Long Branch Area Cop Dies After Car Flips, Hits Pole

A New Jersey police captain died after his car flipped and hit a pole Saturday during the early morning hours, police said.

Earl Alexander, 38, died as a result of his injuries sustained in the collision. He was the captain of the Deal Police Department.

At approximately 12:33 a.m., police responded to a motor vehicle crash on Route 71 southbound, north of Perrine Avenue, in Ocean Township. The single car collision involved a 2007 Acura TSX that was operated by Alexander, poice said.

A preliminary investigation indicates that the vehicle was traveling southbound on Route 71 approaching the intersection of Perrine Avenue.

The Deal resident lost control of the vehicle, which left the roadway, flipped on its side and struck a utility pole, police said.

Deal police released a statement on the department’s Facebook page:

“It is with deep regret and sadness that the Deal Police Department announces the sudden death of our Captain Earl Alexander. Captain Alexander passed away last night after being involved in a motor vehicle accident. Please keep his family, friends and members of this department in your thoughts and prayers. Funeral arrangements and services will be announced as soon as they become available.”

The collision is being investigated by Officer Alisa Antunez of the Township of Ocean Police Department’s Traffic Safety Bureau and the Monmouth County Serious Collision Response Team.

Anyone that may have witnessed the crash is asked to contact the Traffic Safety Bureau at 732-531-1800.