In the early hours of June 23, 2024, a shooting near Walnut Avenue and Monmouth Street in Trenton, NJ, resulted in four individuals being injured. Two of the victims are in critical condition. The incident occurred at approximately 1:33 a.m. when a shot spotter alerted police to multiple gunshots. Responding officers found the victims and provided immediate aid. All four were transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center. Two victims have been released, while one remains in stable but critical condition, and the fourth is in extremely critical condition.

The incident highlights the ongoing issue of summer violence in Trenton, emphasizing the need for community cooperation and effective law enforcement strategies to combat this disturbing trend. Authorities are investigating and urging anyone with information to come forward to help bring those responsible to justice.

June 22, 2024 10:10 p.m.

On Saturday June 22, 2024, a Trenton Police vehicle was involved in a crash on Hamilton Avenue. The incident occurred at around 10:10 p.m. when a police unit responding to a priority call was struck by a Toyota Corolla, causing a collision with two other vehicles. Thankfully, no police officers were injured, though there were minor injuries reported among the other involved parties. The Trenton Police Department is investigating the cause and circumstances of the accident. Further details will be provided as the investigation continues.

Araya, who owns El Catador Lounge and Restaurant, Dubai Lounge, Mill Hill Saloon, and Trenton Social, bought Mill Hill Saloon and Trenton Social in 2023. These venues have long been popular in the Capital City for meetings and events.

During the raid, law enforcement officials arrested Araya at Mill Hill Saloon on South Broad Street without incident. Search warrants were also executed at his other businesses, El Catador and Dubai, both located on the 900 block of New York Ave., and at Araya’s residence in Ewing.

Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo Onofri announced on Thursday that the investigation, conducted jointly with Trenton Police, Lawrence Township Police, and county authorities, led to Araya being charged with five counts of first-degree aggravated sexual assault, one count of first-degree sexual assault, two counts of second-degree sexual assault, one count of first-degree kidnapping, two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual contact, and one count of third-degree endangering the welfare of a child. The investigation began after a woman applying for a job at Dubai Lounge reported an assault by Araya last month.

According to the victim, during her job interview at Dubai Lounge, Araya offered to show her his other bars in the city. After leaving Dubai with him and visiting another bar, Araya made her several drinks, insisting she drink them to understand what she would be serving customers. The victim reported feeling ill and wanting to go home, after which she blacked out. She later woke up naked in a strange room, being sexually assaulted by Araya. The investigation determined the room was a motel in Lawrence Township, where Araya had taken her while she was incapacitated.

Through further investigation, authorities identified three additional victims, all of whom provided crucial information.

“This investigation was truly a cooperative effort and a perfect example of how successful law enforcement can be when we work together,” Onofri stated. “From the lead detectives who operated with unwavering commitment on this case from the beginning to the four brave women who came forward to share their stories and work with investigators to ensure this predator was taken off the streets. No one can do it alone. We will continue to work with our partners and our communities to make Mercer County safe.”

“First and foremost, I want to acknowledge the victims of these heinous acts. They are survivors. It took a great deal of courage, trust in our detectives, and patience with the process to get to this point,” said Trenton Police Director Steve Wilson. “I appreciate the tremendous work of all the personnel involved, specifically Trenton Police SVU Detective Lizmary Rivera and Trenton Police ABC Detective Cathiria Colon, for their months of tireless hard work and dedication to this investigation.”

Lawrence Police Chief Christopher Longo added, “The investigation and subsequent arrest of Gerald Araya is the result of a strong partnership and collaboration between the Lawrence Township Police Department, the Trenton Police Department, and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office. The arrest in this case underscores our collective dedication to bringing justice to victims of sexual assault.”

Onofri highlighted the collaboration among local, county, and federal agencies in the investigation and execution of the search warrants. Agencies involved included the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, Mercer County Prosecutor’s Special Investigations Unit, Mercer County Tactical Response Team, Ewing Police Department, Lawrence Township Police Department, Trenton Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations.

The Prosecutor thanked all involved agencies and officers, particularly Detective Sergio Sanchez, Sergeant Ahmad Mansur, Assistant Prosecutor Brett Berman, Assistant Prosecutor Alycia Beyrouty, and lead detectives Suzanne Girard of Lawrence Township Police Department, and Cathiria Colon and Lizmary Rivera of Trenton Police Department.

In addition to his bar businesses, Araya owns Jersey Cargo Express LLC, a trucking company listed as active with the U.S. Department of Transportation, with eight trucks and drivers. The company’s address is on the 900 block of New York Ave. in Trenton, the same block as Dubai and El Catador.

Sources say Araya paid significantly more than the market value for Mill Hill Saloon and Trenton Social, which he acquired last year.

The investigation remains ongoing, and officials urge anyone with information, including additional victims, to contact the Mercer County SVU at (609) 989-6568 or mcposvu@mercercounty.org.

Article:

TRENTON, NJ — On June 10, 2024, detectives from the Trenton Police Department’s Crime Suppression Unit took Joseph Moore, 38, into custody following an incident in the 100 block of Turpin Street, where Moore was observed with an assault rifle equipped with a high-capacity drum magazine.

Detectives, conducting routine patrol at approximately 5:18 p.m., encountered Moore carrying the weapon. The arrest proceeded without resistance, during which detectives discovered a live hollow point round in the rifle’s chamber and additional ammunition in the magazine.

While securing the scene, Trenton Communications received reports of shots fired in the vicinity. Subsequent investigation located two spent shell casings, but fortunately, no injuries or property damage were reported.

Joseph Moore faces multiple charges, including unlawful possession of an assault firearm, possession of a high-capacity magazine, possession of hollow point ammunition, possession by a prohibited person, and charges related to discharging ammunition.

The arrest highlights the Trenton Police Department’s ongoing efforts to address gun violence and ensure public safety. The investigation into the incident remains active as authorities continue to gather information.

For further updates on this story and other breaking news, stay tuned to Trenton Orbit News