Quantcast
Channel: Passaic County
Viewing all 4499 articles
Browse latest View live

21-year-old man killed while closing Clifton liquor store, report says

0
0

Leandro Mendoza was murdered around 2 a.m. outside Lexington Liquors as he closed up the Lexington Avenue liquor store, family members told The Record.

CLIFTON -- A 21-year-old Clifton man was killed while closing up Lexington Liquors early Friday morning, The Record reported.

Memorial in CliftonA memorial had been set up for the man who was killed early Friday morning on Lexington Avenue. 

Leandro Mendoza was murdered around 2 a.m. outside Lexington Liquors as he closed up the Lexington Avenue liquor store, family members told the newspaper.

Mendoza and one employee were outside when a gunman with a covered face attacked them, the newspaper reported. The other employee was injured but not seriously injured, the newspaper reported.

Detective Sgt. Robert Bracken told NJ Advance Media that police were investigating a shooting at that location, but said he couldn't release more information at this time.


PLUS: Man charged in hit-and-run that critically injured Montclair University student

A memorial had been set up on the sidewalk Friday near where Mendoza was shot.

Julio Ortega, whose parents live two doors down from the liquor store, said his parents heard two gunshots at about 2 a.m. Ortega said the neighborhood didn't use to feel as dangerous as it does now.

Maria Rodriguez, who owns Prestige Hair Beauty Center, said Mendoza was "a nice guy" who she often saw walking his dogs outside.

Justin Zaremba may be reached at jzaremba@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JustinZarembaNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Gallery preview 

Detectives arrest man wanted on armed robbery charge, sheriff says

0
0

A 32-year-old man wanted on an armed robbery charge was arrested Thursday after detectives spotted him walking on a city street, authorities said.

David LucasDavid Lucas, 32 (Passaic County Sheriff's Office) 

PATERSON -- A 32-year-old man wanted on an armed robbery charge was arrested Thursday after detectives spotted him walking on a city street, authorities said.

David Lucas was taken into custody near Broadway and Straight Street around 4:45 p.m., Passaic County Sheriff Richard H. Berdnik said in a statement.

Sheriff's Warrant Squad members Detective Brian Weitzman, Detective Cpl. Joseph Cammisa, and Detective Sgt. Raphael Garcia were stopped at a red light at the intersection when they noticed Lucas walking in the opposite direction, according to Berdnik.


ALSO: Man drives on sidewalk, hits house trying to flee heroin bust, sheriff says


The sheriff said Lucas was wanted on an Aug. 19 armed robbery warrant issued by Clifton police.

"I commend the detectives involved in making this arrest," Berdnik added. "By actively looking for wanted criminals, the PCSO Warrant Squad has taken countless criminals off the streets of Passaic County."

Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahycFind NJ.com on Facebook.

Gallery preview 

Film crew may have been mistaken for threat against Wayne school

0
0

Police praised quick response of custodial staff after students reported seeing someone with a knife

WAYNE -- An Alps Road elementary school was briefly in lockdown early Friday night after police received an incorrect report of a person armed with a knife in the area, according to department spokesman Capt. Laurence W. Martin.

police lights2.jpg 

Janitorial staff at the Randall Carter school contacted police around 5:30 p.m. after students reported seeing someone dressed in black and armed with a knife in a wooded area nearby. The custodial staff "acted in accordance with their training" and ordered the children to shelter in place, Martin said.

Officers arrived at the school in five minutes, with Lt. Robert Martello and Sgt. Don Davidson overseeing a thorough search of the area. No threat was found but police located a crew from the New York Film Academy working in the area where the children reported seeing the armed person, Martin said. The crew had a permit, Martin added.

Martin said Friday night the children may have mistaken a member of the crew for an intruder. He also praised the custodial staff for acting promptly and appropriately in the face of a possible threat.

"The school staff did a magnificent job. They did the right thing and they got us there right away," Martin said.

The lockdown was lifted by 6 p.m. and the students released to the custody of parents and guardians.

