Full Notification

On Sunday, May 29, 2022, at approximately 1623 hours, the Middle Township Police Department responded to the Dias Creek section of Middle Township for a report of a motor vehicle crash involving a motor cycle and a passenger vehicle on Route 47 in the area of mile post eight (8).  Investigation revealed the passenger vehicle was stationary waiting for traffic to pass to make a left turn from Route 47 North into the driveway of the Delsea Woods Community.  The motorcycle operated by Thomas Conroy (53) of Franklinville, New Jersey, was traveling north on Route 47, Conroy attempted to make evasive maneuvers with the motorcycle to avoid a collision, but was unable to do so in time.  Conroy succumbed to his injuries at Cape Regional Medical Center.  Speed did not appear to be a factor in the crash.  Route 47 was closed for a period of time to allow for the investigation. 

The driver of the passenger vehicle, Rocio Ortiz-Martinez was issued summonses for Unlicensed Driver, Unregistered Vehicle, Uninsured Motorist and Fictitious License Plates.  Due to being an unlicensed driver in a motor vehicle crash involving a death, Ortiz-Martinez was arrested on criminal complaint 2C:40-22A; Causing a Death or Injury While Driving Without a License.  Ortiz-Martinez was released on a summons.

Assisting with the crash were the Middle Township Crash Team, Middle Township Major Crimes Unit, Middle Township Rescue Squad, Green Creek Fire Department, Cape May County Sheriff’s Department, Cape May County Fire Police and Wildwood Police Department.     

All charges are accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless they are proven guilty.