Off-duty Gloucester Township cop charged with hitting 18-year-old bicyclist with car, fleeing scene

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — An off-duty police officer has been charged with fleeing the scene after hitting an 18-year-old bicyclist with his car last month in Gloucester Township, New Jersey, authorities said.

The Camden County Prosecutor’s Office on Tuesday identified the driver as 28-year-old Officer Christopher Bucceroni, of West Deptford.

Investigators said around 2:30 a.m. on June 20, the driver of a dark-colored SUV hit an 18-year-old on a bike near Highland Regional High School in Blackwood. Investigators said Bucceroni, who was off duty and driving his personal vehicle, failed to stop.

The victim was taken to the hospital, where authorities say he remains in critical condition.

Bucceroni turned himself in the following afternoon, investigators said. He was on the Gloucester Township police force for nine years.

Officials said Bucceroni was suspended without pay, with the intent to dismiss. He is charged with knowingly leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident resulting in serious bodily injury.

In a statement, Gloucester Township Police Chief David Harkins said, “This type of conduct is not tolerated by me, or anyone else here at the Gloucester Township Police Department. The men and women that I work with are good and noble public servants who go out day in and day out to serve our community with integrity and honor. We would ask that we not be judged by the off-duty actions of this one officer.”