A Middle Township police officer was seriously injured after he was struck by a suspected impaired driver Friday night, according to the Middle Township Police Department.
Shortly after 10 p.m. on Oct. 16, Patrolman Austin Kapurelos was conducting a traffic stop on Route 47 South, also known as Wildwood Boulevard, when he was struck by a car, police said.
According to officials, Kapurelos was taken to AtlantiCare Medical Center with serious injuries. As of 10:49 a.m. Saturday, he was listed in critical but stable condition.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Ptl. Austin Kapurelos, his family, and everyone affected by this crash,” said Chief Super, of the Middle Township Police Department. “We are grateful to the officers, emergency personnel, and members of the public who came to Ptl. Kapurelos’ aid. We ask the community to respect the family’s privacy during Ptl. Kapurelos’ recovery.”
According to police, the driver, identified as 36-year-old Lucio Lopez-Perez of Erma, New Jersey, remained at the scene and was taken into custody on suspicion of impaired driving.
Lopez-Perez was charged with driving while intoxicated, assault by auto and violation of public health and safety law resulting in serious bodily injury.
No other injuries were reported.
“On behalf of the Township Committee and all of Middle Township, I want Ptl. Austin Kapurelos and his family to know that our entire community is standing with them,” said Mayor Christopher M. Leusner. “Our officers put themselves in harm’s way every day to keep us all safe, and last night was a painful reminder of the risks they face during even the most routine duties. I am grateful to our first responders and residents who rushed to help, and I ask everyone to keep Ptl. Kapurelos in their prayers as he begins his recovery. Please, never get behind the wheel impaired. It puts every life on the road at risk, including the lives of those who serve us.”
The Middle Township Police Department and the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office are investigating the crash.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant video is asked to contact the Middle Township Police Department at 609-465-8700.
