Bernard Torraco of Bergen County, is suing United Airlines, the City of Newark and Gateway Security.

HACKENSACK - A River Vale man has filed a lawsuit claiming he was struck by a luggage cart and seriously hurt while waiting for a flight at Newark Airport two years ago.

Bernard Torraco, 81, alleges in court papers he was standing in Terminal C, Level 2, near the United Airlines terminal when he was hit by the cart being pushed by a worker on Feb. 27, 2015, according to the suit.

Torraco claims he was knocked over and suffered "severe and disabling injuries" and has been prevented from working as a master plumber, according to the suit filed last month in Bergen County Superior Court..

The suit names as defendants United Airlines, Gateway Security, the City of Newark, an unidentified worker and two unidentified businesses.

Worker says bosses harassed him until he had breakdown

The City of Newark is named in the suit because they were the landlords of the property when Torraco was injured, the suit states.

Among other allegations, the suit claims United Airlines, Gateway Security and the City of Newark did not keep the premises safe, caused a dangerous and hazardous condition to exist, did not exercise proper care, and failed to provide proper, safe and clear access for persons allowed and invited to use the property."

The suit seeks a jury trial and unspecified damages.

United Airlines did not respond Wednesday morning to an email seeking comment.

Newark spokesman Frank Baraff said the city does not comment on pending litigation.

A man who answered the phone in the legal and corporate services department at Gateway Security said the company would have no comment. 

Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

A celeb chef's new Atlantic City outposts, a Mediterranean newcomer in Verona, a fast-casual Greek in Shrewsbury and a Westwood barbecue shack that specializes in '100 percent ridiculousness,' here are 10 places to check out this month

Welcome to NJ.com's monthly feature, "Where to eat now in N.J.," highlighting the most exciting restaurants of the moment, including places new to the scene and ones that have been here a while but are still firing on all burners. Our selections are based on personal visits, word of mouth, OpenTable availability, crowdsourcing websites and local food blogs. If you'd like to recommend a restaurant to be considered for a spot on a future "Where to eat now in N.J." column, let us know in the comments section below, or e-mail vhyman@njadvancemedia.com. 

The Chonut 2.1 -- smoked brisket and more inside a glazed doughnut -- is Kimchi Smoke's cholesterol-defying specialty. The Westwood barbecue destination plans to open a second in Montclair. Courtesy Kimchi Smoke

1. Kimchi Smoke, Westwood

Pitmaster Robert Cho of Westwood's Kimchi Smoke calls his Chonut 2.1 "life-changing," and your cardiologist may agree: It's smoked brisket, smoked kimchi, bourbon chipotle sauce, cheese, bacon and scallions ($15). Did we mention it's all tucked inside glazed doughnut? For Cho, who moved operations from his Bergenfield barbecue shack to Westwood last year and plans to open a second location in Montclair (345 Bloomfield Ave.) next month, his melt-in-your-mouth 12-hour smoked brisket is merely a jumping-off point. Check out his Korean Redneck Tacos (smoked pork shoulder with Korean slaw or kimchi, $10 for two) or the smoked pork ribs glazed with a sweet and spicy gochujang (red chili pepper) sauce. 301 Center Ave., Westwood. 201-497-6333. kimchismoke.com

The pork carnitas taco at Taphouse 15 in Jefferon, owned by Tom Apostolopoulos, Bill Stathopoulos, and Angelo Kalavriziotis, the latter of whom co-owned the restaurant's predecessor, New Orleans Steak House. Victoria Mathews

2. Taphouse 15, Jefferson

Thirty years is practically a geologic age in restaurants, and New Orleans Steak House in Jefferson was feeling it. In 2015, the restaurant closed it doors and underwent an extreme makeover, emerging as the gastropub Taphouse 15, with a seasonal, global-inspired menu and two dozen rotating beers on tap plus 50 more in bottles. Fish tacos are a big seller, but don't miss what co-owner Tom Apostolopoulos calls the "left-of-center" offerings, from the fried Chicken and bacon cheddar waffles with chili orange maple syrup ($17) or the butternut squash and pancetta wood-fired pizza ($14). 75 Route 15 South, Jefferson. 862-437-1300. taphouse15.com

3. Greek Eats, Shrewsbury

When we say Shrewsbury's Greek Eats feels like a chain, we mean that in the best way: This fast-casual venture from the owners of Red Bank's Teak and The Bistro has a funky, industrial aesthetic, an easy-to-understand menu and a quick, assembly-line ordering system. (Co-owner Charlie Lyristis tells us they are in fact scouting for new locations.) The speciality of the house are gyros (spelled yeeros to reflect the correct pronunciation, $7.50) filled with grass-fed, hormone-free beef and lamb, spit-fired chicken or pork, or for vegetarians, fava bean hummus, spicy feta, or the tangy, squeaky halloumi griddled on the flat-top, topped your choice of eight sauces (try the sriracha tzatziki) and fixings. 89 Newman Springs, Road, Shrewsbury. 732-530-0777. gogreekeats.com

4. The Farm & Fisherman, Cherry Hill

The Philly food scene is flourishing, but Jersey has got one thing foodies there crave: the Farm & Fisherman Tavern + Market, which opened in 2013 as an offshoot of the popular but tiny and now-closed city BYO. The sprawling Cherry Hill F&F remains a terrific showplace for chef-owners Josh and Colleen Lawler's seasonal fare, from caramelized cauliflower with curried mushroom cream ($9) to pan-roasted red trout with quinoa, beets and tahini ($28), plus craft beer and speciality cocktails. The standing-room-only brunch has a can't-miss "chef's breakfast" with rotating selections but always a can of beer and a shot of bourbon ($22). 1442 Marlton Pike East, Cherry Hill. 856-356-2282. fandftavern.com

