To avoid capture, he shot himself in the head, causing a severe wound. The prosecutors office on Friday confirmed that the shooting resulted from an ongoing workplace dispute. Gun Violence Archive (GVA) is a not for profit corporation formed in 2013 to provide free online public access to accurate information about gun-related violence in the United States. Zachary T. Rich, the director of the Hunterdon County Board of Commissioners, called the shooting "senseless." The bomb squad is examining a stolen U-Haul from the scene, according to the Jersey City Police Chief Michael Kelly. Data.MyCentralJersey.com: Search millions of NJ, US public records. Police say the other occupants were not injured as a result of the shooting, and they are not being identified. He had mentioned Hellers name as his supervisor, Williams said. All rights reserved (About Us). In announcing Wednesdays drug sweep, Paterson Public Safety Director Jerry Speziale acknowledged the rampant narcotics distribution occurring within the area., The director said the problem occurs at all times of the day and night and has affected area residents by disrupting their quality of life and placing them in fear for their safety., Speziale praised the detectives working for narcotics commander Capt. Theyre not stopping, Speziale said. "We are heartbroken at the tragic death of Russell Heller," PSE&G said in a statement shared online. The man had been arrested by the officers after they received a tip that he was carrying a concealed weapon and driving with a revoked license. New Jersey leaders are mourning the loss of a councilman who was killed in what police said was a targeted workplace shooting on Wednesday. At about 5:34 a.m. Tuesday, township police received a call from a man who said that he had gone to the Elm Drive residence to collect a debt from the homeowner, according to Somerset County Prosecutor Michael Robertson. Williams said Curtis family did not know he owned a gun. ", "This was something different," he said, adding that the gunfire "kept going and going and going without a pause.". My prayers are with his family and the Milford community.". PSE&G said it was cooperating with law enforcement in their investigation into the incident. Chantal Da Silva is a breaking news editor for NBC News Digital based in London. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Suzanne Russell is a breaking news reporter for MyCentralJersey.com covering crime, courts and other mayhem. "Investigators with the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office along with Franklin Township Police continue to investigate the circumstances which led to the homicide shooting of Mr. Russell. The man fled and was later surrounded in Union Township. All anonymous STOPit reports and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential. Officer-Involved Shooting Reported In Somerset County (DEVELOPING) One person was shot in an exchange of gunfire with police Sunday evening in Somerset County, developing reports say. ET in one part of the city, and ended following a tense standoff with police in another part of town. Multiple people have died inside a Jersey City building, Mayor Steven Fulop said. What Gary did was out of character, his cousin Robert Williams told NJ Advance Media, speaking on behalf of his family. Thursday's 4:30 a.m. shooting happened less than half a day after Paterson narcotics detectives made 22 arrests in a crackdown on a short stretch of Hamilton Avenue between Summer and Lake streets. The councilman said it was "something that I never heard in my life. You can also call the network, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741 or visitSpeakingOfSuicide.com/resourcesfor additional resources. Springfield Township Police Department, OH. What happened: The shooting started about 12:30 p.m. SOMERSET, New Jersey (WABC) -- Police in New Jersey are investigating the death of a 25-year-old man who was found with a fatal gunshot wound following a crash into a residential home. Det. Phil Murphy, speaking at a news conference tonight, expressed "an immense debt of gratitude" for a police detective killed in today's shooting. Constantly updated. