June 2016

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ—The poorly-worded announcement of a police training exercise was cause for brief but severe alarm on the part of the campus community thanks to a frightening text message sent en masse by the university.

"Armed suspect in area of alexander library," the strange message read.  "Seek a safe space and shield/secure your location TEST TEST."

It wasn't until almost ten minutes later that the university corrected the record, utilizing two follow-up messages in an attempt to clear up the confusion.

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ—Elaine Flynn, an Old Bridge resident serving in her fifth term as the elected Middlesex County Clerk, will be speaking at the community room of the city's public library, located at 60 Livingston Ave., on June 22 at 5pm.

"The meeting will commence with a lecture by Elaine Flynn, Middlesex County Clerk," reads an announcement from the Friends of the Public Library.  The remarks will focus on the topic, “Elections: The Importance of Your Vote.”

UPDATE (7/1): SBPD produced the crash report identifying the victim as Denise Phipps of Monmouth Junction, and the driver as Robert Owens IV of Piscataway.

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ–Local police used their Nixle emergency alert system to inform the public of an fatal crash that occurred on Route 1 on the night of June 16.

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ–On April 22, Rutgers quietly paid $300,000 in funds obtained from students and taxpayers to settle a federal lawsuit filed against it, and several of its employees, back in December 2013.

The lawsuit was brought by Derrick Randall, a learning disabled basketball player who claimed that the university's former head basketball coach "chronically and heinously targeted and abused [him], both physically and psychologically."

PERTH AMBOY, NJ–Score one for the Bay City's embattled police department.

​Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew Carey, its top law enforcement official credited the Perth Amboy Police Department (PAPD) with initiating an investigation that led to 24 arrests.

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ—The city government renewed two contracts with its insurance brokers, Aetna and Cigna, and the two brokers who manage the deal, including one who recently changed their name and another known for frequently donating to Democrats.

Business & Government Insurance Agency (BGIA), and Public Synergies Group were the brokers awarded contract renewals at the June 1 City Council meeting.

SAYREVILLE, NJ–​Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew Carey announced on June 13 that a 20-year-old man had been arrested and charged with murder in the fatal shooting of his father three days earlier.

Vishal Shah, age 20, also faces charges of unlawful possession of the weapon, and hindering his own apprehension by "hiding the gun that was used," according to Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office (MCPO) statement.