One Dead Following Two-Car Accident on the White Horse Pike in Galloway

A two-car accident involving an SUV belonging to Atlantic County has resulted in one fatality.

The accident occurred on the White Horse Pike by Avenue A, in front of the building that houses the Parole Office and an office affiliated with the Public Defender's Office.

received several phone calls reporting a 2003 Pontiac Sunfire driving erratically on the White Horse Pike. According to one report, it crossed over into the center lane and collided with a 2011 Chevy Tahoe SUV, owned by Atlantic County and being operated by Chief Daren Dooley of the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office, according to Galloway Police.

The Tahoe overturned, and Dooley was transported to City Campus, according to police.

The female driver of the Sunfire, which suffered heavy front-end damage, was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. Galloway Police have not identified her at this time because her family has yet to be notified.

There were no passengers in either vehicle, police said.

The road was closed for about two hours as police investigated and cleared the scene. It reopened at 12:30 p.m.

"I saw a car going very fast, and it was all over the road," said Matthew Lubas, Manager at car wash, who said he believed the accident took place around 9:30 a.m. "The next thing, I hear a crash. ... I never saw anything like that, but I see people speeding all the time. I'm afraid to make a lefthand turn into work (off the White Horse Pike) in the morning because I don't know how fast the person behind me is going."

According to the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office's website, Dooley commands the Detective Division, which consists of the Investigation, Litigation and Administration sections. He was appointed to the position of to Chief of County Detectives by both former Atlantic County Prosecutor Jeffrey Blitz, in 2004, and current Prosecutor Ted Housel, in 2010.

He began his career in law enforcement in 1994, and worked in numerous units, including Litigation, Financial Crimes, Major Crimes, Crimes Against Children, Narcotics, Administration, and has served as a member and team leader of the Emergency Response Team. His supervisory positions have included Sergeant of County Investigators, Lieutenant of County Investigators, Captain of County Investigators, Deputy Chief and Chief of County Investigators.

He is a lifelong resident of Atlantic County, and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Salisbury University, as well as a Master of of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from St. Joseph's University. He is a graduate of the Atlantic County Police Academy and the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice Modified Basic Course for Investigators, as well as a graduate of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police West Point Command and Leadership Program.

He has graduated from the FBI National Academy, and earned the designation of Certified Chief Law Enforcement Executive (CCLEE) by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police.  

Galloway Township Police and the New Jersey State Police are conducting the investigation. Pomona Fire Rescue was called to the scene for extrication. and Atlantic County Emergency Services were also on the scene.