Wednesday, December 25, 2024
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Morris County Honors Outgoing Morris Plains Police Chief Koroski for Leading the MCPCA Through 2024

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Commissioners Tayfun Selen, Thomas Mastrangelo, Commissioner Director Christine Myers, Commissioner Douglas Cabana, Morris Plains Police Chief Michael Koroski, Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw, Commissioners John Krickus and Deborah Smith.

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of County Commissioners honored Morris Plains Police Chief Michael Koroski for his leadership and service as the 2024 President of the Morris County Police Chiefs Association (MCPCA) during the association’s annual holiday luncheon at the Park Savoy Estate in Florham Park.

Morris County Sheriff James Gannon honoring John Sette, Chairman of Morris County Crimestoppers, as “Honorary Chief” 

Under his guidance, Chief Koroski helped advance the MCPCA’s mission to unify law enforcement efforts and elevate professional standards, in addition to enhancing training and techniques to improve crime prevention, detection, and prosecution across Morris County.

“Chief Koroski’s leadership and more than two decades of dedicated service to Morris Plains have made a tremendous impact on Morris County’s law enforcement community,” said Commissioner Douglas Cabana, presenting a framed Resolution of Honor alongside his fellow County Commissioners.

Morris Plains Police Chief Michael Koroski and Dover Police Chief Jonathan Delaney

The MCPCA named Dover Police Chief Jonathan Delaney as its 2025 president and honored John Sette, Chairman of Morris County Crimestoppers, as “Honorary Chief” of the association during the luncheon.

Chief Koroski and Sette were also praised and presented formal awards by Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and First Assistant Prosecutor Maggie Calderwood on behalf of Prosecutor Robert Carroll and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, and Rockaway Borough Police Chief Conrad Pepperman on behalf of State Sen. Anthony Bucco (Morris-25).

Chief Koroski joined the Morris Plains Police Department in 2001 and served in every rank before becoming Chief of Police on April 1, 2020. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s in leadership and public administration from Centenary University, is a graduate of the Rutgers Certified Public Manager Program, and is an accredited Chief by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police.

The Patriots’ Path Council of the Boy Scouts of America awarded him the Morris Lifetime Achievement Award earlier this year for his community service and embodying the Scout Oath and Law.

“It has been a privilege to work alongside some of the finest law enforcement leaders in New Jersey. The success of this Association is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of its members,” said Chief Koroski.

The event included the installation of other members of the MCPCA’s 2025 Executive Board:

  • President: Dover Police Chief Jonathan Delaney
  • Vice President: Florham Park Police Chief Joseph Orlando
  • Vice President At Large: Morris Plains Police Chief Michael Koroski
  • Sergeant at Arms: Madison Police Chief John Miscia
  • Treasurer: Wharton Police Chief David Young
  • Secretary: Hanover Police Chief Michael Loock




Prime Office Space Adjacent to Novartis Headquarters Now Available for Lease

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310 and 315 Health Plaza, two trophy office towers adjacent to Novartis’ northeast headquarters complex. - JLL Capital Markets

EAST HANOVER — Two premier office towers adjacent to Novartis’ northeast headquarters complex in East Hanover, totaling 350,000 square feet, now have space available for lease. This announcement was made on Monday by JLL, which has been appointed as the exclusive marketing and leasing agent for the properties.

The two buildings, located at 310 and 315 Health Plaza, were recently purchased by New Vernon Equities, a locally based investment group, from global pharmaceutical leader Novartis.

New Vernon Equities plans to integrate 310 and 315 Health Plaza into its newly envisioned Arena development, a six-building, 625,000-square-foot innovation hub spanning 20 acres. The development is designed to include multiple outdoor spaces and shared areas to foster collaboration and encourage community interaction.

Novartis will retain approximately 100 acres of its campus, highlighting its ongoing significance in the pharmaceutical industry and its commitment to the local community. Additionally, a partnership between Russo Development and Onyx Equities is repurposing 62 acres, acquired from Novartis in 2021, into a flexible technology and industrial campus.

