The officer lied to supervisors when questioned and lied again during an [Internal Affairs] investigation, according to the report. NJ mall::Black teen restrained by police in Bridgewater fight hires George Floyd's family lawyer. 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 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. According to police, the victim had parked the BRIDGEWATER, NJ - Bridgewater Township has released its police blotter for the middle of September. The nearly 9 percent increase in funding is part of the Gov. The first list was released in August 2021 and covered the second half of 2020. We talked about thepride we had post the murder of George Floyd, we had thousands of demonstrations and very, very few incidents. | Proudly created withWix.com. An Adamsville Road resident reported Feb. 6 that someone stole a motor vehicle from the driveway of his residence. As police arrive a female and male officer grabthe white teen off the Black teen. Thomas A. Gallo was sworn in at the town council meeting. The video cuts off at this point. The driver of the Volkswagen Tiguan remained on scene and was not injured, State Police said. Richard T. Smith, president of the NAACP New Jersey State Conference, called for the immediate removalof the officers pending an investigation. Im just glad it happened where there were a whole bunch of eyes on the situation, cause I dont know what would have happened.. These officers need to be reprimanded and retrained to overcome the implicit bias that results in unequal and often dangerous treatment of Black people.. The suit claimed Raritan cops shouldn't have released Ronald B. Rebernik after arresting him for heroin hours before the deadly 2018 crash. The fire broke out on Sunday in the Finderne section of Bridgewater Township. A video began circulating on Sunday showing the fight between a white teen and a Black teen at the Bridgewater Commons mall. See district-by-district changes proposed as part of the $834 million in school funding in Gov. 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. Officer Patrick Knapp was promoted to sergeant. 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. NJ School Aid 2023: Whos Getting More, Whos Getting Less, Bridgewater Schools To Gain $1.1M In State Aid Next Year. According to police, officers BRIDGEWATER, NJ - Bridgewater Township celebrated the promotions of several township officers at a ceremony at the end of November. 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. Copyright 2023 TAP IP LLC, All rights reserved. 661 were here. February 16, 20223:11 PM ET. 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. Thomas Gallo took the oath of office during the Jan. 19 Township Council meeting. Terms of Use "There is no threat to the high school," he said. 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. We are a community oriented force and are always looking for ways to improve our service to you. 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. Phil Murphy, are questioning as racially motivated. 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. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. The confrontation escalated with the two throwing punches at each other as onlookers shouted, according to the video. The settlement is for a total of $450,000, according to court documents, with $100,000 to go into a BRIDGEWATER, NJ - Phase one of Bridgewater Townships new BridgewaterSHIELD program has officially been released, with plans for improving on community policing in the township. Phil Murphy commented Wednesday that the "racially disparate treatment is deeply, deeply disturbing.". Franklin Township Officer Dexter McKelvin was suspended for 60 days in 2021 for "Lacked Integrity, failed to call out sick and report for duty." Officers responded to Commons Way March 21 at 7:15 p.m. for a single vehicle crash with injuries. | "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. BRIDGEWATER, NJ - According to unofficial results, all budgets passed in the fire districts in the Feb. 18 elections. The video shows two male teens, one Black and the other white, having an argument before pointing fingers at each other. We endeavor to reduce crime along with the fear of it, through cooperative interaction with the community. "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. 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. The incident follows a sordid history. 0:05. 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. Were committed to increasing trust between law enforcement and the people they serve. Public safety:Tasers, hailed as a way to avoid deadly police shootings, are seldom used in NJ. 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. Please feel free to stop in to our Headquarters or send us and e-mail with any comments, concerns, and suggestions. "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. Bridgewater police chief, mayor to meet with Black community leaders "Same offense, suspension until ultimate resignation. 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 teen and his mother could not be reached for comment Wednesday. 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. Smith isn't the only person calling for the officers' removal. The men and women of the Bridgewater Township Police Department are committed to providing effective police service to all persons within our jurisdiction. 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. Suzanne Russell is a breaking news reporter for MyCentralJersey.com covering crime, courts and other mayhem. 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. Martin was convicted of driving while intoxicated(DWI) while on duty. 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. The Bridgewater Police Department, with seventy-eight officers, serves and protects a diverse residential population of over 45,000 persons. 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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. A pair of New Jersey police officers are facing criticism for how they responded to a fight between teenagers at a shopping mall. Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. New Jersey police department calls for investigation after viral video. 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. BRIDGEWATER, NJ - Bridgewater Township is one of many receiving a grant from the state for 2020 recycling efforts, according to a release. 1:16. He said increasing trust between police and the community has been a hallmark of his administration from day one. 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. The report displays the names and agencies of officers who were fired, demoted in rank or suspended for more than five days. Violation of the Employee Handbook concerning the use of Township vehicles. 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. Removal Requests The theft happened in the middle of the day on Thursday, according to 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 township postponed the town hall meeting as nationwide attention focused on Bridgewater. "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. In district 1, which is the Martinsville Volunteer Fire Company, the total operating budget is set at $616,197.38, with the amount to be raised by taxation set at BRIDGEWATER, NJ - Mayor Matthew Moench responded Friday to a statement from the attorney generals office regarding the investigation into the February 2022 incident at the Bridgewater Commons Mall, saying the fault for the delay in the report lies with Trenton, not Bridgewater. I am completely confident that the Prosecutors review will be impartial, objective and thorough, Moench said. Raritan Headwaters is hosting its 33rd annual stream cleanup on April 15 to clean select branches of the Raritan River. The trio ordered $321 worth of food and then fled the area, according to Raritan Police. 