Rep. Jeff Van Drew says the driver accused of seriously injuring Middle Township Officer Austin Kapurelos has an active ICE detainer and should be transferred to federal authorities.
MIDDLE TOWNSHIP, NJ — Austin Kapurelos should be enjoying life with his new wife in their new home. Instead, the South Jersey police officer is recovering from surgery after a migrant drunk driver struck him during a traffic stop.
Now his father, a congressman and Middle Township’s mayor are demanding accountability—and cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
Rep. Jeff Van Drew said in an Oct. 18 statement that ICE and local officials confirmed the accused driver was in the country illegally and had an active immigration detainer.
“If this man hadn’t been here illegally, Austin would be sitting on the couch with his wife in their new home right now, not lying in a hospital bed,” the officer’s father, Tony Kapurelos, said in the release.
A newlywed’s life interrupted by serious injuries
The family’s account puts a personal face on the crash that seriously injured the Middle Township patrolman Friday, Oct. 16.
“They just got married. They have their whole lives ahead of them, and instead of enjoying this time together, Austin is recovering from surgery, and we’re all praying he’ll be okay,” his father said.
Tony Kapurelos said his family believes in lawful immigration and wants to prevent another family from enduring the same ordeal.
“My family knows what it means to come to America the right way. We believe in this country and its laws,” he said. “What happened to Austin never should have happened, and I don’t want another family to have to go through this.”
Officer struck during Route 47 traffic stop
As Shore News Network previously reported, Kapurelos was conducting a traffic stop on Route 47 South, also known as Wildwood Boulevard, shortly after 10 p.m. when he was struck. shorenewsnetwork.com Emergency personnel treated him before taking him to AtlantiCare Medical Center, where police reported him in critical but stable condition Saturday.
Police identified the driver as Lucio Lopez-Perez, 36, of Erma. He remained at the scene and was taken into custody.
Lopez-Perez was charged with driving while intoxicated, assault by auto and violating a public health and safety law resulting in serious bodily injury, along with traffic offenses. Police said he was lodged in the Cape May County Correctional Center.
Van Drew calls for transfer to ICE
Van Drew said he knows Kapurelos and his family personally, describing them as hardworking South Jersey residents.
“Austin is a fine young man who proudly serves his community and his country, and now he is lying in a hospital bed with serious injuries after being hit by a drunk driver who was in this country illegally,” the congressman said.
Van Drew called on Cape May County Sheriff Nolan to cooperate with ICE and ensure the accused driver is transferred to federal authorities. He also criticized Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s support for taxpayer-funded immigration legal defense, arguing that the state’s priorities leave families bearing the consequences of failed policies.
“We cannot keep allowing preventable tragedies like this to happen to innocent people in New Jersey,” Van Drew said.
Mayor demands prosecution and immigration cooperation
Middle Township Mayor Christopher M. Leusner called for the charges to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of New Jersey law and for the immigration detainer to be honored after state proceedings.
“There should be no limitations on cooperation when it comes to keeping dangerous drivers off our roads,” Leusner said.
The mayor also urged state leaders to meet with law enforcement about changes to New Jersey’s immigration-cooperation rules.
“Ptl. Austin Kapurelos was doing his job, protecting the people of Middle Township, when he was struck and critically injured,” Leusner said. “Our entire community is praying for Austin, his wife, and his family.”
House Republicans demand records by November 16 as Sherrill calls the investigation “political theater” less than two weeks before Election Day.
TRENTON, NJ — A congressional investigation into thousands of improperly registered New Jersey voters escalated Wednesday when House Republicans subpoenaed the Sherrill administration, saying nearly three months of requests had failed to produce adequate answers.
The House Judiciary and House Administration committees are demanding records concerning approximately 6,600 noncitizens registered to vote between June 2023 and June 2024 through the Motor Vehicle Commission.
Acting Secretary of State Shirley U. Emehelu faces a November 16 deadline to produce documents covering the software failure, citizenship safeguards, vendor communications and efforts to remove improperly registered voters. The demand moves the dispute from voluntary requests to compulsory congressional process.
Republicans say the state has not provided sufficient answers
Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan, House Administration Chairman Bryan Steil, Oversight Subcommittee Chairman Jeff Van Drew and Elections Subcommittee Chairwoman Laurel Lee announced the subpoena October 21.
The committees first requested documents August 3. Seventy-nine days later, they said, New Jersey’s response remained inadequate and had impeded their ability to conduct oversight and consider changes to federal election law.
The investigation centers on how people who indicated they were not American citizens nevertheless entered the state’s voter-registration system.