Jose Garces' Okatshe at the Tropicana features grilled skewers of meat, fish and veggies along with small, plates, sushi and ramen. Ashlee Espinal | For NJ Advance Media

5. Olon and Okatshe, Atlantic City

Olon and Okatshe, celeb chef Jose Garces' chic new restaurants at the Tropicana, are the most exciting new additions to the Atlantic City dining scene since ... Jose Garces' last set of chic new restaurants at the now-closed Revel. Olon specializes in Jersey Shore classics and seafood with a South American twist -- five kinds of ceviche ($15-$18), fried shrimp with rocoto pepper aioli ($28), and a succulent wood-grilled salmon ($32). Okatshe, tucked behind a secret door, is a stylized Tokyo speakeasy with small plates (5-spice ribs, $11; chicken with yuzu mayo, $11), grilled skewers (pork belly, $2; scallops, $5), three styles of ramen ($18-$38 for large portions) and sushi. 2831 Boardwalk, Tropicana, Atlantic City. Olon, 609-340-4050, olonrestaurant.com. Okatshe, 609-340-4053, okatsherestaurant.com

6. City Perch, Fort Lee

The waitress at Fort Lee's City Perch Kitchen + Bar gave us at the hard sell over the bread board ($10), of all things, but boy, were we glad we caved, thanks to the cayenne and Parmesan popovers with sun-dried tomato butter and the orange sage biscuit with maple bourbon pecan butter, which I would happily eat for dessert. City Perch, in the brand-new Hudson Lights high-rise development, has a big-city vibe but distinctly homey pleasures, such as the French onion sup with braised beef short ribs ($10),  the Gulf shrimp and grits ($19), and the evening's surprise hit, a caponata-like roasted cauliflower, sweet and sour and crunchy and addictive. 2023 Hudson Street, Fort Lee 201-582-7101. cityperch.com

Black Pepper Lobster #chinesefood #lobster #cacioepepe #cantonesefood

A post shared by Xina (@xinarestaurant) on May 7, 2016 at 12:27pm PDT

7. Xina, Toms River

It was the first day of Lent, but that's not why Xina, the Toms River sushi bar and Chinese bistro hard by the Route 37 bridge to Seaside, was packed. It's the inventive, sometimes over-the-top dishes -- the crunchy coconut shrimp roll with lobster tempura and wasabi coconut sauce ($13), the everything bagel roll with crab, smoked salmon, cream cheese and scallion battered and fried with everything bagel seasoning ($12), and the not-to-be-missed bacon, egg and cheese fried rice ($13). It's been open for five years, but still expect a wait for your table and to strain your hearing in the riotous dining room. 3430 Route 37, Toms River. 732-279-6327. xinarestaurant.com

8. Heirloom Kitchen, Old Bridge

On first glance (and maybe the second, too) Heirloom Kitchen seems to be a little bit of Brooklyn in Old Bridge, from the tattooed chefs in throwback aprons to the artisanal tableware (for sale!) to the farm-to-table ethos. But if that means we don't have to drive to Gowanus for duck breast with sherry herbed barley, date puree and maitake mushrooms ($36), that's fine by us. It's a cooking school during the week and a supper club on the weekends, where diners who call ahead can sit at the chef's counter and watch the kitchen staff work their magic up close. 3853 Route 516, Old Bridge. 732-727-9444. heirloomkitchen.com

A post shared by Zaferon Grill (@zaferongrill) on Mar 2, 2017 at 7:15pm PST

9. Zaferon Grill, Verona

Watch out, Montclair. The three-block stretch of Bloomfield Avenue that has welcomed Ariane Kitchen + Bar and Aroy-D: the Thai Elephant in recent years has a brand-new neighbor, the Mediterranean and Persian-inspired Zaferon Grill, where the owners have created a Zen-like space out of an old Domino's. The BYOB, which opened last month, emphasizes antibiotic- and hormone-free meat, wild-caught fish, organic produce and freshly-blended juices. The meal starts with the restaurant's hot, chewy flatbread, and the Persian influence is seen in the skewers ($21-$26) with a choice of chutneys (among them citrus fig and mango peach), and the saffron-infused braised lamb shank (Zaferon means saffon in Persian) with dried Persian limes, tomatoes and fava beans. 648 Bloomfield Ave., Verona. 973-433-7533. zaferongrill.com

Jumbo lump crab & avocado "cannelloni" with charred pineapple and melon and passion fruit vinaigrette at the Boulevard Seafood Company in Somerville.Jeff Granit | For NJ Advance Media 

10. Boulevard Seafood Company, Somerville

CIA alum Scott Snyder, who has won raves for his 11-year-old Boulevard Five72 in Kenilworth, and his wife Allison have branched out big time to Somerville, where they run the nearly-year-old Boulevard Seafood Company. (Next door is their third eatery, the casual breakfast and lunch Conlin's Cafe & Bakery). The cozy (okay, tight) brick-walled Boulevard Seafood has earned plenty of buzz for its creative seafood preparations, from the gulf shrimp corn dogs with spicy mustard sauce ($10) to the jumbo lump crab and avocado "cannelloni" over charred pineapple and melon with passion fruit vinaigrette ($16) to the seared day boat scallops and lemongrass pork belly duo ($29). 49 W. Main St., Somerville. 908-722-3300. boulevardseafood.com

Vicki Hyman may be reached at vhyman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @vickihy or like her on Facebook. Find NJ.com/Entertainment on Facebook, and check out Remote Possibilities, the TV podcast from Vicki Hyman and co-host Erin Medley on iTunes, Stitcher or Spreaker, or listen below or here.

