STAFFORD TOWNSHIP, NJ-On Sunday, February 3rd, 2019 at 12:43 AM, Ptl. Luna of the Stafford Township Police Department was on a motor vehicle stop on Route 9 northbound by Southern Regional High School.
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While on the stop and seated in his patrol vehicle, his vehicle was struck by another vehicle travelling northbound on Route 9. The striking vehicle was a 2011 silver Ford Edge, and it was operated by William D. Dippolito Jr. 31 years old of Lanoka Harbor, N.J.
After striking Ptl. Luna’s patrol vehicle, Dippolito fled the scene, but was subsequently stopped by Officer Wiatrowski on Route 9 northbound near Marybell Road. Ptl. Conner and Ptl. DeMarco assisted Officer Wiatrowski on the stop as well.
Follow up at-scene investigation lead to the arrest of Dippolito for DWI. He was processed at the Stafford Police headquarters, and later released. He was issued numerous summonses, including DWI, Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Accident and Failing to Report a Motor Vehicle Accident.
Thankfully, Ptl. Luna was not injured, but his patrol vehicle was towed from the scene.
As a reminder, the Stafford Township Police Department does not release photos of any defendants, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.