Recent News
Ian Bucs Sworn in as Chief of Police
January 7, 2025
Willingboro has officially returned command of its police force to a full-time police chief, a position last occupied in 1994. Capt. Ian Bucs was sworn in as chief at the township council reorganization meeting Tuesday night.
​
Members of township council in November had repealed an ordinance that placed the department under a director of public safety instead of a chief. The reversion to naming a police chief is intended to make leadership structure and accountability clearer, according to officials.
​
Bucs becomes the fifth police chief the borough has had. Township Manager Dwayne Harris, under terms of the new ordinance, officially named Bucs to the position and presented him to the public at the meeting. The council commends Bucs for "unwavering dedication," Harris said.
​
Newly appointed Mayor Samantha Whitfield administered the oath of office to Bucs, standing with his wife and their children. Bucs had his children accept his new badge and pass it one to another to his wife, who pinned it on his uniform. “Becoming a chief of police is a significant milestone in anyone’s career," Bucs said. "But being able to do it in the community that I love is the icing on the cake. This community is more than a collection of parts. It’s a family. One built on resilience, unity, and pride. So, today, as I take on this responsibility, I do so with a duty to protect and serve you all."
​
Bucs promised to hear the concerns of residents. "Policing is not about power," Bucs said. "It’s about partnerships. Together, we will have a community where safety and justice goes hand in hand."
​
The borough hired Bucs in October 1999 as a part-time Class II special police officer. His police career had started in May 1999 in the same position with the Wildwood Police Department. In September 2001, Bucs was hired as a full-time officer and sent to the Burlington County Police Academy. He was promoted to sergeant in July 2006 and to lieutenant in January 2015.In July 2019, Bucs was promoted to captain and oversaw the patrol division. He became public safety director with the retirement of Kinamo Lomon in 2021. Bucs is also a retired U.S. Coast Guard chief boatswain mate.
​
As director, the department under Bucs added a community engagement unit, traffic unit, shift representative program and executive protection unit, as well as the Arrive Together Program. The department also secured more than $500,00 in grants. New technologies include an in-car video system, body camera systems, ShotSpotter, a License Plate Reader and security cameras throughout the municipality.
​
​
*Credit - Joseph P. Smith - Cherry Hill Courier-Post
Bensalem Man Receives 30-year Term for Fatally Shooting Willingboro Teen
May 24, 2024
Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw announced that a 24-year-old Bensalem, Pa., man was sentenced today to 30 years in state prison for fatally shooting a teenager at a Willingboro gas station during the summer of 2021.
Tamir Phillips must serve all 30 years before becoming eligible for parole, according to the sentence handed down in Superior Court in Mount Holly by the Hon. Terrence R. Cook, P.J.Cr.
A jury convicted Phillips in November on charges of Murder (First Degree), Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (Second Degree) and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (Second Degree).
The investigation began the afternoon of August 21, 2021, when Willingboro police officers were called to the Phillips 66 gas station in the first block of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive for a report of a shooting.
Upon arrival, it was learned that the victim, 14-year-old Jesse Everett of Willingboro, had been transported in a private vehicle to Virtua Willingboro Hospital. He was subsequently airlifted to Cooper University Medical Center in Camden, where he was pronounced dead at 5:24 p.m.
Phillips, who was known to stay in Willingboro, was immediately identified as a suspect in the shooting, and charges were filed against him the next day.
The investigation revealed that a day before the shooting, the owner of a 2014 Honda Civic had contacted township police to report that the vehicle had been stolen. It was determined that the owner of the Civic would frequently allow Phillips to use the car. The investigation further revealed that just prior to the shooting, Phillips was a passenger in a separate vehicle when the stolen car was spotted at the pumps of the gas station.
The driver pulled into the gas station and came to a stop behind the Civic, which was being driven by Everett. Phillips exited and went to the driver’s side of the Civic, where he confronted Everett before firing a single shot into the vehicle, striking him in the head. Two other people were inside the car with Everett, but did not sustain injuries.
Phillips was prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutors Matthew R. Jaxheimer and Stephen Bondi. The investigation was conducted by the Willingboro Township Police Department and the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office. The lead investigators were WTPD Detective James Benedict and BCPO Detective Sgt. Dan Schules.
​
​
Willingboro Man Killed in Drive-by Shooting
May 22, 2024
Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw and Willingboro Township Acting Public Safety Director Captain Ian Bucs announced that a 45-year-old Willingboro man was fatally shot last night outside a Willingboro establishment.
