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William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNews

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Above-overhead view of a section of Riverview Heights. The incident occurred in the unit block of East Thompson Avenue.

UPDATE: 

(November 22, 2024)--Today, Donna Weaver, spokesperson for the Camden County Prosecutors Office, stated, "The CCPO Crime Scene Unit responded to Gloucester City regarding a death investigation of a 32-year-old man on November 15, 2024."

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (November 21, 2024)(CNBNews)--On Friday, November 15, a significant police operation conducted by officers from the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office (CCPO) unfolded at an apartment complex located in the unit block on East Thompson Avenue around 7 AM. This area is known for its heavy traffic, particularly as it is a critical route for parents and schoolchildren heading to the nearby Cold Springs School Campus. The presence of law enforcement caused major traffic disruptions, creating a frustrating predicament for those trying to reach the school on time.

Witnesses described a distressing scene, noting that a black man was seen allegedly kneeling in the street, visibly upset and crying. Simultaneously, they reported observing what appeared to be a lifeless body being carefully removed from the apartment and placed into a black vehicle, raising serious concerns about the events that had transpired within the complex.

Just two days prior, on the evening of Tuesday, November 12, another alarming incident occurred. A man’s body was discovered lying on the sidewalk along North Stinson Avenue, not far from East Thompson Avenue. A concerned neighbor approached the man to check if he was breathing. After confirming he was alive, the neighbor called 911 to alert the authorities. 

In light of these distressing events, we reached out to the Camden County Prosecutor's Office for clarification regarding the individuals removed from the apartment complex and the alleged dead body taken from the scene. A press officer responded that they would provide information as soon as it became available. However, as of this evening, we have not received any further updates.

An elderly man watching the events unfold last Friday from his home reflected, “When we moved into this neighborhood 50 years ago, it was so peaceful. We knew our neighbors, and we looked out for each other. However, not long ago, the FBI raided a drug house just a few doors down. Squatters had to be removed from a vacant home in the next block. Up the street police raided a home used by prostitues. This past summer, a man high on substances attempted to break into several houses early in the evening while the occupants were inside. Today, I double-lock my doors and sleep with a gun next to my bed.” When asked about the causes of such a drastic change, he stated, “I think drugs play a significant role, but I also blame out-of-town landlords. They don’t care about Gloucester City.”

A link to a CNBNews article about rental properties outnumbering homeowners appears below. The mayor and council recently approved an application to build 15 apartments in the old Gloucester Catholic High School annex on Burlington Street. The governing body also approved the construction of a high-rise apartment complex that would house 364 units next to the Holt Terminal on King Street.  

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