Ep. 68: 'When We Rise' is worth watching, but are you?

The Newark School Advisory Board elections will take place on April 25.

NEWARK -- City voters will head to the polls next month to elect three members of the School Advisory Board -- a crucial choice as the state moves toward returning local control of Newark schools. 

Sixteen candidates filed petitions by Monday's deadline, including Philip C. Seelinger, who is the only board member seeking re-election. 

Among the more recognized names is Deborah Terrell, a former teacher and principal who was appointed by the state as interim superintendent of Newark schools in 2011. 

This year, the "Newark Unity" slate -- a partnership between Mayor Ras Baraka, charter school advocates and other local political heavyweights -- includes Reginald Bledsoe, Flohisa Johnson and Josephine Garcia.

Officials created the unity slate last year, despite ongoing disagreements, to move past the often hostile rhetoric that can define elections. The focus, they said, should be on improving schools. 

"It was more than just a political coalition," North Ward Councilman Anibal Ramos said during a press conference last week announcing the slate. "It was a partnership that was intended to better prepare our city as we regain local control."

Once the state hands over the reins, the local board will pick its superintendent and decisions will no longer be subject to a state veto. That means the three board members along with the rest of the board already in place will have power over the district's purse strings. 

The state took over the district in 1995 and since 2007 has returned three of the five areas of control to the board: operations in 2007, fiscal management in 2014 and personnel in 2016. The state is expected to return the areas of governance and instruction by the fall of 2017. 

Other candidates in the running include:

• Patricia J. Bradford
• Anthony Diaz
• Denise Cole
• Josephine C. Garcia
• EZDehar Abu Hatab
• Jameel Ibrahim  
• Charles Love
• Shelia Montague
• Sharon Smith
• Swapan Basu
• Ryan Talmadge
• Jimmie White

Board chair Antoinette Baskerville-Richardson and board member Donald G. Jackson, Jr. did not file for re-election. 

Newark is one of 18 school districts still holding board elections and budget approvals in April. In Essex County, Irvington is also holding school board elections and voting on approving its budget.

District officials said the list of candidates could change as candidates have until March 13 to amend a defective petition or withdraw from the April 25 election.

Karen Yi may be reached at kyi@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter at @karen_yi or on Facebook. 

The St. John's 5th grade CYO team is headed to the league championship after their season almost ended abruptly when the two girls on the team were told they could no longer play. Watch video

LIVINGSTON -- They were three points behind and had four seconds left on the clock.

It seemed inevitable: This was the end to the St. John's 5th grade CYO team's turbulent season - a run that hit a low last month when two girls were told they could no longer play on the team, as the 5th grade teams are not supposed to be coed.

That's when the boys -- who have played with the girls for four years now -- decided they simply would not play ball without their girl teammates and gave up their chance at the playoffs.

Their show of support was picked up by news outlets around the country after being reported by NJ Advance Media.

But as the controversy escalated, the archdiocese's new archbishop Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, ordered mercy: Tobin decided the team could finish the season, saying it was unfair to punish them, and the nine boys and two girls headed into the playoffs together.

Luck was on the team's side again in the final seconds of Sunday's game against Aquinas Academy in Livingston.

The ball went to Riley Ramirez, one of the St. John's Chargers star players. Ramirez chucked a Hail Mary shot at the basket from nearly half court as the buzzer sounded. Like magic, the ball went right in - the perfect three-point shot needed to tie the score.

St. John's coaches and fans were on their feet. Teammates tackled Ramirez. Deafening cheers echoed inside the small gym.

It had been a neck-and-neck game and St. John's had lost by 12 the last time the two teams played.

During four minutes of overtime, the teams traded back and forth for the lead, but in the end the Chargers clinched it with a final score of 32-31. As the final buzzer sounded, they were on their feet again, trading hugs and sharing in the awe for a few moments before lining up to shake the hands of their opponents.

In the hall outside the gym, the team and their fans began chanting "Chargers!" before switching to "Unity!"

"Once they came at us with trying to split them apart, everybody stuck together," said coach Rob Martel, before thanking the parents of the boys, because he and coach Mark Decastro are fathers of each of the girls. "I applaud them for having our backs, too. It's what school is about and what being teammates is about."

The championship game will take place Saturday afternoon.

 

Jessica Remo may be reached at jremo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessicaRemoNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Superior Court Judge Deborah Gross-Quatrone is accused of violating the Code of Judicial Conduct.

NEWARK - A state ethics panel has filed a formal complaint against a former Bergen County Family Court judge, finding -- among other alleged violations -- she ordered her secretary to do her son's homework.

Superior Court Judge Deborah Gross-Quatrone is accused of violating the Code of Judicial Conduct during 2015, while she sat on the bench in Hackensack, according to a complaint filed Monday by the New Jersey Supreme Court's Advisory Committee on Judicial Conduct.

In addition to having her secretary perform personal tasks, she is accused of making a law clerk work off-the-clock without pay and secretly taping conversations with other judges when her behavior came under scrutiny, according to the complaint.

During the time the alleged violations occurred, Gross-Quatrone was assigned to Family Court in Bergen County, a position she held until January 2016. She is now an Essex County civil court judge, having been approved by the Senate, according to the New Jersey Law Journal.

