Dispatcher Charged With Drunken Driving In Fatal Accident In South Jersey
GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP, N.J. (AP) — Authorities say a police dispatcher was driving drunk when he allegedly struck and killed a pedestrian who was walking on the shoulder of a southern New Jersey roadway.
Galloway police say 36-year-old township resident Richard Doherty, who works for the Absecon police department, was taken into custody at the scene. Further charges against him are pending the ongoing investigation.
The crash occurred around 1:30 a.m. Friday on Tilton Road. Police say Doherty was driving southbound when he struck 29-year-old township resident Alfonso Dickerson, 29, who was walking on the road's southbound shoulder.
Dickerson was pronounced dead at the scene.
It wasn't known Saturday if Doherty has retained an attorney.
Absecon Mayor John Armstrong told The Press of Atlantic City that Doherty has been suspended with pay while the investigation continues.
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