Perth Amboy Police Department, New Jersey
End of Watch: Friday, August 22, 2008
Age: 31
Tour of Duty: 10 years
Badge Number: 169
Cause of Death: Vehicular assault
Date of Incident: August 22, 2008
Weapon Used: Automobile; Alcohol involved
Suspect Info: Charged with vehicular homicide
Police Officer Thomas Raji was killed when his patrol car was struck by a drunk driver at the intersection of Route 1 and Green Street, in Woodbridge, while he was transporting a prisoner to the Middlesex County Jail.
The drunk driver had run two red lights at the intersection before broadsiding Officer Raji's patrol car. Another officer and the prisoner in the patrol car were both injured. The drunk driver was charged with vehicular homicide and assault by auto. The driver was sentenced to eight years in prison.
Officer Raji had served with the Perth Amboy Police Department for 10 years. He was survived by his expectant wife, who also served as an officer with the department.