Crime & Safety

Dump Truck Driver Charged in Fatal Crash in Lawrence Township

Juan Martinez was charged with false reports to law enforcement officer.

A Ewing man was charged in connection with a fatal crash caused by dump truck allegedly pushing a man's car into Colonial Lake.

The dump truck and car careened into Colonial Lake around 5 p.m. on July 8, police said. The truck reportedly rear-ended the car at a red light, and sent both into the water. 

A rescue team, including a Hazmat crew and divers, worked to save the passengers of the car, police said. 

Juan Martinez, 37, later contacted Lawrence Township Det. Kevin Reading stating that he needed to speak to him in regards to this investigation, according to the Mercer County Prosecutor's Office.

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According to the prosecutor's office:

Martinez stated that he fabricated some facts in reporting the incident.  The incident did happen but there was no gun involved.

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Martinez stated that the license plate of the tractor trailer did not have New York Plates and he does not know what type of plate was on the truck.

Martinez was charged with false reports to law enforcement officer. 

On July 8 2014, the Lawrence Township Police Department received a 911 call from a 37-year-old male bicyclist who reported he was almost struck by a tractor trailer travelling northbound on Princeton Pike in the area of Fackler Road.

The tractor trailer driver pulled over on the northbound side of the roadway and an argument ensued.  The tractor trailer driver pointed what appeared to be a black handgun at the bicyclist and said, “What are you going do?” 

The tractor trailer driver got back into his truck and drove away.

The case is being investigated by Ofc. Matthew Grossi and Det. Kevin Reading. If anyone observed this incident, contact the Lawrence Township Police Department at 609-896-1111. 

 


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