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. NEW BRUNSWICK Police are investigating aFriday nightshooting that left a man injured, New Brunswick PoliceDeputy Director Joseph Miller said. The investigation has revealed that the motive for the homicide in which Mr. Curtis fatally shot Mr. Heller was due to prior employment disciplinary actions between subordinate and supervisor, the prosecutors office said in a statement. Click here to follow Daily Voice Somerset and receive free news updates. The victims: A police detective and. "I heard the first gunshot, and I looked out the window and I saw a bunch of cars," she said. He had no criminal history, according to court records. N.B. All rights reserved. Want even more control of your Reflection? The former PSE&G employee who authorities say fatally shot a supervisor in a company parking lot in Somerset County before killing himself had expressed workplace frustrations to his family. Theres no indication of terrorism in the Jersey City shooting, Department of Public Safety Director James Shea said. Around 10:15 p.m. Sept. 10, a 25-year-old Somerset man sustaineda non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the abdomen while visiting an acquaintance on Kempton Avenue, police said. Heller, 51, who was also a borough councilman in Milford, is recalled by family and colleagues as a loving father and dedicated public official. Three people were killed and seven injured in the recent shootings on Summer Street. A medevac was initially called to the scene atAmwell Road & CPL Langon Way around 6:45 p.m., initial and unconfirmed reports say. SOMERVILLE, N.J. -The Somerset County Prosecutor's Office, in commemoration of . Essex 40; Ocean 14; Salem 0; Sussex 0; No claims to the accuracy of this information are made. The company said Heller had worked as a senior distribution supervisor and had been with the firm for more than 11 years. A New Jersey council member was fatally shot in a parking lot outside his job Wednesday, just one week after another politician in the state was gunned down in her car. The Somerset County Prosecutor's Office did not immediately return Daily Voice's request for comment. . Jackie Roman may be reached at jroman@njadvancemedia.com. The police officer who was killed in today's shooting is believed to be the victim of an ambush, according to a law enforcement source. Copyright 2023 WABC-TV. Milford is in the western part of the county. Alexander Lewis, Home News Tribune and Courier News, New Brunswick police investigate Somerset Street shooting, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Phil Murphy writing on Twitter: "Our thoughts and prayers are with Russell Hellers family and friends in the wake of this tragic act of gun violence. Darla Miles reports on the fatal shooting in Somerset, NJ. IE 11 is not supported. He was survived by his wife and daughter. The other five people, including the suspects, were found dead in a building, the police chief added. NewsNow aims to be the world's most accurate and comprehensive New Jersey Shooting news aggregator, bringing you the latest headlines automatically and continuously 24/7. When is the last time the overtime you received was more than your salary? The horse . The man said the homeowner, who he knows, answered the front door of the residence, went outside and fired a single shot from a handgun at the man, Robertson said. Other local news: Plainfield shooting leaves one dead, one injured. A flag flies at half-staff in front of PSE&G Central Division Distribution Headquarters on Weston Canal Road. Earlier, Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop said three officers were injured. all 15 Reflections, Reflections Terms of Use (revised 5/31/2012), View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past. New Jersey city councilman, gunman dead in workplace shooting, another politician in the state was gunned down, New Jersey councilwoman shot dead in her car. Authorities have charged two men in the 2020 shooting death of a Salem resident. Curtis said he felt PSE&G did nothing to address it, Williams said. Jackie Roman | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, fatally shot a supervisor in a company parking lot in Somerset County before killing himself, recalled by family and colleagues as a loving father. NewsNow brings you the latest news from the world's most trusted sources on the New Jersey Shooting. "Then I saw the second gunshot go off, and then the car ran into my grandmother's car and then into the house.". Township police went to the home tocontact with the owner, Robertson said. Patrolman John Lebed and Patrolman George Dunham were shot and killed while escorting a man to get bail money. It happened on Woodland Avenue in Lawrence Harbor at around 3:09 p.m. Monday. A horse that belongs to a nonprofit organization in New Jersey was found shot to death in Pennsylvania, according to a release by the Pennsylvania State Police on Monday, May 1, 2023. The video is part of a state-mandated investigation into the police-involved death of Daniel Nevius Sr., 55, of Sicklerville, NJ, the afternoon of Jan. 22 . Theyre doing a great job.. Police . Our journalism needs your support. According to Somerset County Prosecutor John McDonald, the shooting took place at around 7 a.m. in the parking lot of PSE&G on Weston Canal Road. Manville Latest Headlines: A Bird's Eye View Of America's National Bird: Duke Farms Eagle Cam; Somerset County Government: Lord Stirling Park To Host 'Discovery Day' For All Ages; Local . Arriving officers. Two other officers who were injured in the shooting have been treated and released from the hospital, Kelly said. