A New Jersey police officer is in a critical but stable condition after being struck by a suspected drink-driver during a traffic stop in Cape May County.
Middle Township Patrolman Austin Kapurelos was carrying out a vehicle stop on Route 47 South, also known as Wildwood Boulevard, shortly after 10pm on Friday, October 16, when he was hit.
Emergency responders treated the officer at the scene before taking him to AtlantiCare Medical Center with serious injuries. No other injuries were reported.
The road was closed for about four hours as investigators examined the crash.
Police identified the driver as 36-year-old Lucio Lopez-Perez, of Erma, New Jersey. He remained at the scene and was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated.
Lopez-Perez has been charged with driving while intoxicated, assault by auto and a public health and safety offence resulting in serious bodily injury, along with several traffic violations. He was processed and held at Cape May County Correctional Center on a warrant.
The investigation is being led by Middle Township Police Department and the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office. Officers are appealing for witnesses or anyone with video footage to contact Middle Township police on 609-465-8700.
Middle Township Police Chief Super said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with Ptl. Austin Kapurelos, his family, and everyone affected by this crash.” He also asked the public to respect the family’s privacy during the officer’s recovery.
Mayor Christopher M. Leusner praised bystanders and first responders who helped at the scene, and urged motorists not to drive while impaired.
“Please, never get behind the wheel impaired,” he said. “It puts every life on the road at risk, including the lives of those who serve us.”
