The vehicle crashed on Burnham Road causing damage to a property and a utility pole. The firearm used in the parking lot shooting was recovered inside. A 911 call reported gunshots being fired around Reports say he was a senior distribution supervisor who had been with the company for 11 years, and a councilman in Milford, a small borough in Hunterdon County. MILFORD, New Jersey (WABC) -- A New Jersey community is mourning a PSE&G supervisor and Milford councilman who was gunned down by an employee at work this week. Everybody knew that if we asked where Chad was, he was probably either at the Lake House serving or working as an apprentice electrician.. The shooting was reported about 10:40 p.m. Sunday in the 3800 block of Franklin Avenue near Magnolia Avenue, Fullerton police Lt. Tony Rios said. P.O. FRANKLIN (Somerset) A PSE&G employee, who was also a Republican borough councilman in the Hunterdon County community of Milford, was fatally shot Wednesday morning in the parking lot of the utilitys facility on Weston Canal Road. Authorities say 51-year-old Russell Heller was shot and killed by former employee, 58-year-old Gary Curtis, in the parking lot. "There simply are no words for the tragedy that took place yesterday as our well-loved, kind, hardworking councilman was killed as he arrived at work. FRANKLIN (Somerset) Police are investigating after a township woman and an Edison man suffered non-life-threatening gunshot injuries Saturday night in the area of Fuller Street and Franklin Boulevard. Russell was an admired employee anda supervisor with over 11 years of service with PSE&G. Were all really, really hurt and trying to process it. Anyone with additional information about the shooting is asked to contact prosecutors office Detective Eric Bailey at 856-384-5685 or Franklin Township Police Detective Alex Fragoso at 856-694-1415, ext. Stuart was remembered at the Lake House restaurant as an amazing server, friend, baker, spontaneous singer, and goofy dancer with an infectious smile! according to a Facebook post, which included several photos of him. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. We surround you with our love and prayers.". 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. Police are still searching for a motive for Heller's killing. Don't miss local and statewide announcements. Authorities are asking anyone with information relating to the homicide 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 STOPit app. Franklin Township police responded to multiple 911 calls reporting a shooting victim in the parking lot of the PSE&G location around 7 a.m. Wednesday, the department said. Curtis was tracked to a parking lot in Bridgewater Township, New Jersey, within an hour of the shooting, according to police. ", Rep. Tom Kean Jr. said he was "shocked and saddened by the tragic murder of Milford Councilman Russell Heller. Charges already filed against the alleged gunman were upgraded Wednesday to include murder, according to the Gloucester County Prosecutors Office. "Russell was an outstanding public servant who proudly represented the river town he loved," Kean tweeted. A handgun revolver recovered from the scene was legally registered to Curtis, according to the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Here's the latest for Monday October 4th: Southern California oil spill cleanup underway; President Biden promotes legislative agenda; Communication lines between North and South Korea reopen; New York City public school worker vaccine mandate begins. Hackettstown, NJ 07840 He will be sorely missed by all and our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time, PSE&G said in a statement. Our journalism needs your support. Investigators say a man was shot to death Wednesday morning in the parking lot of PSE&G's Central Division headquarters in Franklin Township. A motive behind the shooting was not immediately clear. He greatly enjoyed serving the residents of the town that he grew up in and was always trying to improve whatever he could. Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. Heller, 51, was found shot dead outside his car, according to the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office. ", U.S. Rep. Tom Kean said in a Facebook post that he was "shocked and saddened by the tragic murder" of Heller. WebLocal New Jersey council member Russell Heller was shot dead in his car, exactly one week after the slaying of Councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour, according to reports. Legal Statement. Suspect, 18, charged with murder in Temple University officer's shooting death, DA says. He will be truly missed," the fire company posted on Facebook. Investigators believe the shooting was an isolated incident, and Heller was the intended target. Investigators determined that a former PSE&G employee -- identified as Gary Curtis, 58, of Washington, New Jersey -- allegedly approached Heller in the parking lot and shot him while he was outside his vehicle, police said. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Heller's death came exactly one week after Eunice Dwumfour, a borough councilwoman in Sayreville was shot to death in a car parked outside of her home on the evening of Feb. 1. He always wanted to make sure that he was living his best life and making money for the future, she said. Heller was found dead from a gunshot wound, police said. Your email address will not be published. All anonymous STOPit reports and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. This event is tragic and disturbing and we are offering support to our employees as they process this. Our mayor and fellow council people are devastated. Authorities say 51-year-old Russell Gary Curtis, 58, was identified as the suspect in the shooting and found at 10:20 a.m. inside a car in Bridgewater, dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Somerset County Prosecutor's Office said. The victim, 51-year-old Russell Heller, had worked with PSE&G for the last 11 years as a supervisor. Sto-Rox Junior-Senior High School. "Russell was an outstanding public servant who proudly represented the river town he loved. Fox News' Lawrence Richard contributed to this report. Officers were dispatched to the facility on a 911 call, the Franklin Township