Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. 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 video also shows township police officers kneeling on and. Bridgewater Township Officer Brian Shubert was suspended for 180 days in 2021 for "Truthfulness." According to police, the victim had been unloading items from their BRIDGEWATER, NJ - Bridgewater Township Police have released the police blotter for the end of November through mid December. 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 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. 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!! Raritan Police said Scott Edge, 47, of Flemington, was found sitting at the bar smoking a cigarette while the restaurant was closed. 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 . Gov. 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. 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. 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. 2023 www.mycentraljersey.com. The state is awarding about $16.2 million in grants. | . Richard T. Smith, president of the NAACP New Jersey State Conference, called for the immediate removalof the officers pending an investigation. Raritan Headwaters is hosting its 33rd annual stream cleanup on April 15 to clean select branches of the Raritan River. 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. 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. 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, Bound Brook Police used a garden hose on the fire before volunteer firefighters arrived and extinguished the blaze. 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 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. Smith said the state conference was disappointed to see police actions "irrefutably showing the disparate treatment of African-Americans in our police institutions.". In 2021, then-Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal's ordered all New Jersey law-enforcement agencies to publicly release certain disciplinary info. 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. 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. "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. 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. 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. 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. 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BRIDGEWATER, NJ - The Bridgewater Township Police Department released its police blotter for the end of December and early January. 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. Social media postings have drawn law enforcement attention nationally, Bridgewater Township Police said, but no real threat has been found. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. The directive came after the New Jersey Supreme Court authorized the public release of such info on a going-forward basis. Somerset County 4-H Fair and theSomerset County July 4th Celebration. Please feel free to stop in to our Headquarters or send us and e-mail with any comments, concerns, and suggestions. 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. 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. Somerset County Sheriffs Office - Corrections Division. BRIDGEWATER, NJ - Bridgewater Township Police have released a police blotter from the middle of October through the end of November. News about Central Jersey and New Jersey for the Courier News community. Z'Kye said of being restrained: I was, like, calm, because I knew not to be scared. Im just glad it happened where there were a whole bunch of eyes on the situation, cause I dont know what would have happened.. 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. Even through there was rightful anger and passion, folks had gotten a sense of a rhythm with each other," Murphy said. 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. Sienna's . The man's car caught fire while delivering newspapers early Sunday morning, said fire officials. "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. "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. The driver was hospitalized with a serious injury on Tuesday, said police. One officer pushed the white teen into a seated position on the couch, according to the video. 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. "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/. Smith isn't the only person calling for the officers' removal. SC Sheriff's Officer Shane Rebuth was suspended for 7 days in 2021 for "Standard of Conduct." 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. Sarah Berkovits began her career as a substitute teacher in the Bridgewater-Raritan school system before moving to Buildings and Grounds. "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. 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. Getting things done around the house has never been easier. The theft happened in the middle of the day on Thursday, according to Bridgewater Police. We will get back to you as soon as possible. A former New Jersey police chief has a lot to say about a viral video showing a fight at the Bridgewater Commons Mall and . . 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 fire broke out on Sunday in the Finderne section of Bridgewater Township. Welcome to the Official Bridgewater Police Department (NJ) Facebook Page. 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. The nearly 9 percent increase in funding is part of the Gov. Bridgewater Township officer Anne Alosi was suspended for 180 days in 2020 for "Neglect of Duty and Truthfulness. Contact Us Internal Affairs. Hospitality Opportunities in Food Services, Housekeeping And Others! Phone: (908) 722-4111 Fax: (908) 722-8246. Violation of the Department Mission Statement. During his COVID-19 news conference on Wednesday, Murphy reiterated his concern for the apparent racially disparate treatment in the video. A victim reported Sept. 15 that their vehicle had been burglarized while it was parked in the lot of Seasons 52, on Commons Way. Marlene Lenthang is a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital. Branchburg Township Police responded to the call at the elementary school on Wednesday afternoon. 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. Read more Parents Express. 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. 