Lopatcong Township Police Department

06/14/2026

We continue to watch closely for the potential of severe weather on Sunday afternoon/evening.

06/13/2026

06/13/2026

Lopatcong Police are looking to identify the pictured individuals regarding an early morning incident. Anyone with information or video are urged to contact 908-859-1212 or 908-859-2211.

06/12/2026

*OUT OF DATE POST - WATCH HAS BEEN CANCELLED* - Original post: A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for parts of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania until 9 PM EDT

06/12/2026

The Lopatcong Township Police Department extends its heartfelt congratulations to the Phillipsburg High School Class of 2026 on your graduation.

As you celebrate this important milestone, please remember that tonight’s choices can impact the rest of your lives. We ask you to celebrate responsibly: make a safe plan to get home, avoid underage drinking and impaired driving, and look out for one another so everyone makes it to tomorrow safely.

You have worked hard to reach this day, and your families, teachers, and our entire community are proud of you and excited to see what your future holds. Again, the Lopatcong Township Police Department, congratulations PHS Class of 2026 – stay safe, make good decisions, and enjoy this special time.

06/09/2026

⚠️ New NJ E‑Bike Law – Full Enforcement Starts in July ⚠️

New Jersey’s new e‑bike law is now in effect, and the statewide grace period ends in July 2026. After that, violations can result in summonses and fines.

Here’s what riders in Lopatcong need to know:

A license is required

Riders must have either a valid New Jersey driver’s license (age 17+) or a motorized bicycle/e‑bike license (typically ages 15–16).

Registration and insurance are required

All regulated e‑bikes must be registered with the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission.

Owners must carry insurance and be able to show proof of both registration and insurance while riding.

Age restrictions

Riders under 15 are not allowed to operate e‑bikes covered by the new law.

Riders 15–16 must have a motorized bicycle/e‑bike license.

Helmets are mandatory

All e‑bike riders, regardless of age, must wear a helmet.

E‑scooters

Stand‑on, low‑speed electric scooters are generally not subject to the new license/registration rules, but all riders must still follow local ordinances and traffic laws.

The goal of this law is to reduce crashes, injuries, and near‑misses involving higher‑speed e‑bikes on our roadways and in our neighborhoods. Lopatcong officers will continue to focus on education, but as the July enforcement date approaches, riders are expected to be fully compliant.

For more information, including how to register and get the appropriate license, please visit the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission website, https://www.nj.gov/mvc/vehicletopics/ebike.htm or contact them directly.

06/09/2026

A MESSAGE FROM PHILLIPSBURG SCHOOL DISTRICT:

Good afternoon PHS Families,

Please be advised that due to the extreme heat and potential inclement weather, the PHS Graduation time has been moved to a 9:00am start time. Please see attached flyer for additional information.

Thank you,

PHS Administration

06/06/2026

06/06/2026

🔹New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police Announces Statewide Goal Zero Enforcement Initiative on June 6, Remembering Trooper Marc K. Castellano🔹

🔹High-Visibility Traffic Enforcement Operations Will Happen this Saturday


🔹TRENTON – June 2, 2026 – Lopatcong Police Department, in association with the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) today announced a statewide Goal Zero enforcement initiative scheduled for Saturday, June 6 to honor New Jersey State Police Trooper Marc K. Castellano, killed in the line of duty in Howell.

🔹The all-day initiative will bring together law enforcement agencies throughout New Jersey for a coordinated traffic enforcement effort focused on New Jersey’s Move Over Law, in effect since Sept. 1, 2020 to protect emergency workers on New Jersey roadways.

🔹Police officers across the state will be on the roads actively enforcing the law and stopping motorists who fail to slow down or move over when approaching emergency responders, tow operators, highway workers, and others working along the roadside.

🔹“At age 29, Trooper Marc Castellano made the ultimate sacrifice while serving the people of New Jersey. This initiative honors his memory by making it clear that the Move Over Law will be fully enforced,” said Montville Police Chief Andrew Caggiano, NJSACOP president. “Goal Zero is about preventing tragedies before they happen. Drivers who fail to slow down or move over place lives at risk, and police will be out across the state to address that dangerous behavior.”

🔹The initiative is part of the broader Goal Zero movement, which seeks to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries through coordinated enforcement and education. Agencies participating in the June 6 initiative will conduct high-visibility enforcement operations throughout the day, with officers focusing on violations that endanger workers or motorists stopped on the roadway.

🔹“Every traffic stop, crash investigation, disabled vehicle, and roadway incident places people just feet from moving traffic. Trooper Castellano’s death reminds us that these dangers are real and ever-present,” said Michael J. Rizol Jr., Director of the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety. “Public awareness is important, and we all need to work together to promote this message. This initiative is about accountability and saving lives.”

🔹“Trooper Marc Castellano exemplified the courage, professionalism, and dedication that define the New Jersey State Police. While we remember his sacrifice, we also renew our commitment to protecting those who serve on the roadside every day,” added Jeanne Hengemuhle, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “Motorists should understand that the Move Over Law is not optional. Troopers and officers will be enforcing it because compliance can mean the difference between life and death.”

🔹NJSACOP urges all motorists to remain alert, avoid distractions, reduce speed, and move over whenever they see flashing lights or roadside activity ahead. Drivers who fail to do so put law enforcement officers, first responders, tow operators, highway workers, and stranded motorists at unnecessary risk.

06/05/2026

There is increased confidence that some strong to severe thunderstorms may make it as far southeast as the I-95 urban corridor Saturday evening. The primary threat with any severe storms remains damaging wind gusts.