VINELAND, NJ – On August 31, 2020 at approximately 1917 hours Vineland Police officers were dispatched to the area of the Payless Liquor Store for an unconscious male subject, later identified as Pablo Cruz-Bautista, age 54 of the 500 block of E. Elmer Street, Vineland. Investigation revealed that the victim was pushed while on the sidewalk on E. Wood Street. Cruz-Bautista is believed to have fallen and then struck his head on the hard surface. Lifesaving efforts were performed and Cruz-Bautista was airlifted to Cooper Medical Center. Upon arrival at Cooper, he was listed in “extremely critical condition.” Cruz-Bautista later died in the evening hours of September 1, 2020 at Cooper Medical Center.
On September 1, 2020, Raul A. Figueroa-Argueta, age 34 of 300 block of W. Montrose Street, Vineland was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault and Endangering an Injured Victim related to the incident. He was processed and lodged in the Cumberland County Jail. The State has moved for pre-trial detention. The case is being reviewed to determine whether and/or what upgraded charges are appropriate in light of the victim succumbing to his injuries.