“New Vernon Equities is excited to finalize the acquisition of 310 and 315 Health Plaza and to introduce our visionary plan to transform this pharmaceutical complex into a modern, dynamic campus,” said Peter Gilpatric, who co-founded New Vernon Equities in 2019 with Michael Mackessy and Mike Petillo. “Arena will serve as a hub where diverse organizations can come together to collaborate. The campus will feature workspaces integrated with lush outdoor lounges and vibrant amenities that inspire innovation and connection.”

New Vernon Equities has previously acquired four properties surrounding the Novartis campus. These include 30 Farinella Drive, fully leased to biotech leader GenScript; 31 Farinella Drive, currently available for lease; and 135 Route 10, a two-story office building undergoing reimagining for future use.

The Arena development, totaling 625,000 square feet of office and research space, is being designed to enhance well-being, promote inclusivity, and provide an ideal environment for productivity and growth. An immersive biophilic corridor will connect 310 and 315 Health Plaza, and the campus will include multiple cafeterias, fitness centers, wellness zones, and expansive outdoor spaces for recreation and relaxation. The JLL leasing team consists of Executive Managing Director Tim Greiner, Managing Director Blake Goodman, and Associate Colleen Maguire.

“We are proud to contribute to transforming this iconic New Jersey workplace into a hub for the workforce of the future,” said Greiner. “As the name suggests, Arena will be a center of activity, innovation, and collaboration, inspiring the next generation of innovators from companies that can grow and learn together.”

The Arena campus will primarily occupy the southeast quadrant of the intersection of New Jersey Route 10 and Ridgedale Avenue in East Hanover, a community consistently ranked among New Jersey’s best places to live and a prominent amenity corridor in Morris County. The property offers convenient access to Route 10, Route 24, and Interstate 287, as well as proximity to Morristown Airport, ensuring accessibility from all directions.





Dover Honors the Legacy of Shirley Jerome, Retired Educator and Advocate

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Shirley A. Jerome, Lifelong Educator and Community Icon, Passes Away

DOVER — Shirley A. Jerome (Harper) passed away on December 7, 2024. She was born in 1939 in Long Branch, New Jersey, to Anna Marie Harper and Bill Harper. She moved to Dover at the age of five, attended Dover Public Schools, and graduated from Dover High School in 1957. Shirley went on to graduate from Paterson Teachers College in 1961.

Shirley worked for the Dover Board of Education for 51 years, retiring in 2015. She served the district as a Classroom Teacher, Basic Skills Math Instructor, and District Test Coordinator for grades 1-8. Most of her career was spent at Academy Street School as a classroom teacher.

Shirley was predeceased by her husband, Samuel M. Jerome; her mother, Anna Marie Harper; her father, William M. Harper; and her sister, Mildred Claudeen Orlandi. She is survived by her two sons, Sam M. Jerome and Steve M. Jerome; her sister, Mary J. Rodriguez; her stepdaughter, Marlene Halcott; several nephews and nieces; and many wonderful and caring friends.

Shirley was a member of the New Jersey Retired Education Association, the Morris County Education Association, and the Boost Your Mind Group of Long Valley, NJ.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 12, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Tuttle Funeral Home in Randolph (Tuttlefh.com). A Funeral Service will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, December 13, 2024, at the funeral home, followed by interment at Restland Memorial Park in East Hanover.





Man Sentenced in Connection with 2022 Aggravated Sexual Assault and Robbery on Traction Line Recreation Trail in Morristown

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Morris County Prosecutor

MORRIS COUNTY –Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, and Morristown Police Chief Darnell Richardson, and Morris Township Police Chief Robert Shearer confirmed the sentencing of Lizandro Osorio-Mejia, 20, in connection with an aggravated sexual assault and robbery that occurred on May 3, 2022 in Morristown on the Traction Line Recreation Trail.

On August 19, 2024, Osorio-Mejia pled guilty to one count of first-degree Aggravated Sexual Assault, one count of first-degree Robbery, and one count of third-degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose.

On December 6, 2024, the Honorable Claudia Jones, J.S.C. imposed a sentence of ten (10) years in New Jersey State Prison, with eight years and six months of parole ineligibility. Defendant was also sentenced subject to the No Early Release Act, and Parole Supervision for Life. Upon release, Osorio-Mejia will be subject to Megan’s Law and is not to have any contact with the victim.

