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  • Writer's pictureKaren Brittingham-Edmond

Echoed News Chats on: Nat'l Minority Health Month; Trenton Officer Indicted For Conspiring With Gang; 79 Yr Old Man Hit By Car While In Wheelchair; Marlboro Bomb Threat & More

April 18, 2024

Photo Sources: Wix Media




Attorney General Announces Indictment of Trenton Police Officer for Conspiring with Jailed Gang Member to Assault Witness



Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced on Tuesday April 16th that Rudy Lopez, a Trenton Police Officer and Hamilton resident is in hot water! He has been indicted on 11 counts, including tampering with public records, conspiracy and a pattern of official misconduct. The State Grand Jury has accused him of lying on his job application and conspiring with a jailed gang member to set up an aggravated assault of a witness.


Per a report writtin by Alexis Tarrazi of the Middletown Patch article titled "NJ Cop, Jailed Gang Member Conspired To Seriously Injure Witness: AG" 4/17/2024 shares that "Lopez’s brother, Lisandro Rivera, 40, also of Hamilton, was also indicted after allegedly conspiring with his brother to financially facilitate crimes, said Platkin."


Per Tarazi's report the Corruption Bureau of the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) conducted an investigation which found that Trenton Police Officer Rudy Lopez had been communicating with a state prison inmate who is a member of the notorious Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (ALKQN) street gang. The Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (ALKQN) has been involved in various criminal activities across the United States. The investigation alleges that Lopez and the incarcerated gang member talked on multiple occasions about a person who they believed had cooperated in the inmate's prosecution. Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced the indictment of Lopez on 11 counts, including tampering with public records, conspiracy, and a pattern of official misconduct. Please click the link to learn more: https://patch.com/new-jersey/middletown-nj/s/ivyu4/nj-cop-jailed-gang-member-conspired-to-seriously-injure-witness-ag?utm_source=alert-breakingnews&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=alert&user_email=8b63617579edf54cbadf7183154015d85784f08e1cf6f4064784661f1b651b81&user_email_md5=e90707a6228d470c252bb1bc33689a6b&lctg=6571e20423b29a937d012200



79-Year-Old Man Riding in Wheelchair Struck by Car in Oldmans Township, NJ


It is with great sadness that the relaunched Echo must share the news of a tragic accident that occurred in Salem County. Per an story shared by Josh Bakan of The Patch early Monday morning, a horrific collision took place at the intersection of Pennsville Pedricktown Road and New Road in Oldmans Township. An elderly man in a wheelchair, identified as Chester Avant, 79, of Pedricktown, was hit by a northbound Buick passenger vehicle, resulting in fatal injuries. The State Police responded to the scene, and no other injuries were reported. The driver's identity has not been disclosed, and the investigation is ongoing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones of Chester Avant during this difficult time.



Join the Movement: Celebrate National Minority Health Month in April!


National Minority Health Month, observed every April in the United States is not just a month on the calendar. It's a powerful platform that draws attention to the health disparities that persist among racial and ethnic minority populations in the country. It's a time to ignite action and inspire people to work towards closing the gap in health outcomes between different communities. 


Since its establishment in 1989 by the Office of Minority Health, this event has been pivotal in promoting health equity and improving health outcomes for minority populations. This month, numerous events and activities are organized nationwide to address critical issues such as access to healthcare, chronic disease prevention and management, mental health, and environmental health. By participating in these events and promoting awareness of the challenges faced by minority communities, we can work together to create a healthier and more equitable society for all. https://www.echonewstv.com/post/celebrating-national-minority-health-month-with-joseph-salvador-palm-regional-director-for-the-u-s


There are several ways people can get involved or support Minority Health Month in their neighborhoods. One way is to participate in local events and activities that promote awareness and education about health disparities among minority populations. This could include attending health fairs, community forums, or cultural events focusing on health and wellness. 


Another way to support Minority Health Month is to spread the word about the importance of health equity and advocate for policies that promote access to quality health care for all. This could involve sharing information on social media, talking to friends and family members about the issue, or contacting elected officials to express support for health equity initiatives.


