MAYS LANDING, NJ — The Atlantic County District Attorney’s Office announced its certification as a Safe Place Initiative partner, joining more than 350 law enforcement agencies worldwide in a program designed to promote public safety and provide support to victims of bias and hate crime incidents. This is an important step in Atlantic County’s commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive community.

Casciano’s Coffee Shop & Sweetery on Bellevue Avenue in Hammonton, New Jersey, is the first business in the county to officially register for the Safe Place initiative. The program, led by local business owner Linda Cashan, encourages businesses and public buildings to provide a safe environment for individuals who feel threatened or are victims of hate crimes.

Hammonton Police Chief Kevin Friel emphasized the importance of this initiative for the diverse community. “Hammonton is an inclusive community with a variety of people of different nationalities, cultures and preferences,” said Friel. “Our job is to keep everyone safe and keep our community as healthy as possible.”

The Safe Place program aims to combat the underreporting of bias and hate-related crimes, which often go unreported because victims are afraid or fearful that their complaints will not be taken seriously. The initiative ensures that individuals seeking help are treated with care, dignity and respect by participating organizations and law enforcement agencies.

Caryn Campanelli, Atlantic County LGBTQ+ Law Enforcement Liaison Detective, expressed pride in the county’s efforts to support all residents and visitors. “I’m proud that Atlantic County has taken this step to bring this program here and to have a program in place that makes it very clear that residents and visitors of all walks of life are supported and protected here in Atlantic County,” Campanelli said.

As the program gains momentum, more businesses and public buildings across the county are expected to display the Safe Place stickers to signal their commitment to providing safe spaces for those in need. The Atlantic County District Attorney’s Office plans to partner with police departments in various communities to expand the initiative.

Atlantic County Prosecutor William Reynolds emphasized the importance of the Safe Place stickers in spreading a message of inclusivity. “The Safe Place sticker signals to the public that there is no place for hate in our communities and that anyone who feels threatened because of who they are is welcome in this facility,” Reynolds explained.

NEW CASTLE, Delaware. — Delaware State Police have arrested two New Castle residents following a violent altercation at a Dollar General store Sunday afternoon. Matthew Perez, 23, and Veronica Coleman, 27, face multiple charges, including aggravated menacing, following an incident that included threats with a knife, a vehicle and an attack by a dog.

On August 18, at approximately 4:17 p.m., police officers were dispatched to the Dollar General at 1403 Dupont Parkway on a report of a fight. The investigation revealed that Perez and Coleman, who had previously been banned from the store for a previous shoplifting incident, became aggressive after being escorted outside by a store employee.

Perez reportedly pursued the employee on foot while Coleman followed her in a black Buick sedan. Coleman then released a dog from the vehicle, which attacked the employee. When the employee attempted to flee, Perez continued to threaten her, armed with a large knife. Coleman also allegedly attempted to attack the employee with her vehicle.

During the altercation, a 12-year-old bystander who attempted to verbally intervene was threatened by Coleman, who drove the vehicle toward the child. The child was able to avoid a collision, while a 15-year-old in the parking lot was also nearly struck by the vehicle. The employee was eventually able to run back to the store, where officers arrived and brought the situation under control.

Perez and Coleman initially resisted arrest but were arrested without further incident. A search of their vehicle revealed a large fixed-blade knife. The dog involved in the attack was turned over to animal control authorities. The employee suffered non-life-threatening injuries and no other injuries were reported.

Perez was charged with aggravated menacing, possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony, terroristic threatening and related offenses. He was arraigned in Justice of the Peace 11 and remanded to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $25,500 bail. Coleman faces similar charges and remains in custody while the investigation continues.

Washington, DC – Two 15-year-old boys from Northeast DC were arrested and charged with robbery after a quick police response. The incident occurred early Sunday morning when the teens allegedly attacked a victim and violently stole his belongings in the 3000 block of 11th Street, Northwest. According to the victim, the attackers quickly fled the scene.

After receiving a detailed description of the suspects, officers identified and arrested two individuals who matched the description. During the interview, police seized the suspects’ stolen items. The arrests were made as part of the ongoing investigation into the incident.

The DC Metro Police Department continues to investigate the case and encourages anyone with information to contact the department. A reward of up to $1,000 is being offered for information leading to additional arrests and charges related to this violent crime.