Police Officer Killed In I-78 Crash In Bernards Twp. Tuesday

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Two people, including Summit Police Officer Matthew Tarentino, were killed in a fatal three-car accident on Interstate 78 East in Bernards Township Tuesday morning, Summit officials announced.

Tarentino, 29, married with two children, was on his way to work in Summit when a westbound car crossed over the Interstate 78 median near exit 33 and struck him and another eastbound car at 6:20 a.m.

Two others were injured in the accident and transported to Morristown Hospital. However, one of those two victims has been declared dead, State Police Capt. Brian Polite confirmed.

No other information on who the second victim was or what car they were driving is available at this time.

Tarentino had been a police officer in Summit since 2012.

Tributes to the young officer poured in on Facebook and Twitter with residents recalling friendly encounters with him around town.

"So devastating. He was a wonderful man who did so much for the city of Summit and our schools. Thoughts and prayers for his family. His smile, energy and presence will be greatly missed," said Kristin Westley Pustylnik.

"This is devastating news! Matthew has done so much for our community and was a really great guy. Prayers to his family, he will be missed," said Patty Mansilla Facchinei.

"Nooooooo - he was the most kind officer. I always saw him walking around town making sure the pedestrians were safe. Omgosh this is so awful," said Eryn Jean.

Law enforcement officials, including New Jersey Attorney General Christopher Porrino and Somerset County Prosecutor Michael Robertson, also shared their sympathy on social media.

Summit Police Chief Robert Weck issued a statement on Taretino's loss:

"In a tragic accident earlier today, the Summit Police Department and the entire city of Summit lost a valued officer, community member and friend. This loss has greatly affected not only our law enforcement community and the citizens of the city of Summit, but people far and wide.

Matthew Tarentino epitomized what a law enforcement officer should be: a respected, trusted colleague with unshakeable dedication and enthusiasm for his calling. He was the face of the department’s community policing unit and understood the importance of building relationships within Summit. This was validated by our department being recognized last week by the NJ State Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino with the 2017 Outstanding Community Policing award.

To those who have reached out to our department, we thank you. Your support has been extraordinarily touching and is a clear indication of how well respected Officer Tarentino was in our community. During his short time with us, Matt created a lasting imprint on our department and the city.

While Officer Matthew Tarentino may be gone, he will never be forgotten. The coming days, weeks and months will undoubtedly be difficult for all of us. We ask for the continued support of the community and for everyone to keep his wife, two boys and family in your thoughts and prayers."

Check back as more information is released.

Image provided: Summit Police Officer Matthew Tarentino

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