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. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters. "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. A resident of Schindler Terrace reported Aug. 27 that their Black Mongoose bicycle was stolen from in front of their home. Smith isn't the only person calling for the officers' removal. The video shows no sign of resistance from the Black teen. But it's the police response that some, including voices heard on the video and Gov. The officer lied about an illness and failed to report for duty, causing overtime for the department," read the report. 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. 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. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. 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. 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. Getting things done around the house has never been easier. When your child was young, visiting the pediatrician was quite an event. In a Facebook post Monday, the Bridgewater Police Department said it was aware of the video. In 2021, then-Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal's ordered all New Jersey law-enforcement agencies to publicly release certain disciplinary info. 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. ", Discipline:NJ AG reveals names of cops who have been suspended, demoted, terminated. Were committed to increasing trust between law enforcement and the people they serve. The Bridgewater Police Department, with seventy-eight officers, serves and protects a diverse residential population of over 45,000 persons. Thomas Gallo took the oath of office during the Jan. 19 Township Council meeting. 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. Both ZKye and the other teen involved have been banned from the mall for three years, Bridgewater Commonssaid to NBC News in a statement. The fire broke out on Sunday in the Finderne section of Bridgewater Township. Were committed to increasing trust between law enforcement and the people they serve," Murphy wrote on Twitter. Reporting for duty under the influence of alcohol. A victim reported Nov. 19 that their vehicle had been burglarized while being parked in the lot of Lands End, on Chimney Rock Road. A new program aimed at beefing up community policing in Bridgewater is scheduled to make its debut in the coming months. msn back to msn home news Skip . To register complaints about emails from TAPinto.net, please email. . Get involved by signing 7,678 people like this 8,626 people follow this http://patch.com/new-jersey/bridgewater alexis.tarrazi@patch.com 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. The video shows no sign of resistance from the Black teen. "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. 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. 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. 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. The township postponed the town hall meeting as nationwide attention focused on Bridgewater. Matt Kemper had gone missing on Jan. 5 and was last seen in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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. Proudly created with. According to the report, at 3 p.m. Nov. 6, two suspects attempted to shoplift power BRIDGEWATER, NJ - Bridgewater Township Police released its police blotter for the week of April 26, with incidents from the end of March through mid-April. After several seconds of punching, two uniformed Bridgewater police officers ran onto the scene and pulled the two apart. "There is no threat to the high school," he said. 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. According to police, the victim had been unloading items from the vehicle when an unknown person entered the car and fled the BRIDGEWATER, NJ - The Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District has released a statement that, as of Thursday, all computer systems have been fully restored after being disrupted since Monday. Social media postings have drawn law enforcement attention nationally, Bridgewater Township Police said, but no real threat has been found. 0:05. She RARITAN, NJ - Raritan Borough Police are warning residents to be aware of fraudulent emails and phone calls after a Raritan man was the victim of a theft when he received an email from someone claiming to be a sick friend. The Attorney General completed its investigation and sent a comprehensive Internal Affairs Report and Findings to Bridgewater in Sept. 2022. Black teen handcuffed by police at mall while white teen was scared of what could've happened. "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 officer lied to supervisors when questioned and lied again during an [Internal Affairs] investigation, according to the report. New Jersey State Police and Finderne Volunteer Firefighters came out to the snowy scene to help early Tuesday morning. The video cuts off at this point. A Bridgewater Officer was also named to this list. 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. He was kind of saying, like, Youre a little kid, youre my little pet, and stuff like that, he told NBC New York. Please feel free to stop in to our Headquarters or send us and e-mail with any comments, concerns, and suggestions. Police report that, on Oct. 29 at about 3:52 p.m., someone stole a vehicle from inside the vestibule of Target, on Promenade Boulevard. The incident follows a sordid history. 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. 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. Scott Edge, 47, was charged with criminal mischief, theft and trespassing. International Womens Day Event! A driver involved in a Friday morning crash with a utility pole on Route 202 in Branchburg was hospitalized, officials said. Sarah Berkovits began her career as a substitute teacher in the Bridgewater-Raritan school system before moving to Buildings and Grounds. 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!! 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!! To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. 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. "Same offense, suspension until ultimate resignation. NJ mall::Black teen restrained by police in Bridgewater fight hires George Floyd's family lawyer. New Jersey Attorney General's Office investigation into Bridgewater Police's handling of a teen mall fight in February 2022 is complete. Phone: (908) 722-4111 Fax: (908) 722-8246. Bridgewater Police also reported making arrests for driving while intoxicated and shoplifting in the latest blotter. 