Middle Township Police Officer Hit by Suspected Drunk Driver

Ofc. Austin Kapurelos was seriously injured while conducting a traffic stop on Route 47 South
The officer is in critical but stable condition at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center
A 36-year-old Erma man faces DWI, assault by auto, and other charges

Middle Township, N.J. — A Middle Township police officer is in critical but stable condition after being struck by a vehicle driven by a suspected drunk driver while conducting a traffic stop on Route 47 Friday night.

The Middle Township Police Department said Patrolman Austin Kapurelos was on Route 47 South shortly after 10 PM when the collision occurred. He was taken to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center with serious injuries.

The driver, 36-year-old Lucio Lopez-Perez of Erma, remained at the scene and was taken into custody.

Charges Filed Against Erma Driver

He was charged with driving while intoxicated, assault by auto, and violation of public health and safety law resulting in serious bodily injury, along with multiple traffic offenses. He was lodged at the Cape May County Correctional Center on a warrant.

Route 47 South was closed for approximately four hours during the crash investigation.

Route 47 in Cape May County, NJ - Photo: Google Maps

RESCUE:

Mays Landing Man Trapped in Asphalt Bin for 2 1/2 Hours

Investigation Continues

The case remains under investigation by the Middle Township Police Department and the Cape May County Prosecutor's Office. Anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant video is asked to call (609) 465-8700.

Mayor Comments

Mayor Christopher Leusner addressed the community directly.

"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," he said. "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 department is asking the public to respect Patrolman Kapurelos and his family's privacy during his recovery.

The public is reminded that charges are accusations and all persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

You Picked Them: The 12 Most Hated Roads in New Jersey

Buckle up... it's going to be a bumpy (and often very slow) ride.

Gallery Credit: Chris Coleman

What Not to Do on a Traffic Stop According to a NJ Cop

My husband is a police officer. He is an amazing man who saves lives and upholds the law. He makes me proud every single day.

I know being a police officer can come with a lot of criticism, especially when there are bad eggs that give police officers a bad name. I can assure you that there are many police officers that uphold the law and do not abuse it, and my husband is one of them.

I hear stories when my husband comes home and he tells me that he encounters some crazy people. I feel like it is very simple to not get arrested by a police officer once you're pulled over or have an encounter with a cop. I went right to my hubby and he gave me some tips to share with all of you.

Gallery Credit: Tiffany

Chris Coleman is a South Jersey native and has been a cornerstone of the Atlantic City radio market since 1998. He serves as Brand Manager for WPG Talk Radio 95.5 and afternoon on-air personality for Cat Country 107.3. A five-time President's Circle award winner and Townsquare Media's 2024 Content Creator of the Year, Chris covers news, events, and stories of interest across Southern New Jersey. Story tips: chris.coleman@townsquaremedia.com

Source: Middle Township Police Officer Critically Injured in Crash

Categories: News, South Jersey News