A Lakewood police officer remains in critical condition following a serious car crash late Friday night at the intersection of Cedarbridge and New Hampshire Avenues, sources told Lakewood Alerts.
Officer Matthew McAvoy was driving home shortly after midnight when his vehicle was struck by a speeding driver who ran a red light. According to investigators, McAvoy had the green light and was traveling eastbound on Cedarbridge Avenue when the suspect’s vehicle barreled through the intersection on New Hampshire Avenue and collided with the officer’s car. The force of the crash sent the suspect’s vehicle down an embankment.
Both drivers sustained significant injuries and were transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center. Officer McAvoy remains hospitalized in serious condition. The other driver, a man in his twenties, was also treated and subsequently arrested. Charges against him are pending.
Mike Mooney, president of the Lakewood PBA, issued a heartfelt message Saturday afternoon, describing McAvoy as both a friend and a “brother officer.”
“Early Saturday morning, my friend and brother officer was critically injured in a motor vehicle crash,” Mooney wrote. “This afternoon we brought Easter gifts to the officer’s family. The turnout was nothing less than amazing, and the family was very thankful for the support and the distraction during such a difficult time.”
Mooney praised the outpouring of solidarity from the Lakewood Police Department, emergency responders, and community members. “To take time away from your own families on a holiday to support our brother was incredible. THANK YOU to my members, Lakewood PD, LEMS, Lakewood telecommunications, and everyone else who came out to show support.”
He also asked the community to continue keeping Officer McAvoy and his family in their thoughts and prayers.
“For everyone who has been asking how they can help or donate,” Mooney added, “you can reach out to me directly or donate through Venmo at @LakewoodPBA71.”