Paul Milo may be reached at pmilo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @PaulMilo2. FindNJ.com on Facebook

Gallery preview 

Anonymous tip leads to weapons arrest in Paterson, police say

0
0

An anonymous tip led city police to arrest an 18-year-old man on weapons charges Friday night, authorities said.

paterson police carA Paterson man was arrested on weapons charges Oct. 16, 2015, officials said. (File photo) 
PATERSON -- An anonymous tip led city police to arrest an 18-year-old man on weapons charges Friday night, authorities said.

Delshawn Wright, a city resident, was charged with unlawful weapons possession, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and possession of hollow point bullets, Police Director Jerry Speziale said.

Officers received information from a "concerned citizen" reporting that a man outside of a building on Park Avenue was carrying a handgun, according to Speziale.


ALSO: Man drives on sidewalk, hits house trying to flee heroin bust, sheriff says


When police approached a man fitting a description from the tipster, they saw Wright discard the gun under a car, police said.

A 17-year-old city resident was also arrested for interfering with the arrest, police said. The juvenile was charged with obstructing a governmental function.

"I want to commend the officers involved for their quick thinking and reaction while removing a dangerous firearm," Speziale said in a statement.

"The partnerships developed between our department and the community are making our city safer," he added.

Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahycFind NJ.com on Facebook.

Gallery preview 

Arrest made in Clifton homicide

0
0

Man closing up liquor store early Friday was shot and killed, police said.

A 17-year-old Clifton youth has been arrested in the shooting death of a man closing up a liquor store Friday morning. 

Capt. Paul DeGroot of the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office said Sunday morning that a juvenile was arrested in the shooting of Leandro Mendoza as he was closing Lexington Liquors in Clifton early Friday. 

Mendoza, 21, was shot around 2 a.m. by a masked gunman, according to reports. A second employee of the store also was injured, but not seriously, the report said.


MORE: Man shot and killed while closing Clifton liquor store


No further information was released by the prosecutor's office. DeGroot said more details would be forthcoming when they develop.

A memorial had been set up on the sidewalk Friday near where Mendoza was shot.

Maria Rodriguez, who owns Prestige Hair Beauty Center near the liquor store, said Mendoza was "a nice guy" who she often saw walking his dogs outside.

Tim Darragh may be reached at tdarragh@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @timdarragh. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Gallery preview 

Court date for teen in Clifton liquor store homicide set, report says

0
0

The teen's identity hasn't been released.

CLIFTON -- A juvenile charged in the shooting death of a liquor store worker will have a court date Tuesday, according to a report in The Record.

The 17-year-old, whose identity hasn't been released due to his age, will be held at a juvenile detention facility in Newark until the court date, the report said. The teen is accused of gunning down Leandro Mendoza, an aspiring rapper, outside Lexington Liquors on Lexington Avenue early Friday morning. 


PREVIOUSLY: Arrest made in Clifton homicide

Mendoza worked at the liquor store, which was owned by a cousin, The Record reported

Brian Amaral may be reached at bamaral@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @bamaral44. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Gallery preview 

Let's see N.J.'s best Halloween decorations

0
0

Tweet your pics #JerseyWeen

You see them around your neighborhood at this time every fall: The house that goes overboard for Halloween. A strand of orange lights and a creepy spider aren't enough for some people. Motorized skeletons, creepy music and homemade headstones hit the spot during Halloween season. Do you go overboard decorating your house for October 31, or have you seen a ghastly display nearby? We want to see them too.

Post pics of New Jersey Halloween decor in comments below. Make sure you tell us where in New Jersey the picture is from, and give us details about the best parts of the display. You can also tweet Halloween decor photos @njdotcom with the hashtag #jerseyween. We'll highlight the best decorations on NJ.com next week.

John Shabe can be reached at jshabe@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @johndshabe and find NJ.com on Facebook.

2015 Hess toy truck revealed, will be available at select N.J. malls

0
0

N.J.-based Hess Toy Truck will also sell the toys online, despite the closure of the gas stations

The Hess truck's back -- but not at the gas stations.

Since Hess stations have closed, this will be the first holiday season that Woodbridge-based Hess Toy Truck will roll out its inventory solely online and at a handful of malls in the area.

Online sales of the 2015 Hess Fire Truck and Ladder Rescue, announced Monday, will start Nov. 1 at hesstoytruck.com.

