Erma man charged with DWI and assault by auto after Friday night crash on Route 47.
MIDDLE TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A Middle Township police officer remained in critical but stable condition following a Friday night crash in which authorities say he was struck by a suspected impaired driver while conducting a traffic stop.
Patrolman Austin Kapurelos was working along Route 47 South, also known as Wildwood Boulevard, shortly after 10 p.m. on October 16 when he was struck by a passing vehicle, according to the Middle Township Police Department.
Kapurelos suffered serious injuries and was transported to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center for treatment.
Police identified the driver as Lucio Lopez-Perez, 36, of Erma.
Lopez-Perez was arrested at the scene and faces multiple charges, including driving while intoxicated and assault by auto.
He was being held at the Cape May County Correctional Center following his arrest.
The charges are allegations, and Lopez-Perez is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Officer Hospitalized With Serious Injuries
Middle Township police reported Saturday that Kapurelos was in critical but stable condition.
The department has not publicly detailed the full extent of his injuries or provided a timetable for his recovery.
Police closed Route 47 South for approximately four hours while investigators examined the crash scene.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Middle Township Police Chief Jennifer Super expressed concern for the injured officer, his family and others affected by the incident.
The crash has also prompted a public warning about the dangers of impaired driving, particularly for police officers and emergency personnel working alongside active roadways.
Mayor Urges Drivers to Avoid Impaired Driving
Middle Township Mayor Christopher Leusner offered his support to Kapurelos and his family following the crash.
"Please, never get behind the wheel impaired," Leusner said. "It puts every life on the road at risk, including the lives of those who serve us."
The incident highlights the dangers officers face during routine traffic stops, when they may be standing close to moving vehicles.
New Jersey's Move Over law requires drivers approaching certain stopped emergency vehicles displaying flashing lights to change lanes when safe to do so or slow down when changing lanes is not possible.
Authorities have not publicly established whether a Move Over law violation was involved in this particular crash.
Investigation Continues
As of the latest publicly reported police update Saturday, Kapurelos remained hospitalized in critical but stable condition.
Additional information about the investigation, including any further charges or changes in the officer's condition, had not been released.
South Jersey NewsBeat will continue following his recovery and the criminal proceedings.
About the Author
Karen Johnson
With over 30 years of news experience in major markets like Los Angeles, Denver, and Columbus, Karen now covers our area for South Jersey NewsBeat. She also brings her articulate and conversational news delivery to WOND radio listeners every weekday. Her background includes work with the NBC Radio Network, and she thrives in fast-paced news environments.
