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Shocking video: NJ officer struck by car while helping stranded motorist

The car that struck Boyle did not stop the vehicle and continued driving without helping the injured officer or reporting the crash

Vehicle stops
Vehicle stops | Shutterstock

April 28, 2023 8:50am

Updated: April 28, 2023 8:50am

A shocking dashcam video released on Tuesday shows the moment a police officer in New Jersey is hit by a car while he was helping another driver on the side of the road over the weekend. 

The video shows 25-year-old Robbinsville patrolman Connor Boyle helping a stranded motorist on the side of the road on Saturday night at around 11:30 p.m. on Route 130 southbound. 

"There's a parking lot right there, we're going to push you into there okay?" Boyle tells the drivers. 

Suddenly, a 2020 Volkswagen Passat flies by, striking the patrol car and Boyle without stopping. The young policeman is thrown onto the hoof of the car before eventually landing on the ground. 

The car that struck Boyle did not stop the vehicle and continued driving without helping the injured officer or reporting the crash. Boyle, fortunately, was able to radio for help. 

"I wouldn't think it would be that hard to move over a lane, especially if they're on 130 that late," said witness Nour Abdellateif, who works at Lotus Grill on Route 130, adding that there weren’t a lot of cars on the road. 

The driver was eventually arrested and was identified as 52-year-old Rachel Glatt. She was transported to the Mercer County Correctional Facility and is facing multiple charges, including careless driving, failure to change lanes for an emergency vehicle, and leaving the scene of an accident.

Boyle was transported to the hospital after the accident, where he was in stable condition. He has since been released and is recovering at home. He is expected to make a full recovery, according to Police Chief Michael Polaski. 

"Slow down when you see emergency lights, even tow trucks, and move over," said Lt. Carlos Docarmo, station commander for New Jersey State Police's Hamilton Substation, warning drivers that this accident could have ended much worse.