Hess trucks will be available at these New Jersey malls and hesstoytruck.com:

  • Paramus Park
  • Willowbrook (Wayne)
  • Woodbridge Center
  • Cherry Hill

New York

  • Queens Center
  • Kings Plaza
  • Green Acres
  • Broadway

Pennsylvania

  • Willow Grove Park
  • Capital City

The red firetruck, which costs $30.99 -- $1 more than last year's truck -- is equipped with a pivoting LED searchlight, hose nozzles, slide-out ramp and four different sound effects. The accompanying ladder rescue truck has a movable nozzle and friction motor.

Hess sold its gas stations to Marathon Petroleum in 2014, making that year the last that parents, grandparents and collectors could scoop up the toys at gas stations in the run-up to the holiday season. Marathon's Speedway gas stations are not selling Hess toy trucks. 

In New Jersey, starting on Nov. 12, the toy will be sold at Paramus Park, Woodbridge Center, Willowbrook and Cherry Hill malls at kiosks made to look like Hess trucks. Six other malls in New York and Pennsylvania will have the kiosks. 

The toys may have outlived the gas stations, but in the absence of the annual trip to the stations for the trucks -- which had become a holiday tradition for many families -- the company wanted to provide an offline alternative.

"There is this nostalgic pilgrimage to the store," says Justin Mayer, general manager of Hess Toy Truck. "The malls do allow folks to replicate that experience." 


RELATED: Hess truck turns 50 with mobile museum (batteries included)

But Mayer says a large portion of those buying the trucks are buying online, though he would not divulge how many customers made purchases on the website in 2014.

"We saw a ton of folks come online this year," Mayer says. Trucks bought online come with free shipping.

"It's not where they come from, it's about who gave it to you," he says. 

Mayer says he tested out the firetruck and ladder rescue on his children, who are in first grade and kindergarten, this past weekend. They proceeded to dust off their stockpile of other Hess firetrucks and go to town with latest addition to their collection.

"It's all about the rescue and imagining the play of rescuing somebody," he says. "The kids love speed. It moves fast when you push it. That's the play value." 

The Hess empire had modest New Jersey beginnings in 1933, when a 19-year-old Leon Hess remade his father's Asbury Park oil delivery service. The first Hess station opened in 1960 in Oakhurst. 

Hidden among Hess' 2015 holiday haul will be 100 silver, individually numbered versions of the truck. All trucks come with five batteries. 

In 2014, Hess celebrated the 50th anniversary of the first Hess toy truck, which debuted in 1964. In the decades since, the fleet of Hess toys has moved well beyond the first iteration -- a gas tanker with oil funnel -- to encompass helicopters, monster trucks, motorcycles, and spaceships

 

Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at akuperinsky@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @AmyKup. Find NJ.com Entertainment on Facebook.

 


34 new U.S. citizens sworn in at Paterson Great Falls

0
0

America has 34 more citizens Tuesday after a naturalization ceremony at the Great Falls. Watch video

PATERSON -- America has 34 more citizens Tuesday after a naturalization ceremony at the Great Falls.

The new citizens, all Paterson residents, hail from Bangladesh, Costa Rica, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Jamaica, Mexico, Morocco, Peru and Venezuela.

Octavio Bernard, 48, has wanted to become a citizen since he first came to America from the Dominican Republic five years ago.

"Since I first came here, I loved this country," he said. "I love the freedom and opportunity this country gives us."

Bernard found the transition to America difficult, since he first lived in the Poconos, where very few people spoke Spanish. But the challenge turned out to be an advantage, since it forced him to speak more English.

He plans to finish studying information technology at Berkeley College in Paramus and Woodland Park.


RELATED: Tourists welcome: Paterson Great Falls visitor center opens

Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-9th Dist.) said the new citizens should dedicate themselves to their new country, and help change people's minds about immigration.

"If you make this country a priority, we'll get immigration laws changed in this country to make it easier to become a citizen," he said. "Because you will set the example."

The new citizens are part of a city that is home to more than 58 ethnic groups, Mayor Joey Torres said. He noted that Paterson was founded by an immigrant: Alexander Hamilton, born on the Caribbean island of Nevis.


RELATED: The 10 most scenic views in N.J.

"We believe it is our diversity that makes us strong," Torres said.

Now that they are Americans, Pascrell said, the new citizens have a commitment to the country and their fellow citizens.