​
The shooting occurred around 9:15 p.m. at the Diamond Dogz social club, which is located in the first block of John F. Kennedy Way. The investigation revealed that numerous people were outside when a dark-colored vehicle appeared in the roadway and crept along while a gunman fired multiple rounds toward the crowd from the vehicle.
Major Hamilton was struck in the chest and transported to Virtua Willingboro Hospital, where he died just over an hour later. No arrests have been made.
The investigation is being conducted by the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office and the Willingboro Township Police Department. The lead investigators are BCPO Detective Shannon Sawyer and Detective Katie White, along with WPD Detective Brandon Norris.
Anyone with information that might be helpful to detectives is asked to call the Willingboro Township Police Department’s tip line at 609-877-6958, or send an email to tips@co.burlington.nj.us.
​
​
AngelSense - A valuable resource to help prevent wandering tragedies
April 12, 2024
The Willingboro Police Department is excited to share with our residents a valuable resource sponsored by Burlington County Sheriff's Office – AngelSense GPS tracking. This resource is for those caring for family members with Alzheimer's, dementia, autism, or others who are prone to wandering. AngelSense was designed to prevent wandering tragedies and save lives by alerting parents, family, and caretakers immediately if their loved one is at an unexpected location, providing a powerful set of tools to find them quickly.
Benefits:
​
-
Stay Connected: AngelSense provides real-time monitoring and mapping to help you stay informed about your loved one's location.
-
Tailored for Comfort: AngelSense offers sensory-friendly wearables, such as watch bands, armbands, cut-to-fit belts, waterproof pouches, lanyards, and more.
-
Immediate Response: With the SOS Call Request Button, those wearing the device can quickly alert caregivers or family members when they need assistance.
-
Ready to learn more? Please contact the Burlington County Sheriff’s Office Community Outreach Unit at [609-265-3788] for an application and more information. Residents can also contact the Willingboro Police Desk for assistance.
​
For additional information, click the links below.
​
https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2156
​
​
Three Shot at Willingboro Residence
February 25, 2024
Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw and Willingboro Township Police Department Acting Public Safety Director Captain Ian Bucs announced that three people were shot last night in the Buckingham Park section of Willingboro Township.
​
The incident occurred at approximately 8:15 p.m. at a residence in the first block of Buttercup Lane. The victims were adult males. They were taken to Cooper University Hospital in Camden and are expected to survive.
No arrests have been made.
The names of the victims and further details are being withheld at this point of the investigation, which is being conducted by the Willingboro Township Police Department and the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office.
Anyone with information that might be helpful to detectives is asked to call the Willingboro Township Police Department’s tip line at 609-877-6958, or send an email to tips@co.burlington.nj.us.
​
​
​
ShotSpotter is coming to Willingboro
February 8, 2024
ShotSpotter is coming to town! Last year, Willingboro received a two-year $99,000 grant for gunshot detection technology. Over the next few weeks, SoundThinking will be in Willingboro, identifying the effective places to deploy this technology. The Township is hosting a community engagement meeting on February 27, 2024, at 6 PM at the Kennedy Center so residents can ask questions and learn more. For more information, visit http://tinyurl.com/cyvkc6fj
​
To hear the Mayor and Public Safety Director's announcement, CLICK HERE
​
​
​
Man Charged with Killing Wife in Their Willingboro Home
January 19, 2024
Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw and Willingboro Township Acting Director of Public Safety Captain Ian Bucs announced that a 60-year-old Willingboro man has been charged with fatally stabbing his wife last week inside their home in the Hawthorne Park section of the township.
​
Stanley Martin, of the first block of Hinsdale Lane, was charged with Murder (First Degree), Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (Third Degree) and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (Fourth Degree).
The defendant was lodged in the Burlington County Jail in Mount Holly pending a detention hearing next week in Superior Court. The Prosecutor’s Office will prepare the case for presentation to a grand jury for possible indictment.
The investigation began just before 1 a.m. on January 13 when officers from the Westampton Township Police Department were called to the Wawa convenience store on Springside Road for a report of a man threatening employees.
The man, who was later identified as Martin, left the store prior to the arrival of police. He was located approximately one hour later outside of a closed retail business in Willingboro Township and taken into custody.
Information obtained during the apprehension led to a wellness check at his residence, where Willingboro Township police officers discovered the body of Dierdra Martin, 56. An autopsy performed by Burlington County Medical Examiner Dr. Ian Hood determined the cause of death was due to multiple stab wounds.