Police Department said in a news release. Detectives from the Franklin Township Police Department along with the Somerset County Prosecutors Office Major Crimes Unit, the Crime Scene Investigations Unit and investigators from the New Jersey Northern Regional Medical Examiners Office went to the scene to conduct the investigation and determined that Curtis was the suspect. (Fox News). This was the second councilperson to die by gun violence within a week in the Garden State. Something like this has never happened in borough history. Cheryl Makin is an award-winning features and education reporter for MyCentralJersey.com, part of the USA Today Network. The shooting that killed Russell Heller, 51, stemmed from a workplace dispute, authorities announced Friday. WebMultiple 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 WebGet breaking Hunterdon County NJ local news, weather, events, sports and more from Flemington, Clinton, Lambertville, Lebanon, Raritan and others. Three hours later, detectives were able to track Curtis to the Bridgewater parking lot. NJ.com reported that the mayor of Milford, Henri Schepens, said "its just unbelievable that hes gone. Phil Murphy also released a statement after the shooting: "Early this morning, a deadly shooting took place outside of a PSE&G facility in Franklin Township. Franklin Township Detectives looked at the damage on the car and confirmed it was caused by a gunshot. Prosecutor Robertson stated that on Sunday, May 16, 2021, at approximately 3:58 a.m., Franklin Township Police officers were dispatched to the area of Elizabeth Street in New Brunswick for a wounded victim that was reportedly shot while in the area of Hamilton Street and Franklin Boulevard in Franklin Township. "We are heartbroken at the tragic death of Russell Heller, senior distribution supervisor at PSE&G," the company wrote, describing Heller as "an admired employee" of more than 11 years. Anyone with information relating to the shooting 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 STOPit app. The shooting reportedly occurred in Buena Vista Township in Atlantic County and involved a police officer from nearby Franklin Township in Gloucester County. "This event is tragic and disturbing, and we are offering support to our employees as they process this. And Milford loved him. To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com. Investigators believe this was an isolated incident, and that Heller was the intended target. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. The victim, a New Brunswick resident, was located in the area of Hamilton Street and Matilda Avenue by an unidentified individual and transported to a nearby hospital where he underwent emergency surgery, Robertson said. He was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical personnel, according to the police department. STOPit can be downloaded to your smart phone for free at the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, access code: SOMERSETNJ. The alleged motive was determined to be "prior employment disciplinary actions between subordinate and supervisor," the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office said in an update on Friday. Officers discovered the suspect's body inside his car, which was traced to a parking lot in the neighboring township. Copyright 2023 WABC-TV. "He was so full of life, its just unbelievable that hes gone. 207. He was a really hard worker. A homicide investigation revealed the motive behind the deadly shooting outside the PSE&G facility in New Jersey. Breaking News: NJ Sending Marching Band To 80th Anniversary Commemoration Of D-Day In France Police & Fire 02/27/2023 Lodi Ex-Con, South Carolina Companion Busted With Gun, Hollow Points In CBS2 watched as Heller's car was towed away. We are very shaken by this. First published on February 9, 2023 / 10:26 AM. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. / CBS New York. Legal Statement. Sto-Rox Junior-Senior High School. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot loses reelection bid, Fiery train crash in Greece kills at least 36, injures some 85, Garland to face Congress amid ongoing special counsel investigations, FBI chief says agency feels pandemic likely started with Chinese lab leak, House select committee hearing paints China as a strategic antagonist, JetBlue flight forced to abort landing in close call at Logan Airport, Three officers shot, standoff follows in Kansas City, Mo., police say, Vanessa Bryant, family settles claims over Kobe crash site photos for $28.5M, Bald eagle couple lays new egg after losing eaglets two years in a row. Heller was a hometown guy who cherished everything Milford. PSE&G said it was "heartbroken" over the death of Heller, who had been a supervisor with the company for over 11 years. FRANKLINVILLE, N.J. - A man is dead and two people are injured after a car crashed and flipped on its side early Sunday morning in Gloucester County. Published Apr 5, 2021. I think he wanted to eventually start his own electrician business.. "The investigation has revealed that the shooting of Mr. Heller was not politically connected with his elected office or political affiliation.". You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! PEDRICKTOWN, New Jersey (WPVI) -- A shooting at a rest stop on the New Jersey Turnpike has prompted an investigation by the state attorney general's office. He will be sorely missed by all and our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time. My prayers are with his family and the Milford community. Police on Thursday called the shooting an "isolated incident.". As law enforcement officers approached they "observed him suffering from a self-inflicted gunshot wound" and he was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. Required fields are marked *. Authorities say Curtis then drove to another parking lot in Bridgewater Township and shot himself. WebRoy Jackel Jr., 42, of Cape May Court House: A Franklin Township, Gloucester County, police officer shot Jackel on April 5, 2021, in Buena Vista after he ran toward police with The prosecutor's office in Somerset County said in a statement Thursday morning that the deadly shooting was not politically motivated, CBS New York reported. And his daughter, parents, and family