Republicans are also pressing for answers about how the registrations were discovered, what officials did afterward and whether safeguards can reliably prevent another failure.
Their demand concerns both the original registration problem and the state’s handling of its aftermath.
Van Drew demands evidence behind software explanation
Van Drew said hundreds of the improperly registered individuals went on to cast ballots. He accused the administration of answering congressional questions with political attacks and documents that provided little explanation.
“If it was simply a software glitch, then show us the evidence,” Van Drew said.
The South Jersey congressman also questioned why registrations remained on the rolls after the state learned of the problem. He distinguished the original failure, which began under former Gov. Phil Murphy, from the current administration’s responsibility to answer investigators.
The requested records would allow lawmakers to examine the technical explanation alongside communications between state officials and the technology vendor, as well as the measures used to identify and remove ineligible registrations.
Sherrill fires back over election timing
Sherrill rejected the Republicans’ account of her administration’s response and accused congressional leaders of staging a political confrontation thirteen days before the November 3 midterm elections.
“I’m focused on governing effectively. Republicans in Congress clearly aren’t,” she said Wednesday.
The governor said her administration acted immediately after discovering the MVC registration issue, communicated the facts and implemented agency-wide reforms. She maintained that the state had been transparent throughout its response.
Sherrill singled out Van Drew and Jordan, calling their use of the committee “political theater.”
She said her priorities remained secure elections and reducing costs for New Jersey residents.
Eric Clayton Cooke, 38, was arrested Tuesday in connection with an October 14 assault that left Breon Turner fatally injured. More serious charges may follow.
BALTIMORE, MD – A 38-year-old Baltimore man has been arrested and charged with attempted first-degree murder after a man he allegedly assaulted in Southwest Baltimore died five days after the attack. Police identified the victim as Breon Turner, 34, who suffered serious injuries during a physical altercation on Ramsey Street.
Eric Clayton Cooke was taken into custody Tuesday, October 20, by Baltimore Police Department warrant apprehension detectives. He was arrested without incident in the 4900 block of Hamilton Avenue, one day after Turner died at an area hospital.
The case is being investigated as a homicide, but police said upgraded charges against Cooke remain pending following findings from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. As of the department’s latest announcement, the charge reported against him was attempted first-degree murder.
Ramsey Street Assault Leaves Baltimore Man Fatally Injured
According to the Baltimore Police Department, Southwest District officers responded to the 1900 block of Ramsey Street at approximately 9:40 p.m. on Wednesday, October 14.
Officers had received a report of an assault and arrived to find Turner suffering from serious injuries sustained during a physical altercation.
Emergency responders transported the 34-year-old to an area hospital for treatment.
Despite receiving medical care, Turner died Monday, October 19, five days after the initial assault.
Police subsequently upgraded the investigation to a homicide.
Investigators have not publicly described the injuries Turner suffered, identified a weapon or explained what led to the confrontation.
The department also has not disclosed whether Turner and Cooke knew each other before the incident.
Suspect Arrested on Hamilton Avenue Without Incident
On Tuesday, October 20, warrant apprehension detectives located Cooke in the 4900 block of Hamilton Avenue in Baltimore.
Police said he was arrested without incident and transported to the Central Booking Intake Facility.
Cooke was charged with attempted first-degree murder in connection with the October 14 assault.
The timing of the arrest came one day after Turner’s death, while investigators were reviewing the case for possible additional charges.
Police indicated that upgraded charges were pending the findings of the Medical Examiner’s Office, which plays a central role in establishing the cause and manner of death in homicide investigations.
The department has not announced whether a murder charge has been formally filed.
Cooke’s charge is an allegation, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Homicide Detectives Await Medical Examiner’s Findings
Baltimore police announced Cooke’s arrest Wednesday, October 21, following the death of Turner and the decision to classify the case as a homicide.
The medical examiner’s findings could affect the charges prosecutors ultimately pursue. For now, the department has reported an attempted first-degree murder charge and has not confirmed any upgraded charges.
Police are continuing to seek information about the October 14 assault. Anyone with information can contact homicide detectives at 410-396-2100 or Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7LOCKUP.
The Baltimore Police Department’s official arrest announcement confirms the arrest, charge and pending medical examiner review.
A police traffic advisory warns drivers to expect congestion on Route 3 eastbound and Paterson Plank Road eastbound.
SECAUCUS, NJ — Secaucus police are urging drivers to find another route after a fatal collision closed the George Washington Bridge, triggering a traffic warning for eastbound roads through the area.
