| One officer pushed the white teen into a seated position on the couch . 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. Bridgewater Township Municipal Building 100 Commons Way, Bridgewater, NJ 08807 (908) 725-6300 Monday- Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM Richard T. Smith, president of the NAACP New Jersey State Conference, called for the immediate removalof the officers pending an investigation. A pair of New Jersey police officers are facing criticism for how they responded to a fight between teenagers at a shopping mall. Officers responded to Commons Way March 21 at 7:15 p.m. for a single vehicle crash with injuries. Have a news tip? 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"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/. 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. msn back to msn home news Skip . Just stay calm and not move and do what they tell me to do.. Proudly created withWix.com. The Bridgewater Police Department said in a statement on Monday that it is aware the community is "upset," and requested that the Somerset County Prosecutor's office assist in an investigation . Bystanders stepped in to restrain Faris N. Salem of South Bound Brook until Bridgewater Police Officers arrived, according to the report. 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. ", 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. Hospitality Opportunities in Food Services, Housekeeping And Others! The video shows no sign of resistance from the Black teen. Rashid was issued the following summonses: DWI, Careless Driving, Failure to Report a Crash and Leaving the Scene of a Crash. Local businesses will be supplied with naloxone and opioid education and training should a life-threatening emergency arise. 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. An Adamsville Road resident reported Feb. 6 that someone stole a motor vehicle from the driveway of his residence. Both ZKye and the other teen involved have been banned from the mall for three years, Bridgewater Commonssaid to NBC News in a statement. Joe Hernandez. We strive to enhance the quality of life for all members of the community. 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. 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. In the video, posted just after the incident BRIDGEWATER, NJ - Bridgewater Township added its newest police officer to the force Jan. 19. Reporting for duty under the influence of alcohol. SUMMIT, NJ - A touching tale mixing heartbreak and humor takes center stage at The Summit Playhouse LONG BEACH ISLAND REGION - Although the official start to spring is still over a month away, the About Us 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. Feb 17, 2022, 2:45pmUpdated on Feb 17, 2022. February 16, 2022 at 11:12 a.m. EST Authorities are investigating how police in Bridgewater Township, N.J., responded to a weekend mall fight. The seasonal cult favorite has returned to McDonald's. IE 11 is not supported. Somerset County 4-H Fair and theSomerset County July 4th Celebration. Officers' handling of Bridgewater Commons Mall fight sparks concerns of racial discrimination Feb 16, 2022, 10:14pm Updated on Feb 17, 2022 By: News 12 Staff Moench: Delay in Report on February 2022 Bridgewater Mall Incident Rests Fire District Budgets Pass in Annual Elections, According to Unofficial Results, Crim Students Welcome Bridgewater Officers, Security Officers for National Law Enforcement Appreciation, Settlement Reached in Lawsuit Filed Against Raritan Borough, Raritan Police Following Death of Matias Ortega in 2018, Moench: Delay in Report on February 2022 Bridgewater Mall Incident Rests With Trenton, Not Bridgewater, Attorney General May Release Own Report on February 2022 Incident at Bridgewater Commons Mall, Prosecutor Reveals Motive in Killing of Employee Outside PSEG in Somerset, Bridgewater Township: Attorney General Concludes Investigation Into February 2022 Mall Incident, District Releases Information on Possible Cybersecurity Breach Involving Personal Information of Employees, Health Matters - Morristown Medical Center, Make the Most of Your School-Age Childs Well Check, Read More Health Matters - Morristown Medical Center, Home of the Week: 15 Morningside Rd Verona Twp., NJ 07044, Laurel Circles Management Company, LCS, Ranks #1 in Senior Satisfaction Study. BridgewaterSHIELD's first phase includes a Citizens Police Academy, Virtual Reality Training for the public, and Coffee with Police Staff. 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. A Sherlin Drive resident reported Dec. 22 that their vehicle was stolen from their driveway. 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. The officer lied about an illness and failed to report for duty, causing overtime for the department," read the report. 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. 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. Korrie Keats, 38, of Plainfield, was arrested Oct. 12 at about . As police arrive a female and male officer grabthe white teen off the Black teen. . The driver was hospitalized with a serious injury on Tuesday, said police. Officer Patrick Knapp was promoted to sergeant. 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. By: News 12 Staff. Bridgewater Township Mayor Matthew Moench acknowledged the video Tuesday, and New Jersey Gov. The officer failed to call out sick for multiple days, according to the report. The female officer appears to place her. Murphy's 2024 budget. "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. Were committed to increasing trust between law enforcement and the people they serve," Murphy wrote on Twitter. The confrontation escalated with the two throwing punches at each other as onlookers shouted, according to the video. 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. A driver involved in a Friday morning crash with a utility pole on Route 202 in Branchburg was hospitalized, officials said. Scott Edge, 47, was charged with criminal mischief, theft and trespassing. All results are expected to be certified Feb. 23. Careers 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. Privacy Policy New Jersey Attorney General's Office investigation into Bridgewater Police's handling of a teen mall fight in February 2022 is complete. 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. Actions included expansion of Crisis Intervention Team training, development of a statewide "Use of Force Portal" and updates to the state's use-of-force policy. BRIDGEWATER - A 38-year-old Morristown man was killed early Thursday morning while walking on Interstate 287, State Police said. "Same offense, suspension until ultimate resignation. Bridgewater Township officer Anne Alosi was suspended for 180 days in 2020 for "Neglect of Duty and Truthfulness. "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 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 . News about Central Jersey and New Jersey for the Courier News community. 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!! In the video, a female and male officer grab the white teen off the Black teen. To register complaints about emails from TAPinto.net, please email. 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. 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. During his COVID-19 news conference on Wednesday, Murphy reiterated his concern for the apparent racially disparate treatment in the video. The township postponed the town hall meeting as nationwide attention focused on Bridgewater. Franklin Township Officer Dexter McKelvin was suspended for 60 days in 2021 for "Lacked Integrity, failed to call out sick and report for duty." 