Criminal Law

Glen Rock Starbucks' sign vandalized with red paint, police investigating as bias crime

Glen Rock Starbucks' sign vandalized with red paint, police investigating as bias crime

Feb. 20 (ZFJ) — Glen Rock police are investigating vandalism of the Glen Rock Starbucks’ sign as a bias incident. At 8:05 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 19, the manager of the Starbucks at 224 Rock Road in the borough’s Central Business District notified police that red paint had been splashed over the café’s sign at the corner of Rock Road and Glen Avenue. The responding officer also found stickers on the sign with messages related to the Israel-Hamas war.
Recovered firearm in Union Catholic High School leads to lockdowns, student arrested

Recovered firearm in Union Catholic High School leads to lockdowns, student arrested

SCOTCH PLAINS, N.J., Feb. 7 (ZFJ) — The discovery of a firearm in Union Catholic High School on Monday, Jan. 22, resulted in lockdowns at nearby schools and the arrest of one student. The Scotch Plains Police Department said in a press release that it received a call at about 10:45 a.m. from a Union Catholic administrator concerning a handgun that had been recovered in the school. The school was placed on lockdown, and Scotch Plains police officers recovered the weapon.
Edison police charge van driver with leaving disabled person in vehicle overnight

Edison police charge van driver with leaving disabled person in vehicle overnight

EDISON, N.J., Jan. 13 (ZFJ) — Winnie Raini, 53, of Edison, has been charged with leaving an adult female with a developmental disability in a van overnight while employed as a private transportation driver, announced Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Chief Thomas Bryan of the Edison Police Department. Authorities began investigating allegations of neglect on Jan. 3, according to the criminal complaint against Raini. According to the aide for the developmentally delayed female, the woman is transported by van back to her residence twice a week.
Perth Amboy Magnet carpentry teacher charged with criminal sexual contact

Perth Amboy Magnet carpentry teacher charged with criminal sexual contact

Dec. 23 (ZFJ) — Edward White, 56, of Tinton Falls, N.J., was arrested on charges of inappropriately touching students on Dec. 13, announced Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Chief Lawrence Cattano of the Perth Amboy Police Department. In a statement on Dec. 14, a Thursday, Middlesex County Magnet Schools Superintendent Jorge E. Diaz said that the school district became aware of an “alleged incident involving a teacher and a student” on Dec.
Edison police arrest Maryland attempted murder suspect after car chase

Edison police arrest Maryland attempted murder suspect after car chase

EDISON, N.J., Dec. 6 (ZFJ) — A suspect wanted for attempted murder in Maryland was arrested by Edison police after an hour-long motor vehicle pursuit on Sunday, Dec. 3. At 20:13 on Sunday, Edison police dispatch received a Sirius XM alert that a stolen white 2019 Subaru Outback with Maryland license plates had entered the township near U.S. Highway 1 and Main Street. While near 2900 Woodbridge Avenue, Edison Police Officer Phil Smith saw the vehicle traveling at a high speed and began tailing it.
Police: South Plainfield man shot three of his family members, called 911

Police: South Plainfield man shot three of his family members, called 911

SOUTH PLAINFIELD, N.J., Nov. 30 (ZFJ) — Authorities have accused Om Brahmbhatt, 23, of fatally shooting three of his family members on Monday at the Traditions condominium complex. The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office has charged Brahmbhatt with three counts of first-degree murder and three counts of second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. According to an affidavit submitted by the police to establish probable cause for an arrest warrant, South Plainfield Police Department officers responded to a 911 call on Monday, Nov.
Man charged for South Plainfield condo complex triple killing

Man charged for South Plainfield condo complex triple killing

SOUTH PLAINFIELD, N.J., Nov. 28 (ZFJ) — A South Plainfield man has been arrested and charged in connection with the Coppola Drive shooting on Monday, Nov. 27, announced Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Chief Peter Papa of the South Plainfield Police Department. Om Brahmbhatt, 23, was arrested without incident and charged with three counts of first-degree murder and three counts of second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.
Grand jury clears Edison cops for April 2022 fatal shooting

Grand jury clears Edison cops for April 2022 fatal shooting

EDISON, N.J., Oct. 15 (ZFJ) — A state grand jury declined to criminally charge two Edison police officers who shot Merrill Rambarose, 49, of Edison on April 12, 2022. Witness interviews, photographs, video footage of the shooting, and autopsy results were presented to the grand jury, which concluded deliberations on Sept. 25 and voted “no bill”—meaning Officers Daniel Bradley and Joseph Elqumos will not have criminal charges filed against them.
Edison middle school teacher charged with possession of child pornography

Edison middle school teacher charged with possession of child pornography

EDISON, N.J., Aug. 30 (ZFJ) — Edison middle school teacher Julius Coaccioli, 55, was arrested and charged with third-degree possession of child pornography on Wednesday, Aug. 30, announced Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Woodbridge Police Department Director Robert Hubner. Coaccioli taught science at Woodrow Wilson Middle School at the time of his arrest. According to public payroll records, he has worked for the Edison Board of Education since September 1992.
Pittsburgh synagogue shooter sentenced to death

Pittsburgh synagogue shooter sentenced to death

Aug. 7 (ZFJ) — Robert Bowers, 50, was sentenced to death by U.S. District Judge Robert J. Colville on Thursday, Aug. 3, for killing 11 congregants, wounding two others, and injuring five police officers at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. “I have nothing specific that I care to say to Mr. Bowers,” Colville said, according to The Associated Press. “I am however convinced there is nothing I could say to him that might be meaningful.