"Major discipline" is defined as police officers who were terminated, demoted, or suspended for more than five days. Bound Brook Police used a garden hose on the fire before volunteer firefighters arrived and extinguished the blaze. New Jersey: After Bridgewater Commons mall fight, NAACP calls for police officers removal. The Bridgewater Police Department, with seventy-eight officers, serves and protects a diverse residential population of over 45,000 persons. The directive came after the New Jersey Supreme Court authorized the public release of such info on a going-forward basis. The 2021 report shows that six Somerset County agencies had at least one officer subject to "major" discipline: one from Bernards Township Police, one from Bridgewater Township Police, one from Franklin Township Police, one from North Plainfield Police, and one from Somerset County Sheriff's Office Corrections Division. Get involved by signing 7,678 people like this 8,626 people follow this http://patch.com/new-jersey/bridgewater alexis.tarrazi@patch.com Somerset County Sheriffs Office - Corrections Division. He was kind of saying, like, Youre a little kid, youre my little pet, and stuff like that, he told NBC New York. 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!! Download here. 2023 www.mycentraljersey.com. Z'Kye's family has retained civil rights attorney Ben Crump, the law firm announced Thursday. It just doesnt make sense, she said. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. 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. According to police, officers BRIDGEWATER, NJ - Bridgewater Township celebrated the promotions of several township officers at a ceremony at the end of November. "To deepen that trust and walk in the other guy's shoes, I think we've made an enormous amount of progress. The video cuts off at this point. 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," Gov. Somerset County 4-H Fair and theSomerset County July 4th Celebration. Phil Murphy commented Wednesday that the "racially disparate treatment is deeply, deeply disturbing.". 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. Violation of the Employee Handbook concerning alcohol-free workplace. We endeavor to reduce crime along with the fear of it, through cooperative interaction with the community. 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Franchise TAP. BRIDGEWATER, NJ - Bridgewater Township is one of many receiving a grant from the state for 2020 recycling efforts, according to a release. . 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. 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. Phil Murphy said. All rights reserved. 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. 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. RARITAN, NJ - Raritan Borough Police have released the police blotter for the end of October and beginning of November. Social media postings have drawn law enforcement attention nationally, Bridgewater Township Police said, but no real threat has been found. Violation of the Department Mission Statement. Were committed to increasing trust between law enforcement and the people they serve.. Two people reported being shot in the head by a BB or pellet gun in separate shootings at the mall in January, said police. 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. That video says it all," he said. In a Facebook post Monday, the Bridgewater Police Department said it was aware of the video. BRIDGEWATER, NJ - According to unofficial results, all budgets passed in the fire districts in the Feb. 18 elections. The post says police have received videos from community members and asks that anyone who has a video of the incident to email it totips@bridgewaterpd.com. The township council unveiled a proclamation in honor of the event, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. 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!! 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. 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. Carrier Clinic, Taxes in Retirement Seminar on March 7th and 9th at Raritan Valley Community College. Faris N. Salem, 42, was charged with unlawful possession of BRIDGEWATER, NJ - Two Somerville teens were arrested on weapons charges stemming from two incidents involving a pellet gun at theBridgewater Commons Mall Jan. 4 and Jan. 14, according to a release from Bridgewater Township Police Chief John Mitzak. Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Bridgewater Township Officer Brian Shubert was suspended for 180 days in 2021 for "Truthfulness." A driver involved in a Friday morning crash with a utility pole on Route 202 in Branchburg was hospitalized, officials said. "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. The video cuts off at this point. Hospitality Opportunities in Food Services, Housekeeping And Others! Bridgewater Police also reported making arrests for driving while intoxicated and shoplifting in the latest blotter. The officer failed to call out sick for multiple days, according to the report. The state is awarding about $16.2 million in grants. "This rumor started last week, and it has spiraled in reference to a student bringing a BRIDGEWATER, NJ - Bridgewater Police released a message warning residents to keep their valuables close after investigating a number of thefts of purses and wallets that have been left unattended. 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. But days after then-Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin murdered George Floyd in May 2020, Grewal issued several directives involving police reform. 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 . Bridgewater Township Municipal Building 100 Commons Way, Bridgewater, NJ 08807 (908) 725-6300 Monday- Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM As police arrive a female and male officer grabthe white teen off the Black teen. 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. The incident follows a sordid history. 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The 2021 report also shows 17 agencies in the county had no police with major violations. 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. Getting things done around the house has never been easier. Thomas A. Gallo was sworn in at the town council meeting. Bridgewater Township Mayor Matthew Moench acknowledged the video Tuesday, and New Jersey Gov. Bridgewater, NJ 08807 . 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. 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. Mitzak has been BRIDGEWATER, NJ - The second week of October will mark Fire Prevention Week in Bridgewater Township, from Oct. 9 through Oct. 15. Privacy Policy Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters. BridgewaterSHIELD's first phase includes a Citizens Police Academy, Virtual Reality Training for the public, and Coffee with Police Staff. We are a community oriented force and are always looking for ways to improve our service to you. The officer lied to supervisors when questioned and lied again during an [Internal Affairs] investigation, according to the report. 