Somerset County Police On Guard After Texas, Ohio Mass Shootings

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — As mass shootings become a more frequent occurrence, officers are continuing to patrol highly dense areas in the county.

The most recent mass shootings in El Paso, Texas on Saturday and in Dayton, Ohio on Sunday have put many police departments on alert.

Provenzano said the sheriff's office began increasing patrols about four years ago where they drive through areas in Somerset County that draw a larger amount of people including the Bridgewater Commons, Raritan Valley Community Center, Bridgewater Promenade, Hillsborough shopping centers, Chimney Rock Crossings, and others.

"We can never tell if it is a deterrent or not since we can't really measure that," Provenzano said. "The only thing we can hope for is that it doesn't come to the Northeast. It is a shame and I feel sorry for all the people there and give credit to the police department in Ohio for their actions."

In Bernards Township, police are also continuing to do increased patrols in the area.

"We continue to do extra patrols at all houses of worship, schools, and events regardless of incidents that occur in and around the nation. Unfortunately it has become the norm," said Bernards Township Police Lt. Jon Burger.

Over the weekend, a massacre at an El Paso shopping center left 20 people dead and 26 other injured. A 21-year-old man surrendered shortly after Saturday's rampage, authorities said.

Less than 24 hours later, nine people were killed and 27 wounded after a 24-year-old man opened fire in Dayton's entertainment district. The shooter is also dead, authorities said.

Both attacks come less than a week after a shooting at a California music festival left three dead.

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