Full Notification

On January 25, 2022, at approximately 10:00 pm, the Middle Township Police Department investigated a motor vehicle crash on Route 47 in the Rio Grande section of Middle Township.   The investigation revealed that Kelly Francisco (48 years old) of Rio Grande was traveling south on Route 47 in a Hyundai Santa Fe, when the vehicle left the lane of travel and struck a stationary patrol vehicle.  Patrol vehicle had its’ emergency lights activated on the south shoulder of the road attending to a motorist needing assistance.  The force of the collision caused the patrol vehicle to then strike the disabled vehicle, causing major damage to the police vehicle.  Patrolman Paul Damiano had just returned to the driver seat in his patrol vehicle after providing assistance to the occupants of the vehicle when the collision occurred.  Patrolman Damiano was taken to Cape Regional Medical Center for evaluation and suffered minor injuries.  Francisco was transported to Cape Regional Medical Center and evaluated for his injuries. Francisco was arrested for Driving While Under the Influence and issued eight (8) motor vehicle summonses.  The occupants of the third vehicle did not report any injuries. 
 
All charges are accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless he is proven guilty.