Two Dozen New Jersey Street Gang Members Busted for Drug Trafficking (2024)

Washington, D.C. – Detectives are investigating a homicide that occurred in a Northeast residence.

On Wednesday, June 12, at approximately 9:22 a.m., officers discovered an adult male with a gunshot wound inside a residence in the 4100 block of Hayes Street, Northeast. The victim, identified as 35-year-old James Edward King, III, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to call the police at (202) 727-9099 or text a tip to 50411. A reward of up to $25,000 is offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

Washington, D.C. – The Metropolitan Police Department is requesting the community’s assistance in identifying a suspect observed carrying a firearm.

On Thursday, June 13, at approximately 12:30 p.m., the suspect was seen with a firearm in the 1500 block of Benning Road, Northeast.

Surveillance cameras captured images of the suspect.

Anyone with information about the suspect or the incident is urged to call the police at (202) 727-9099 or text a tip to 50411. A reward of up to $1,000 is offered for information leading to an arrest and indictment.

TRENTON, NJ – Authorities are currently investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Tuesday evening in Trenton, as announced by Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri. The incident has drawn the involvement of the Mercer County Homicide Task Force alongside the Trenton Police Department.

Responding to a shot spotter activation around 5:10 PM on June 11, 2024, at the intersection of Stuyvesant Avenue and Hoffman Avenue, Trenton patrol units arrived at the scene. Subsequently, they were informed that two gunshot victims had been transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center. While one male was treated and released, the other victim, identified as Jonathan Applegate from Trenton, succumbed to multiple gunshot injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital.

The investigation into this shooting is actively ongoing. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward and assist by contacting MCHTF Detective Karl Johnston at (609) 439-5248 or Sgt. Roberto Reyes at (609) 256-0997. Tips can also be sent via email to mchtftips@mercercounty.org.

TRENTON, NJ – The Assembly Housing Committee has favorably reported with amendments Assembly Bill No. 3791, termed the "New Jersey Online Foreclosure Sale Act." Dated June 13, 2024, the bill aims to modernize the process of selling foreclosed properties by allowing these transactions to occur in an online, public forum.

The proposed legislation does not change the timeline for foreclosure sales but significantly alters how these sales are noticed. Under the new bill, notices for foreclosure sales must be published online, specifically on the website where the sale will be conducted. This move is expected to increase bidder participation and potentially raise the final sale prices, benefiting both creditors and debtors.

Key amendments include allowing counties to contract with vendors to manage online foreclosure sales on behalf of sheriffs or other authorized personnel. The bill emphasizes the need for vendors to have a proven track record in creating competitive auctions that maximize financial recovery for all parties involved.

Additional requirements set by the bill for online foreclosure sales include:

• Mandatory identity verification for all bidders before they can place bids.
• A comprehensive registration process for bidders, which collects necessary identification and contact information.
• Checks against the federal Office of Foreign Assets Control Sanctions List before finalizing any property purchase.

The bill also introduces flexibility in payment methods and timelines for the deposit and balance payments, which were previously restricted to cash or certified check. Now, the successful bidder can pay the 20% deposit immediately after the sale concludes or within a timeframe set by the sheriff, with continued flexibility on payment methods for the balance.

The Assembly Housing Committee's amendments also remove the necessity to repost online sales notices if a sale must resume due to a default by the winning bidder.

This legislation represents a significant step toward modernizing property transactions in New Jersey, aiming to make the foreclosure sale process more accessible and efficient.

MOUNT RAINIER, MD – The City of Mount Rainier has issued a statement addressing the concerns raised by residents regarding the temporary staffing adjustments at the Bunker Hill Fire Station and other locations within Prince George's County. These changes, effective from July 1 to October 1, 2024, are aimed at managing a critical shortage of firefighters that has led to mandatory overtime and excessive use of callbacks and holdovers.

City officials, including Mayor Celina Benitez and Councilmember Valerie Woodall, have consulted with Prince George’s County Fire Department Chief Tiffany Green. Chief Green has reassured the community that the summer staffing strategy is based on thorough research and will not compromise emergency response capabilities. The Bunker Hill Fire Station will retain its Battalion Chief, and emergency services in the area will continue without interruption.

In response to the staffing changes, the City of Mount Rainier is taking proactive measures. The Mount Rainier Volunteer Fire Department (MRVFD), under the leadership of Chief Jason Fisher, is coordinating with the Brentwood Volunteer Fire Department to supplement staffing at the Bunker Hill Station with volunteers. The city also continues to support the recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters through budget discussions and funding initiatives.

The city has committed to biweekly meetings with Chief Green to monitor the situation and make necessary adjustments. Additionally, the community will be kept informed about any new developments related to the fire department's staffing and response capabilities.

Residents with inquiries or those interested in joining the fire service can contact the city council at council@mountrainiermd.org or explore career opportunities with the Prince George’s County Fire and EMS.

Washington, D.C. – The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a fatal hit and run that killed a man and injured his wife on Wednesday.

Preliminary investigation revealed that on June 12, at approximately 12:17 p.m., a white Ford Taurus with dark tinted windows was traveling eastbound in the 2800 block of Alabama Avenue, Southeast, and crossing Naylor Road. The vehicle struck 62-year-old Alton Kelly and his wife as they crossed Alabama Avenue in or near the crosswalk. The Ford continued eastbound, dragging Kelly through a parking lot until he was dislodged in the 2900 block of Denver Street, Southeast. The vehicle then fled the scene.

Kelly was pronounced dead at the scene, while his wife was transported to a local hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The suspect vehicle was found empty by officers canvassing the area, but the driver remains at large.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to call the police at (202) 727-9099 or text a tip to 50411.