Martin will be prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Bob Van Gilst, supervisor of the BPCO Major Crimes Unit. The homicide investigation is being conducted by investigators from the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office and the Willingboro Township Police Department, with assistance from the Westampton Township Police Department. The lead investigators are BCPO Detective Nicholas Schieber and Detective Jillian Marin, and WTPD Detective Monica Pogorzelski.
All persons are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
​
​
Road Construction Alert
January 8, 2024
PSEG and their approved contractors will be completing road construction on Hazelwood Circle over the next few weeks.
​
During this time, expect temporary road closures and detours in the construction area. We understand that road construction can be disruptive, but it is essential for the betterment of our community's infrastructure. Your cooperation and understanding are greatly appreciated.
Here are a few important points to keep in mind:
Plan your travel routes accordingly
-
Follow traffic signs and detour instructions
-
Be mindful of construction crews: Slow down and exercise caution when passing through the construction zone
-
Stay informed: Keep an eye on our social media, website and community platforms for any changes or updates.
Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for 2020 Willingboro Murder
December 5, 2023
Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw announced that a 32-year-old Willingboro resident was sentenced yesterday to 30 years in New Jersey State Prison for fatally shooting a man three years ago outside of a house in the township’s Millbrook Park neighborhood.
​
Kwacey Q. Owens must serve the entire sentence before becoming eligible for parole, according to the terms handed down in Mount Holly by the Hon. Mark P. Tarantino, J.S.C.
A Superior Court jury, after deliberating for two hours in September, found Owens guilty of Murder (First Degree), Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (Second Degree), and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (Second Degree). In addition to the conviction, Owens pled guilty to two counts of Certain Persons Not to Have Weapons (Second Degree).
The investigation began October 8, 2020, after Willingboro Township police officers were called to the first block of Maplewick Lane just after 1:30 a.m. for a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, they found the body of Barry Barino, 28, outside the rear door of his home.
He was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy performed by Burlington County Medical Examiner Dr. Ian Hood ruled that Barino’s death was caused by a gunshot wound to the head.
The investigation revealed that Barino and Owens were acquaintances, and that Owens had been inside the victim’s home a short time earlier before luring him outside to his death. The weapon used in the shooting, a .45 caliber pistol, was later recovered in a separate residence where Owens was staying at the time.
Owens was prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Jamie Hutchinson. The investigation was conducted by detectives from the Willingboro Township Police Department and the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office. The lead investigators were BCPO Major Crimes Unit Detective Sergeant Tony Luyber, BCPO Crime Scene Unit Detective Sergeant Tim Horne, BCPO High-Tech Crimes Unit Detective Sergeant Kevin Sobotka and WTPD Detective Elijah Hart.
​
​
Bensalem Man Convicted of Murder in 2021 Shooting of Willingboro Teen
November 3, 2023
Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw announced that a 24-year-old Bensalem, Pa., man was convicted of murder and weapons charges today for fatally shooting a teenager at a Willingboro Township gas station during the summer of 2021.
The jury deliberated for approximately eight hours over two days before finding Tamir Phillips guilty of Murder (First Degree), Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (Second Degree) and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (Second Degree). The Hon. Gerard H. Breland, J.S.C., scheduled sentencing for January 5, 2024.
The investigation began the afternoon of August 21, 2021, when Willingboro Township police officers were called to the Phillips 66 gas station in the first block of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive for a report of a shooting.
Upon arrival, they learned that the victim, 14-year-old Jesse Everett of Willingboro, had been transported in a private vehicle to Virtua Willingboro Hospital. He was then airlifted to Cooper University Medical Center in Camden, where he was pronounced dead at 5:24 p.m.
Phillips, who was known to stay in Willingboro, was immediately identified as a suspect in the shooting, and charges were filed against him the next day.
The investigation revealed that a day before the shooting, the owner of a 2014 Honda Civic had contacted township police to report that the vehicle had been stolen. It was determined that the owner of the Civic would frequently allow Phillips to use the car.
The investigation further revealed that just prior to the shooting, Phillips was riding in a vehicle when the stolen car was spotted at the pumps of the gas station.
The driver pulled into the gas station and came to a stop behind the Civic, which was being driven by Everett. Phillips exited and went to the driver’s side of the Civic, where he confronted Everett before firing a single shot into the vehicle, striking him in the head. Two other people were inside the car with Everett, but did not sustain injuries.
