New Jersey: After Bridgewater Commons mall fight, NAACP calls for police officers removal. "The Black kid was the only one who was getting tackled," she said. Bound Brook Police released photos of a dark-colored vehicle (appears to be a Ford Escape) wanted in connection with the abandoned dog. The directive came after the New Jersey Supreme Court authorized the public release of such info on a going-forward basis. 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. 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. 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. The Attorney General completed its investigation and sent a comprehensive Internal Affairs Report and Findings to Bridgewater in Sept. 2022. She said the officers' responses weren't "fair.". Bridgewater Schools To Gain $1.1M In State Aid Next Year, Volunteers Needed For Raritan River Cleanup In Bridgewater, Bridgewater I-287 Pedestrian Crash Prompts Delays Thursday: DOT, 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!! Phil Murphy expressed his concern. In the area of milepost 16, the front of the Volkswagen struck and killed Hernandez, according to the preliminary investigation. The township council unveiled a proclamation in honor of the event, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Raritan Headwaters is hosting its 33rd annual stream cleanup on April 15 to clean select branches of the Raritan River. "There is no threat to the high school," he said. 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. Mitzak has been BRIDGEWATER, NJ - The second week of October will mark Fire Prevention Week in Bridgewater Township, from Oct. 9 through Oct. 15. SOLD OUT! 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 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. Parks and trails will be closed at the Bridgewater park due to firearm use, officials said. BRIDGEWATER, NJ - The Bridgewater Township Police Department released its police blotter for the end of December and early January. Somerset County Sheriffs Office - Corrections Division. The fire broke out on Sunday in the Finderne section of Bridgewater Township. Video shows officers handcuffed and restrained a. Social media postings have drawn law enforcement attention nationally, Bridgewater Township Police said, but no real threat has been found. Volunteer firefighters in Bridgewater rescued a cat from a burning home Friday afternoon, officials said. Black teen handcuffed by police at mall while white teen was scared of what could've happened. "We have requested that the Somerset County Prosecutors Office assist us in this matter and are requesting patience as we strictly adhere to the New Jersey Attorney Generals Internal Affairs Directivehttps://www.njoag.gov/iapp/. The driver of the Volkswagen Tiguan remained on scene and was not injured, State Police said. . One officer pushed the white teen into a seated position on the couch, according to the video. 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The campaign raises awareness about the dangers of impaired driving through a combo of high-visibility enforcement and public education. 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. To register complaints about emails from TAPinto.net, please email. Bound Brook Police used a garden hose on the fire before volunteer firefighters arrived and extinguished the blaze. "We recognize that this video has made members of our community upset and are calling for an internal affairs investigation. The officer lied about an illness and failed to report for duty, causing overtime for the department," read the report. The Bridgewater Police Department, with seventy-eight officers, serves and protects a diverse residential population of over 45,000 persons. Crump added: "ZKye was no more of a threat to those officers than the white teen who fought with him. That video says it all," he said. 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. Bridgewater school district officials are warning parents of a fake email account claiming to be a Bridgewater-Raritan Regional official. He was released with a pending court appearance. But days after then-Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin murdered George Floyd in May 2020, Grewal issued several directives involving police reform. Residents Erin Kurdyla, Lisa Bratis, Maria Concetta Natale and Christy Thompson BRIDGEWATER, NJ - Bridgewater Mayor Matthew Moench has released a statement that he will be recommending Capt. 2023 www.mycentraljersey.com. The township postponed the town hall meeting as nationwide attention focused on Bridgewater. Matt Kemper, who worked at his family's former business Kemper Pontiac Cadillac, was last seen in Las Vegas on Jan. 5. Were committed to increasing trust between law enforcement and the people they serve. 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. Reporting for duty under the influence of alcohol. Phil Murphy, are questioning as racially motivated. "Same offense, suspension until ultimate resignation. Getting things done around the house has never been easier. The men and women of the Bridgewater Township Police Department are committed to providing effective police service to all persons within our jurisdiction. Actions included expansion of Crisis Intervention Team training, development of a statewide "Use of Force Portal" and updates to the state's use-of-force policy. 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. Cindy and David Keogh are the parents of Ryan Keogh, who was found guilty of first-degree murder following a shooting at their home in 2019. 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. 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. SOLD OUT! 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. Have a news tip? Suzanne Russell is a breaking news reporter for MyCentralJersey.com covering crime, courts and other mayhem. The state is awarding about $16.2 million in grants. "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. A resident of Schindler Terrace reported Aug. 27 that their Black Mongoose bicycle was stolen from in front of their home. Even through there was rightful anger and passion, folks had gotten a sense of a rhythm with each other," Murphy said. No other information was provided on the report. Ebon said: Its not fair that we are constantly having to fear the cops. 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. 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. 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. The incident follows a sordid history. News about Central Jersey and New Jersey for the Courier News community. Authorities are searching several states for the veteran, who may be in severe emotional distress and in need of medical help. Please feel free to stop in to our Headquarters or send us and e-mail with any comments, concerns, and suggestions. The white teen is put on a nearby 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. Fire District Budgets Pass in Annual Elections, According to Crim Students Welcome Bridgewater Officers, Security Officers for National Settlement Reached in Lawsuit Filed Against Raritan Borough, Raritan Bridgewater Introducing Phase 1 of BridgewaterSHIELD Program, Bridgewater Fire District Elections to be Held Feb. 18. 