“Expect heavy delays,” the department’s advisory states, identifying Route 3 eastbound and Paterson Plank Road eastbound as affected routes.
Police urge drivers to change their routes
The advisory connects the anticipated congestion to the bridge closure and asks motorists to adjust their travel plans.
“Please plan an alternate route,” police said.
Drivers heading east through Secaucus toward the George Washington Bridge should account for the disruption when planning their trips.
Pemberton Mayor Matthew Bianchini was held back and removed from the room as residents demanded his arrest.
PEMBERTON TOWNSHIP, NJ — Mayor Matthew Bianchini charged toward a vocal critic during Wednesday night’s council meeting and was restrained before being removed from the room.
“I am getting you — I am f-cking getting you!” the mayor shouted as he moved toward the resident in a confronting manner.
The confrontation prompted demands for the mayor’s immediate arrest. Residents also called for him to be removed from the meeting. The incident was caught on camera by a reporter for the Pine Barrens Tribune.
Former police officials intervene
According to the Pine Barrens Tribune, a former police chief, Kenneth “Kenny” Gerber, who had served as the township’s community development director, helped hold Bianchini back. The newspaper reported that the mayor had fired that former official just two weeks earlier.
He was replaced by Joshua Ward, who was a councilman until two weeks ago. Ward resigned that seat and took the job in town hall, rasing questions from the community.
The encounter unfolded during the public meeting, with the Tribune’s camera capturing the incident.
Residents demand action against mayor
The resident confronted by Bianchini demanded that the mayor be arrested, according to the newspaper’s account.
Residents objected when the governing body sought to remove the man following the confrontation. Ultimately, those involved in the altercation were asked to leave the meeting.
Payment Made to Cyber Security Company
Bianchini went on Facebook prior to the incident saying that another employee was fired for a $195,000 ACH payment to a cybersecurity company.
“I want to address the recent wrongful termination lawsuit filed by former Pemberton Township Chief Financial Officer Candice Pennewell and clarify the Township administration’s position regarding several serious allegations contained in her complaint, While I fully recognize and respect an individual’s right to pursue legal action, I also believe that our residents and employees deserve to understand the Township’s position, particularly when allegations call into question the integrity of our administration and the professional reputations of dedicated Township employees,” he said. “Let me be clear…I strongly dispute the allegations made by Ms. Pennewell regarding the circumstances surrounding her termination, the $195,000 ACH payment involved in a cybersecurity incident, and the conduct of our Business Administrator.”
“One of the most troubling aspects of this matter involves an ACH payment of approximately $195,000 that was intercepted in connection with a cyberattack,” he added. “The Township’s position is that Ms. Pennewell authorized the payment in question. We strongly dispute her allegation that members of her former staff initiated the payment without her authorization.”
Emergency utility work is scheduled to close the Parkway between interchanges 4 and 9 Thursday morning, with traffic detoured through three communities.
MIDDLE TOWNSHIP, NJ — Emergency utility work will close a stretch of the Garden State Parkway in Cape May County from 9 a.m. until approximately 1 p.m. Thursday, October 22, according to a New Jersey Turnpike Authority advisory.
Drivers will be diverted onto Route 9 between Interchange 4 at Route 47 in Rio Grande and Interchange 9 at Shell Bay Avenue in Cape May Court House.
Detour runs through Rio Grande, Whitesboro and Burleigh
The diversion will send Parkway traffic through Rio Grande, Whitesboro and Burleigh, bringing additional vehicles onto Route 9 during the four-hour work window.
“Expect increased traffic and delays on Route 9 during this time,” the advisory states.
Motorists should allow extra travel time and follow posted detour signs and police directions. The reopening time is approximate.
Check conditions before leaving
The advisory directs drivers to the state’s 511 traffic service, the SafeTripNJ app and the Parkway’s official X account for current conditions.
“Please plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and follow all posted signs and police directions,” the advisory says.
Police are seeking a man accused of firing a shot outside a commercial establishment after a dispute with a 19-year-old.
QUEENS, NY — A man left the scene of a verbal dispute with a 19-year-old, returned with a firearm and fired a shot that struck a storefront window Tuesday afternoon, the NYPD said today.
The confrontation occurred around 4:10 p.m. October 20 in front of 190-10 99th Avenue. Police said the unidentified man initially walked away before returning a short time later.
Suspect fled on foot
After returning, the man displayed a firearm and fired one round, striking the window of a commercial establishment, police said. He then fled on foot.
The NYPD is seeking the individual in connection with reckless endangerment.
