|
Watchung Officer
Killed
in
'Horrible' Crash
|
 |
Police and Law Enforcement News
Thursday, March 9, 2006 2:05 p.m.
WATCHUNG - Tragedy struck
the Watchung Police Department Wednesday.
Officer Matthew J. Melchiondia, 31,
was killed in what is being described as a horrible accident.
The accident occurred at approximately
5:20 p.m. According to initial reports, Watchung officers were
conducting a surveillance from an unmarked car in response to thefts
of and from vehicles. At some point, a suspicious vehicle was
observed and the officers requested a marked unit to assist.
While some media outlets are reporting
that this was a pursuit, we believe this was not the case. Rather,
it appears that Officer Melchiondia was trying to catch up to the
vehicle.
When doing so, a mini-van pulled out
in front of his cruiser. Officer Melchiondia swerved and struck a
tree. The crash actually occurred in North Plainfield.
Area residents rushed to the aid of
the officer as did his fellow officers, but it was too late. Officer
Matthew J. Melchiondia was pronounced dead at the scene.
The six-year veteran leaves behind a
wife.
The Watchung Borough Police Department
is comprised of 28 members, and this tragedy is surely hitting them
hard, especially
Officer David
Melchiondia. He is Matthew's older brother.
No charges have been filed, and the
Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office is conducting the investigation.
Police and Law Enforcement News
Thursday, February 2, 2006 12:05 a.m.
Funeral Arrangements
The funeral information for fallen
Watchung Borough Officer Matthew J. Melchiondia will be posted when
finalized.
Wake/Viewing
Funeral
|
