Woodbridge officer seriously injured in Route 35 traffic accident

A Woodbridge police officer sustained serious injuries on Tuesday night while attempting to assist a pedestrian in traffic. Officer Alexander Rebelo was struck by an oncoming vehicle on Route 35 near Midfield Road.

According to Police Director Joseph Nisky, the incident began when officers responded to a suspected psychiatric-involved situation on Ronald Drive. A pedestrian, believed to be experiencing a mental crisis, walked into the busy state highway. Officer Rebelo attempted to convince the individual to move out of the traffic lanes, but was hit by a car while running toward the pedestrian.

Rebelo, a three-year veteran of the force, suffered a broken neck and back, along with cuts to his head and face. He was transported to RWJ University Hospital for emergency treatment. The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators. The pedestrian was also taken to a hospital for medical and psychiatric evaluation.