South Jersey Police Officer Injured: Alleged Drunk Illegal Driver

United States Congressman Jeff Van Drew, R-NJ-2, has announced that he has confirmed:

Congressman Jeff Van Drew — Harry Hurley photo.

According to information confirmed with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and local officials, the suspected drunk driver who struck and seriously injured Middle Township Police Officer Austin Kapurelos on Friday night is an illegal immigrant with an active ICE detainer, said Van Drew.

Middle Township Police Department - Photo: MTPD / Canva

Van Drew Is Not Holding Back

United States Congressman Jeff Van Drew photo.

I know Austin and his family personally, and they are good, hardworking South Jersey people. 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," said Congressman Van Drew. I have had enough of this. Just weeks ago, a baby was killed in a New Jersey parking lot by an unlicensed driver who was in this country illegally. Then a six-year-old girl was kidnapped and sexually assaulted by a man who should have been deported. Now we have a young South Jersey police officer fighting to recover from devastating injuries. When is enough enough? said Van Drew.

Van Drew Also Offering Criticism of New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill

Van Drew is criticizing Sherrill for allocating $ 20 million in New Jersey taxpayer dollars to create a legal defense fund to keep illegals from being deported.

"It is completely backwards. I am calling on Cape May County Sheriff Nolan to work with ICE and ensure this individual is turned over to federal authorities, and I have no doubt the Sheriff will because he is a good man who believes in upholding the law. We cannot keep allowing preventable tragedies like this to happen to innocent people in New Jersey,” said Van Drew.