"You've got two choices in life," he said. "To be a builder, or to be a jackass. Any jackass can knock down a barn. It takes a builder to build it. That's your job."

Gisella Ramirez, 40, said she would be a builder. She had lived in America since coming from Peru in 1998.

She finally decided to become a citizen once her daughters were old enough so that she could study, and at the urging of her husband. Ramirez said coming to America was the best decision she'd ever made.

"Anything I can do for this country, I have to do," she said.

Myles Ma may be reached at mma@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MylesMaNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Parks reopen after closure over possibly aggressive bears

0
0

Ramapo Mountain State Forest reopened Tuesday after a two-week closure prompted by fears over reported encounters between hikers and possibly aggressive black bears, officials said.

bearOne of New Jersey's estimated 2,500 black bears shown in this NJ Advance Media file photo. (file photo)  

BERGEN COUNTY -- Ramapo Mountain State Forest reopened Tuesday after a two-week closure prompted by fears over reported encounters between hikers and possibly aggressive black bears, officials said.

The adjacent Ramapo Valley Reservation was also reopened, based on a recommendation from state wildlife officials, according to the Department of Environmental Protection. The county-run reservation was closed for a week after a report that a bear chased eight hikers in the 3,300-acre park. 

The decision to reopen the parks came after an assessment from the state Division of Fish and Wildlife, the DEP said. State biologists have been monitoring traps near several reported encounters between people and "one or more potentially aggressive bears." 


RELATED: 4 bears killed, parks closed amid encounters with hikers, officials say


State biologists killed four adult bears in a little over a week after the animals showed no signs of fearing people, Division of Fish and Wildlife Director David Chanda said Wednesday. 

Those bears appeared to have become accustomed to people, possibly by illegal feeding from hikers or nearby residents, wildlife officials have said. 

Late last week, a bear that matched the description from an Oct. 11 reported encounter with hikers in Ramapo Valley Reservation in Mahwah was caught and killed, according to DEP spokesman Bob Considine. 

Another bear was trapped at the Ramapo Mountain State Forest and released after it showed natural fear of people, Considine added. 

The investigation into possible illegal feeding was ongoing and no charges have been filed, the spokesman said. 

"Additional signage has been posted at the state forest and county reservation warning hikers and other visitors to not feed bears, as this can create aggressive behavior in the animals and is illegal," according to the DEP statement.

Officials launched an investigation after a 21-year-old woman and 7-year-old boy reported that they were followed and chased by a bear in the Ramapo Mountain State Forest Sept. 19.

Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahycFind NJ.com on Facebook.

Gallery preview 

Clifton teen pleads not guilty to 21-year-old man's murder

0
0

The city teenager charged with the murder of a 21-year-old liquor store employee has pleaded not guilty, authorities said.

CLIFTON -- The city teenager accused of the murder of a 21-year-old liquor store employee has pleaded not guilty, authorities said.

The teen appeared in Family Court in Paterson Tuesday morning, said Jennifer Bedrin, chief assistant prosecutor with the juvenile unit.

Leandro Mendoza was fatally shot around 2 a.m. on Friday outside Lexington Liquors as he closed up the Lexington Avenue liquor store, according to The Record.

Mendoza and one employee were outside when a gunman with a covered face attacked them, the newspaper reported.

Bedrin told NJ Advance Media on Tuesday the teen has been charged with murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a weapon, robbery, aggravated assault, endangering an injured victim and several drug offenses.


RELATED: Man, 21, killed while closing Clifton liquor store, report says

The teen's case could be transferred to adult court where he'd face stiffer penalties.

"A decision regarding waiver (to adult court) will be made after I have an opportunity to review all of the evidence pertaining to the case," Bedrin said. "If I feel waiver is appropriate, I have 30 days to file a motion to seek waiver."

A memorial had been set up on the sidewalk Friday near where Mendoza was shot.

Julio Ortega, whose parents live two doors down from the liquor store, said his parents heard two gunshots at about 2 a.m. Ortega said the neighborhood didn't use to feel as dangerous as it does now.

Maria Rodriguez, who owns Prestige Hair Beauty Center, said Mendoza was "a nice guy" who she often saw walking his dogs outside.

