Victim Comes Forward With New Report of Crime in Town

Candace Braun

A Borough resident was arrested by Township Police on Thursday and arraigned yesterday in connection with a string of crimes in the Borough over Halloween weekend.

James J. Kornegay, 20, a Leigh Avenue resident, was reported to police by a victim who came forward recently after hearing reports of another attack that had occurred later the same evening he was attacked.

At 2 a.m. on Sunday, October 31, an adult Hispanic male was walking north on John Street when a shirtless black male, later identified as Mr. Kornegay, emerged from a house on Leigh Avenue with two pit bulls. The accused approached the Hispanic male and asked him what he was doing there, raising a knife to his throat as the man attempted to answer the question. Mr. Kornegay threatened to cut the man, then, after shouting some words the victim didn't understand, ordered him to leave, and he obeyed. As the victim was leaving, he observed Mr. Kornegay walking toward a group of Hispanic males hanging out on the corner.

The victim was familiar with Mr. Kornegay, having seen him in the neighborhood, and was therefore able to identify him to police. The accused was charged with bias intimidation, terroristic threats, and possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes.

Bail was set at $50,000 by Superior Court Judge Maria Sypek. Mr. Kornegay is currently at the Mercer County Corrections Center.

Last week, reports from Borough Police connected Mr. Kornegay and another black male to an assault on two Hispanic men, 29 and 24, on John Street at 2:20 a.m. on Sunday, October 31.

Mr. Kornegay and Adrian McPherson, 19, a Clay Street resident, reportedly threatened the men with pit bulls and directed gang-related slang at them. The threats escalated into a physical confrontation, and the 29-year-old victim was struck and knocked unconscious. The blow caused serious brain injuries to the victim, who was rushed to the University Medical Center at Princeton.

Mr. McPherson was arrested on scene, but Mr. Kornegay fled, and was arrested by Borough Police the next day.

Despite additional incoming reports as more victims from Halloween weekend come forward, no new incidents have been reported since that time, said Lt. Dennis McManimon of the Borough Police on Tuesday.

"We've had a quiet couple of days," he said.

He said that no additional information has been found in relation to the incidents that have already occurred, including a stabbing that took place on Tuesday, October 26, on John Street. The Latino victim, who was approached by two black males for money, was stabbed in the leg when he was reluctant to hand over his wallet. The accused left the scene and still have not been identified, said Lt. McManimon.

Anyone with further information regarding any of the ongoing investigations in the Borough or the Township is encouraged to contact local police.