SERIOUS MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH/CRIMINAL CHARGES
Press Release from FTPD (8/22/19)
On Wednesday, August 21st, at approximately 8:40 p.m., the Franklin Township Police Department was dispatched to the intersection of Coles Mill and N. Blue Bell Roads for a report of a motor vehicle crash with entrapment. When police arrived on the scene, one of the vehicles was on fire with passengers trapped inside. Residents in the area assisted with extinguishing the fire until the passengers could be freed from the wreck. Police investigation determined that Kristen Susini, age 36 of Franklinville was parked along Coles Mill Rd in a 2009 Ford Taurus with the four way hazard lights activated. It has been undetermined at this time if Susini’s vehicle was disabled. Susini’s vehicle was struck from behind by a 2018 Nissan Murano that was being operated east bound on Coles Mill Road by Denise Canale, age 60 of Mays Landing. Susini and a 4-year-old in her vehicle was extricated and flown to Cooper Hospital with life threatening injuries. A 2-year-old in the vehicle was also taken to Cooper Hospital for precautionary reasons. Canale was also transported to Cooper Hospital with minor injuries. Canale was operating her vehicle while being intoxicated at the time of the crash. She has been charged with three counts of Assault by Auto, DWI and several motor vehicle offenses. She was released on a summons. Susini and the 4-year-old victim remain at Cooper Hospital in critical condition. Also assisting at the scene were Inspira Paramedics, Gloucester County EMS, Janvier Fire Department, Franklinville Fire Department, Forest Grove Fire Department, Star Cross Fire Department and Cecil Fire Department. The crash remains under investigation by Officer Thomas Rambone of the Franklin Township Police Department.