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. BRIDGEWATER, NJ - Bridgewater Township Police have released a police blotter from the middle of October through the end of November. Just stay calm and not move and do what they tell me to do.. The confrontation escalated with the two throwing punches at each other as onlookers shouted, according to the video. The state is awarding about $16.2 million in grants. Martin was convicted of driving while intoxicated(DWI) while on duty. "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. 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. New Jersey: After Bridgewater Commons mall fight, NAACP calls for police officers removal. The attorney BRIDGEWATER, NJ - The attorney generals office released an official statement Friday regarding the February 2022 police response at the Bridgewater Commons Mall, and said that although it has completed its own investigation, its report may be released if the local administration does not conclude SOMERSET, NJ - The Somerset County Prosecutor's Office has released a motive in the fatal shooting of a PSEG supervisor outside his car at the office, on Weston Canal Road in Somerset, Wednesday. 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. New Jersey police department calls for investigation after viral video. Two people reported being shot in the head by a BB or pellet gun in separate shootings at the mall in January, said police. Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. BRIDGEWATER, NJ - The Bridgewater Township Police Department released its police blotter for the end of December and early January. During his COVID-19 news conference on Wednesday, Murphy reiterated his concern for the apparent racially disparate treatment in the video. All rights reserved. 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. 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. 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. News about Central Jersey and New Jersey for the Courier News community. Dedicated to Service, Committed to Community. An Adamsville Road resident reported Feb. 6 that someone stole a motor vehicle from the driveway of his residence. Carrier Clinic, Taxes in Retirement Seminar on March 7th and 9th at Raritan Valley Community College. Read more Parents Express. Before the New Jersey Supreme Court decision, the Garden State shielded the identities of officers disciplined or fired from the public. One officer pushed the white teen into a seated position on the couch, according to the video. Bound Brook Police used a garden hose on the fire before volunteer firefighters arrived and extinguished the blaze. | Zachary Menendez was among 38 new firefighters to graduate from the Somerset County Fire Academy. "To deepen that trust and walk in the other guy's shoes, I think we've made an enormous amount of progress. 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 . 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. The trio ordered $321 worth of food and then fled the area, according to Raritan Police. Bound Brook Police released photos of a dark-colored vehicle (appears to be a Ford Escape) wanted in connection with the abandoned dog. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. 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. SOLD OUT! 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. No other information was provided on the report. "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. In the video, posted just after the incident BRIDGEWATER, NJ - Bridgewater Township added its newest police officer to the force Jan. 19. 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. Richard T. Smith, president of the NAACP New Jersey State Conference, called for the immediate removalof the officers pending an investigation. 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Local businesses will be supplied with naloxone and opioid education and training should a life-threatening emergency arise. "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. According to police, officers BRIDGEWATER, NJ - Bridgewater Township celebrated the promotions of several township officers at a ceremony at the end of November. | The men and women of the Bridgewater Township Police Department are committed to providing effective police service to all persons within our jurisdiction. Mitzak has been BRIDGEWATER, NJ - The second week of October will mark Fire Prevention Week in Bridgewater Township, from Oct. 9 through Oct. 15. Bridgewater police have called for an internal affairs investigation with assistance from the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office. Bridgewater, NJ 08807 . 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. Franchise TAP. The driver was hospitalized with a serious injury on Tuesday, said police. 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. 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. Bridgewater Township Officer Brian Shubert was suspended for 180 days in 2021 for "Truthfulness." 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 video cuts off at this point. All results are expected to be certified Feb. 23. Carrier Clinic, Taxes in Retirement Seminar on March 7th and 9th at Raritan Valley Community College. Marlene Lenthang is a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital. 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. Violation of the Department Mission Statement. A female officer then helped, placing her knee near the back of ZKye's neck as they put him in handcuffs, according to the clip. Parks and trails will be closed at the Bridgewater park due to firearm use, officials said. Gov. 2023 www.mycentraljersey.com. We talked about thepride we had post the murder of George Floyd, we had thousands of demonstrations and very, very few incidents. 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. All rights reserved. Officer Patrick Knapp was promoted to sergeant. Black teen restrained by police in NJ mall fight video hires George Floyd's family lawyer, After Bridgewater Commons mall fight, NAACP calls for police officers removal, 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.