Middle Twp Cops: Hit-and-run Driver Charged w/Vehicular Homicide

Officials in Middle Township say a bicyclist who was injured in a hit-and-run accident earlier this month has died and the driver who struck him is now facing upgraded criminal charges.

Cops say 21-year-old Paul Koscinski of Middle Township has now been charged with vehicular homicide, knowingly leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident resulting in death, endangering an injured victim, and obstruction.

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According to police, late Sunday night, September 19th, Middle Township officers were called to the area of Shunpike Road and Stites Avenue for the report of an accident involving a vehicle and a bicyclist. Cops say Koscinski, the driver of the vehicle, left that scene and then crashed into a car in a driveway in the 300 block of Stagecoach Road minutes later. From there, Koscinski fled only to then hit a retaining wall in front of a house on Route 47 South. After that crash, he ran away on foot, according to a press release, but was later apprehended.

The bicyclist, 39-year-old Christopher Pietrusza of Cape May Court House, was taken to AtlantiCare Medical Center-City Division with life-threatening injuries. Police say he died the next day.

Koscinski had originally been charged with assault by auto prior to Pietrusza's death.

The public is reminded that charges are accusations and all persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Over the past few years, state lawmakers have taken on the challenge of dealing with accused child predators among the ranks of teachers and educators.

In 2018, the so-called “pass the trash” law went into effect, requiring stricter New Jersey school background checks related to child abuse and sexual misconduct.

The follow individuals were arrested over the past several years. Some have been convicted and sentenced to prison, while others have accepted plea deals for probation.

Others cases are still pending, including some court delays amid the COVID-19 pandemic.