West Deptford Woman Killed In Accident With Drunk Driver: Police

WASHINGTON TWP, NJ — A West Deptford woman was killed in an accident involving an alleged drunk driver in Washington Township Wednesday night, police said.

Cathleen L. LaBance, 31, was pronounced dead at the scene after her 2003 Toyota Solara was hit by a 2004 Ford F-150 while driving on the Black Horse Pike in the area of Watson Drive at about 9:15 p.m., according to the Washington Township Police Department.

The driver of the Ford, 21-year-old Robert J. Gardner Jr., was arrested and charged with vehicular homicide, driving while intoxicated and aggravated manslaughter, police said.

Gardner was driving south on the Black Horse Pike approaching the intersection with Watson Drive when he crossed the grass median and hit LaBance’s car, police said. Gardner was placed in the Salem County Correctional Facility, pending a hearing.

The Black Horse Pike was closed for about six hours while police investigated the crash. Anyone with information on the crash is asked to contact Officer Dennis P. McGrail at dmcgrail@pd.twp.washington.nj.us.

Image via Salem County Correctional Facility