Included in the ethics complaint is a transcript of an email between Gross-Quatrone and her secretary, Maria DeLeon:

"Him" was allegedly a reference to Gross-Quatrone's son, who was a high school senior at the time, according to the complaint.

"By directing DeLeon to perform extrajudicial activities in the form of personal work for (Gross-Quatrone) and homework for (her) son during work hours and using judiciary equipment, (Gross-Quatrone) repeatedly misused judiciary resources, demonstrated an inability to conform her conduct to the high standards of conduct expected of judges," the complaint states.

Gross-Quatrone attended Pace University School of Law, Montclair State University and Paramus Catholic Girls Regional High School, and has served as president of the Bergen County Bar Association. She has been a member of the bar since 1990.

A reporter's calls to Gross-Quatrone's chambers were referred to the judge's attorney in Totowa.

The attorney was not in his office Wednesday and not available to comment.

Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Jose Lazaro Gonzalez has been charged in the stabbing death of his cousin, officials announced Wednesday.

CALDWELL -- Authorities have arrested a Guatemalan teen who they say murdered his cousin, then fled the state.

Jose Lazaro Gonzalez, 18, has been charged with the Feb. 26 murder of 27-year-old Marvin Lazaro, Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn Murray and Caldwell Police Chief James Bongiorno announced in a release Wednesday.

Authorities allege Gonzalez fatally stabbed Lazaro in their apartment at about 2:30 p.m., then fled on a Greyhound bus to Missouri. He was arrested in Kansas City, and is awaiting extradition to New Jersey, authorities said.

Lazaro lived with Gonzalez and two of their other cousins, all men from Guatemala, in the apartment where was killed in the 400 block of Bloomfield Avenue in Caldwell, the prosecutor's office said. A spokeswoman did not immediately respond to questions about the nature of the altercation.

Jessica Mazzola may be reached at jmazzola@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessMazzola. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Anthony V. Casale Jr. faces first- and second-degree charges in the death of Megan E. Villanella, 34, of Verona, who died after Casale allegedly struck her and her brother with his car.

Anthony V. Casale Jr., left, appears by video from the Essex County Correctional Facility during an initial appearance Wednesday in Central Judicial Processing in Newark. Casale, 25, is charged with first-degree death by auto and other offenses in a March 3 crash that claimed the life of a 34-year-old Verona woman. (Thomas Moriarty | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com) 

NEWARK -- The Essex County Prosecutor's Office has asked a judge to keep a 25-year-old Bellville man jailed without bail pending further proceedings in a crash in Verona that killed a woman and injured her brother.

Authorities announced charges Tuesday against Anthony V. Casale Jr. in the death of Megan E. Villanella, 34, of Verona, who investigators say sustained fatal injuries March 3 when a 2006 Mitsubishi Casale was driving jumped the curb at Lakeside and Pease avenues, striking her and her 30-year-old brother.

Casale, appearing by video from the Essex County Correctional Facility, entered a plea of not guilty Wednesday during an initial appearance before Judge Sybil M. Elias in Newark.

Casale, who authorities said was under the influence of drugs at the time of the crash, is charged with first-degree death by auto, second-degree assault by auto and possession of a hypodermic needle for use with a controlled dangerous substance -- a disorderly persons offense.

Elias said Casale's lack of a prior criminal history indicated he should be released on monitoring, but prosecutors said they wanted Casale detained pending trial.

Elias scheduled Casale for a detention hearing Tuesday before Superior Court Judge Alfonse J. Cifelli.

Attorney David Bruno -- representing Casale along with Robert Bianchi -- said he still hadn't seen discovery materials in the case.

"This individual is 25 years old, and as you can see, there's a recommendation of (release and) monitoring," Bruno said, explaining he'd like the proceedings to move as quickly as possible.

Assistant Prosecutor Tara Creegan said that among the evidence prosecutors gathered in the case is video footage of Casale in a Verona police car.

Bruno declined to comment after the hearing.

The case will be sent to Superior Court Judge Joseph P. Donohue following Tuesday's detention hearing, Elias said.

Thomas Moriarty may be reached at tmoriarty@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ThomasDMoriarty. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

An Elizabeth store owner illegally paid people cash for food stamps, paying 30 cents for each dollar's worth of benefits.

The owner of the Checkpoint Mini Mart in Elizabeth was sentenced to 24 months in prison for illegal paying people for the food stamp benefits and netting more tan $1 million, authorities said. (Google earth) 

NEWARK -- He owned a small Elizabeth grocery store just down the block from the city police headquarters, but in one year he more received than $1.1 million through an illegal food stamp scheme, federal authorities said.

Charles Silva, the 33-year-old owner of the Checkpoint Mini Mart, appeared in U.S. District Court Wednesday and was sentenced to 24 months in prison, U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman said in a statement.

U.S. District Court Judge Stanley R. Chesler, who imposed he sentenced, also ordered Silva to forfeit $370,000 and pay restitution of $990,000, Fishman said.

Authorities said Checkpoint was authorized to accept Supplemental Nutrition and Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, formerly known as food stamps, which is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Chesler, the authorities said, knew the benefits were only to be accepted for food purchases, and could not be exchanged for cash.

However, over a period of 12 months, from June 2015 through May 2016, Chelser and others under his supervision illegally permitted recipients of SNAP benefits to exchange the stamps at Checkpoint Mini Mart for cash rather than food, federal authorities said.

During a undercover operation, a federal agent traded $154.19 in SNAP benefits for $100 cash and watched a store employee pull out and review what was apparently a price list for the illegal exchange, according to a complaint filed in court.