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. All results are expected to be certified Feb. 23. Police also reported car burglaries, theft of tools, and windows at the Raritan Train Station being smashed on New Year's Day. Somerset County 4-H Fair and theSomerset County July 4th Celebration. 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. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Don't miss local and statewide announcements. This is another example of the kind of racial bias that we need to root out of our system of policing. Korrie Keats, 38, of Plainfield, was arrested Oct. 12 at about . "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. 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. During his COVID-19 news conference on Wednesday, Murphy reiterated his concern for the apparent racially disparate treatment in the video. As the Black teen is being handcuffed on the ground, the white teen is seen standing up looking at the officers before the female officer sits him back on the couch as the Black teen is lifted off the ground by the male officer. 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. BRIDGEWATER A 38-year-old Morristown man was killed early Thursday morning while walking on Interstate 287, State Police said. A victim reported Sept. 15 that their vehicle had been burglarized while it was parked in the lot of Seasons 52, on Commons Way. Internal Affairs. But it's the police response that some, including voices heard on the video and Gov. As police arrive a female and male officer grabthe white teen off the Black teen. Route 22 East was closed for about an hour on Monday morning as a result, said Bridgewater Police. Dedicated to Service, Committed to Community. 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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 video cuts off at this point. Were committed to increasing trust between law enforcement and the people they serve," Murphy wrote on Twitter. | | Justice Philip, 23, is accused of crashing into another man's car and shooting a gun at him, according to Somerville police. 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According to the release, on Dec. 12, the district detected BRIDGEWATER, NJ - A suspect in a homicide investigation died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in a parking lot in Bridgewater Township Wednesday morning after allegedly shooting a man in the parking lot of PSEG in Somerset, according to a release from Somerset County Prosecutor John BRIDGEWATER, NJ - Nearly a year after the incident at the Bridgewater Commons Mall Feb. 12, 2022, there is still no update on the investigation into a video on social media of officers breaking up a fight and arresting only the darker skinned boy. "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. 202 Crash With Utility Pole In Branchburg: EMS, Car Stolen While Resident Was Unloading Items In Bridgewater, Catalytic Converter, Purses, Packages Stolen In Bridgewater, Police Crackdown On Drunk, Impaired Drivers In Somerset County, Combating Opioid Overdoses: Somerset County Gives Away Naloxone, 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!! Phil Murphy said. 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 . For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. 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. 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. A new program aimed at beefing up community policing in Bridgewater is scheduled to make its debut in the coming months. International Womens Day Event! | "Major discipline" is defined as police officers who were terminated, demoted, or suspended for more than five days. After several seconds of punching, two uniformed Bridgewater police officers ran onto the scene and pulled the two apart. They were two different reporting periods per the AGs reporting requirements, however, the suspension was consecutive," said Bernards Township Police Chief Michael Shimsky. Raritan Police said Scott Edge, 47, of Flemington, was found sitting at the bar smoking a cigarette while the restaurant was closed. IE 11 is not supported. The confrontation escalated with the two throwing punches at each other as onlookers shouted, according to the video. "Based on the nature of these communications and the number of prospective attendees, the township believes that it cannot reasonably guarantee the safety of the attendees and staff if the scheduled town hall were to proceed," the statement continues, adding a new meeting date will be announced. "To deepen that trust and walk in the other guy's shoes, I think we've made an enormous amount of progress. International Womens Day Event! BRIDGEWATER, NJ - Bridgewater Township is one of many receiving a grant from the state for 2020 recycling efforts, according to a release. The driver was hospitalized with a serious injury on Tuesday, said police. Feb 17, 2022, 2:45pmUpdated on Feb 17, 2022. 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 . We endeavor to reduce crime along with the fear of it, through cooperative interaction with the community. Toll Free: (800) 544-3318. 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. The video shows no sign of resistance from the Black teen. By: News 12 Staff. 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. 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. Murphy's 2024 budget. Police Blotter; Emergency Alert; About Us. 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. Phone: (908) 722-4111 Fax: (908) 722-8246. 661 were here. Franklin Township Officer Dexter McKelvin was suspended for 60 days in 2021 for "Lacked Integrity, failed to call out sick and report for duty." According to police, the victim had parked the BRIDGEWATER, NJ - Bridgewater Township has released its police blotter for the middle of September. 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!! 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. The controversy also led the township to cancel Mayor Matt Moench's town hall meeting on road improvements that was scheduled for Wednesday evening because of safety concerns. He said increasing trust between police and the community has been a hallmark of his administration from day one. Hospitality Opportunities in Food Services, Housekeeping And Others! The men and women of the Bridgewater Township Police Department are committed to providing effective police service to all persons within our jurisdiction. Violation of the Department Mission Statement. Violation of the Employee Handbook concerning alcohol-free workplace. Z'Kye's family has retained civil rights attorney Ben Crump, the law firm announced Thursday. A pedestrian crash on I-287 in Bridgewater has prompted commuting delays Thursday morning, authorities said. The video shows two male teens, one Black and the other white, having an argument before pointing fingers at each other. Phil Murphy's school aid plan for the 2023-24 school year. A victim reported Nov. 19 that their vehicle had been burglarized while being parked in the lot of Lands End, on Chimney Rock Road. "The time for the #nj Governor and Attorney General to put a stop to this type of behavior by the police is NOW." The Black 8th grader, named Z'Kye Husain, and his mother spoke to Eyewitness News.