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. All rights reserved. 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. Susan Loyer covers Middlesex County and more for MyCentralJersey.com. According to police, the department has been investigating incidents where the items were stolen SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ - Sheriff Darrin Russo has introduced the newest K9 officer, a male yellow Labrador retriever, named Patriot following a contest that received more than 1,000 entries. Proudly created with. "To deepen that trust and walk in the other guy's shoes, I think we've made an enormous amount of progress. 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 Bridgewater Police Department, with seventy-eight officers, serves and protects a diverse residential population of over 45,000 persons. New Jersey law enforcement is now banned from using chokeholds "except in the very limited situations when deadly force is necessary to address an imminent threat to life.". Phil Murphy, are questioning as racially motivated. Mitzak has been BRIDGEWATER, NJ - The second week of October will mark Fire Prevention Week in Bridgewater Township, from Oct. 9 through Oct. 15. Sienna's . The video also shows township police officers kneeling on and. | After several seconds of punching, two uniformed Bridgewater police officers ran onto the scene and pulled the two apart. BRIDGEWATER, NJ - According to unofficial results, all budgets passed in the fire districts in the Feb. 18 elections. Internal Affairs. 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. BRIDGEWATER, NJ - The Bridgewater Township Police Department released its police blotter for the end of December and early January. | The video shows no sign of resistance from the Black teen. Terms of Use 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. Hire A Bridgewater Area Pro To Get A Head Start On Spring Cleaning! Bridgewater Police also reported making arrests for driving while intoxicated and shoplifting in the latest blotter. | 1:16. Failure to conduct himself with high ethical standards. Bridgewater school district officials are warning parents of a fake email account claiming to be a Bridgewater-Raritan Regional official. 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. Zachary Menendez was among 38 new firefighters to graduate from the Somerset County Fire Academy. We endeavor to reduce crime along with the fear of it, through cooperative interaction with the community. Thomas Gallo took the oath of office during the Jan. 19 Township Council meeting. 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. A video began circulating on Sunday showing the fight between a white teen and a Black teen at the Bridgewater Commons mall. We are a community oriented force and are always looking for ways to improve our service to you. Dedicated to Service, Committed to Community. New Jersey: After Bridgewater Commons mall fight, NAACP calls for police officers removal. 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. "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.". "It's cause he's Black, racially motivated," a female voice is heard saying in the video. Public safety:Tasers, hailed as a way to avoid deadly police shootings, are seldom used in NJ. A former New Jersey police chief has a lot to say about a viral video showing a fight at the Bridgewater Commons Mall and . T-I-P-S Line: 877-660-INFO (4636) For any questions regarding our website or services, please contact us by clicking on the appropriate name to send an e-mail. Removal Requests 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Matt Kemper had gone missing on Jan. 5 and was last seen in Las Vegas, Nevada. "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 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. 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. One officer pushed the white teen into a seated position on the couch, according to the video. Route 22 East was closed for about an hour on Monday morning as a result, said Bridgewater Police. Bridgewater police have called for an internal affairs investigation with assistance from the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office. Were committed to increasing trust between law enforcement and the people they serve. Contact Us Z'Kye's family has retained civil rights attorney Ben Crump, the law firm announced Thursday. According to police, officers BRIDGEWATER, NJ - Bridgewater Township celebrated the promotions of several township officers at a ceremony at the end of November. "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. Im just glad it happened where there were a whole bunch of eyes on the situation, cause I dont know what would have happened.. The men and women of the Bridgewater Township Police Department are committed to providing effective police service to all persons within our jurisdiction. 0:00. Getting things done around the house has never been easier. Ebon said: Its not fair that we are constantly having to fear the cops. To get unlimited access to her work,please subscribe or activate your digitalaccount today. 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. Don't miss local and statewide announcements. Volunteer firefighters in Bridgewater rescued a cat from a burning home Friday afternoon, officials said. "The Black kid was the only one who was getting tackled," she said. 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. 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. Tactics used by police breaking up a fight between two teenagers prompts demands for an internal investigation. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. International Womens Day Event! Smith said the state conference was disappointed to see police actions "irrefutably showing the disparate treatment of African-Americans in our police institutions.". 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. New Jersey State Police and Finderne Volunteer Firefighters came out to the snowy scene to help early Tuesday morning. The Bridgewater Police Department, with seventy-eight officers, serves and protects a diverse residential population of over 45,000 persons. 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. 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. BRIDGEWATER, NJ - Bridgewater Township is one of many receiving a grant from the state for 2020 recycling efforts, according to a release. Toll Free: (800) 544-3318. 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. But it's the police response that some, including voices heard on the video and Gov. The report displays the names and agencies of officers who were fired, demoted in rank or suspended for more than five days. The Attorney General completed its investigation and sent a comprehensive Internal Affairs Report and Findings to Bridgewater in Sept. 2022. Copyright 2023 TAP IP LLC, All rights reserved. . ", Discipline:NJ AG reveals names of cops who have been suspended, demoted, terminated. Somerset County Sheriffs Office - Corrections Division. 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. He said increasing trust between police and the community has been a hallmark of his administration from day one. 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 Department100 Commons Way Bridgewater, NJ 08807. 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.