Authorities said the store owner subsequently admitted that, in general, he and other employees redeemed SNAP benefits for approximately 30 cents on the dollar.

During the 12-month period, Checkpoint Mini Mart received $1,131,063 for illegally redeemed SNAP benefits, Fishman said.

He said Silva admitted that shortly after receiving the money in the store account, he transferred the money to another account which he used to pay personal expenses.

Tom Haydon may be reached at thaydon@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @Tom_HaydonSL. Find NJ.com on Facebook

Prosecutor releases report on deadly police shooting.

NEWARK -- An Essex County grand jury has voted not to indict five Newark police officers who fired their weapons in a shooting that killed two armed robbery suspects during a confrontation with police in the city's North Ward, prosecutors said Wednesday.

In announcing the grand jury's decision, Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray released the results of her agency's probe into the police killings of Najier Salaam and George Richards-Meyers, both 18, from Newark.

The investigation found, in part, that while police believed they were being shot at by the suspects, the only weapon recovered from the scene was a BB gun that appeared to be an actual handgun. The suspect vehicle, according to the investigation, also nearly ran down an officer and crashed into police vehicles.

The shooting occurred after five Newark police officers responded to the area near North 7th Street and Abington Avenue Sept. 30 around 6 a.m. for a report that an off-duty city officer was following three suspects in a vehicle wanted in at least two robberies earlier the same morning, according to the prosecutor's investigation.

Families of teens shot dead by police rally for answers

The off-duty officer trailed the vehicle to North 7th Street, while relaying the location to city police dispatch, a statement from the prosecutor's office added. Four officers arrived in two unmarked police vehicles, turning onto North 7th Street.

As police arrived, the suspects' vehicle drove toward a marked city police cruiser, which had its emergency lights turned on, according to the investigation.

"Upon seeing the marked unit with lights activated, the suspects immediately placed their vehicle in reverse and accelerated at a high rate of speed in the direction of the off-duty officer who had been following them," the prosecutor's statement said. "The off-duty officer had just exited his vehicle as this happened and was almost struck by the suspects' vehicle."

The wanted vehicle continued speeding up, driving in reverse and hit a marked city police vehicle, the statement added. The shooting came amid the initial crash with the marked unit.

A fifth Newark police officer in a marked car heard what he thought was a gunshot, according to the investigation.

"As the vehicle collided with his marked unit and scraped alongside his vehicle, the fifth officer saw what he believed was a gun pointed at him in the hand of the front seat passenger," the prosecutor's office statement said. "This officer has stated that based on his observations and in fear for his life, he fired his weapon in the direction of the front seat passenger."

The suspects' car continued speeding in reverse and crashed into one of the Newark unmarked police cars, with two officers inside, according to the prosecutor's office report.

"As the suspects' vehicle reversed at a high rate of speed and collided with this unmarked Newark unit, the Newark officers heard gunfire," the statement said. "Believing that they were being fired upon by the suspects, Newark officers fired their weapons in the direction of the suspects' vehicle."

The driver and front seat passenger died from the gunfire, according to the prosecutor's account, that did not identify which man was driving. A third man, previously identified by authorities as 18-year-old Jeremiah Bowser, of Newark, allegedly ran from the suspect vehicle and was arrested by city police. Bowser, who was initially identified as a juvenile, faces robbery-related charges. 

The only firearm recovered by investigators was a black BB gun, according to the prosecutor's office.

"A black BB gun, which resembled a real handgun, was recovered near the location of the shooting and surveillance footage showed the suspects hiding the gun at this location prior to their interaction with the police," the statement added.

Meanwhile, supporters and family members planned to hold a rally Thursday outside the Essex County Hall of Records in Newark in response to the decision.

Salaam Ismial, an anti-violence activist and family spokesman, said Acting Prosecutor Murray met with the families of the deceased and would discuss the incident with Newark officials.

Murray was "very troubled" by the actions of the police officers, Ismial said, recounting a meeting between the prosecutor, family members and supporters.

The prosecutor met with family members and said her office planned to discuss the shooting with Newark officials, Murray's spokeswoman, Katherine Carter, confirmed. Officials did not elaborate on the planned meeting. 

Ismial has also called for federal authorities to probe the shooting and said the FBI was set to review the matter.

A spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's Office in Newark said the agency does not confirm or deny investigations. The families have not asked for a meeting with federal prosecutors, however, the office is available if they would like to discuss the case, the spokesman added.

Newark Fraternal Order of Police President James Stewart Jr. called the deaths tragic for family members, but said the officers responded to a violent crime spree. 

"It's a tragedy for the families of the two deceased suspects, but make no mistake, the chain of events that began that morning started with the actions of these three young men," Stewart added. "They were out there preying on the vulnerable, they were terrorizing the community. The officers involved simply responded to their actions and we believed from day one that the grand jury would see it that way as well."

Police officials have described the men as members of a violent robbery crew that was suspected in multiple attacks in the city. Family members disputed those allegations in prior interviews.

Quanna Rollins, Najier Salaam's mother, remembered her son as harmless in an October interview.

"He had a beautiful heart," she said. "He would give you the shirt off his back."

Newark Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose told NJ Advance Media the matter would be reviewed.

"When we get the official notification in writing by the prosecutor an internal investigation will be conducted by our Office of Professional Standards," Ambrose said Wednesday.

Incidents where municipal police fired their weapons are investigated by county prosecutor's offices in line with state Attorney General guidelines. A state directive created a "presumption" that cases where police use deadly force are sent to a grand jury for review.

When a grand jury declines to indict an officer, prosecutors release a public report on the investigation.

Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc and on Facebook. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Newark man charged.

Tashon Robinson (Photo: ECPO) 

NEWARK -- Essex County Prosecutor's narcotics task force detectives seized marijuana packaged for distribution, a rifle, $8,000 and arrested a Newark man after two raids, officials said Wednesday.

Tashon Robinson, 30, of Newark, faces drug distribution and weapons charges, Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray and Newark Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose announced.

The arrest came after an investigation into drug activity at residences on Lennox Street in Newark and Lincoln Avenue in Orange, according to officials. Task force officers, including police from Newark, served search warrants at the homes Tuesday night.

Robinson was being held at the Essex County jail ahead of a detention hearing. Chief Assistant Prosecutor Thomas Fennelly said the investigation was ongoing. Additional details were not immediately released.

Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc and on Facebook. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

The more things change, the more 'Remember when' Facebook posts we get.

If you spend any time on social media, you've likely seen one or two or 1,000 items that start something like this: "Growing up, we ...." Or, "Remember when ...?" We love those posts, don't we? I know I do.

No one would argue how much things change from generation to generation. These days, though, things seem to change at warp speed -- especially things in the area of tech.

I believe I can safely say that most of you have one of these things in the back of a drawer somewhere. 

It wasn't all that long ago when we had to drive to a video rental store to borrow a movie we wanted to watch at home; there were no online subscriptions to Netflix or a Google Chromecast gadget. And, when we were finished watching the movie, we had to rewind it and bring it back. At the time, we didn't think it was a big deal at all. In fact, we thought it was great! But, it now seems so outdated, doesn't it? How long will it be before video streaming is a "thing of the past"?

Those of us who grew up with 8-track players, film cameras, pay phones or ViewMasters typically recall these things with fondness, though is some cases like 8-tracks ... good riddance. And, I think if they're given the exposure, our children - the ones who do not know life without cell phones -- are amused by these things, too.

MORE: Vintage photos around New Jersey

My daughter, son and their friends, for instance, marvel at some of the gizmos I have at home. They like playing an old mechanical pinball machine (Space Odyssey, 1975, FYI), dropping coins into a vintage jukebox or pay phone or sorting through 33- and 45-rpm records. For them, as it was for us, the novelty of something different is the source of the enjoyment.

We've "bent the rules" a touch in this week's gallery; whereas we always make sure the photos were taken in New Jersey, this time we allowed for some generic images. So, even if the photos weren't taken in the Garden State, I know with absolute certainty that countless New Jerseyans have caught a squirt of Bactine after falling off a Stingray bike on the way to the soda machine. You'll see what I mean.

Here's a gallery of how a lot of things were different 'back in the day.' Have we missed some? Tell us about them in the comments section.

Greg Hatala may be reached at ghatala@starledger.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregHatala. Find Greg Hatala on Facebook.

Newark public safety director says new system should be 're-examined'

NEWARK -- Law enforcement officials in the state's largest city have joined a growing chorus of police officials across New Jersey who say a recent change in the state's bail system is resulting in the release of suspects who should remain behind bars.

Joseph Brown (Newark police)  

Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose said Joseph Brown, 24, of Irvington, fired a gun at a home on South 11th Street on March 2 weeks after he was released from jail on weapons and drug charges. He was wearing a monitoring bracelet at the time, Ambrose said.

"Bail reform should be re-examined," Ambrose said in a statement. "Brown is another example of a released suspect who posed a public safety threat to the residents of Newark."

Brown was arrested Jan. 2 near Vermont Avenue and Plymouth Street on charges of possession of a stolen handgun, drug possession and other offenses. He was released from jail Jan. 10.

Following the shooting on March 2, the authorities determined Brown was a suspect. On Sunday, a Jeep driven by Brown from the scene of the shooting was spotted by police, who attempted to pull it over, police said. Instead of stopping, Brown drove off, crashed into two cars and ran before being caught, police said.

Is the bail overhaul working? 

He faces additional charges of aggravated assault, eluding, resisting arrest and weapons offenses. He was also issued motor-vehicle summonses.

Bail reform was intended to move New Jersey away from a cash bail system in order to limit the number of people languishing behind bars because they cannot afford bail. Judges are also supposed to determine how much of a flight risk the suspect is and whether the suspect is a danger to the community.

Since the start of the new program this year, prosecutors and police have publicly complained that a number of suspects have been released only to go on and commit additional crimes.

Paul Milo may be reached at pmilo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@PaulMilo2. Find NJ.com on Facebook.  

An education reform group released a video challenging the state's "last in, first out" layoff law saying it's hurting kids

NEWARK -- One of the leading voices fighting to dismantle New Jersey's teacher layoff law that protects tenured workers is amplifying its message amid Newark public schools' looming $30 million budget gap.

The Partnership for Educational Justice organized the lawsuit filed by six Newark parents last year challenging the rule that requires layoffs be based on seniority instead of performance. On Wednesday, the PEJ released a short animated video targeting its message to parents.

"This law is hurting kids at a constitutional level," said Ralia Polechronis, executive director of PEJ. "The issue is very timely ... and critical for this coming school year."

Last week Gov. Chris Christie released school aid numbers, leaving Newark with flat funding from the year prior. PEJ and lawyers involved in the suit say Newark's static state aid furthers the urgency of overturning the layoff law known as LIFO -- last in, first out.

"If any layoffs come through and this law is still in place, I'm afraid for the children," said parent Fareeah Harris, 41, a plaintiff in the lawsuit against the district and state.