Justin Zaremba may be reached at jzaremba@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JustinZarembaNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Gallery preview

Man accused of killing 2 by supplying them with heroin

0
0

Hernandez also gave out fatal overdoses in March and in July

Screen Shot 2015-10-20 at 4.01.09 PM.pngAngel Hernandez (Passaic County Prosecutor) 

CLIFTON -- A 38-year-old Elmwood Park man has been arrested on charges that he caused two men to die by supplying them with heroin in two separate incidents in Clifton, according to the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office.

Angel Hernandez was charged by the Passaic prosecutor and Clifton police with two counts of strict liability for drug induced-death, said Passaic Prosecutor Camelia Valdes.

Hernandez allegedly caused the heroin overdose deaths of Eric Somesia, 24, of Paterson, in March, and of Daniel Renois, 23, of Clifton, in July, according to the prosecutor.

The prosecutor's statement does not say whether Hernandez was a user of the heroin.

Hernandez is being held on a total of $300,000 bail, with no 10-percent option, and has a court appearance scheduled on Thursday, Valdes said.


RELATED: Drug dealer in fatal overdose gets 6 years, report says

Strict liability for a drug-induced death is a first-degree charge that imposes a maximum sentence of 20 years, 85 percent of which must be served before a defendant may be released on parole. Hernandez faces up to 40 years for the two counts.

Hernandez was charged following an investigation by the Clifton Police Department and the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office Homicide Unit, Valdes said.

Ben Horowitz may be reached at bhorowitz@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @HorowitzBen. Find NJ.com on Facebook. 

 
Gallery preview 

Second suspect in Clifton killing held on $1M bail

0
0

First suspect, 17, pleads not guilty in court Tuesday

CLIFTON -- An 18-year-old city man was arrested Monday in connection with the murder of a liquor store worker last week, Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia Valdes said in a statement Tuesday.

19011711-mmmain.jpgA memorial to Leandro Mendoza can be seen near Lexington Liquor in Clifton, where the 21-year-old employee was shot and killed last week. (Justin Zaremba | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)  

Clifton police and prosecutor's investigators arrested Owen Soltis and charged him with murder, robbery, unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. Soltis, who was being held on $1 million bail, faces 30 years to life on the murder charge alone if he's convicted, Valdes said.  


RELATED: Suspect in fatal Clifton shooting pleads not guilty 


Early on Friday, Leandro Mendoza, 21, was shot and killed as he stood outside Lexington Liquors with another employee. The gunman's face was covered, authorities said.

A 17-year-old suspect was previously arrested and appeared in family court Tuesday, where he pleaded not guilty to murder, weapons offenses and other charges. An assistant prosecutor, Jennifer Bedrin, said she may seek to have the youth tried as an adult.

Paul Milo may be reached at pmilo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @PaulMilo2. FindNJ.com on Facebook

Gallery preview 

 

Paterson man sentenced to 15 years for dumbbell killing, report says

0
0

A Paterson man was sentenced Tuesday in Superior Court in Paterson to 15 years in prison for killing a man he said was his boyfriend, the Record reported.

jjgavelA Paterson man was sentenced to 15 years in prison for killing a man he said was his boyfriend. (File Photo) 

PATERSON -- A Paterson man was sentenced Tuesday in Superior Court in Paterson to 15 years in prison for killing a man he said was his boyfriend, the Record reported.

Esteban Castillo, 35, pleaded guilty in August to killing William Vasconcello, 30. Castillo admitted he struck Vasconcello several times with a 25-pound metal dumbbell during an argument on Oct. 18, 2013.

Castillo apologized for killing Vasconcello in court Tuesday.

Vasconcello's relatives called Castillo a coward, animal, liar, loser and other names at the sentencing. They insisted that Castillo was not gay.

Myles Ma may be reached at mma@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MylesMaNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Gallery preview

N.J. Assembly candidate who wrote book filled with slurs campaigning again

0
0

Earlier this month, Anthony Cappola announced he was dropping his candidacy for a state Assembly seat when a book he once wrote filled with racial and ethnic slurs was unearthed

TRENTON -- Earlier this month, it appeared Anthony Cappola would no longer be running in New Jersey's state Assembly elections this year.

