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. Joe Hernandez. We have to let the investigation play out. Police report that, on Oct. 29 at about 3:52 p.m., someone stole a vehicle from inside the vestibule of Target, on Promenade Boulevard. The dog is said to be worth $5,000, said North Plainfield Police Lt. William Speck. Suzanne Russell is a breaking news reporter for MyCentralJersey.com covering crime, courts and other mayhem. Hospitality Opportunities in Food Services, Housekeeping And Others! Violation of the Department Mission Statement. The Attorney General completed its investigation and sent a comprehensive Internal Affairs Report and Findings to Bridgewater in Sept. 2022. 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. He said increasing trust between police and the community has been a hallmark of his administration from day one. Suzanne Russell is a breaking news reporter for MyCentralJersey.com covering crime, courts and other mayhem. Copyright 2023 TAP IP LLC, All rights reserved. In the video, a female and male officer grab the white teen off the Black teen. 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. The victim said various tools and BRIDGEWATER, NJ - Bridgewater Township Police have released a police blotter from the middle of October through the end of November. The victim, police said, put the bicycle in the BRIDGEWATER, NJ - Bridgewater Township Police have released the police blotter for the weeks leading up to Oct. 13. We endeavor to reduce crime along with the fear of it, through cooperative interaction with the community. The theme for the 2022 celebration is Fire RARITAN, NJ - The Raritan Borough Police Department is now an accredited law enforcement agency in New Jersey. Authorities identified Gary T. Curtis, 58, of Washington, as the man who fatally shot Russell D. BRIDGEWATER, NJ - Bridgewater Township has confirmed that the states investigation into the incident at the Bridgewater Commons Mall in February 2022 has been closed. 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. Rashid was issued the following summonses: DWI, Careless Driving, Failure to Report a Crash and Leaving the Scene of a Crash. Black teen handcuffed by police at mall while white teen was scared of what could've happened. Bridgewater Police also reported making arrests for driving while intoxicated and shoplifting in the latest blotter. 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. ", 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. The driver of the Volkswagen Tiguan remained on scene and was not injured, State Police said. The state is awarding about $16.2 million in grants. It just doesnt make sense, she said. "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. Joey's friend, Sienna Freidinger, filmed the video. "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.". SOLD OUT! The officer lied to supervisors when questioned and lied again during an [Internal Affairs] investigation, according to the report. The victim had left the BRIDGEWATER, NJ - Bridgewater Township has released its police blotter for the week ending March 10. Video of the incident shows a group of young people gathered in a seating area at the mall and two boys, one white and one Black, standing up in a verbal altercation. Homeowner injured, pets die in Hillsborough townhouse fire: police. | Two people reported being shot in the head by a BB or pellet gun in separate shootings at the mall in January, said police. 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,. The bicycle had been left in a bicycle rack, but was not BRIDGEWATER, NJ - The Bridgewater Township Police Department released its police blotter for the past few months. 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 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. Bridgewater school district officials are warning parents of a fake email account claiming to be a Bridgewater-Raritan Regional official. The video has prompted the NAACP to call for the officers to be "removed" from the Bridgewater Police Department pending an investigation by the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General. 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. The Bridgewater Police Department, with seventy-eight officers, serves and protects a diverse residential population of over 45,000 persons. The man's car caught fire while delivering newspapers early Sunday morning, said fire officials. Z'Kye said of being restrained: I was, like, calm, because I knew not to be scared. At the same time, the white youth, at least equally at fault for the fight as his Black counterpart, was carefully eased onto a couch and treated like a victim," said Smith, adding that this issomething Blacks in New Jersey experience too often. South Bound Brook childrens book author Apara Mahal Sylvester's new book, Mousies Way Home, focuses on the plight of feral cats. International Womens Day Event! Branchburg Township Police responded to the call at the elementary school on Wednesday afternoon. Bridgewater mayor trade barbs over cops' mall . Feb 17, 2022, 2:45pmUpdated on Feb 17, 2022. We will get back to you as soon as possible. . 0:05. The nearly 9 percent increase in funding is part of the Gov. . 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 men and women of the Bridgewater Township Police Department are thankful for our community partners and look forward to continuing to build our positive relationships," the post says. 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. 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. Bridgewater Police Department - NJ | Bridgewater NJ 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. Proudly created with. But it's the police response that some, including voices heard on the video and Gov. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Bridgewater, NJ 08807 . According to the report, a 76-year-old man reported he was the victim of BRIDGEWATER, NJ - Bridgewater Township Police are investigating a number of thefts from various stores around Bridgewater in December, according to this week's police blotter. Bridgewater police have called for an internal affairs investigation with assistance from the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office. 