Police still seek details on accident

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARLBORO POLICE A burned-out hulk of a minivan is all that remains after fire engulfed the vehicle following an accident on Route 520, Marlboro, on May 21. A Marlboro police officer is being credited with saving the life of the driver by pulling her out of the burning van.

MARLBORO - Police are continuing to investigate the cause of a serious motor vehicle accident that occurred on Route 520 near Campus Drive in the early morning hours of May 21.

Marlboro police Lt. Steven Mennona said details about what happened in the one-vehicle mishap are still being sought. Police last week identified the driver who was involved in the crash as Erendira Reyes, 34, of Perth Amboy.

The incident resulted in an act of heroism by Marlboro police officer Gerald Arminio.

According to police,Arminio responded to Route 520 at about 4:16 a.m. and found a Chrysler minivan lying on its side after it had struck a utility pole. When the officer approached the vehicle he observed that the van was on fire and the driver was stuck inside.

Arminio broke the driver's-side window and pulled Reyes from the car, according to police.

Mennona said that immediately after Arminio pulled Reyes from the van, wires from the damaged utility pole fell onto the van and fully engulfed it in flames.

Reyes was treated and released from a local hospital.

Mennona said he plans to recommend Arminio for a lifesaving award.

Police are asking anyone who may have information pertaining to the accident to contact Patrolman Marrone at 732-536-0304.