MIDDLE TOWNSHIP, Oct. 17, 2026 — Patrolman Austin Kapurelos, of the Middle Township Police Department, was seriously injured after being struck by a vehicle driven by a suspected impaired driver on Friday, October 16, 2026, shortly after 10:00 pm.

Ptl. Kapurelos was conducting a motor vehicle stop on Route 47 South (Wildwood Boulevard) when the collision occurred. Emergency personnel provided immediate aid, and Ptl. Kapurelos was transported to AtlantiCare Medical Center with serious injuries. Ptl. Kapurelos is currently in critical but stable condition.

The driver, identified as Lucio Lopez-Perez, 36, of Erma, NJ, remained at the scene and was taken into custody for suspected impaired driving. Lopez-Perez was charged with Driving While Intoxicated 39:4-50, Assault by Auto 2C:12-1c(2), and Violation of Public Health and Safety Law resulting in Serious Bodily Injury 2C:40-18b, along with multiple other traffic offenses. Lopez-Perez was processed and subsequently lodged in the Cape May County Correctional Center on a warrant. All charges are allegations and the accused is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

No additional injuries were reported. Route 47 South was closed for approximately 4 hours while the on-scene crash investigation took place.

The crash remains under investigation by the Middle Township Police Department and the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant video is asked to contact the Middle Township Police Department at 609-465-8700.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Ptl. Austin Kapurelos, his family, and everyone affected by this crash,” said Chief Super, of the Middle Township Police Department. “We are grateful to the officers, emergency personnel, and members of the public who came to Ptl. Kapurelos’ aid. We ask the community to respect the family’s privacy during Ptl. Kapurelos’ recovery.”

“On behalf of the Township Committee and all of Middle Township, I want Ptl. Austin Kapurelos and his family to know that our entire community is standing with them,” said Mayor Christopher M. Leusner. “Our officers put themselves in harm’s way every day to keep us all safe, and last night was a painful reminder of the risks they face during even the most routine duties. I am grateful to our first responders and residents who rushed to help, and I ask everyone to keep Ptl. Kapurelos in their prayers as he begins his recovery. Please, never get behind the wheel impaired. It puts every life on the road at risk, including the lives of those who serve us.”

The Middle Township Police Department will provide additional information when it is confirmed and appropriate for release. To protect the integrity of the investigation and the officer’s privacy, no further details will be released at this time.

Source: Middle Township Police Department.