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A resident of Schindler Terrace reported Aug. 27 that their Black Mongoose bicycle was stolen from in front of their home. John Mitzak as the next chief of the Bridgewater Township Police Department, and the council is expected to vote on the recommendation at Monday's council meeting. By: News 12 Staff A viral video of two Bridgewater police officers responding to a fight between two teens at the Bridgewater Commons Mall has angered and disturbed many people. Police also reported car burglaries, theft of tools, and windows at the Raritan Train Station being smashed on New Year's Day. The Bridgewater Police Department, with seventy-eight officers, serves and protects a diverse residential population of over 45,000 persons. The white teen appeared to be left alone and at one point stood up and looked over the scene as the two officers restrained ZKye. By: News 12 Staff. Bound Brook Police used a garden hose on the fire before volunteer firefighters arrived and extinguished the blaze. All rights reserved. | He was released with a pending court appearance. The directive came after the New Jersey Supreme Court authorized the public release of such info on a going-forward basis. 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 TAP in the News Scott Edge, 47, was charged with criminal mischief, theft and trespassing. Knapp comes from a family of service members, with his brother serving as captain in the U.S. Navy, another MARTINSVILLE, NJ - The intersection of Mount Horeb Road and Washington Valley Road is closed as of 6:30 p.m. Monday due to wires down from a motor vehicle accident, according to the Martinsville Volunteer Fire Department. "Same offense, suspension until ultimate resignation. Local businesses will be supplied with naloxone and opioid education and training should a life-threatening emergency arise. A new program aimed at beefing up community policing in Bridgewater is scheduled to make its debut in the coming months. BREAKING: Black teen restrained by police in NJ mall fight video hires George Floyd's family lawyer, 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. News about Central Jersey and New Jersey for the Courier News community. Thomas Gallo took the oath of office during the Jan. 19 Township Council meeting. The officer failed to call out sick for multiple days, according to the report. 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. In the area of milepost 16, the front of the Volkswagen struck and killed Hernandez, according to the preliminary investigation. 1:16. We recognize that this video has made members of our community upset and are calling for an internal affairs investigation, the statement said. Phil Murphy expressed his concern. The fire broke out on Sunday in the Finderne section of Bridgewater Township. 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. Brendan M. Heffernan, 46, of Maplewood, Copyright 2023 TAP IP LLC, All rights reserved. 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. BridgewaterSHIELD's first phase includes a Citizens Police Academy, Virtual Reality Training for the public, and Coffee with Police Staff. "The Black kid was the only one who was getting tackled," she said. 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, 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 Superintendent Robert Beers, the district experienced a service disruption Monday that BRIDGEWATER, NJ - Rumors about a threat to Bridgewater-Raritan High School are completely unsubstantiated, according to Bridgewater Police Lt. Kevin Lamey. But days after then-Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin murdered George Floyd in May 2020, Grewal issued several directives involving police reform. Martin was convicted of driving while intoxicated(DWI) while on duty. A business on East Main Street reported April 20 at 8:33 a.m. that someone stole catalytic converters from five of their vehicles, which were parked in a rear parking BRIDGEWATER, NJ - Bridgewater Township Police have released the police blotter for April 7, including motor vehicle burglary reports and DWI arrests. SOLD OUT! Crump added: "ZKye was no more of a threat to those officers than the white teen who fought with him. Susan Rettino, 57, was charged with lewdness after urinating in public and possession of alcohol in a borough park after Raritan officers were sent to Frelinghuysen Park, on BRIDGEWATER, NJ - The Bridgewater Township Police Department has released its police blotter for Nov. 16. The video has sparked calls for the firing of the two police officers, including at a Saturday protest outside Bridgewater Township police headquarters. A Bridgewater Officer was also named to this list. Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com. Bridgewater Police Department100 Commons Way Bridgewater, NJ 08807. 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. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. BRIDGEWATER, NJ For the second time, the New Jersey Attorney General's Office publicly released all the names of New Jersey police officers who were subject to "major discipline" in. Ina CBS New York report, the 14-year-old Black teen, identified as Kye, and his mother, Ebone, who asked that their last names not be used, called for the officers to be fired. SC Sheriff's Officer Shane Rebuth was suspended for 7 days in 2021 for "Standard of Conduct." "In light of the volume and nature of communications that have been received by our township staff and Police Department, the decision has been made, in the interest of protecting the safety of the public and staff, to postpone the town hall meeting," according to a statement on the township's website. Bridgewater Township officer Anne Alosi was suspended for 180 days in 2020 for "Neglect of Duty and Truthfulness. Bridgewater found itself in the eye of a media storm after a 15-second video went viral of a fight between two teenagers at Bridgewater Commons that was broken up by two township police. Bridgewater Township Officer Brian Shubert was suspended for 180 days in 2021 for "Truthfulness." 