State Police Charge Three for Throwing Object off Turnpike Overpass that Injured Man

Carneys Point Township, N.J. -The New Jersey State Police have charged a 17-year-old male from Elmer, N.J., a 16-year-old male from Penns Grove, N.J., and a 16-year-old male from Pittsgrove, N.J. for allegedly throwing an object off an overpass that injured a truck driver on the New Jersey Turnpike.

On March 26, at 10:47 p.m., troopers from Troop “D” Moorsetown Station responded to a motor vehicle incident on the New Jersey Turnpike northbound in the area of milepost 4.9 in Carneys Point, Salem County. When troopers arrived, they discovered two tractor trailers were struck by an object thrown from the Penns Grove Auburn Road overpass. The object shattered the windshields of the tractor trailers, resulting in an injury to one of drivers. The victim sustained injuries to his face and eyes and was transported to a local area hospital.

During the investigation, detectives from the Troop “D” Criminal Investigation Office discovered a truck with blue roof lights was observed on the overpass prior to the incident. As a result of the two-week investigation, detectives with assistance from the Carneys Point Police Department, identified the owner of the truck and two additional juvenile suspects.

On April 10, the three male juveniles were charged with aggravated assault, criminal mischief, and disorderly conduct. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the juveniles will be processed at a later date.

Charges are merely accusations, and the accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty.