The confrontation escalated with the two throwing punches at each other as onlookers shouted, according to the video. When your child was young, visiting the pediatrician was quite an event. Bridgewater Township Officer Brian Shubert was suspended for 180 days in 2021 for "Truthfulness." Although an investigation is still gathering the facts about this incident, Im deeply disturbed by what appears to be racially disparate treatment in this video," Gov. Carrier Clinic, Taxes in Retirement Seminar on March 7th and 9th at Raritan Valley Community College. My grandparents were from Bound Brook, and I used to go through Bridgewater to go see them, he said. The teen and his mother could not be reached for comment Wednesday. Proudly created with. Video of New Jersey officers pinning down and handcuffing - CBS News Somerset County 4-H Fair and theSomerset County July 4th Celebration. SOLD OUT! A new program aimed at beefing up community policing in Bridgewater is scheduled to make its debut in the coming months. Im just glad it happened where there were a whole bunch of eyes on the situation, cause I dont know what would have happened.. 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. "ZKye, an 8th grader, was noble to defend his friend from bullies; however, it is evident that officers immediately assumed that because of the color of ZKyes skin, him acting nobly was not even in the realm of possibility. Bridgewater school district officials are warning parents of a fake email account claiming to be a Bridgewater-Raritan Regional official. Bridgewater/Raritan, NJ Local News | TAPinto New Jersey Attorney General's Office investigation into Bridgewater Police's handling of a teen mall fight in February 2022 is complete. 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. February 16, 20223:11 PM ET. "Same offense, suspension until ultimate resignation. Removal Requests "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. Bystanders stepped in to restrain Faris N. Salem of South Bound Brook until Bridgewater Police Officers arrived, according to the report. Martin was convicted of driving while intoxicated(DWI) while on duty. Bridgewater NJ mall fight: NAACP wants police officer removal We talked about thepride we had post the murder of George Floyd, we had thousands of demonstrations and very, very few incidents. The video cuts off at this point. The female officer appears to place her. Raritan Headwaters is hosting its 33rd annual stream cleanup on April 15 to clean select branches of the Raritan River. A Sherlin Drive resident reported Dec. 22 that their vehicle was stolen from their driveway. Smith isn't the only person calling for the officers' removal. Officer Patrick Knapp was promoted to sergeant. Rashid was issued the following summonses: DWI, Careless Driving, Failure to Report a Crash and Leaving the Scene of a Crash. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. "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.". Violation of the Department Mission Statement. Bridgewater Township Mayor Matthew Moench acknowledged the video Tuesday, and New Jersey Gov. All results are expected to be certified Feb. 23. 2023 Bridgewater Police Department. "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. The Bridgewater Police Department, with seventy-eight officers, serves and protects a diverse residential population of over 45,000 persons. 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. 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. A person in the background is heard saying: Yo, its cause hes Black. Homeowner injured, pets die in Hillsborough townhouse fire: police. Bridgewater News, Breaking News in Bridgewater, NJ Violation of the Employee Handbook concerning the use of Township vehicles. The report displays the names and agencies of officers who were fired, demoted in rank or suspended for more than five days. "There is no threat to the high school," he said. Internal Affairs. The 2021 report also shows 17 agencies in the county had no police with major violations. 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 Police Department100 Commons Way Bridgewater, NJ 08807. Matt Kemper, who worked at his family's former business Kemper Pontiac Cadillac, was last seen in Las Vegas on Jan. 5. Bridgewater/Raritan, NJ Police & Fire | TAPinto 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. Black teen handcuffed by police at mall while white teen was scared of what could've happened. Sustained charges against Martin included: Martin was also previously suspended for 55 days in 2020 on the same violation, according to the report released in August 2021. Bridgewater/Raritan, NJ Police & Fire Section | TAPinto BRIDGEWATER, NJ - Bridgewater Township is one of many receiving a grant from the state for 2020 recycling efforts, according to a release. Officers responded to Commons Way March 21 at 7:15 p.m. for a single vehicle crash with injuries. Reporting for duty under the influence of alcohol. 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. In 2021, then-Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal's ordered all New Jersey law-enforcement agencies to publicly release certain disciplinary info. a video showing twoofficers breaking up a fight between two teens, one Black and one white, at Bridgewater Commons over the weekend went viral, Black teen restrained by police in Bridgewater fight hires George Floyd's family lawyer, Tasers, hailed as a way to avoid deadly police shootings, are seldom used in NJ, NJ AG reveals names of cops who have been suspended, demoted, terminated, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com. Racially motivated.. 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. Brendan M. Heffernan, 46, of Maplewood, Copyright 2023 TAP IP LLC, All rights reserved. The officer lied about an illness and failed to report for duty, causing overtime for the department," read the report. 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. Were committed to increasing trust between law enforcement and the people they serve," Murphy wrote on Twitter. International Womens Day Event! Sienna's . 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. A pedestrian crash on I-287 in Bridgewater has prompted commuting delays Thursday morning, authorities said. New Jersey: After Bridgewater Commons mall fight, NAACP calls for police officers removal. Hospitality Opportunities in Food Services, Housekeeping And Others! A former New Jersey police chief has a lot to say about a viral video showing a fight at the Bridgewater Commons Mall and . New Jersey State Police and Finderne Volunteer Firefighters came out to the snowy scene to help early Tuesday morning. | Parks and trails will be closed at the Bridgewater park due to firearm use, officials said. "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. His mother, Ebon, who only shared her first name to NBC New York, was outraged. 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. He was kind of saying, like, Youre a little kid, youre my little pet, and stuff like that, he told NBC New York. A driver involved in a Friday morning crash with a utility pole on Route 202 in Branchburg was hospitalized, officials said. | Copyright 2023 TAP IP LLC, All rights reserved. News & Press Releases. The officer failed to call out sick for multiple days, according to the report. Shelley Mugavero, 27, of Bridgewater, was arrested at 7:04 p.m. Jan. 30 for driving while intoxicated after being found unresponsive in a vehicle on the shoulder of Route 22 eastbound. Somerset County Sheriffs Office - Corrections Division. BridgewaterSHIELD's first phase includes a Citizens Police Academy, Virtual Reality Training for the public, and Coffee with Police Staff. Sarah Berkovits began her career as a substitute teacher in the Bridgewater-Raritan school system before moving to Buildings and Grounds. Top Somerset County official saddened by incident at Bridgewater mall Video showing how police treat Black and White teens in mall - MSN Bridgewater Township Municipal Building 100 Commons Way, Bridgewater, NJ 08807 (908) 725-6300 Monday- Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM They were two different reporting periods per the AGs reporting requirements, however, the suspension was consecutive," said Bernards Township Police Chief Michael Shimsky. Feb 17, 2022, 2:45pmUpdated on Feb 17, 2022. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. 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. As the Black teen is being handcuffed on the ground, the white teen is seen standing up looking at the officers before the female officer sits him back on the couch as the Black teen is lifted off the ground by the male officer. . Matt Kemper had gone missing on Jan. 5 and was last seen in Las Vegas, Nevada. But days after then-Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin murdered George Floyd in May 2020, Grewal issued several directives involving police reform. According to police, officers BRIDGEWATER, NJ - Bridgewater Township celebrated the promotions of several township officers at a ceremony at the end of November. The Bridgewater Police Department, with seventy-eight officers, serves and protects a diverse residential population of over 45,000 persons. Bridgewater Township officer Anne Alosi was suspended for 180 days in 2020 for "Neglect of Duty and Truthfulness. Z'Kye's family has retained civil rights attorney Ben Crump, the law firm announced Thursday. At about 2:29 a.m., a Volkswagen Tiguan was traveling in the left lane of southbound I-287 and a pedestrian, Alfred Hernandez, was walking near the left lane ahead of the vehicle, State Police said. A car pulled over and left the dog on the side of the road earlier this month, said police. Bridgewater found itself in the eye of a media storm after a 15-second video went viral of a fight between two teenagers at Bridgewater Commons that was broken up by two township police. 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. John Mitzak Sworn in as New Bridgewater Police Chief BRIDGEWATER, NJ - A 25-year career police officer in Bridgewater Township, John Mitzak was sworn . Z'Kye said of being restrained: I was, like, calm, because I knew not to be scared. Bridgewater Mall Investigation Continues, Officials Want Answers Suzanne Russell is a breaking news reporter for MyCentralJersey.com covering crime, courts and other mayhem. Bound Brook Police used a garden hose on the fire before volunteer firefighters arrived and extinguished the blaze. Getting things done around the house has never been easier. We will get back to you as soon as possible. A Bridgewater Officer was also named to this list. 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. "The Black kid was the only one who was getting tackled," she said. Martin reportedly has since resigned from the police department. 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. After several seconds of punching, two uniformed Bridgewater police officers ran onto the scene and pulled the two apart. 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At the same time, the white youth, at least equally at fault for the fight as his Black counterpart, was carefully eased onto a couch and treated like a victim," said Smith, adding that this issomething Blacks in New Jersey experience too often. Bridgewater police have called for an internal affairs investigation with assistance from the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office. South Bound Brook childrens book author Apara Mahal Sylvester's new book, Mousies Way Home, focuses on the plight of feral cats. Bridgewater Crime & Safety News | Bridgewater, NJ Patch NJ School Aid 2023: Whos Getting More, Whos Getting Less, Bridgewater Schools To Gain $1.1M In State Aid Next Year. Police Blotter; Emergency Alert; About Us. Route 22 East was closed for about an hour on Monday morning as a result, said Bridgewater Police. 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 Bridgewater Commons over the weekend. Smith said the state conference was disappointed to see police actions "irrefutably showing the disparate treatment of African-Americans in our police institutions.". News about Central Jersey and New Jersey for the Courier News community. The burns are taking place on Monday in three locations across Somerset County. pic.twitter.com/ThJPQFNEzO. Bridgewater mall fight: Attorney considers civil rights lawsuit - Yahoo! Violation of the Department Code of Ethics. 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. 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. | 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. 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!! "We recognize that this video has made members of our community upset and are calling for an internal affairs investigation. 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. Franchise TAP. Bus Trip-American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, NJ - Trip is Full Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. 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. The Black teen, ZKye Husain, 14, said the dispute started when he stood up to the other boy, who is older, for picking on his friend. Failure to conduct himself with high ethical standards. 1:16. 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. ", Discipline:NJ AG reveals names of cops who have been suspended, demoted, terminated. The incident follows a sordid history. Morristown NJ man killed walking along Route 287 in Bridgewater "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. Marlene Lenthang is a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital. The Bridgewater Police Department addressed the incident Monday in a statement on its Facebook page. 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 . Bound Brook Police released photos of a dark-colored vehicle (appears to be a Ford Escape) wanted in connection with the abandoned dog. The Attorney General completed its investigation and sent a comprehensive Internal Affairs Report and Findings to Bridgewater in Sept. 2022. The state is awarding about $16.2 million in grants. The campaign raises awareness about the dangers of impaired driving through a combo of high-visibility enforcement and public education. 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. We strive to enhance the quality of life for all members of the community. We have to let the investigation play out. An Adamsville Road resident reported Feb. 6 that someone stole a motor vehicle from the driveway of his residence. This is another example of the kind of racial bias that we need to root out of our system of policing. 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!! Terms of Use New Jersey police department calls for investigation after viral video. BRIDGEWATER, NJ - Bridgewater Township is one of many receiving a grant from the state for 2020 recycling efforts, according to a release. TAP in the News To register complaints about emails from TAPinto.net, please email. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. RARITAN, NJ - Raritan Borough Police have released the police blotter for the end of October and beginning of November. 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. That video says it all," he said. Susan Loyer covers Middlesex County and more for MyCentralJersey.com. 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. New Jersey State Police and Finderne Volunteer Firefighters came out to the snowy scene to help early Tuesday morning.