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. After the arrest, the subject was taken to the police station where he was booked and told he would have to pay a $250 bond. Curtis told his family about being fired last year, but did not elaborate on the reasons, Williams said. It happened . If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Dozens and dozens of handguns, he is responsible for removing from the street.. ", "I am shocked and saddened by the tragic murder of Milford Councilman Russell Heller," Republican state Rep. Tom Kean Jr. said. Russell D. Heller was shot and killed Wednesday by a former co-worker in the parking lot of a PSE&G building near the headquarters in Franklin, N.J., February 9, 2023 Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com. Alexander Lewis is an award-winning reporter and photojournalist whosework spans many topics. We join our colleagues in Milford in offering our most sincere heartfelt condolences to the Heller Family at this unimaginably difficult time for their tragic loss.". Bryant Banks, 23, was gunned down at a party around 11 p.m. on Oct. 3 in a home on Pearl Street in Penns Grove.. New Jersey Shooting News. MONTGOMERY An investigation is continuing into an incident at dawn Tuesday morning that prompted the Somerset County SWAT team to respond toan Elm Drive home in Skillman. The detectives seized4,176 packets of heroin, 194 bags of crack cocaineand $5,549 in cash, Speziale said. At about6:35 a.m. after several unsuccessful attempts to make contact with the homeowner, police askedfor Somerset County SWAT and Crisis Negotiators because of a possible barricaded person. The New Jersey Northern Regional Medical Examiner Office has classified both deaths as homicides following a post-mortem examination on Sunday. The proximity in terms of time and place of the drug sweep and the shooting scene underscores the relentless nature of Patersons street crime problem, police said. By SOMERSET COUNTY. The man, who was not wounded,. The mayor was announcing the deployment of a police mobile command center at the scene of a five-victim shooting over the weekend. A deadly shooting occurred today during an hours-long standoff between two suspects and law enforcement in Jersey City, New Jersey. One person was shot in an exchange of gunfire with police Sunday evening in Somerset County, developing reports say. Frederick's death came just days before his 26th birthday, which he and his friends had planned to celebrate Tuesday. The information and photos presented on this site have been collected from . 2023 www.mycentraljersey.com. Jersey City Councilman Jermaine Robinson told CNN affiliate News 12 New Jersey he was working in his office when he heard the gunshots from today's shooting. Around 10:15 p.m. Sept. 10, a 25-year-old Somerset man sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the abdomen while visiting an acquaintance on Kempton Avenue, police said. Additionally, two of the suspects involved in todays incident in Jersey City are among the dead inside the building, according to the source. Crime: New Brunswick police investigate Somerset Street shooting. Sayegh frequently has said Patersons shootings often are connected to the drug trade plaguing the city. Emergency medical personnel from North Plainfield Fire Department Emergency Medical Services, Medic 1 from Atlantic Health, and the New Jersey State Police North Star Medevac all responded to provided critical life-saving measures and triage the scene. "He wanted to be a youth counselor, and I told him he should definitely do it, because he was always guiding people.". Seals was working when he came upon bad guys," Kelly said. JoeMalinconico is editor of Paterson Press. Kelly said the shooting investigation will "take weeks, maybe months.". ABC7 New York 24/7 Eyewitness News Stream, Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated 4/4/2023), Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (updated 1/26/2023). Twelve alleged members of that Crips group were arrested, Paterson shooting victim illustrates an ongoing cycle of crime, prison and death, Paterson police command center returns to Carroll Street after Sunday shooting, Paterson DPW supervisors worked 95 straight hours during storm, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. While trying to reach Frederick to render aid, officers noticed that Frederick had been shot. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated 4/4/2023), Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (updated 1/26/2023). The man said the homeowner, who he knows,answered the front door of the residence, went outside and fired a single shot from a handgun at the man, Robertson said. Curtis, who was in possession of a firearm at the time, was pronounced dead shortly after. Search arrest records and find latests mugshots and bookings for Misdemeanors and Felonies. After the shooting, PSE&G released a statement saying, Russell was an admired employee and a supervisor with over 11 years of service with PSE&G, it read in part. Research editor Vinessa Erminio contributed to this report. Six people are dead, including two suspects, following a shooting in Jersey City this afternoon, the city's Police Chief Michael Kelly said. The two other officers were injured due to shrapnel, the mayor added. One teenager was killed and another was injured in a shooting near a New Jersey school on Sunday night, according to Ronald Taylor, the superintendent of the South Orange & Maplewood School District. "Russell was an admired employee," it said. Arriving officers found three shooting victimsand immediately initiated life-saving measures. Twelve alleged members of that Crips group were arrested last October in an operation headed by the attorney general's gangs unit, a crackdown that left a void that other groups have been battling to fill, law enforcement sources said. "He had two jobs, and two weeks ago, he started going back to school.". The vehicle was occupied with other passengers, but they reportedly left the scene. SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ - A Monmouth Junction man has been charged with Animal Cruelty after he tied his dog to the back of his tow truck and drove down Henderson Road, according to a press release. Just two days earlier, Mayor Andre Sayegh stood on a street corner five blocks away for a press conference about his administrations efforts to combat gun violence. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Our live coverage has ended for the night. Were sad for everyone who is involved in this situation.. Detectives were able to track Curtis down hours later to a parking lot area in Bridgewater Township, where they found him with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, it said. Police have yet to identify a potential suspect or motive in her death. We believe that he was killed while trying to interdict these bad guys, the police chief said. He was a divorced father of three adult children, his family said. Curtis fled and then took his own life hours later in a Bridgewater parking lot, authorities said. The EEOC does not release workplace complaints to the public. The victim, a New Brunswick resident, was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment for a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. A suspect accused of shooting two police officers in Newark, New Jersey, Tuesday was still at large following an hours-long search of a building where he was last seen, officials said. One of the officers was shot in the shoulder and should recover, Fulop said. The U-Haul, which has removed from the scene, may contain an incendiary device, he said. Patrolman John Lebed and Patrolman George Dunham were shot and killed while escorting a man to get bail money. NORTH PLAINFIELD Authorities have identified two cousins from Plainfield who were killed in a shooting Friday night on an outdoor patio at a borough apartment complex. U.S. news New Jersey council member is fatally shot one week after slaying of another lawmaker Authorities have not made any connections between the slayings of Russell Heller and Eunice. Patrolman Lebed had served with the Franklin Township Police Department for three years. Jimenez was pronounced dead at the scene while Orellana wastaken by ambulance to an undisclosed trauma center where he was pronounced dead, Robertson said. Franklin Township police received multiple calls reporting that a motor vehicle had crashed into a residence, and responding officers located a male driver who was later identified as Dominic Frederick unconscious behind the wheel. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. TOWN OF CRAWFORD - The Pine Bush High School was in a "lockdown" situation on Wednesday as law enforcement officers from multiple police agencies investigate an "active incident." The shooter or shooters confronted the victims as they were outside and fired multiple rounds within close proximity of the victims, striking all three cousins. UPDATE: PSE&G employee shot is 2nd councilperson from N.J. killed within a week. A PSE&G employee was shot and killed by a former co-worker in the parking lot of a company building in Somerset County on Wednesday, a short time before the gunman took his own life in a neighboring town, officials said. Thursdays 4:30 a.m. shooting happened less than half a day after Paterson narcotics detectives made 22 arrests in a crackdown on a short stretch of Hamilton Avenue between Summer and Lake streets. Relevance is automatically assessed so . The third cousin, a 28-year-old man, was transported by helicopter to an undisclosed trauma center where he underwent