Newark Teachers Union President John Abeigon defended the need for LIFO and said the union plans to file a motion to dismiss the suit. 

"There's no evidence there that Newark students are systemically deprived of qualified teachers," Abeigon said. He said LIFO protections offered critical protections for older workers. 

"If teachers did not have seniority and contract protections in this state, they would be fired in a heart beat, regardless of their rating, just to appease budgets," he said. 

Tenured teachers "absolutely" have accountability because a district can level tenure charges against a poor-performer, he added. 

'Educators without placement'

Newark Schools Superintendent Christopher Cerf said the district was still analyzing its budget numbers but estimated it would have to fill a $30 million hole. 

"Flat funding means we have a deficit by definition because of structural issues in our budget, some non-recurring revenues from other sources, increases in our salaries and insurance," Cerf told NJ Advance Media. "We've got to find at least $30 million one way or another in additional revenue or expense reductions."

He said it's not clear whether there would be layoffs.

Kathleen Reilly, an attorney representing the parents in the lawsuit, said even without any workforce reductions, children are hurt when the district is forced to keep veteran teachers with performance issues in classrooms. 

Newark spent millions on a pool of "educators without placements" who were languishing without assignments. Most were displaced by school closures, poor performance or ongoing tenure charges.

In the last two years, the district reduced the pool, returning many educators to the classroom. There's only about 100 people left in the pool with a combined salary of $8 million, down from $35 million in 2014, Cerf said.

"It was borderline unconscionable and I was forced to do that to protect us from going off the fiscal cliff," he said. "It has the effect of literally force-placing teachers in schools, they are not there on the basis on mutual consent."

Cerf declined to comment on the pending lawsuit but said LIFO is "absolutely hurting us." 

The district's former superintendent attempted and failed to secure a state waiver to avoid the LIFO rules during budget shortfalls.

During Christie's failed motion to slash state aid to urban districts and sidestep union contracts, Cerf submitted an affidavit detailing how LIFO has bloated the district's budget and handcuffed schools' ability to retain the best teachers.  

Cerf wrote the district was employing "more teachers than are needed" to avoid having to layoff high performing teachers at the expense of more senior ones. 

Polechronis said she hoped the courts would rule in time to impact next year's school budget. "The workaround the district has used isn't going to cut it anymore," she said. "We're hitting that trigger point now."

Eroding tenure protections?

Ten other states across the country have similar layoff protections for tenured teachers and many have been challenged by reform groups. 

Polechronis said New Jersey was the fourth state to mount a legal challenge to such laws; similar efforts in California failed. She said the suit was not intended to overhaul teacher seniority. 

"It's completely wrong to say this is an attack on tenure as a whole," she cautioned. "LIFO only comes into effect when we're dealing with budget cuts, not other types of termination."

But Abeigon was resolute that LIFO was critical for older employees, who worked hard to earn tenure. He said teachers had to work and undergo evaluations for four years and a day to earn tenure. 

"Are we talking about what's best for kids or are we talking about what's best for the principal's budget?" he asked. 

Karen Yi may be reached at kyi@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter at @karen_yi or on Facebook. 

Samuel Silva was arrested 10 minutes after striking the 30-year-old bicyclist

NEW YORK -- A 27-year-old New Jersey man who struck and killed a New York City bicyclist in a hit-and-run crash while driving drunk last year will spend up to four years in prison.

Samuel Silva, of Newark, was sentenced to 16 months to four years in state prison Wednesday before a judge in Manhattan, the New York County District Attorney said in a news release.

Silva was driving a Ford 150 pickup truck south on West Street on June 11 when he hit a 30-year-old woman riding a bike as Silva turned right onto Chambers Street. Silva didn't stop, but a witness took a picture of his license plate.

He was arrested 10 minutes later on North End Avenue near Warren Street after being found sitting in the vehicle with the engine running. 

Silva pleaded guilty on Jan. 30 to leaving the scene of an incident without reporting it, criminally negligent homicide, and drunken driving.

In addition to the prison sentence, Silva's license will be suspended for 90 days.

Authorities didn't identify the victim, other than to say she was a triathlete and a newlywed.

Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook. 

Investigative journalist Gary Webb and former dealer Freeway Ricky Ross will discuss the lasting impact of the crack cocaine era

The lasting impact of the 80's crack epidemic is the subject of a forum in Newark on Thursday

NEWARK -- The lasting impact of the crack epidemic of the 1980s on the African-American community will be the subject of a black history forum Thursday night at Weequahic High School.

The effects of violence, death, mass incarceration and social dislocation stemming from crack abuse that peaked decades ago are still felt today, said Bashir Akinyele, chairman of the Black History Committee at Weequahic High School, which sponsors the weekly Real Talk Thursdays forum.  

"The crack epidemic has negatively impacted America, but it has devastated the African-American community," Akinyele said.

This week's forum, held in the auditorium at 7 p.m., will also examine the controversial work of investigative journalist Gary Webb, whose "Dark Alliance" series for the San Jose Mercury News in 1996 linked the anti-communist Nicaraguan Contra rebel group and the CIA to the cocaine trade. Webb's series was widely praised and sharply criticized. Webb died in 2004 at age 49, in what was deemed a suicide.

The forum will also discuss the life of "Freeway" Rick Ross, who was convicted of running a multi-million drug empire based in Los Angeles during the 1980's. Following his release from prison in 2009, Ross and journalist Cathy Scott published a memoir, "Freeway Rick Ross: The Untold Autobiography."

Akinyele, a history teacher at Weequahic High School, said the Real Talk Thursdays series was extended beyond Black History Month, the month of February, into March, because "We don't want to limit black history to just 28 days."

