Contact: Deputy Chief Paul Bailey
Public Information Officer
Desk: (732) 615-2066
pbailey@middletownnj.org
For Immediate Release:
September 21, 2023
Middletown – On September 15, 2023 at approximately 9:15 p.m., Middletown Township Police Department officers were conducting a motor vehicle stop on State Route 35 North in the area of Whole Foods supermarket, 471 Route 35, when a vehicle, also traveling northbound on the highway, struck two patrol cars as well as the vehicle that had initially been stopped by police.
Jill Alenier, 47, of Middletown, was operating an Acura SUV in the right lane of the highway when it struck the two patrol cars. The driver then continued forward and crashed into the rear of a Nissan Altima, which had been stopped by police several minutes prior. As a result of the crash, the two occupants of the Nissan, who are not being identified at this time, sustained injuries. First aid responded to the scene, treated the victims, and transported them to Hackensack Meridian Health Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank. Neither of the officers, who were outside their patrol cars and were standing next to the other car, were injured during the crash.
Alenier was arrested at the scene and charged with driving while intoxicated by Ptl. Eric Van Schaack. The driver also received numerous motor vehicle summonses related to the crash. Further investigation by Ptl. Van Schaack showed that the occupants of the Nissan both received significant bodily injuries. On September 21, 2023, Alenier presented herself at police headquarters where she was charged with two counts of Assault by Auto, a third degree crime. Alenier was processed and released on a summons complaint.
Chief of Police Craig Weber stated, “This motor vehicle crash illustrates the lethal danger posed to the public by those who drink and drive. It further emphasizes the importance of New Jersey’s Move Over Law which was adopted on March 25, 2009. This law was the result of the tragic death of NJ State Trooper Marc Castellano. Marc’s untimely death left his young family without a husband and father.”
“This is a reminder to all that police and emergency personnel work in a very dangerous environment to protect the public, which is further impacted by the danger of impaired and distracted motorists on the road. We strongly encourage and remind those who have been drinking or feel impaired to please designate a sober driver for everyone’s safety,” stated Chief Weber.
Any persons arrested or charged with offenses are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Additionally, except in specific circumstances, arrest and complaint information and names of those charged may be released.
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