News Flash

1776

Following his epic journey moving 59 cannons from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston (the “Noble Train of Artillery”), Knox spent mid-February positioning these guns. This logistical feat, nearing its conclusion on this date, these cannons would soon be placed on Dorchester Heights. When the British woke up to see these guns pointed at their fleet, they realized Boston was untenable, leading to their evacuation in March.

1777

On this day, the Continental Congress passed a resolution urging the states to stop the massive inflation of paper money. They recommended that states cease issuing their own “bills of credit” and instead rely on Continental currency and taxation to fund the war. This highlighted the desperate financial state of the young nation, which was nearly broke just one year after declaring independence.

1778

While no battle took place on this date, February 15, 1778, represents the “darkest hour” of the Valley Forge winter. General George Washington wrote several letters on this day detailing the “nakedness” of the troops and the lack of horses. It was during this specific week that the tide began to turn, as Baron von Steuben was nearing the camp to begin his transformation of the Continental Army into a professional fighting force.

1780

On February 15, Washington received word that local New Jersey magistrates were successfully “apportioning” grain from local farmers to be sent to the camp. This cooperation between the military and the NJ civilian government prevented a massive mutiny during one of the coldest weeks of the war.

1783

Just one day after Britain officially proclaimed the cessation of hostilities, news began to ripple through the colonies. American leaders were navigating the awkward transition from a state of war to a state of peace, specifically dealing with how to handle “Loyalist” property and the evacuation of British troops from New York City.

Warrant Arrest – ACS Contempt WarrantOn February 7, 2026, at approximately 8:09 PM, Officer Carlos Delgado, assisted by Officer Connor McClelland and Officer Jonathan Andres Puglla, conducted a motor vehicle stop in the area of Harrison Avenue and the I-280 Eastbound ramp after observing a traffic violation. A warrant check revealed the driver had two active no-bail warrants issued out of Jersey City. The subject was arrested without incident and transferred into Jersey City Police custody.

Warrant Arrest – Union TownshipOn February 9, 2026, at approximately 4:29 PM, Officer Jonathan Andres Puglla, assisted by Officer Jared Hoholick and Officer Carlos Delgado, conducted a motor vehicle stop while performing directed patrol at 2 Passaic Avenue after observing a driver using a cellular phone while operating a vehicle. Investigation revealed the driver had a suspended license and an active $1,000 warrant issued by Union Township. The subject was arrested and transported to headquarters. Union Township later authorized release on recognizance with a new court date, and the subject was issued motor vehicle summonses prior to release.

Driving While Intoxicated ArrestOn February 8, 2026, at approximately 1:11 AM, Officer Anthony Cecere and Officer Santiago Gomez, with assistance from Officer Jonathan Andres Puglla, Sgt. Iker Bermudez, and Det. Sgt. Freddy Lecca, responded to the area of Frank E. Rodgers Boulevard South and Warren Street on a report of an intoxicated driver. Officers located the vehicle improperly positioned in the roadway. The driver displayed signs of intoxication and failed standardized field sobriety tests. Breath testing later recorded a BAC of 0.18%. The driver was arrested for DWI, the vehicle was impounded, and the subject was later released to a responsible party.

DWI Arrest Following Motor Vehicle Crash with InjuriesOn February 8, 2026, at approximately 6:58 PM, Officer Santiago Gomez, assisted by Sgt. Iker Bermudez, Det. Sgt. Freddy Lecca, and Officer Connor McClelland, responded to a three-vehicle crash at Harrison Avenue and Kingsland Avenue involving injuries. Investigation determined one vehicle struck two others, causing injuries to several occupants who were transported to local hospitals. Officers observed signs of intoxication from the at-fault driver, who failed field sobriety testing and was arrested for DWI. The vehicle was impounded and the driver later released to a responsible party pending court proceedings.

On February 3, 2026, at approximately 11:00 PM, Harrison Police officers responded to the area of 416 Hamilton Street on a report of a male attempting to break into vehicles. Officer Anthony Cecere located a male matching the description, who fled on a bicycle and ignored repeated commands to stop.  Additional units responded to assist, and Officer Carlos Delgado, along with Hudson County Sheriff’s Officer Rivera, apprehended the suspect after he attempted to evade officers through nearby streets. Officers Nicole Yamuca, Christopher Maitin, Connor McClelland, and Alex Naprawa also assisted during the incident.  The suspect, identified as Johan Reyes-Rodriguez, was found to have an active warrant out of Kearny. He was charged with attempted burglary, obstruction, hindering apprehension, and resisting arrest, then transported to Hudson County Jail without further incident.