"We believe black history is 365 days a year," he said.

For more information about the Real Talk Thursdays at Weequahic High School, contact (908) 956-3523 or (973) 705-3795.

Steve Strunsky may be reached at sstrunsky@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @SteveStrunsky. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

An updated look at the Top 20 through March 7 games.

South Orange Middle School officials and the police are reportedly investigating the incident.

SOUTH ORANGE -- Authorities are investigating a racist message written in a middle school bathroom stall as a hate crime, according to reports.

South Orange Middle School Principal Lynn Irby sent a note home to parents Tuesday describing the bathroom graffiti, which used the n-word and referenced lynchings, according to a Village Green report.

"This was reported to the SOPD as a hate crime, and is under full investigation," Irby said in the note, according to Village Green. "This rhetoric is not accepted here and we are making every effort to identify the student(s) involved and to turn this into a teaching opportunity for our children."

The school held assemblies to address the incident with students, according to the Maplewoodian.com, which posted the principal's letter in full.

Swastikas painted on reservation bridge 

School and police officials acknowledged but did not immediately respond to requests for information on the investigation Wednesday.

The incident comes after several other similar ones in the South Orange-Maplewood School District over the past year.

Last school year, students were caught making racist and anti-Semitic posts on their Instagram accounts. Last month, school officials investigated students' alleged use of "Nazi gestures" in the hallway.

Authorities in the town are also investigating several swastikas that were spray-painted along a new bridge in the South Orange section of Essex County South Mountain Reservation last week.

Jessica Mazzola may be reached at jmazzola@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessMazzola. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

A Newark man who fatally struck a 7-year-old girl with an SUV and injured the girl's mother as the pair walked to school in West New York in February 2016 will face up to 11 years in prison when sentenced tomorrow in Jersey City.

JERSEY CITY -- A Newark man who fatally struck a 7-year-old girl with an SUV as she crossed a West New York street with her mother last year will face up to 11 years in prison when sentenced Friday. 

Fabian Rodriguez, 33, pleaded guilty in December to leaving the scene of the Feb. 19, 2016 crash at Van Buren Place at 61st Street that killed Shaila Pichardo.

He also pleaded guilty to endangering an injured victim by leaving the scene after the girl's mother suffered significant injuries and was helpless. At his plea hearing, Rodriguez admitted that after striking the mother and child he got out of the vehicle, saw the fatally injured girl, got back into the SUV and fled.

Finally, he pleaded guilty to hindering his own apprehension by falsely reporting to police after the incident that his vehicle had been stolen.

Joanna Rosas-Alvarez, 26, was not in the SUV at the time of the collision but was charged with tampering with evidence by allegedly lying to police and saying the SUV was stolen at the time.

Authorities also allege that Rosas-Alvarez had the car washed and stickers removed from it, in an attempt to change its appearance. She was also charged with obstructing a government function. 

Rodriguez will be sentenced at 1:30 p.m. by Hudson County Superior Court Judge Mark Nelson in the Hudson County Administration Building on Newark Avenue in Jersey City. 

Samuel Reed, 41, is wanted in attacks that occurred between Jan. 17 and Monday, police said

IRVINGTON -- Irvington police on Thursday identified the man they say is wanted in several sexual assaults in the township.

Samuel Reed (Photo: Irvington Police Department)

Samuel Reed, 41, is accused of weapons offenses, two counts of aggravated sexual assault and kidnapping, according to an alert issued by Irvington investigators.

The attacks took place between Jan. 17 and Monday near the Newark-Irvington line, around Grove Street and Nye Avenue, police said. The women were all accosted and threatened with a gun as they walked in the area between 3 p.m. and 3 a.m.

Reed was charged in a Monday attack and the suspect in similar assaults, according to the police alert.

Authorities described Reed as a black man, 5-foot-5, 165 pounds, with brown eyes, black hair and a scar on his right cheek. He has addresses on Avon Avenue in Newark and Stuyvesant Avenue in Irvington.

Police urged anyone with information to call Irvington detectives at 973-399-6603.

Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc and on Facebook. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Heroin, crack cocaine seized in separate cases, according to sheriff.

NEWARK -- Essex County Sheriff's detectives on Thursday arrested three accused drug dealers, including one man they found with heroin at the same intersection last week, officials said.

Narcotics detectives saw Jerry Webb, 59, of Newark, engage in a drug deal near Frelinghuysen Avenue and Whittier Place around 8 a.m., according to Sheriff Armando Fontoura. Webb was found with 50 glassine envelopes of heroin and 14 vials of crack cocaine.

Webb was arrested at the same intersection March 2 when detectives found him with 63 decks of heroin and 33 vials of crack, the sheriff said in a statement.

'Selfless' cop thanked by suspect after frigid river rescue

Two hours later, sheriff's detectives conducted surveillance at the Riverside Court housing complex. Fontoura said the officers saw Jermaine Cordrew, 39, of Newark, selling drugs.

Cordrew was arrested with 169 decks of heroin and five vials of crack cocaine, according to the sheriff's office.

Fontoura said the arrests continued around 11 a.m. near South 18th Street and 15th Avenue, where detectives saw Sylik Jackson, 25, of Newark, selling drugs.

"In announcing our presence, Jackson ran from the scene but was quickly captured in a nearby backyard after a brief foot chase," the sheriff added. "The suspect had 20 heroin-filled envelopes concealed in his waistband."

The trio all face various drug distribution-related offenses.

Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc and on Facebook. Find NJ.com on Facebook.