Phillips was prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutors Matthew R. Jaxheimer and Stephen Bondi. The investigation was conducted by the Willingboro Township Police Department and the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office. The lead investigators were WTPD Detective James Benedict and BCPO Detective Sgt. Dan Schules.
​
​
​
Willingboro PD investigating commercial burglaries
October 6, 2023
The Willingboro Police Department is actively investigating a series of burglaries that have recently occurred within our community. In response to these incidents, we are committed to ensuring the safety and security of our local businesses and residents.
​
Over the past week, there have been three reported burglaries to local businesses in our area:
On Monday, October 2, 2023, The Willingboro Police Department responded to One Stop Food Mart, 4212 Route 130, for a burglary report.
The investigation determined that at 2:00 a.m. on 10/02/2023, an individual wearing a white hooded sweatshirt, black shorts, and gloves broke a rear glass door at One Stop Food Mart. The individual then removed cash from the business and fled the area on foot.
On October 5, 2023, the Willingboro Police Department responded to Gaetano’s, 498 Beverly Rancocas Road, for a burglary report.
The ensuing investigation determined that at 12:06 a.m. on 10/5/2023, two individuals shattered the front entrance door of Gaetano’s. The individuals wore masks, black hooded sweatshirts, and gloves. The individuals entered the closed business, removed cash, and fled on foot.
On October 5, 2023, the Willingboro Police Department responded to Sunoco Gas Station located at 100 John F. Kennedy Way for a report of a burglary.
The investigation determined that at 1:06 a.m. on 10/05/2023, two individuals wearing black hooded sweatshirts, black masks, and gloves smashed a front window at the Sunoco Gas Station. The individuals entered the closed business, removed cash, and fled on foot.
These incidents concern us greatly, and we want to assure our community that we are taking immediate action to investigate these cases thoroughly.
The Willingboro Police Department is collaborating with local businesses and residents to gather any information or surveillance footage that may assist us in solving these cases. We encourage anyone with relevant information to contact the police department.
In light of these incidents, the Willingboro Police Department would like to remind local businesses and residents to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to enhance their security. This includes ensuring that surveillance systems are operational and properly maintained, securing entrances and exits, and reporting suspicious activity to the police immediately.
We will continue to provide updates on the progress of these investigations as more information becomes available.
As always, we would like to remind the public to remain vigilant and, if they observe suspicious activity, to report it by calling 609-267-8300 or our tip line 609-877-6958 (or 9-1-1 if there is an emergency). Together, we can make Willingboro a safer place for all its residents and businesses.
​
​
​
Man Convicted of Murder for 2020 Willingboro Shooting
September 28, 2023
Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw announced that a 32-year-old Willingboro resident was found guilty today by a Superior Court jury of fatally shooting a man three years ago outside of a house in the township’s Millbrook Park neighborhood.
After deliberating for approximately two hours, the panel returned guilty verdicts against Kwacey Q. Owens on charges of Murder (First Degree), Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (Second Degree), Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (Second Degree). In addition to the conviction, Owens pled guilty to two counts of Certain Persons Not to Have Weapons (Second Degree).
The Hon. Mark P. Tarantino, J.S.C., scheduled sentencing for December 4th in Mount Holly.
The investigation began October 8, 2020 after Willingboro Township police officers were called to the first block of Maplewick Lane just after 1:30 a.m. for a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, they found the body of Barry Barino, 28, outside the rear door of his home.
He was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy performed by Burlington County Medical Examiner Dr. Ian Hood ruled that Barino’s death was caused by a gunshot wound to the head.
The investigation revealed that Barino and Owens were acquaintances, and that Owens had been inside the victim’s home a short time earlier before luring him outside to kill him. The weapon used in the shooting, a .45 caliber pistol, was recovered inside the residence where Owens had been staying.
Owens was charged with Murder 12 days after the shooting and has been lodged in the Burlington County Jail in Mount Holly since being taken into custody.
Owens was prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Jamie Hutchinson. The investigation was conducted by detectives from the Willingboro Township Police Department and the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office. The lead investigators were BCPO Major Crimes Unit Detective Sergeant Tony Luyber, BCPO Crime Scene Unit Detective Sergeant Tim Horne, BCPO High-Tech Crimes Unit Detective Kevin Sobotka and Willingboro Detective Elijah Hart.
​
​
​