Local
Middle Township patrolman in critical but stable condition after Route 47 crash
Patrolman Austin Kapurelos was struck while making a traffic stop on Wildwood Boulevard Friday night and taken to a hospital with serious injuries. A 36-year-old Erma man was arrested and charged; the crash remains under investigation.
A Middle Township police officer was in critical but stable condition Saturday after a car struck him during a traffic stop on Route 47 South, also known as Wildwood Boulevard, police said.
Patrolman Austin Kapurelos was conducting the stop shortly after 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, when he was hit. He was taken to AtlantiCare Medical Center with serious injuries, according to police. His condition was reported as critical but stable at 10:49 a.m. Saturday.
The driver, identified by police as 36-year-old Lucio Lopez-Perez of Erma, stayed at the scene and was taken into custody on suspicion of impaired driving. He faces charges of driving while intoxicated, assault by auto and violating a public health and safety law resulting in serious bodily injury. The charges are allegations; no court outcome was provided.
No other injuries were reported. Middle Township police and the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office are investigating.
Police Chief Super thanked officers, emergency responders and members of the public who helped Kapurelos, and asked the community to respect the family’s privacy as he recovers. Mayor Christopher M. Leusner said the crash was a reminder that officers face risks during routine duties and urged people not to drive while impaired.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant video is asked to contact Middle Township police at 609-465-8700.