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. A resident of Schindler Terrace reported Aug. 27 that their Black Mongoose bicycle was stolen from in front of their home. A car pulled over and left the dog on the side of the road earlier this month, said police. Bridgewater mall fight: Attorney considers civil rights lawsuit - Yahoo! Were committed to increasing trust between law enforcement and the people they serve," Murphy wrote on Twitter. He was kind of saying, like, Youre a little kid, youre my little pet, and stuff like that, he told NBC New York. Carrier Clinic, Taxes in Retirement Seminar on March 7th and 9th at Raritan Valley Community College. Failure to conduct himself with high ethical standards. The video also shows township police officers kneeling on and. Police also reported car burglaries, theft of tools, and windows at the Raritan Train Station being smashed on New Year's Day. 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. Bystanders stepped in to restrain Faris N. Salem of South Bound Brook until Bridgewater Police Officers arrived, according to the report. Joey's friend, Sienna Freidinger, filmed the video. 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. Bridgewater Township Mayor Matthew Moench acknowledged the video Tuesday, and New Jersey Gov. This is another example of the kind of racial bias that we need to root out of our system of policing. 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. Violation of the Department Code of Ethics. 2023 www.mycentraljersey.com. Hire A Bridgewater Area Pro To Get A Head Start On Spring Cleaning! Bridgewater Cop Suspended 180 Days For 'Truthfulness' 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. 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. News about Central Jersey and New Jersey for the Courier News community. Matt Kemper, who worked at his family's former business Kemper Pontiac Cadillac, was last seen in Las Vegas on Jan. 5. Tactics used by police breaking up a fight between two teenagers prompts demands for an internal investigation. Bridgewater Township Officer Brian Shubert was suspended for 180 days in 2021 for "Truthfulness." 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. Joe Hernandez. ", Discipline:NJ AG reveals names of cops who have been suspended, demoted, terminated. 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. Justice Philip, 23, is accused of crashing into another man's car and shooting a gun at him, according to Somerville police. 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. A new program aimed at beefing up community policing in Bridgewater is scheduled to make its debut in the coming months. NAACP calls for officers in viral Bridgewater mall fight video to be Violation of the Employee Handbook concerning alcohol-free workplace. Bridgewater police have called for an internal affairs investigation with assistance from the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office. Local businesses will be supplied with naloxone and opioid education and training should a life-threatening emergency arise. Don't miss local and statewide announcements. Bridgewater/Raritan, NJ Police & Fire Section | TAPinto Violation of the Department Mission Statement. 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. Video of New Jersey officers pinning down and handcuffing - CBS News "It's cause he's Black, racially motivated," a female voice is heard saying in the video. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. 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. Z'Kye said of being restrained: I was, like, calm, because I knew not to be scared. New Jersey State Police and Finderne Volunteer Firefighters came out to the snowy scene to help early Tuesday morning. 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 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. 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. At about 2:29 a.m., a Volkswagen Tiguan was traveling . Somerset County Sheriffs Office - Corrections Division. "The Black kid was the only one who was getting tackled," she said. The Bridgewater Police Department addressed the incident Monday in a statement on its Facebook page. 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. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters. By: News 12 Staff. "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.". 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. Bridgewater Township officer Anne Alosi was suspended for 180 days in 2020 for "Neglect of Duty and Truthfulness. "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. "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. Personnel | Bridgewater Police Homeowner injured, pets die in Hillsborough townhouse fire: police. 0:57. Careers Bridgewater Mall Investigation Continues, Officials Want Answers Marlene Lenthang is a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital. 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. In the video, posted just after the incident BRIDGEWATER, NJ - Bridgewater Township added its newest police officer to the force Jan. 19. Bound Brook Police released photos of a dark-colored vehicle (appears to be a Ford Escape) wanted in connection with the abandoned dog. Parks and trails will be closed at the Bridgewater park due to firearm use, officials said. The victim had left the BRIDGEWATER, NJ - Bridgewater Township has released its police blotter for the week ending March 10. Bound Brook Police used a garden hose on the fire before volunteer firefighters arrived and extinguished the blaze. 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. 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 . International Womens Day Event! Mitzak has been BRIDGEWATER, NJ - The second week of October will mark Fire Prevention Week in Bridgewater Township, from Oct. 9 through Oct. 15. Franchise TAP. 0:00. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. msn back to msn home news Skip . The Attorney General completed its investigation and sent a comprehensive Internal Affairs Report and Findings to Bridgewater in Sept. 2022. "Major discipline" is defined as police officers who were terminated, demoted, or suspended for more than five days. /. The men and women of the Bridgewater Township Police Department are committed to providing effective police service to all persons within our jurisdiction. Bridgewater Police also reported making arrests for driving while intoxicated and shoplifting in the latest blotter. New Jersey State Police and Finderne Volunteer Firefighters came out to the snowy scene to help early Tuesday morning. Phil Murphy expressed his concern. | Murphy's 2024 budget. Hospitality Opportunities in Food Services, Housekeeping And Others! 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. New Jersey: After Bridgewater Commons mall fight, NAACP calls for police officers removal. New Jersey mall fight with police handcuffing Black teen with use of 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. But it's the police response that some, including voices heard on the video and Gov. Scott Edge, 47, was charged with criminal mischief, theft and trespassing. After several seconds of punching, two uniformed Bridgewater police officers ran onto the scene and pulled the two apart. Get involved by signing 7,678 people like this 8,626 people follow this http://patch.com/new-jersey/bridgewater alexis.tarrazi@patch.com Route 22 East was closed for about an hour on Monday morning as a result, said Bridgewater Police. But days after then-Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin murdered George Floyd in May 2020, Grewal issued several directives involving police reform. Somerset County 4-H Fair and theSomerset County July 4th Celebration. Police Blotter; Emergency Alert; About Us. The directive came after the New Jersey Supreme Court authorized the public release of such info on a going-forward basis. News & Press Releases. 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. "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.