Around the State: Brutal Stabbing in Store, Alleged 'Papa Smurf' Mobster

Man Charged with Attempted Murder in Bed Bath & Beyond Stabbing

Tyrik S. Haynes, 19, of Middletown, is being held at the county jail on $1 million bail after being charged with first-degree attempted murder and weapons offenses by the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office. Haynes is accused of stabbing a Keansburg woman 12 times at the Middletown Bed, Bath and Beyond on Thursday.

Alleged Ramsey Mobster 'PapaSmurf' Accused of Running Trash Scam

A reputed local mobster known as "Papa Smurf" could face nearly two centuries in prison after he was charged Wednesday with conspiring to grab control of the waste management industry in New York and New Jersey. The mob-targeted federal sweep netted a dozen others.

Ramsey resident Carmine Franco, 77, is a known associate of the Genovese Crime Family, federal law enforcement officials said.

Two East Rutherford residents are facing carjacking and kidnapping charges for allegedly holding a 71-year-old woman at gunpoint at a Parsippany parking lot and then stuffing her in the trunk of her car.

House Approves $50.7 Billion Sandy Relief Bill

The U.S. House of Representatives voted Tuesday night to approve a Hurricane Sandy relief package totaling $50.7 billion. Local lawmakers battled House Republicans for months, who claimed the relief aid was filled with government "pork."

Montclair State Reverses Student's Suspension Over Online Fat Jokes

Joseph Aziz, a 26-year-old student from Weehawken, was suspended by Montclair State University after posting YouTube videos in which he called a fellow student "fat." The university later reversed its ruling.

Freeholder Director John P. Kelly's 30-year-old daughter has pleaded guilty to the theft of more than $40,000 during the time she worked in the tax assessor's office in Little Egg Harbor Township, the state Attorney General's Office said.

Dawn Marie Kelly, Eagleswood Township, made the admission when she pleaded guilty to an accusation of third-degree theft by unlawful taking on Dec. 14 before Ocean County Superior Court Judge James M. Blaney, said Rachel Goemaat, a spokesperson for the Attorney General's Office.

Newark Teen Arrested After Allegedly Pointing Shotgun at Police

A 17-year-old Newark youth was arrested Wednesday after he fired several rounds from a shotgun and aimed the weapon at a police officer, the Newark Police Department claimed. 

Deptford Firefighter Admits to Arson

A 23-year-old firefighter from Deptford, Michael S. Petrilak, pleaded guilty to setting a house on fire in January. He testified that he and co-defendant Lewis Brooks Jr., 20, used gasoline to set a vacant home on fire. The pair will make restitution payments.

Lavallette Receives $1.5 Million Assistance Following Sandy

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, has approved a Public Assistance project of $1.5 million to reimburse Lavallette for emergency protective measures performed as a result of Hurricane Sandy, the governor's office announced Friday afternoon.

The funding, of which FEMA will provide $1.1 million of the total cost, will cover emergency costs incurred by police, public works employees and electrical contractors who worked to protect and evacuate members of the public.

Madison Boy Who Inspired Community Dies

Six-year-old Jake Harter, whose battle against an incurable disease inspired the Madison community, succumbed to connatal Pelizaeus-Merzbacher last week. The disease left Harter with limited mobility and few ways to communicate.