Additionally, people can support Minority Health Month by donating to organizations addressing health disparities among minority populations, such as community health centers or local health advocacy groups. Finally, individuals can improve their health by adopting healthy behaviors, such as eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and scheduling routine health check-ups with their healthcare provider. 



Community Rallies Around Victims of Manchester Car-Van Crash: 13 Injured, 11 Children


A devastating two-car crash that occurred on Tuesday morning left thirteen individuals hospitalized and injured. The accident involved a Transit van carrying students and took place at the intersection of County Route 571 and County Route 547. Per Karen Hall of the Middltown Patch April 17th titled " 13 Hurt, Including 11 Kids, In Car-Van Crash In Manchester


Per Patch resource a Black 2023 Ford Transit Passenger Van, driven by 20-year-old Dvora Katz of Jackson, was traveling southbound on County Road 547 when it collided with a white 2020 Acura TLX, driven by 53-year-old Tracey Kahn of Forked River. The Acura was attempting to make a left turn onto County Road 571 northbound, but it made the left turn in front of the Ford Van, causing the van to crash into the passenger side of the Acura. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by this tragic accident. https://patch.com/new-jersey/middletown-nj/s/ivyrb/13-hurt-including-11-kids-in-carvan-crash-in-manchester?utm_source=alert-breakingnews&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=alert&user_email=8b63617579edf54cbadf7183154015d85784f08e1cf6f4064784661f1b651b81&user_email_md5=e90707a6228d470c252bb1bc33689a6b&lctg=6571e20423b29a937d012200


Safety First: Marlboro Township Public Schools Close to Investigate Bomb Threat


Marlboro Township Public Schools were forced to shut down in response to a bomb threat that the district received over email. Per a report shared by Megan VerHelst of the Middltown Patch 4/18/2024 tilted "Bomb Threat Closes Marlboro Schools Thursday: District" Officials initially announced a two-hour delay, however, as per the Marlboro Township police, the threat was directed towards Marlboro Memorial Middle School and the Board of Education buildings. As a result, the school district decided to close all schools in the area to ensure the premises are safe for students and faculty alike. The district has assured that they are working closely with the authorities to investigate the situation and will keep everyone informed of any new information. Let us hope that the investigation concludes soon and the students can return to a safe learning environment. To learn more please click the link: https://patch.com/new-jersey/middletown-nj/s/ivzot/bomb-threat-closes-marlboro-schools-thursday-district?utm_source=alert-breakingnews&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=alert&user_email=8b63617579edf54cbadf7183154015d85784f08e1cf6f4064784661f1b651b81&user_email_md5=e90707a6228d470c252bb1bc33689a6b&lctg=6571e20423b29a937d012200


Easter Sunday 2024 Tragedy: 72 Year Old Man Fatally Struck by Vehicle While Riding Bike


Per a report shared by Carly Baldwin of the Middletown Patch titled: "Red Bank Man On Bike Hit By Car, Succumbs To Injuries." A tragic incident occurred in Shrewsbury that left the entire community in shock and mourning. Douglas Yorke, a 72-year-old man from Red Bank, who was hit by a car while riding his bike, has passed away. The unfortunate incident took place on Easter Sunday, at around 5:45 P.M. on Samara Drive, just south of Obre Place.


Yorke was pedaling south on Samara Drive when he was struck by a 2017 Black Honda HRV. The Shrewsbury First Aid Squad immediately rushed him to Jersey Shore University Hospital, but despite the efforts of the trauma team, he passed away on April 11th. Yorke's family was with him during his final moments, surrounded by the outstanding care of the medical center's staff. The entire community mourns the loss of Yorke and sends condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time. This tragedy serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for drivers to be extra cautious and attentive while on the road. Reference: https://patch.com/new-jersey/middletown-nj/red-bank-man-bike-hit-car-succumbs-injuries?utm_source=local-update&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=alert







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