Police ask public for information
Anyone with information can call NYPD Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or send a direct message to @NYPDTips.
Police say an unidentified individual forcibly touched a 27-year-old woman during a morning encounter inside the station.
NEW YORK, NY — A 27-year-old woman was forcibly grabbed between the legs inside the Jay Street subway station on October 12, prompting an NYPD appeal for help identifying the person responsible.
The encounter happened at approximately 8:40 a.m., police said. An unidentified individual approached the woman, grabbed her and fled on foot, according to NYPD Crime Stoppers.
Police ask for tips
Investigators are seeking the individual in connection with forcible touching in the New York City subway system.
Anyone with information can send a direct message to @NYPDTips or call 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).
Suspects ages 22 and 18 face murder charges in the shooting that killed a Philadelphia man and wounded another victim.
DOVER, DE — Two men face murder charges after a shooting in the Dover Commons shopping center parking lot killed Nasir Cox, 22, of Philadelphia, and wounded a second man, Dover police said.
A 22-year-old Dover man was arrested October 16, and an 18-year-old man was captured October 21 in Snow Hill, Maryland. The arrests followed the October 10 shooting on the 1200 block of North DuPont Highway, according to the Dover Police Department.
Both suspects face first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, three counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, four counts of first-degree reckless endangering and carrying a concealed deadly weapon.
Investigators recover handgun during search
Detectives identified the Dover man as one of the suspected shooters and obtained warrants for his arrest and a search of his residence.
Officers and federal marshals went to the 500 block of Crawford Avenue at approximately 1:10 p.m. October 16. The suspect came outside after officers announced their presence and surrendered without incident, police said.
Investigators recovered a 9mm handgun, ammunition, and clothing and accessories matching those worn during the shooting.
The second suspect was located by a U.S. Marshals Service fugitive task force at a Snow Hill residence. He was arrested without incident and remained in Maryland pending extradition to Delaware.
Police corrected an earlier announcement identifying him as 17, confirming he was 18 both when arrested and on the night of the shooting.
“These arrests reflect the persistence, investigative skill, and professionalism required to bring a complex and challenging case to this stage,” Police Chief Thomas Johnson Jr. said.
“Our investigators worked diligently to identify those responsible, develop the evidence, and coordinate apprehensions across jurisdictional boundaries,” he said.
Officers drove victims through gridlocked area
The shooting happened at approximately 9:19 p.m., hours after thousands of students and visitors attending Delaware State University homecoming events were required to leave campus around 6 p.m. Crowds gathered at nearby shopping centers, police said.
More than 50 officers from multiple departments were already handling fights, disturbances and reports of gunfire in the area when officers heard shots and saw people running from Dover Commons.
They found a 21-year-old man with an upper-body gunshot wound, then located Cox while providing aid.
With vehicle and pedestrian traffic gridlocking the Route 13 corridor, officers drove both victims to Bayhealth Kent Campus in police vehicles. Cox died from his injuries. Police initially reported the surviving victim was hospitalized in stable condition.
House Bill 59 extends disclosure restrictions to adults, allowing police to identify defendants only when felony charges and a public safety need justify release.
DOVER, DE — A new Delaware law took effect October 21, restricting police from releasing the names and mugshots of adults charged with crimes unless they face a felony charge and disclosure is necessary to protect public safety.
House Bill 59, signed July 23, expands restrictions that previously applied to juveniles. Those existing protections cover children 17 and younger, whose identities and photographs can be released only when they are charged with a violent felony and a public safety need exists.
The change is already affecting police announcements in Dover, where the department included a notice about the law in its update on two arrests in the fatal Dover Commons shooting.
“For adults charged with a crime, this information may be released only when the charge is a felony and disclosure is necessary to protect public safety,” the department said.
A felony charge alone does not permit release
Under the law, police must satisfy both conditions before releasing an adult defendant’s name or photograph. For juveniles, the charge must meet the narrower category of a violent felony, alongside the same public safety requirement.
The restrictions cover photographs beyond traditional booking images. The statute includes mugshots within its definition of photographs and expressly covers publication on publicly maintained websites and social media pages.
Dover police explain omitted identities
In the Dover Commons case, police announced arrests of two men, ages 22 and 18, on murder and related charges without identifying either suspect by name.
“Names and photographs may therefore be omitted from this release to comply with state law,” the department said in its notice.
The legislation was introduced March 6, 2025, with Rep. Lynn as its primary sponsor and Sen. Hoffner as an additional sponsor, according to legislative records.
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