Off-Duty Trooper Nabs Driver After Lakewood DWI Crash: NJSP

LAKEWOOD, NJ — An off-duty New Jersey state trooper kept an alleged drunken driver from getting away from the scene of a crash over the weekend, state police said Tuesday.

Trooper I Mathew Magrone, who works in teh commercial carrier/safety inspection unit, witnessed a motor vehicle accident on Saturday at the intersection of Cross Street and James Street in Lakewood, state police said in a post on Facebook.

"Without hesitation, he exited his vehicle to render assistance," the post said, and Magrone identified himself as a state trooper and checked the occupants of the vehicles involved.

There were no injuries requiring immediate medical attention, but while speaking with the people, Magrone realized one of the drivers was under the influence of alcohol.

Without warning, the suspected impaired driver ran from the scene, and Magrone gave chase, catching the driver and holding him until Lakewood police arrived.

"Many people may not know that as a trooper you are never 'off duty.' In the academy, troopers are trained be ready to act no matter the situation or circumstance," the post said. "Trooper Magrone’s actions are in the finest traditions of the New Jersey State Police."

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Trooper Mathew Magrone, photo by New Jersey State Police