The Republican candidate dropped his bid for a seat in north Jersey's 38th District after a book he wrote a dozen years ago filled with racial and ethnic slurs was unearthed. And his party was waging a legal battle to get a replacement candidate on the ballot.

But less than three weeks later, the GOP's fight to replace him has failed and Cappola has revived his campaign. And now, he's causing a stir by announcing he will take part in the race's scheduled debate Wednesday night.

It's the latest chapter in what has suddenly become the weirdest race in the Assembly elections -- which top the ticket in New Jersey this year -- with two weeks until Election Day.

"I have nothing to hide," Cappola, 41, told Politico New Jersey on Tuesday. "I have been thoroughly vetted out there in the public. I've been apologetic sincerely about it. And what I did in my 20s -- it's a raunchy, insensitive book. ... I am really looking forward to the debate."


RELATED: Republicans drop lawsuit to replace N.J. Assembly candidate


Cappola -- who also resigned his seat on the River Edge council amid the book controversy -- did not return a message from NJ Advance Media seeking comment Tuesday.

But his former running mate, Mark DiPisa, said Tuesday he will boycott the debate if Cappola participates. The event is sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Bergen County and is scheduled for Wednesday night at Paramus High School.

DiPisa, a Hasbrouck Heights attorney, said in a statement that Cappola "is not a legitimate candidate in this race, and I refuse to validate his candidacy by sharing the stage with him."

Cappola and DiPisa are running against Democratic incumbents Tim Eustace and Joseph Lagana in the 38th District, which includes parts of Bergen and Passaic counties. 

The race had been considered one of the few in the state in which Republicans had a legitimate shot at picking up seats in the Assembly, the lower house of the state Legislature. Republicans are hoping to gain seats in the house, which is currently controlled by Democrats, 48-32. The state Senate is also controlled by Democrats.

But Cappola announced Oct. 1 that he was quitting the race after his 2003 book "Outrageous!" came to light. The self-published book includes rants against homosexuals, women, Muslims, Asians, John Tesh, and Britney Spears, among other subjects. 

Though the deadline had passed to remove Cappola's name from the ballot, Republicans filed a last-ditch lawsuit to replace him with Fernando Alonso, a lawyer from Oradell.

The party -- which would have to shoulder the cost to get new ballots printed -- dropped the suit last week after realizing that would cost $200,000.

That meant Cappola's name will remain on the ballot next to DiPisa's. And Cappola said he returned to the campaign trail to clear his name.

He told The Star-Ledger this week that his book was inspired by his fandom of a shock-rock radio legend when he was younger. 

"I was really into Howard Stern," Capolla said. "I grew up. I'm not the same person. I went and apologized in private to select people, especially my lesbian neighbor. I DJ at gay weddings. I'm not a racist. I'm not a bigot. I know what's in my heart."

Bob Yudin, chairman of the Republican Party in Bergen County, was vague when asked about the flap over Cappola's participation in Wednesday's debate.

"Mr. Cappola submitted a letter withdrawing his candidacy," Yudin said. "He is still on the ballot because the withdrawal came after the deadline to finalize the ballot. The (local party) nor I have anything else to say."

Barbara King, vice president for voter services for the League of Women Voters of Bergen County, said Cappola is allowed to participate in the debate because his name is still on the ballot. 

King added that it's "unfortunate" DiPisa has decided not to take part -- but noted there will be a seat on the stage reserved for him. She said DiPisa can also submit a statement that the moderator would read at the event. 

"It would be interesting to hear Mr. DiPisa's stance on the issues, as it would be interesting to hear any candidate's stance on the issues," King said. "It's unfortunate this issue has caused District 38 to be of a greater interest instead of looking at the issues."

Ben Dworkin, a political science professor at Rider University, said the race will now be less competitive because Republicans failed in their effort to replace Cappola's name on the ballot. 

"Simply by being on the ballot, every news story becomes focused on him and his writings as opposed to the issues," Dworkin said. "That's the nature of the beast."

MORE POLITICS

Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @johnsb01. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.