Osorio-Mejia was arrested following an investigation into the May 3, 2022 incident on the Traction Line Recreation Trail in Morristown. Two males, Osorio-Mejia and a juvenile, approached the female victim and asked for money. When the female victim did not provide money, Osorio-Mejia pushed the victim to the ground and sexually assaulted her while the juvenile male watch stood nearby. Osorio-Mejia was armed with a rock at the time of the assault. Thereafter, both suspects fled the area. Both suspects were unknown to the victim.
Osorio-Mejia was subsequently arrested and charged, along with the juvenile male, on May 6, 2022. He has been in custody since his arrest.
The juvenile involved in the incident, now identified as Kenneth Barios Aviles, previously pled guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Theft, an offense that would constitute a crime of the third degree if committed by an adult. On December 18, 2023, the Honorable Michael P. Wright, J.S.C. imposed an 18 month probationary disposition, with credit for time-served (40 days), and no contact with victim.

Members of the Morristown Police Department, Morris Township Police Department, Morris County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division and Crime Scene Investigations Unit, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit contributed to the successful prosecution of the case.





County College of Morris Opens Veterans Resource Center

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President Dr. Anthony Iacono, Assemblyman Michael Inganamort, Assemblywoman Aura Dunn, CCM Coordinator of Veteran and Military Services Shenandoah Ellis-Ulmer, MSgt (ret.), USAF, CCM Board of Trustees Jim Loveys, Dave Cathcart, U.S. Army Veteran, Scott Dadaian, U.S. Navy Veteran, CCM Board of Trustees Chair Paul Licitra, Emerson Crooks, Marine Corps Veteran, CCM Board of Trustees Justin Lash, Deacon Rich Reck, U.S. Army Veteran, Morris County Commissioners Deborah Smith and John Krickus.

MORRIS COUNTY — The County College of Morris (CCM) celebrated the grand opening of its Veterans Resource Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, December 6, drawing veterans, students, and local dignitaries from around the county in support of a reconstructed area of Sheffield Hall that will assist veterans and their families both on campus and in the broader community.

The Veterans Resource Center on campus was designed to provide a dedicated space for veterans to access U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefits, academic and career advice, and counseling services. The center will also connect veterans to county, state, and federal resources available directly on campus.

Assemblyman Mike Inganamort and Commissioner Deborah Smith.

“This center represents years of dialogue, effort, and collaboration to meet the needs of our veterans,” said Morris County Commissioner John Krickus. “Morris County is proud to expand services for our veterans, including doubling the space for our Veterans Services Office and adding a fourth Veterans Services Officer. With partnerships at the state and federal levels, we continue to provide critical resources, from mental health and housing assistance to educational support.”

Commissioner John Krickus speaking to the attendees at the December 6 CCM Veterans Resource Center ribbon cutting.

The CCM Veterans Resource Center was developed in partnership with a Veterans Steering Committee comprised of representation from CCM, public officials, area veterans, and organizations including the VA and many others throughout the state and county. The steering committee was led by CCM Board of Trustees Chair Paul Licitra (U.S. Army Vietnam veteran), former director of the Secaucus Vet Center David Cathcart (U.S. Army Vietnam veteran), Morris County Commissioner John Krickus (U.S. Marine Corps veteran), U.S. Dept. of VA Public Affairs Specialist Scott W. Dadaian (U.S. Navy veteran), Morris County Sheriff’s Officer Ryan Wood (U.S. Army Veteran), and VFW Post 7333 members Emerson Crooks (U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam veteran), Deacon Richard Reck (U.S. Army Korean War veteran) and William Menzel (U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran).

During the event, Assemblywoman Aura Dunn (Morris-25) and Assemblyman Mike Inganamort (Morris-24) presented joint assembly resolutions to Cathcart, Crooks, Menzel, Dadaian and Reck, and Paul Licitra acknowledged Wood, who had just returned home from being deployed.

“The Center was created with extensive input from community veterans,” said Dr. Anthony Iacono, president of CCM. “It will be a true resource not only for CCM students who are veterans, but for veterans in the community along with their families. CCM is honored to have this opportunity to serve the men and women who have sacrificed for our country, allowing all of us to enjoy freedom and democracy.”

The idea for the center originated after CCM hosted the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall in July 2022, an initiative spearheaded by State Senator Anthony Bucco in partnership with VFW Post 7333. Following the event, CCM leadership engaged with veterans to identify their needs and began planning the resource center.