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 . Before the New Jersey Supreme Court decision, the Garden State shielded the identities of officers disciplined or fired from the public. 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. The seasonal cult favorite has returned to McDonald's. Officers responded to Commons Way March 21 at 7:15 p.m. for a single vehicle crash with injuries. In a letter to residents,Mayor Moench said it's not appropriate to comment on the details of the incidentwhile an investigation is ongoing. 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 victim had left the BRIDGEWATER, NJ - Bridgewater Township has released its police blotter for the week ending March 10. 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. Richard T. Smith, president of the NAACP New Jersey State Conference, called for the immediate removalof the officers pending an investigation. "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. Video shows officers handcuffed and restrained a. BRIDGEWATER, NJ - Bridgewater Township is one of many receiving a grant from the state for 2020 recycling efforts, according to a release. 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. Raritan Headwaters is hosting its 33rd annual stream cleanup on April 15 to clean select branches of the Raritan River. One officer pushed the white teen into a seated position on the couch, according to the video. Two dirt bikes and a catalytic converter were also stolen within the last month in the township, according to police. Violation of the Department Code of Ethics. After several seconds of punching, two uniformed Bridgewater police officers ran onto the scene and pulled the two apart. ", 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. Twitter. The fight, which took place Saturday at Bridgewater Commons in Bridgewater Township, New Jersey, was captured on video and prompted a review of the officers conduct, as well as strong words from the governor. 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. 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. 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. Please feel free to stop in to our Headquarters or send us and e-mail with any comments, concerns, and suggestions. 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. He was released with a pending court appearance. 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. NJ mall::Black teen restrained by police in Bridgewater fight hires George Floyd's family lawyer. Joey's friend, Sienna Freidinger, filmed the video. I am completely confident that the Prosecutors review will be impartial, objective and thorough, Moench said. SOLD OUT! 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. The first list was released in August 2021 and covered the second half of 2020. The Bridgewater Police Department addressed the incident Monday in a statement on its Facebook page. Feb 17, 2022, 2:45pmUpdated on Feb 17, 2022. Bridgewater Police Department - NJ | Bridgewater NJ Suzanne Russell is a breaking news reporter for MyCentralJersey.com covering crime, courts and other mayhem. Racially motivated.. 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. Martin reportedly has since resigned from the police department. According to police, the victim had parked the BRIDGEWATER, NJ - Bridgewater Township has released its police blotter for the middle of September. Internal Affairs. Phil Murphy expressed his concern. Route 22 East was closed for about an hour on Monday morning as a result, said Bridgewater Police. Public safety:Tasers, hailed as a way to avoid deadly police shootings, are seldom used in NJ. In 2021, then-Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal's ordered all New Jersey law-enforcement agencies to publicly release certain disciplinary info. To register complaints about emails from TAPinto.net, please email, Bridgewater Police Release Police Blotter, With Car Thefts, Shoplifting Incidents, Bridgewater Police Release Blotter With DWI, Burglary Charges, Bridgewater Police Release New Blotter, Including Thefts, DWI Reports, Raritan Police Blotter Include Arrests for Lewdness, Alcohol Possession, More, Bridgewater Police Blotter Includes Theft, DWI Charges, Bridgewater Police Release New Police Blotter, with Burglaries, DWI, More, Bridgewater Police Blotter Includes Arrests for DWI, Reports of Vehicle Burglaries, Bridgewater Police Release Police Blotter, With Arrests for Shoplifting DWI Since April, Bridgewater Police Blotter Includes Motor Vehicle Thefts, DWI Charges, Bridgewater Police Report DWIs, Burglaries, Thefts in March 10 Police Blotter, Raritan Police: Be Careful of Fraudulent Calls Demanding Money, Bridgewater Police Investigating Shoplifting Incidents at Nordstrom Rack, Macy's, Bridgewater Police Investigating Shoplifting Attempt at Home Depot, DWI, Shoplifting, Other Charges in Bridgewater Police Blotter. 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. BRIDGEWATER, NJ - Bridgewater Township Police have released a police blotter from the middle of October through the end of November. 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. "Except to say that I am completely confident that the prosecutor's review will be impartial, objective and thorough," Moench said. Bridgewater mayor trade barbs over cops' mall . "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. 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. 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. Were committed to increasing trust between law enforcement and the people they serve. The men and women of the Bridgewater Township Police Department are committed to providing effective police service to all persons within our jurisdiction. His mother, Ebon, who only shared her first name to NBC New York, was outraged. The Attorney General completed its investigation and sent a comprehensive Internal Affairs Report and Findings to Bridgewater in Sept. 2022. a video showing twoofficers breaking up a fight between two teens, one Black and one white, at Bridgewater Commons over the weekend went viral, Black teen restrained by police in Bridgewater fight hires George Floyd's family lawyer, Tasers, hailed as a way to avoid deadly police shootings, are seldom used in NJ, NJ AG reveals names of cops who have been suspended, demoted, terminated, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. In the video, posted just after the incident BRIDGEWATER, NJ - Bridgewater Township added its newest police officer to the force Jan. 19. 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. Im just glad it happened where there were a whole bunch of eyes on the situation, cause I dont know what would have happened.. Gov. A Bridgewater Officer was also named to this list. Matt Kemper, who worked at his family's former business Kemper Pontiac Cadillac, was last seen in Las Vegas on Jan. 5. 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. News & Press Releases. Bound Brook Police released photos of a dark-colored vehicle (appears to be a Ford Escape) wanted in connection with the abandoned dog. Police Blotter; Emergency Alert; About Us. "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. Officer Patrick Knapp was promoted to sergeant. 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.