Full Notification

On January 2, 2020 at approximately 5:05 pm, the Middle Township Police Department was dispatched to a two-vehicle crash on Route 9 in the area of milepost 10.   The preliminary investigation revealed a landscape truck, operated by Rene Perez Cruz (25) of Rio Grande, was travelling south when it crossed over the north bound lane to enter the parking lot of Island Pools.  The second vehicle, a 2015 Nissan Altima operated by Don Riggins Jr. (40) of the Villas, was travelling north when it collided with the rear passenger side of the landscape truck.  The collision caused severe damage to Riggins’ vehicle resulting in him being trapped inside.  Riggins sustained multiple serious injuries and was transported to Atlantic Care Medical Center, City Division.  We do not have his condition at this time.  Perez-Cruz was issued summonses for careless driving, unlicensed driver and failure to maintain a lane. 
Route 9 was closed for approximately three hours for the investigation and for clean-up of the crash scene.
The crash is currently under investigation by the Middle Township Crash Investigation Unit, Major Crimes Unit and the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office.
The Cape May Court House Fire Department, Middle Township Rescue, Green Creek Fire Department and the Middle Township Fire Police assisted on-scene. 
Anyone with information related to the crash is requested to contact the Middle Township Police Department at (609)465-8700.