Gallery preview 

A call for carbon monoxide detectors in N.J. buildings, Booker's quick turn on Iran | Letters

0
0

I want to thank Assemblyman Gary Schaer (D-Passaic) for following-up on legislation that would require carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in New Jersey's buildings. On December 6, 2014, I experienced unimaginable loss during a tragic CO accident in Passaic City. My son, Noel Korman, and his friend, Alice Park, lost their lives to carbon monoxide poisoning in a recording studio in...

I want to thank Assemblyman Gary Schaer (D-Passaic) for following-up on legislation that would require carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in New Jersey's buildings.

On December 6, 2014, I experienced unimaginable loss during a tragic CO accident in Passaic City. My son, Noel Korman, and his friend, Alice Park, lost their lives to carbon monoxide poisoning in a recording studio in an old mixed-use industrial building. Twelve additional victims were hospitalized and released. Within days of this tragedy, Rep. Schaer's office reached out to our family to get support for changes to building codes that would require CO detectors.

The final step to making this a law is approval by Gov. Chris Christie. I am pleading with Gov. Christie to approve this legislation as soon as possible. According to the National Fire Protection Association, approximately 50 percent of CO incidents reported to local fire departments occur between the months of November and February, peaking in December.

While it is too late for my family as well as the Park family, I hope that the governor will act quickly to make sure that another winter doesn't pass without requiring CO detectors.

Ray Korman

Clifton

Booker's quick turn on Iran

I read with interest about Sen. Cory Booker's new found concern about Iran and Israel's security. Too little, too late. If he truly cared about Israel's security and that of the U.S., as well, he would have voted no on the Iran nuclear deal. Instead, despite pointing out all of the deal's flaws, he chose Iran over Israel.

Now, in a belated attempt to appease his constituency, he is supporting legislation with no teeth that supposedly holds Iran accountable. I think he's looking for some political cover. If he was up for re-election in 2016 instead of 2020, I think he would have voted against the deal. After all, isn't a politician's main goal to get elected? I think Booker is hoping N.J. voters have a short memory. I'm hoping they don't.

David Twersky

Elizabeth

Follow The Star-Ledger on Twitter @starledger. Find The Star-Ledger on Facebook.

Paterson drug raid yields arrests, heroin, loaded gun

0
0

A drug raid Tuesday yielded two arrests, more than 1,000 envelopes of heroin and a loaded handgun, police said.

paterson police carA drug raid in Paterson yielded two arrest, heroin and a handgun, Oct. 20, 2015, police said. (File photo) 

PATERSON -- A drug raid Tuesday yielded two arrests, more than 1,000 envelopes of heroin and a loaded handgun, police said.

The Paterson Police Narcotics Unit raided a house on North 4th street at 5 p.m., city police director Jerry Speziale said.

Police arrested city residents Floyd Bynum, 33, and Jullius McCutchen, 28, Speziale said. Bynum was allegedly selling 500 glassine envelopes of heroin to McCutchen.

Bynum had another 500 envelopes of heroin and a bag of marijuana, Speziale said. McCutchen allegedly had 520 envelopes of heroin and a loaded Glock 9 mm handgun with hollow-point bullets.


RELATED: Paterson man sentenced to 15 years for dumbbell killing

The Glock had been stolen out of Pennyslvania, Speziale said. Police confiscated alleged drug proceeds of $3,520 from Bynum and $342 from McCutchen.

They each face multiple drug charges. McCutchen was charged for possession of a stolen handgun.

Speziale credited the collaboration of the community for the arrests.

"Those that think they can hide inside a location and sell drugs are only fooling themselves, as we will continue to rid our city of illegal drugs," he said.

Myles Ma may be reached at mma@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MylesMaNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Gallery preview

Motorcyclist who fled police injured after crashing bike, cops say

0
0

A motorcyclist who fled a traffic stop by speeding past stopped school buses and later crashed his bike was arrested after trying to flee the scene on foot, police said.

police lights file photo.jpgLaurance "Spike" Varelis, 31, of Haledon, was charged with 14 motor vehicle summonses as well as criminal eluding and resisting arrest, Wayne police said. 

WAYNE -- A motorcyclist who fled a traffic stop by speeding past stopped school buses and later crashed his bike was arrested on Tuesday after trying to flee the scene on foot, police said.

Laurance "Spike" Varelis, 31, of Haledon, was charged with 14 motor vehicle summonses as well as criminal eluding and resisting arrest, Wayne police Capt. Laurence Martin said in a news release.

