A fire ripped through a leasing office next to an apartment complex in Camden County, New Jersey, overnight.
Officials reported that around 2:30 a.m. on January 10, 2026, crews were called to the Lakeview Apartments in Gloucester Township after reports of a fire.
NBC10 was on scene, and flames were visible through the roof of the leasing office as firefighters worked to contain the fire.
Officials said it took crews about two hours to get the fire under control.
There was no damage to any of the nearby residential apartment complexes, according to officials.
“It’s more than just a small fire because the entire building was involved, now the good thing was this was separate from any of the residential, so there was really no imminent danger to the residents here; it was just the management office,” said Captain Timothy Kohlmyer of the Gloucester Township Police Department.
No one was in the leasing office at the time of the fire, and no one was reportedly injured, officials said.
At this time, it is unclear how the fire started.
Anyone who witnessed the fire or has information that may assist investigators is urged to contact the Gloucester Township Police Department at (856) 228-4500.
Officers were called to the Millbridge section of Gloucester Township around 11:50 p.m. on Oct. 3 after it was reported that there were people acting suspiciously and looking into parked cars, police said.
When the officers got there, they saw a young man hiding behind a boat that was parked in a home’s driveway, police explained.
The officers tried to stop the young man with verbal cues before he ran away leading them on a chase through the neighborhood, officials said.
Eventually, the officers said they caught up to the person and were able to place him under arrest.
The police department reports that one officer suffered injuries to his knee and back while another officer hurt his hand during the ordeal. Both were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The young suspect was not hurt during the chase and capture, police said.
The suspect was charged with criminal attempted burglary, aggravated assault on law enforcement and resisting arrest before he was released to his mother, officials said.
The Gloucester Township Police Department wants to remind residents to remove valuables and always lock your car doors.
If you see anything suspicious, don’t hesitate to report it to the department by calling 856-228-4500 or 911.
You can also submit anonymous tips to 856-842-5560 or by clicking here.
Job seekers across New Jersey will have multiple opportunities to connect with employers at three upcoming career fairs scheduled for this week.
Griswold Home Care will host a job fair on Monday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 404 S White Horse Pike in Berlin, Camden County.
The JOBS Program Career & Resource Fair will take place Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Salem County Courthouse, located at 92 Market St. in Salem.
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A third employment event is scheduled for Tuesday from 9 a.m. to noon at CareWell Health, 300 Central Avenue in East Orange, Essex County.
The Camden County Board of Commissioners and the Addiction Awareness Task Force (AATF) launched the Break the Stigma campaign to change the conversation around addiction and recovery. This initiative was created to combat the misconceptions surrounding substance use disorder, highlight the reality of recovery, and ensure that individuals struggling with addiction receive support rather than judgment.
Recognizing that stigma is one of the biggest barriers to seeking help, the campaign has taken several proactive steps to foster understanding and support, including:
• Public Education & Awareness – Through community outreach, events, and personal stories, the campaign works to dispel myths about addiction and promote the importance of treatment and recovery.
•Advocacy & Resources – By providing access to critical services, including treatment programs and recovery support, the campaign ensures individuals and families have the help they need.
•Community Engagement – Working with local organizations, schools, and businesses, the initiative spreads awareness and encourages open discussions about addiction and mental health.
•Breaking Barriers to Treatment – Through partnerships and funding efforts, the campaign supports initiatives that remove financial and social obstacles to addiction recovery.
Addiction is a disease, not a choice, and recovery is possible for everyone. By fostering a compassionate and informed community, Camden County continues to take meaningful action to break the stigma and support those on their journey to recovery.
What is stigma and why does it matter?
Addiction is one of the most stigmatized health conditions, preventing individuals from seeking help and isolating families who fear judgment. Over 20 million people in the U.S. struggle with substance use disorders, yet nearly half of Americans don’t recognize addiction as a disease.
Recent research shows that over 80% of Americans are unwilling to associate with those suffering from a substance use disorder. Stigma leads to discrimination in healthcare, employment, housing, and more; and misconceptions about addiction being a moral failing reinforce these barriers.
Stigma doesn’t just affect individuals with addiction; it isolates families and perpetuates harmful stereotypes in society. People struggling with substance use disorders often face: Judgment from peers, which discourages open conversations about their challenges, and discrimination in workplaces and healthcare settings, limiting opportunities for recovery and success.
Understanding the root causes of stigma—such as fear, misinformation, and societal bias—is critical in dismantling it. By fostering empathy, education, and inclusivity, we can transform the way addiction is perceived and treated.
The numbers behind the crisis
In recent years, Camden County has made significant strides in combating the opioid epidemic. According to the NJ ROIC-Drug Monitoring Initiative, from January to July 2024, the county experienced a 39% decrease in overdose deaths compared to the same period in the previous year. Additionally, there was a notable reduction in Naloxone (Narcan) administrations, with 511 instances in the first half of 2024, down from 851 during the same timeframe in 2023.