Attendees at the ceremony included Morris County Commissioner Deborah Smith, County Administrator Deena Leary, Sheriff James Gannon, Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Morris County Chamber of Commerce President Meghan Hunscher, and Kasey Errico and Christine Hellyer of the Morris County Department of Human Services. Representatives from U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill’s office, State Sen. Anthony Bucco and U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), as well as Randolph Township Mayor Christine Carey, Councilmembers Joseph Hathaway and Joanne Veech, and Mount Olive Mayor Joe Nicastro, were also in attendance.

The event followed a soft opening for the Veterans Resource Center that Morris County Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw and Commissioner Krickus attended in November.

The Veteran Resource Center’s services are available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Veterans can reach out to CCM’s Coordinator of Veteran and Military Services, Shenandoah Ellis-Ulmer, MSgt (ret.), USAF, at 973-328-5220 or SEllis-Ulmer@ccm.edu.

For more information click here.





Denville Man Arrested for Driving While Intoxicated, Multiple Charges Issued

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Photo for illustration purposes only. The actual incident may not reflect the photo.

DENVILLE – On Thursday evening, November 21, Edwin A. Sanchez-Laos, a 42-year-old resident of Rockaway, was arrested by the Denville Township Police Department after officers found him unresponsive in his vehicle, blocking a driveway on Second Avenue. The incident led to multiple charges, including driving while intoxicated (DWI), reckless driving, and open container violations.

At approximately 6:12 p.m., a 9-1-1 call reported a black Hyundai obstructing a driveway. According to the complainant, attempts to wake the driver were unsuccessful. Officers Vincent Fischer and Matthew Santangelo responded to the scene and discovered the vehicle, a 2012 Hyundai with a New Jersey registration, still running. Sanchez-Laos was found asleep in the driver’s seat.

Upon initial contact, officers noted an overwhelming odor of alcohol emanating from the vehicle. Officer Fischer engaged Sanchez-Laos in conversation, during which he admitted to consuming “one and a half to two glasses of wine” at a Parsippany restaurant. Despite this, he could not recall the name of the establishment or explain why he had parked illegally on Second Avenue. Observations of bloodshot eyes, glassy appearance, and difficulty staying awake further raised suspicions of intoxication.

Sanchez-Laos was asked to exit the vehicle to perform Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs). The results revealed multiple indicators of impairment, including lack of coordination and difficulty following instructions. A Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test, walk-and-turn test, and one-leg stand test were administered, with Sanchez-Laos showing signs consistent with alcohol intoxication.

A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed an open bottle of Santa Maria Pinot Grigio wine in the front passenger seat. Sanchez-Laos was placed under arrest and transported to the Town of Boonton Police Department due to equipment issues at the Denville station. There, he provided two breath samples, both registering a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.12%, above the legal limit of 0.08%.

The following charges were issued:

  • Driving While Intoxicated (NJS 39:4-50)
  • Reckless Driving (NJS 39:4-96)
  • Careless Driving (NJS 39:4-97)
  • Open Container of Alcohol in Vehicle (NJS 39:4-51B)
  • Improper Parking in Front of Driveway (NJS 39:4-138D)
  • Failure to Possess Driver Registration (NJS 39:3-29B)
  • Failure to Possess an Insurance Card (NJS 39:3-29C)
  • Delaying Traffic (NJS 39:4-56)

Sanchez-Laos was processed at Denville Police Headquarters and released to a responsible party under John’s Law, which requires intoxicated drivers to be released only to a sober adult.

He is scheduled to appear in Denville Municipal Court on December 19, 2024, at 9:00 a.m.

Editors Note: The court’s rules require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.





Morris County Mayors Demand Action on Unidentified Drone Sightings in North Jersey

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Photo for illustration purposes only. The actual incident may not reflect the photo.

