TRENTON, NJ – A state grand jury has decided not to file criminal charges against Sgt. Richard Sbarra of the Waterford Township Police Department, who was involved in a fatal accident that killed 44-year-old Christofe “Christopher” Wita of Berlin, New Jersey. The incident occurred on November 23, 2023, in the Atco section of Waterford, NJ.
The decision follows a comprehensive investigation by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA), which included interviews, radio transmissions, video footage, police reports, and autopsy results. The evidence was presented to the grand jury, which concluded its deliberations on August 5, 2024, by voting “no bill,” indicating they found no grounds for criminal charges.
The investigation detailed that Sgt. Sbarra was on duty and driving below the speed limit along the White Horse Pike (Route 30) when his vehicle struck Mr. Wita. The accident occurred in a dimly lit area, and Mr. Wita was not in a crosswalk at the time. Despite immediate medical assistance from officers at the scene, Mr. Wita was pronounced deceased shortly after the incident.
