incident to share it with the department, and they asked the Somerset County Prosecutors Office to conduct an independent review of the officers conduct. Phone: (908) 722-4111 Fax: (908) 722-8246. "To deepen that trust and walk in the other guy's shoes, I think we've made an enormous amount of progress. To the best of our knowledge, the New Jersey Attorney General has concluded their investigation, said a township official BRIDGEWATER, NJ - The Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District has released information related to a cybersecurity incident involving information about some employees and individuals on the districts employee insurance plan. Im just glad it happened where there were a whole bunch of eyes on the situation, cause I dont know what would have happened.. The nearly 9 percent increase in funding is part of the Gov. Bridgewater Crime & Safety News Bridgewater | News | 7h Somerset Man Charged With Attempted Murder: Police Justice Philip, 23, is accused of crashing into another man's car and shooting a. She RARITAN, NJ - Raritan Borough Police are warning residents to be aware of fraudulent emails and phone calls after a Raritan man was the victim of a theft when he received an email from someone claiming to be a sick friend.