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. | Suzanne Russell is a breaking news reporter for MyCentralJersey.com covering crime, courts and other mayhem. A pedestrian crash on I-287 in Bridgewater has prompted commuting delays Thursday morning, authorities said. msn back to msn home news Skip . Bridgewater, NJ 08807 . 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. 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. Just stay calm and not move and do what they tell me to do.. Have a news tip? Two dirt bikes and a catalytic converter were also stolen within the last month in the township, according to police. 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. 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. 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. 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. The suit claimed Raritan cops shouldn't have released Ronald B. Rebernik after arresting him for heroin hours before the deadly 2018 crash. "The Black kid was the only one who was getting tackled," she said. To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com. 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. 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. Bound Brook Police released photos of a dark-colored vehicle (appears to be a Ford Escape) wanted in connection with the abandoned dog. SOLD OUT! BRIDGEWATER, NJ - Bridgewater Township is one of many receiving a grant from the state for 2020 recycling efforts, according to a release. Parks and trails will be closed at the Bridgewater park due to firearm use, officials said. The video cuts off at this point. Crump added: "ZKye was no more of a threat to those officers than the white teen who fought with him. "Same offense, suspension until ultimate resignation. It just doesnt make sense, she said. They then begin pushing and shoving each other, a move that sends a couch sliding along the floor, and the Black teen is thrown to the floor. We endeavor to reduce crime along with the fear of it, through cooperative interaction with the community. Suzanne Russell is a breaking news reporter for MyCentralJersey.com covering crime, courts and other mayhem. I am completely confident that the Prosecutors review will be impartial, objective and thorough, Moench said. The officer lied about an illness and failed to report for duty, causing overtime for the department," read the report. Matt Kemper had gone missing on Jan. 5 and was last seen in Las Vegas, Nevada. A pair of New Jersey police officers are facing criticism for how they responded to a fight between teenagers at a shopping mall. Route 22 East was closed for about an hour on Monday morning as a result, said Bridgewater Police. Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com. "To deepen that trust and walk in the other guy's shoes, I think we've made an enormous amount of progress. Bridgewater mayor trade barbs over cops' mall . 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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. A video showing police officers breaking up a fight between a Black teenager and a White teenager at a New Jersey mall has prompted outrage over the police response. ", 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. In a Facebook post Monday, the Bridgewater Police Department said it was aware of the video. 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. Bridgewater Township Municipal Building 100 Commons Way, Bridgewater, NJ 08807 (908) 725-6300 Monday- Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM Mitzak has been BRIDGEWATER, NJ - The second week of October will mark Fire Prevention Week in Bridgewater Township, from Oct. 9 through Oct. 15. Failure to conduct himself with high ethical standards. As police arrive a female and male officer grabthe white teen off the Black teen. "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. Privacy Policy New Jersey: After Bridgewater Commons mall fight, NAACP calls for police officers removal. Terms of Use 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. Violation of the Employee Handbook concerning alcohol-free workplace. A car pulled over and left the dog on the side of the road earlier this month, said police. The Bridgewater Mall Fight is the clearest example of how police actively use race as a shorthand for who they perceive as a threat.See for yourself. The 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. "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. Phil Murphy expressed his concern. SOLD OUT! Were committed to increasing trust between law enforcement and the people they serve," Murphy wrote on Twitter. In the video, posted just after the incident BRIDGEWATER, NJ - Bridgewater Township added its newest police officer to the force Jan. 19. Officer Patrick Knapp was promoted to sergeant. 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. Matt Kemper, who worked at his family's former business Kemper Pontiac Cadillac, was last seen in Las Vegas on Jan. 5. Phil Murphy commented Wednesday that the "racially disparate treatment is deeply, deeply disturbing.". The video shows no sign of resistance from the Black teen. See district-by-district changes proposed as part of the $834 million in school funding in Gov. Bridgewater Township Mayor Matthew Moench acknowledged the video Tuesday, and New Jersey Gov. Bystanders stepped in to restrain Faris N. Salem of South Bound Brook until Bridgewater Police Officers arrived, according to the report. Carrier Clinic, Taxes in Retirement Seminar on March 7th and 9th at Raritan Valley Community College. 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. 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. 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. About See all Hyperlocal news, alerts, discussions and events for Bridgewater, NJ We're a community-specific news, information and engagement network driven by passionate and experienced media professionals. Murphy's 2024 budget. Don't miss local and statewide announcements. Were committed to increasing trust between law enforcement and the people they serve. 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. Justice Philip, 23, is accused of crashing into another man's car and shooting a gun at him, according to Somerville police. Reporting for duty under the influence of alcohol. 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.