emergency surgery for multiple gunshot wounds, Robertson said. Around 8:06 p.m. Aug. 13 Friday, North Plainfield police responded to a 911 call reporting multiple shooting victims at the Malcolm Gardens Apartment Complex on Little Place. The former PSE&G employee who authorities say fatally shot a supervisor in a company parking lot in Somerset County before killing himself had expressed workplace frustrations to his family before he was fired last year, but said they are beyond shocked that it escalated to violence. The circumstances of the shooting are unknown or have not been released. The third victim of the shooting, another cousin, has not been identified andremains hospitalized in critical condition, officials said. Detectives from the Somerset County Prosecutors Office Major Crimes Unit, the Crime Scene Investigations Unit, and the North Plainfield Police Department are investigating. Your Local News for Somerset County, New Jersey, Stock photo by Somerset County Prosecutor's Office. (Aug. 16), shooting Friday night on an outdoor patio at a borough apartment complex, 14-year-old among two killed in North Plainfield apartment complex shooting, Plainfield shooting leaves one dead, one injured, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Gary T. Curtis, 58, of Washington Township in Warren County, gunned down Russel Heller, 51, a PSE&G senior distribution supervisor, early Wednesday in Franklin Township, according to the Somerset County Prosecutors Office. Heller, who was last elected to the Milford Borough council in 2020, was described as a well-liked, very lovable, very funny guy, by fellow councilman James Gallos. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. We never knew him to be a person who would ever be pushed to a point where he would carry out something that he did (Wednesday). Please enable JavaScript for a better experience. This coverage is only possible with support from our readers. Related: 14-year-old among two killed in North Plainfield apartment complex shooting. Around 8:06 p.m. Aug. 13 Friday, North Plainfield police responded to a 911 call reporting multiple shooting victims at the Malcolm Gardens Apartment Complex on Little Place. Authorities have not made any connections between the slayings of Russell Heller and Eunice Dwumfour. "He will be sorely missed by all and our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time." Franklin Township (Somerset County) Police Department, New Jersey. Information also can be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). Russell Heller was fatally shot outside utility company PSE &G's Somerset Central Division Headquarters in Franklin Township, where he was the senior distribution supervisor, officials said. Joseph Seals, a 15-year-veteran of the Jersey City Police Department, was killed in today's shooting, according to the city's Police Chief Michael Kelly. The identification of the suspect is unknown at this time and the investigation was active Tuesday. All rights reserved (About Us). Yesterday Bookings. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. All Rights Reserved. Authorities said Friday that Curtis legally owned the handgun used in the killing. The SWAT team along with crisis negotiators, Somerset County Communications Mobile Command Center, and Tactical Emergency Medics cameto the home. He also offered his condolences to the families of three people believed to be civilians who were found dead inside a building. -- A PSE&G employee was shot and killed by a former co-worker in the parking lot of a company building in Somerset County on Wednesday, a short time before the gunman took his own life in a. Scroll through the posts to read more about the shooting in Jersey City. Earlier today, Jersey City Police Chief Michael Kellyidentified the fallen officer as Det. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. At about 9:20a.m. the homeownervoluntarily came out of the house and was turned over to township police for further investigation. Multiple 911 calls started coming in just after 7 a.m. Wednesday reported a person had been shot at the PSE&G facility in Franklin Township, the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office said. Copyright 1996-2023, The Officer Down Memorial Page, Inc, Franklin Township (Somerset County) Police Department, View Detectives are still working to establish a motive in the incident, the prosecutor's office said. Check to see what public employees earned in overtime now on Data.MyCentralJersey.com. New Jersey Gov. To get unlimited access to his articles on Somerset and Hunterdon counties, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. Mike Deak is a reporter for mycentraljersey.com. Sayreville is around 55 miles east of Milford. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. A preliminary investigation indicates all three victims were outside on a first-floor patio area of the apartment where one of the victims lives. He was subsequently pronounced deceased at the scene. * Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts, Karl Lagerfeld legacy showcased in Met exhibit, Tips for dealing with flood-related losses after the storm, Manhunt enters 3rd day for alleged Texas mass killer. Somerset County Prosecutor Recognizes National Crime Victims' Rights Week. Photo/Video will be published upon admin review and approval. The crisis negotiators were successful in making contact and speaking with the owner, who was home alone. A Crips-affiliated street gang that authorities say was selling 50,000 heroin packets and a kilogram of cocaine per week previously controlled drug trafficking on the next block over, Auburn Street, the New Jersey Attorney Generals Office said. John Lebed. PSE&G declined to comment. The man, who was not wounded, then left and called police. The mayor did not provide further information. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. After the arrest, the subject was taken to the police station where he was . Tributes for Heller poured in in the hours after his death, with Gov. SOMERSET, New Jersey (WABC) -- Police in New Jersey are investigating the death of a 25-year-old man who was found with a fatal gunshot wound following a crash into a residential home. Mom and Her 9-Year-Old Daughter Killed by Axe in Home, Brother-in-Law Arrested in Maryland People 16:12 21-Apr-23 Bergen Convicted Murderer Sentenced To 55 Years In Prison: Officials Patch 16:07 21-Apr-23 Authorities have not made any connections between the two incidents, with the prosecutor's office saying Heller's death appeared to be an "isolated incident.". In fact, the victim in Thursdays incident was shot one previous time at virtually the same location in October, according to law enforcement sources. Franklin Township (Somerset County) Police Department, NJ. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. The fire erupted in the Somerville home on Eastern Avenue around 2:15 a.m., and firefighters responded to reports of residents trapped in the home, WABC reported . He also filed a complaint with the federal Equal Opportunity Employment Commission in either 2021 or 2022 alleging harassment in the workplace, Williams said. Jeff Goldman | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com. 2023 www.northjersey.com. Russell Heller, 51, a Republican on the Milford Borough Council, was found dead just after 7 a.m. in the parking lot of PSE&G, the energy company where he worked, the Somerset County Prosecutors Office said. The investigation is continuing to determine the motive for the shooting and to identify the shooter. "Russell was an outstanding public servant who proudly represented the river town he loved. To obtain the funds, the officers escorted him to his home at 140 Montgomery Street, in New Brunswick, where he then shot and killed both of them. Gadson's granddaughter Monica Doster heard the gunshots. TRENTON - A man is dead and a woman is hurt following a broad daylight shooting Tuesday afternoon in New Jersey's capital, police said. He will be sorely missed by all and our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.. On June 16, 2021, at around 12:23 a.m., officers responded to a nearby hospital for a wounded victim that was reportedly shot while on Somerset Street in Franklin Township. Highlights of this day in history: Elvis Presley, the King of Rock n' Roll, dies at Graceland; Baseball's Babe Ruth dies in New York; Uganda's Idi Amin dies in Saudi Arabia; 'Sports Illustrated' hits newsstands; Singer Madonna born. Stock photo by Somerset County Prosecutor's Office Photo Credit: Somerset County Prosecutor's Office Cecilia Levine 01/09/2022 7:31 p.m. One of the dead is a police officer, Kelly said. "He supported his whole family," friend Imani Riddick said. Heller was found dead outside his job Wednesday, the Somerset County Prosecutors Office said. Largest Database of New Jersey Mugshots. GVA will collect and check for accuracy, comprehensive information about gun-related violence in the U.S. and then post and disseminate it online. Authorities quickly determined that a former employee of PSE&G, identified as Gary T. Curtis, 58, of Washington, had approached Heller in the parking lot and shot him outside his vehicle, the prosecutor's office said. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Somerset County Prosecutors Office Major Crimes Unit at (908) 231-7100 or the Franklin Township Police Department at (732) 873-5533 or via the. The man had been arrested by the officers after they received a tip that he was carrying a concealed weapon and driving with a revoked license. The investigation revealed that the assaultoccurred outside the residence and the victim and suspect may have had some sort of altercation prior to the shooting, Miller said.