MORRIS COUNTY — A coalition of 19 Morris County mayors and local elected officials, including Mayor Sam Morris of Mine Hill, Mayor Thomas “Ace” Gallagher of Hanover, Mayor Bill Chegwidden of Wharton, Mayor Christine Glassner of Mendham, Mayor Eric Wilsusen of Jefferson Township, Mayor James Barberio of Parsippany, Councilman Jim Rilee of Roxbury, Township Committee member Matt Dorsi of Long Hill Township, Township Committee member Matt Kayne of Montville, Mayor Matt Murello of Washington Township, Mayor Guy Piserchia of Long Hill Township, Mayor Janet Hoven of Chester Borough, Mayor Joe Jackson of Rockaway, Councilwoman Melissa Florance-Lynch of Pequannock, Mayor Mike Stanzilis of Mount Arlington, Mayor Paul Carelli of Riverdale, Mayor Mark Taylor of Florham Park, Mayor Tom Andes of Denville, and Mayor Tim Drag of Chester Township, are demanding answers and action regarding the mysterious drone sightings reported across North Jersey in recent weeks.

In a letter addressed to law enforcement agencies, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the New Jersey State Police, the group criticized the agencies for what they described as a “reactive instead of proactive approach” to addressing the issue.

The sightings began in Morris County shortly before Thanksgiving and have since spread to Sussex, Somerset, Warren, and other counties across North Jersey, causing widespread concern among residents.

On Thursday, Governor Phil Murphy announced a high-level briefing involving DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, senior Homeland Security officials, the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, and the New Jersey State Police. Members of New Jersey’s congressional delegation also participated in the meeting.

“We are actively monitoring the situation and are in close coordination with our federal and law enforcement partners,” Murphy stated on social media, assuring that there is no indication of a threat to public safety.

However, the mayors and officials expressed frustration in their letter, asserting that not enough is being done to resolve the matter.

“Either higher-level officials know what’s going on and are not concerned, or they are negligent for not apprehending and identifying one of these drones,” they wrote. “We strongly request a proactive approach on behalf of the residents of New Jersey and Morris County.”

The letter urged authorities to track the drones to their landing points, identify their operators, and provide answers to residents who “pay a fortune for government” and deserve action on their concerns.

Residents Share Photos, Theories, and Concerns

Photos of suspected drones have flooded social media, with residents speculating about their origins and purpose. Officials have cautioned that while some sightings may be legitimate, others could be misidentified objects or hoaxes.

The state Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness has encouraged residents to report drone sightings to local authorities. Still, the mayors’ letter emphasized the “disconcerting” nature of the drones’ continued unidentified presence.

“We demand that either they present us with answers or they go and get the answers, but this limbo of no action is unacceptable,” the officials wrote.

Ongoing Efforts to Address the Issue

The mysterious drones remain a topic of concern for North Jersey residents, with local and federal agencies working to investigate. For now, the mayors and other elected officials continue to push for greater transparency and decisive action to address the growing unease among their communities.





Dover FMBA 60 Hosts Successful Toy Drive for Toys for Tots

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Operation Toy Train Makes Festive Stop at Dover Town Hall

DOVER — DOVER, NJ—The spirit of giving was alive and well as Dover FMBA Local 60 hosted its annual Toy Drive in support of the Toys for Tots campaign. The event culminated on Sunday, December 8, with the Operation Toy Train making a festive stop in front of Town Hall at 11:00 a.m. to collect generous contributions from the community.

The holiday season came alive as volunteers gathered to load hundreds of donated toys onto the Toys for Tots Operation Toy Train at its Morris County stops. The train, a festive and iconic symbol of the Toys for Tots campaign, made its way through the region, collecting toys to be distributed to children in need.

Dozens of families and residents gathered to drop off new, unwrapped toys to be distributed to children in need this holiday season. Volunteers from FMBA Local 60 were on hand, providing refreshments and spreading holiday cheer. Santa Claus himself made a special appearance, bringing smiles to children and adults alike.

The recruits taking a break from loading the toys on the train.

Throughout the weeks leading up to the event, the Dover Firehouse, located at 37 N Sussex Street, served as a drop-off location for toy donations. The overwhelming response from the community was heartwarming, as bags and boxes of toys piled up in preparation for the big day.

Patrolmen Errick Williams, Lieutenant Michael Pier Jose Matos, and German Roosevelt Liranzo joined the festivities, supporting this meaningful cause. Their presence highlighted the strong partnership between Dover’s first responders and the community they serve.

