FATAL COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH – Franklin Twp. Gloucester County
On Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at approximately 10:51PM the Franklin Township Police Department was dispatched to a two vehicle crash in the area of Harding Highway and Rosemont Avenue.Police investigation revealed Carl E. Cheeseman Jr., 30 of Vineland was operating a 2012 Nissan Murano West on Harding Hwy. Cheeseman’s vehicle entered the Eastbound lane, striking a tractor trailer driven by Samuel Barrera-Ortuno, 28 of Vineland. As a result of the motor vehicle crash, Cheeseman Jr. Was pronounced deceased on scene. Barrera-Ortuno remained on scene and cooperated with police. It is believed that Cheeseman Jr. was attempting to avoid a deer that had entered the roadway and no alcohol or drugs is believed to have played a part in the crash. At this time complaints have not been filed against Barrera-Ortuno.Harding Hwy. was shut down in both directions due to a large diesel fuel spill from the tractor trailer. Clean up crews as well as Gloucester County Hazmat responded and assisted at the scene. Also assisting in the investigation was the Malaga and Forest Grove Fire Departments, Gloucester County EMS, Inspira Paramedics, and the NJSP Incident Management Unit.The crash remains under investigation by Ofc. Garrett Moretti of the Franklin Township Police Department.