Officer Michael Polifrone saw a black Yamaha motorcycle driving recklessly and at a high rate of speed eastbound on Ratzer Road and initiated a traffic stop at Ratzer Road and Mayfair Drive, Martin said. As the officer exited his marked vehicle, the motorcycle sped off.

The officer didn't follow the motorcyclist, who sped past stopped school buses, due to the volume of traffic but he broadcast a description of the motorcycle to surrounding patrol units.


MORE: Motorist arrested after high-speed rollover crash, Wayne police say

Moments later, a 911 caller reported a motorcycle crash in the area of 1400 Ratzer Road and that the driver, who appeared injured, fled on foot but left behind his shoes.

Polifrone responded the scene where he confirmed the motorcycle in the roadway was the same one he had observed earlier, Martin said. Patrol units began scouring the area for the motorcyclist when Officer Damien Esposito saw an individual matching the 911 caller's description -- as the man was without shoes and appeared to be bleeding from his right arm, he said.

The motorcyclist, who was later identified as Varelis, refused to comply with officers and began struggling to get away but he was ultimately placed in custody, Martin said.

He was taken and later admitted to St. Joseph's Medical Center in Paterson for treatment of injuries sustained in the motorcycle crash.

Esposito was transported to Chilton Hospital for a check-up because he was covered in Varelis' blood and sustained a slight injury to his right hand, Martin said. The officer was later released from the hospital.

Information on Varelis' bail or additional complaints wasn't immediately available, Martin said.

Justin Zaremba may be reached at jzaremba@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JustinZarembaNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Gallery preview 

Paterson man shot multiple times, police say

0
0

A city man was shot early Wednesday, police said.

paterson police carA Paterson man was shot, Oct. 21, 2015, police said. (File photo) 

PATERSON -- A city man was shot early Wednesday, police said.

The city's ShotSpotter system detected gunfire at about 2 a.m. on East 22nd Street near 12th Avenue, Paterson Police Detective Capt. Heriberto Rodriguez said.

Police couldn't find a victim when they searched the area, Rodriguez said. While they were there, St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center reported that a man who had been shot had shown up at the hospital trauma center.

The 33-year-old had gunshot wounds in the upper torso, Rodriguez said. He was in stable condition as of Wednesday afternoon.

Police are investigating the shooting. Anyone with information should call city Detective Roland Polio or Passaic County Prosecutor's Office Detective Michael Boone at (973) 321-1432, or leave an anonymous tip on patersonpd.com.

Myles Ma may be reached at mma@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MylesMaNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
Gallery preview

Third teen charged in murder of 21-year-old man in Clifton

0
0

A 17-year-old Paterson boy has been charged with murder, armed robbery, possession of a firearm and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, Detective Sgt. Robert Bracken said.

Clifton murder outside Lexington LiquorsThe city teenager accused of the murder of a 21-year-old employee Lexington Liquor has pleaded not guilty, authorities said. Pictured in the right foreground, a memorial set up outside the liquor store for the slain employee.

CLIFTON -- A third teenager has been charged in connection with the murder of a liquor store worker last week, police said.

A 17-year-old Paterson boy has been charged with murder, armed robbery, possession of a firearm and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, Detective Sgt. Robert Bracken said.

Two others have also been charged with the murder of 21-year-old Leandro Mendoza: Owen Soltis, 18, of Clifton, and a 17-year-old Clifton boy.


RELATED: Suspect in fatal Clifton shooting pleads not guilty


Mendoza was shot and killed as he stood outside Lexington Liquors with another employee early Friday morning. The gunman's face was covered, authorities said.

Both 17-year-old boys have been remanded to the Essex County Juvenile Detention Center. Their names have not been released because they're juveniles.

Authorities have not yet provided more information regarding a motive behind the slaying.

Soltis, who was being held on $1 million bail, faces 30 years to life on the murder charge alone if he's convicted, authorities said.

Jennifer Bedrin, an assistant prosecutor, previously told NJ Advance Media she may seek to have to have the 17-year-old Clifton boy tried as an adult.

Justin Zaremba may be reached at jzaremba@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JustinZarembaNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
Gallery preview
Viewing all 4499 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images