Fatal crash in Evesham under investigation after attempted traffic stop
Evesham Township, NJ – A fatal early morning crash in the Marlton section of Evesham Township has triggered an investigation by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office after a police-initiated traffic stop preceded the collision. The incident unfolded around 4:38 a.m. Friday near Route 73 and Lincoln Drive, leaving one adult male dead at the scene.
According to preliminary findings, an Evesham Township police officer driving a marked patrol vehicle attempted to stop a civilian vehicle. During the encounter, the vehicle being stopped collided with a second, uninvolved vehicle. The police vehicle was not involved in the crash.
The driver of the initial civilian vehicle sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not released the identity of the deceased or the officer involved as the investigation remains active.
State investigation underway
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Key Points
- Fatal crash occurred around 4:38 a.m. Friday near Route 73 and Lincoln Drive
- Collision followed an attempted police traffic stop; patrol car not involved in impact
- Attorney General’s Office leading investigation under state law
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The Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability has assumed control of the investigation, as required under state law when a death occurs during an encounter with law enforcement. The case will ultimately be presented to a grand jury to determine whether evidence supports potential charges.
Officials said the collision happened near a busy stretch of Route 73, prompting road closures between Greentree Road and Lincoln Drive for several hours following the incident.
Police chief confirms road closures, no ongoing threat
In a statement, Evesham Township Police Chief Thomas Reinholt said, “As the safety and well-being of our community are our top priorities, please know there is no active or ongoing threat to the public. The scene of the incident has been secured by law enforcement.”
Reinholt added that one officer involved in the encounter was treated for non-life-threatening injuries after being removed from the scene. He declined to comment further on the circumstances, citing the ongoing state investigation.
Under New Jersey statute N.J.S.A. 52:17B-107(a)(2), the Attorney General’s Office is required to independently investigate deaths that occur during interactions with law enforcement officers acting in their official capacity. The law mandates that findings be reviewed by a grand jury.
No additional details have been released.