are heartbroken beyond comprehension. Anyone who knew Russ found him to be a joy to be around. WebA borough councilperson was fatally shot in New Jersey this week, marking the second attack in seven days where an act of gun violence resulted in the death of a local elected Both victims went to the hospital for treatment, and the motive for the shooting remains under investigation,Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson and Franklin Township Public Safety Director Quovella M. Spruill said. The prosecutor's office believes it was a homicide. On May 31, at around 10:26 p.m., township police officers responded to an area hospital for a wounded victim that was reportedly shot while in the area of Hamilton Street, Robertson said. The shooting was reported about 10:40 p.m. Sunday in the 3800 block of Franklin Avenue near Magnolia Avenue, Fullerton police Lt. Tony Rios said. FRANKLIN TWP. It happened Eunice Dwumfour, 30, was found in her SUV outside a Sayreville apartment complex with multiple gunshot wounds, the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office said; she was pronounced dead on scene. In addition to these jobs, he was also a basketball coach, Guzman noted. Information may also be emailed to the prosecutors office at tips@co.gloucester.nj.us. An investigation into the deadly shooting led law enforcement to identify 58-year-old Gary Curtis, of Washington township, as the suspected gunman. "The Milford Borough Council is deeply saddened by the loss and our hearts go out to his family," Milford Mayor Henri Schepens told digital news content provider NJ.com. FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, N.J. - A deadly shooting took place Wednesday morning outside the PSE&G Central Division in Franklin Township. Jay has held numerous jobs over the years such as stunt car driver, bartender, voice-over artist, traffic reporter (award winning), NY Yankee maintenance crewmember and peanut farm worker. The incident happened on Weston Canal Road around 7 a.m. Wednesday morning. Born and raised in Northwest NJ, Jay has a degree in Communications and has had a life-long interest in local radio and various styles of music. Toni Yates has the story. In a statement Wednesday night, Hunterdon County Commissioner Director Zachary Rich said the Board joins its colleagues in Milford in offering its "sincere condolences to the Heller Family at this unimaginably difficult time for their tragic loss. All anonymous STOPit reports and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential. Local New Jersey council member Russell Heller was shot dead in his car, exactly one week after the slaying of Councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour. NORTHAMPTON TWP., Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- Police responded to a shooting at an estate in Northampton Township, Bucks County. All rights reserved. Russell Heller is shown in this undated photo. LINDEN, N.J. Authorities say four people were dead following a shooting in New Jersey, and the suspected gunman is believed to be among the deceased. He was brutally honest and he was always the life of the party, making people laugh, cracking jokes all the time.. It's not yet clear if that was the person wanted in the PSE&G shooting. Political leaders in New Jersey reacted on social media Wednesday to news of the deadly shooting that killed Heller, echoing similar sentiments shared in response to Dwumfour's murder that acknowledged it as a devastating consequence of gun violence in the area. 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 STOPit app. It remains an ongoing homicide investigation. ", The statement went on to call the incident "tragic and disturbing, and we are offering support to our employees as they process this. LAWNSIDE, N.J. - A 28-year-old Camden County woman was shot dead early Saturday and police are searching for her killer. Anyone with information relating to this shooting 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 STOPit app. Photo Credit: Google Maps (Street View) A school in Mckees Rocks briefly went into a lockdown when multiple agencies' police vehicles were shot at with on-duty officers inside, authorities say. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. Something like this has never happened in borough history. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. FRANKLIN, NJ Authorities are investigating a shooting where 27 shell casings were found in Franklin on Wednesday night. The bar was closed at the time of the incident, business operators confirmed. See a list of your local health and activity forecasts and recommendations. There was heavy police presence following the shootings at Tunnel Way; Linden Street; Benwood Avenue near A rising star for local Republicans who won an upset victory for her council seat in Sayreville in 2021 and an IT professional by trade, Dwumfour recently finished her first term on the Sayreville Borough Council. Updated on: February 10, 2023 / 6:09 PM A man shot in the head early Saturday outside of a closed bar in Gloucester County has died of his injuries, authorities confirmed Wednesday. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. In a news release Friday afternoon, the prosecutor's office reported that investigators believe the shooting stemmed from an employment dispute. The victim was identified as Michelle Cruz, 28, of Lawnside. Box 1000 We are cooperating with law enforcement with respect to their investigation. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. When they arrived, the responding officers found Heller had suffered a gunshot wound and already succumbed to his injuries. Our mayor and fellow council people are devastated. In this screen grab from a video, the scene of the shooting of N.J. councilperson Russell Heller is shown in Franklin Township, N.J., on Feb. 8, 2023. Roy Jackel, 41, was gunned down in Buena Vista, N.J. earlier this month as officers warned him to stop, video released by the New Jersey Attorney Generals office on Tuesday shows. Have a news tip? Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Stuart was an organ donor, the family noted, and his heart, lungs, kidney, liver and arteries were donated on Tuesday. 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