Burlington Township cop critical, companion dead after crash

A Burlington Township police officer is in critical condition after a predawn car crash in Florence Township that killed his passenger.

Officer Justin Rodriguez, 25, of Burlington Township, was catapulted from the Acura Integra when it hit the pole on West Front Street at about 2:10 AM, according to information from Burlington Coiunty Prosecutor Robert D. Bernardi and Florence Township PD Chief John A. Bunce.

Ariana Williams, 27, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Rodriguez was rushed to Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton. Authorities said he was off-duty and in his personal car.

Investigators believe that speed was a factor No charges have been filed at this point. A blood sample drawn from Rodriguez will undergo toxicology testing, authorities said.

The Burlington County Prosecutor's Office and Florence Township PD are conducting the followup investigation.