Cop Accused Of Hit-And-Run In Gloucester Twp. Suspended Without Pay

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — The man accused of a hit-and-run that seriously injured a teen is a Gloucester Township police officer.

Christopher Bucceroni was charged after striking a bicyclist last month and fleeing the scene, authorities said. He is a nine-year veteran of the Gloucester Township Police Department who was off-duty during the incident, according to Chief David Harkins.

Bucceroni was suspended without pay, with intent to dismiss, Harkins said.

"I can assure the community that we are disappointed, and that this type of conduct is not tolerated by me, or anyone else here at the Gloucester Township Police Department," Harkins said in a statement. "The men and women that I work with are good and noble public servants who go out day in and day out to serve our community with integrity and honor. We would ask that we not be judged by the off-duty actions of this one officer."

Bucceroni, 28, struck the biker just before 2:30 a.m. June 20 on Erial Road near Blackwood-Clementon Road, authorities said. The victim — an 18-year-old male from the township — was brought to Cooper University Hospital in Camden, where he remains in critical condition as of Tuesday, officials said.

The off-duty officer turned himself in the next day, prompting local police to "immediately" turn the investigation over to the Camden County Prosecutor's Office, Harkins said.

Bucceroni was charged with third-degree leaving he scene of a crash that resulted in serious injury. He was driving his personal vehicle during the collision, Harkins said.

Bucceroni makes a $122,354 salary, according to public records. He lives in West Deptford.

"Our heartfelt prayers and wishes for a full and speedy recovery, go out the victim and his family," Harkins said.