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. International Womens Day Event! 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. Justice Philip, 23, is accused of crashing into another man's car and shooting a gun at him, according to Somerville police. Franchise TAP. New Jersey police are under fire for their response to a fistfight after a Black eighth grader was pinned to the ground and handcuffed while a white teen involved in the weekend mall scuffle was left seated on a couch. Dedicated to Service, Committed to Community. Volunteers Needed For Raritan River Cleanup In Bridgewater, Bridgewater I-287 Pedestrian Crash Prompts Delays Thursday: DOT, McDonald's Shamrock Shake Returns To Bridgewater, Somerset Man Charged With Attempted Murder: Police, Car Loses Control, Hits I-287 Median, Rolls Over In Bridgewater, 'Warm Hearted,' Beloved Bridgewater Employee Retires After 30 Years, An Abandoned Cat's Rescue Featured In Somerset County Children's Book, Hoboken's Official St. Patrick's Day Bar Crawl, NJ Camp Fairs at Menlo Park Mall Mar 4, 2023 - FREE to Attend (12-3PM), Now Hiring!! Bridgewater SHIELD; Body Worn Camera; Burglar Alarm Registration; Common Scams; Community Police Alliance; Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information; Driving While Impaired; Domestic Violence Response Team; Firearms Handling and Storage . The female officer appears to place her. A pedestrian crash on I-287 in Bridgewater has prompted commuting delays Thursday morning, authorities said. Route 22 East was closed for about an hour on Monday morning as a result, said Bridgewater Police. 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. The teen and his mother could not be reached for comment Wednesday. We talked about thepride we had post the murder of George Floyd, we had thousands of demonstrations and very, very few incidents. Violation of the Employee Handbook concerning the use of Township vehicles. Public safety:Tasers, hailed as a way to avoid deadly police shootings, are seldom used in NJ. Terms of Use Phil Murphy, are questioning as racially motivated. News & Press Releases. 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. "The time for the governor and attorney general to put a stop to this type of behavior by the police is now," Smith said in a news release. https://t.co/ck9yCXMmL0. Raritan Headwaters is hosting its 33rd annual stream cleanup on April 15 to clean select branches of the Raritan River. The township postponed the town hall meeting as nationwide attention focused on Bridgewater. 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. It doesnt take two cops to hold a 14-year-old boy down whos not resisting, while the other boy is just kind of going free and still going off on my son. Gov. 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. 0:00. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters. Were committed to increasing trust between law enforcement and the people they serve. Phil Murphy commented Wednesday that the "racially disparate treatment is deeply, deeply disturbing.". 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. "ZKye, an 8th grader, was noble to defend his friend from bullies; however, it is evident that officers immediately assumed that because of the color of ZKyes skin, him acting nobly was not even in the realm of possibility. 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. Volunteer firefighters in Bridgewater rescued a cat from a burning home Friday afternoon, officials said. . Authorities are searching several states for the veteran, who may be in severe emotional distress and in need of medical help. See district-by-district changes proposed as part of the $834 million in school funding in Gov. 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. NJ mall::Black teen restrained by police in Bridgewater fight hires George Floyd's family lawyer. Hire A Bridgewater Area Pro To Get A Head Start On Spring Cleaning! Raritan Police said Scott Edge, 47, of Flemington, was found sitting at the bar smoking a cigarette while the restaurant was closed. A car pulled over and left the dog on the side of the road earlier this month, said police. RARITAN, NJ - Raritan Borough Police have released the police blotter for the end of October and beginning of November. | A pair of New Jersey police officers are facing criticism for how they responded to a fight between teenagers at a shopping mall. When your child was young, visiting the pediatrician was quite an event. Martin reportedly has since resigned from the police department. After several seconds of punching, two uniformed Bridgewater police officers ran onto the scene and pulled the two apart. New Jersey: After Bridgewater Commons mall fight, NAACP calls for police officers removal. Carrier Clinic, Taxes in Retirement Seminar on March 7th and 9th at Raritan Valley Community College. Were committed to increasing trust between law enforcement and the people they serve," Murphy wrote on Twitter. 2023 www.mycentraljersey.com. Just stay calm and not move and do what they tell me to do.. Don't miss local and statewide announcements. They were two different reporting periods per the AGs reporting requirements, however, the suspension was consecutive," said Bernards Township Police Chief Michael Shimsky. "Except to say that I am completely confident that the prosecutor's review will be impartial, objective and thorough," Moench said. According to police, the victim had parked the BRIDGEWATER, NJ - Bridgewater Township has released its police blotter for the middle of September. BRIDGEWATER, NJ For the second time, the New Jersey Attorney General's Office publicly released all the names of New Jersey police officers who were subject to "major discipline" in 2021 and a police officer with Bridgewater Township police is on that list.