Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Announces Arrest in Bernards Township

BERNARDS TWP., N.J. – Somerset County First Assistant Prosecutor Annemarie L. Mueller, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Acting Chief of County Detectives Meredith McKay and Bernards Township Chief of Police Timothy King announced the arrest of Jake Smolinsky, age 31, Asbury, New Jersey in connection with an incident that occurred in Bernards Township on the afternoon of Monday, June 29, 2026.

First Assistant Prosecutor Mueller stated that on Monday, June 29, 2026, at 3:30 p.m., Bernards Township Police Department received a 911 text for a welfare check on a male that was bleeding and possibly intoxicated in the area of Mountainview Boulevard.

Upon their arrival on scene, officers made contact with the male, later identified as Jake Smolinsky. Smolinsky was seated in the driver seat of a Subaru sedan and was observed to be in possession of a knife. For over thirty minutes, Bernards Township Police Officers plead with Smolinsky to exit his vehicle and to drop the knife. Bernards Township Police officers also attempted to render aid to the visible injuries on Smolinsky’s body.Smolinsky refused to comply with commands given by the officers. At one point, Smolinsky stated to the officers “put one right here” while pointing to his head. During the interaction, Smolinsky exited the driver seat of his vehicle and began walking towards a Bernards Township police officer with his knife pointed towards the officer. As Smolinsky continued walking towards the officer, the officer discharged their duty weapon once striking Smolinsky in the abdomen. Officers immediately began life saving measures on Smolinsky who was subsequently transported to an area hospital for medical treatment.On Monday, June 29, 2026, members of the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and Crime Scene Investigation Unit responded to Mountainview Boulevard to investigate. Theinvestigation remains on-going at this time.

More News from Raritan

• Somerset County Seniors Can Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary with Interactive Events, Educational Activities in July Seniors can celebrate and enjoy events around Somerset County.
• Social Security Administration Celebrates America’s 250th with Commemorative Cards for Newborns Social Security card for children born in the United States between July 2 and December 31, 2026.