Stephen Petruzzello, Cliffside Park Police Officer Hit By SUV, Dies

CLIFFSIDE PARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A New Jersey police officer who was struck by a sport utility vehicle has succumbed to his injuries, authorities said.

Cliffside Park officials say 22-year-old Stephen Petruzzello died at 5 a.m. Monday.

He was a special police officer, a member of the force who carries a baton and handcuffs but not guns.

He and another special officer, Thaier Abdallah, were both hit by a truck while on walking patrol Friday at First and Walker streets. Abdallah underwent surgery on Saturday and is expected to survive.

The SUV's driver, 62-year-old borough resident Anie Kalayian, was issued several motor vehicle citations on Sunday.

Cliffside Park Police Chief Richard Gaito told 1010 WINS' Al Jones it was Petruzzello's dream to become a cop.

"And the tragic thing is he got to live his dream, but it was only a month that he did," he said.

Petruzzello had just graduated from the academy last month.

Gaito told The Record that it's "the saddest day I have had during my tenure."

Cliffside Park Acting Mayor and Council President Thomas Calabrese announced Monday that Petruzzello was posthumously promoted to the rank of a full police officer at a Monday emergency meeting if the Borough Council. Police badge 133 was presented to his family.

Municipal flags in Cliffside Park have been dropped to half-staff for Petruzzello, the Mayor's office said.

The borough also announced that grief counseling would be available in the Borough Hall on Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Anyone seeking services was asked to come to the Mayor's office on the third floor.

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