“We are so grateful to everyone who donated and helped make this event a success,” said Mayor James Dodd. “The toys collected will go a long way in ensuring that children in need have a joyful holiday season.”

The event underscored Dover’s commitment to making the holidays brighter for its youngest residents and showed the power of community collaboration. Thanks to the combined efforts of FMBA 60, the Dover Police Department, and residents, countless children will receive the gift of hope and joy this holiday season.

The Morris Rugby team displayed the true spirit of the holiday season by organizing a toy collection event at the Moose Lodge #541. The initiative, held as part of the Toys for Tots campaign, brought together team members, supporters, and the local community to donate new, unwrapped toys for children in need.
Toys for Tots Operation Toy Train Delivers Holiday Joy

“We’re thrilled to see such strong support for Toys for Tots and Operation Toy Train,” said a representative from the Marine Corps Reserve. “Every toy collected will go directly to children in need, ensuring they have a memorable holiday season.”

Loading hundreds of toys on the train
Operation Toy Train selling swag
The toys collected will be distributed by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots program to families in need, ensuring that children throughout the area experience the joy and magic of the holidays.




Smoke and Flames Engulf Van on Route 10, No Injuries Confirmed

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Quick Response from Firefighters Extinguishes Van Fire in Randolph. Photo by ShopMorrisCounty

MORRIS COUNTY — A painter’s van caught fire on Route 10 in Randolph near Denville, just past the Mount Pleasant Turnpike, according to the Denville Police Department. The driver had pulled over after noticing smoke and went into a nearby business to seek help, according to Officer Welsch. A passerby spotted the vehicle engulfed in flames and called 911. The incident occurred on Thursday, December 5.

Traffic Disrupted on Route 10 After Van Bursts Into Flames. Photo by Shop Morris County

When a Denville police officer arrived at the scene, the van was fully engulfed in flames. Firefighters from Denville and Randolph responded promptly and extinguished the fire. “We arrived to see plumes of black smoke billowing, with the first two officers already directing traffic,” Welsch said. “About ten minutes after we were stopped, the van exploded.”

Budnik added that additional police and ambulance crews arrived shortly before the fire trucks and a tow truck. “Once the firefighters began spraying water, the smoke shifted from black to white and grey,” a witness reported.

No injuries were reported in the incident.





Driver Faces Charges Following High-Speed Chase in Hanover Township

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Morris Plains patrol vehicle shows significant damage following a collision during a high-speed pursuit on November 21, 2024. The suspect, Joseph D. Stickel, fled the scene but was later apprehended.

HANOVER — A Franklinville man, Joseph D. Stickel, 37, faces serious charges after a high-speed incident in Hanover Township on November 21, at 12:21 a.m. According to court documents, Stickel allegedly fled from law enforcement after being signaled to stop, after striking a Morris Plains Police vehicle.

The event unfolded when officers attempted to stop Stickel’s vehicle after he struck a Morris Plains Police vehicle on the Route 287 South ramp. Despite the activation of overhead emergency lights and sirens, Stickel allegedly refused to comply, accelerating away from the pursuing officers.

The investigation determined that the Morris Plains Police vehicle was parked on the side of the road with its emergency lights activated while on a motor vehicle stop when it was hit by Stickel who was driving a 2022 Ford F-550.

Once Stickel re-enters the lane of travel it is seen leaving the area at a high rate of speed and continuing on Route 287 South.

Law enforcement eventually apprehended Stickel, and he now faces a second-degree charge under NJSA 2C:29-2B for eluding law enforcement while creating a risk of death or injury. He was taken into custody following the issuance of a warrant by judicial authorities. Stickel was also charged with NJSA 39:4-50 Driving While Intoxicated; NJSA 39:4-1298 Leaving the scene of an accident and NJSA 39:4-88 Unsafe lane change.

Stickel is set to appear at Morris County Superior Court, where the details of his case will be reviewed. If convicted, he could face significant legal consequences, reflecting the seriousness of the alleged offense.

There were no injuries reported. The vehicle was towed by Eagle Towing and was impounded.

A second-degree crime in New Jersey can result in the following penalties:

  • A prison sentence of 5–10 years
  • A maximum fine of $150,000, or up to $300,000 for certain drug charges
  • A felony conviction on your criminal record

Editors Note: The court’s rules require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.





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