Hammonton man charged in fiery crash that kills corrections officer
From the Atlantic City Press Published: Tuesday, January 15, 2008 2:25 p.m. Update -
MAYS LANDING – A 30 year old Hammonton man has been charged in connection with a fatal accident that took the life of an Atlantic County Corrections Officer on Monday evening, Atlantic County Prosecutor Ted Housel said today.
Anthony Ruggerio of 46 Lakeshore Drive, Hammonton, has been charged with vehicular homicide, driving while intoxicated and other motor vehicle offenses in connection with the death of John Cruz, 51, of 365 South Egg Harbor Road, Hammonton. Cruz, a father of three, was a Sergeant at the Atlantic County Justice Facility who supervised the Day Reporting and Home Detention Programs. He had been employed at the Justice Facility since 1980.
At 6:35 p.m. Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Fatal Collision Investigations received a call from the Hammonton Police Department and responded to the scene. Investigation revealed that Cruz had just pulled out of his driveway and was heading West on South Egg Harbor Road when his vehicle was rear-ended by a vehicle driven by Ruggerio. Cruz’ vehicle burst into flames upon impact and he was trapped inside.
Officers on the scene detected an odor of alcohol on Ruggerio, who suffered minor injuries when his vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree. He was taken to Kessler Memorial Hospital for treatment. He was then taken to the Mullica Township Police Department and Superior Court Judge Mark Sandson was contacted and set bail at $200,000 cash.
Ruggerio was in Superior Court this morning for an initial appearance before Judge Bernard DeLury. Bail remains at $200,000 cash and Ruggerio is currently lodged at the Salem County Justice Facility.
Vehicular homicide is a crime of the second degree and carries with it a term of imprisonment of 5 to 10 years if convicted.
Investigator Kevin Hincks of the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Fatal Collision Investigations is investigating the accident along with Detective Joel Frederico of the Hammonton Police Department, with assistance from the Atlantic City Police Department accident unit.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Fatal Collision Investigations at 609-909-7667. Information can also be called in anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 609-625-1234 or 1-800-658-8477 (TIPS). Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those who commit crimes in Atlantic County.