According to the Office of the Chief State Medical Examiner, there were 206 suspected drug deaths in Camden County from Jan. 1, 2024, to Dec. 31, 2024, compared to 327 during the same time period in 2023.
“The progress that we have made over the past year in Camden County when it comes to overdose and addiction is incredible,” said Commissioner Director Louis Cappelli Jr. “We have continually seen overdose deaths plummet, which just goes to show that all our investment into public health and harm reduction resources is paying off. But as always, we are not done yet. We will continue this fight until no life is lost to overdose ever again.”
Provided Courtesy/Camden County
Camden County Board of Commissioners Director Louis Cappelli, Jr.
These improvements are a testament to the collaborative efforts of the Camden County Board of Commissioners, the Addiction Awareness Task Force (AATF), healthcare providers, law enforcement, community organizations, and the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services, including the Office of Mental Health and Addiction (OMHA). Their ongoing initiatives have been crucial in connecting residents with treatment options, harm reduction resources, and life-saving interventions.
“When we look at the decline in fatal overdoses, we must recognize these percentages and statistics aren’t just numbers – these are actual lives saved,” said Camden County Prosecutor Grace C. MacAulay. “These are members of our community with friends and loved ones who care about them. We must continue to partner with public and private entities to drive the number of fatal overdoses toward zero.”
However, despite these advancements, the mission remains incomplete. Stigma continues to be a significant barrier, preventing many individuals from seeking the help they need. The Break the Stigma campaign is dedicated to changing perceptions of addiction, fostering understanding, and creating a supportive environment where recovery is possible for everyone.
To effectively combat the stigma surrounding addiction, it’s crucial to understand the impact of our words and actions. Stigmatizing language and behaviors can deter individuals from seeking help and perpetuate misconceptions about substance use disorders.
Here’s how you can contribute to ending this stigma:
• Use first person language • Educate yourself and others • Share Camden County resources • Challenge stereotypes • Support policy changes
Break the Stigma campaign Spokersperson: Zac Clark
Zac Clark, a speaker at Camden County’s Remembrance and Hope Memorial in 2023 and a dedicated advocate for our Break the Stigma Campaign, is committed to raising awareness about mental health and addiction. In 2020, he gained widespread recognition after openly sharing his journey of addiction and recovery on ABC’s The Bachelorette. Since then, he has used his platform to inspire hope and break the stigma surrounding substance use disorder, particularly among young people.
Zac’s battle with addiction began after he was prescribed opioids following the removal of a brain tumor. Over time, his substance use escalated, leaving him alone and struggling on the streets of Camden. In one of his darkest moments, he attempted to cash a stolen check at a PNC Bank, where he met a guardian angel—bank teller Ronda Jackson. Instead of calling the police or handing over the money, she contacted Zac’s father, setting off the chain of events that ultimately saved his life.
Now in long-term recovery, Zac is the founder and CEO of Release Recovery, a full-service organization providing essential recovery support. He also co-founded the Release Recovery Foundation, and serves on the Board of Trustees at Caron Treatment Centers.
Learn more about Zac Clark’s mission and how you can support his efforts through Release Recovery and the Release Recovery Foundation at https://www.releaserecoveryfoundation.org/.
Resources for recovery and support
Office of Mental Health & Addiction Services For a list of community mental health resources, click here. For a list of substance use resources, click here.
A Philadelphia woman was arrested in New Jersey after she allegedly fled from police in a stolen car and crashed on Thursday, according to officials in Gloucester Township.
Officers from the Gloucester Township Police Department were at the Howard Jonson Hotel for a different investigation around 2:30 p.m. on Aug. 28 when an automated license plate reader flagged that a stolen vehicle had entered the parking lot, officials explained.
The vehicle was allegedly being driven by Aleesa McIver, of Philadelphia, and had a passenger, officials said.
When the officers at the hotel tried to stop the two people in the car, the passenger jumped out and ran into a hotel room before being taken into custody, police said.
Meanwhile, McIver sped off out of the parking lot and went southbound on the Black Horse Pike, according to police.
A little while later, another officer saw the suspected stolen car driving recklessly over a roadway median, police explained. When McIver saw the marked police car she turned around and went northbound on the pike.
Less than 15 minutes later, officers said they were called to the intersection of Station and Roosevelt avenue in the Glendora section of Gloucester Township for a reported car crash.
Investigators said that McIver did not stop at a stop sign and crashed head-on into another car in an active construction zone.
McIver reportedly tried to run away from the crash scene with a duffle bag but was captured by police, officials said.
Police said that they found a handgun, magazines, ammunition and prescription narcotics on McIver.
Inside the stolen car, investigators reported finding open containers of alcohol.
McIver is charged with receiving stolen property a motor vehicle, assault by auto during crash, eluding and other related charges.
