N.J. State Trooper Killed in the Line of Duty Sunday

WEST TRENTON — New Jersey State Police Superintendent Colonel Joseph R. Fuentes announced the passing of New Jersey State Trooper Marc K. Castellano, 29. Trooper Castellano succumbed to injuries at Jersey Shore Medical Center, Neptune New Jersey. The injuries were sustained while in the performance of his duties.
Trooper Castellano was struck by a motor vehicle while assisting in a search for the occupants of an abandoned car that was the subject of a BOLO (Be On Look Out). The vehicle was found abandoned on Interstate 195 westbound on the ramp at exit 31 in Howell Township. Arrested at the scene was the driver of the abandoned vehicle, 30 year-old Blackwood, New Jersey resident Diana Hoffman. Hoffman was placed under arrest and charges are pending. Hoffman’s vehicle is not the vehicle that struck Trooper Castellano. Authorities are also investigating the validity of Hoffman’s claim that an unidentified black male was a passenger in the vehicle. A search of the area for a suspect has been suspended.
Trooper Castellano served honorably with the New Jersey State Police for over five years, graduating as a member of the 136th New Jersey State Police Academy Training Class in September of 2004. Trooper Castellano was a member of the Troop “C” Tactical Patrol Unit. He was married with two children. State Police Superintendent Colonel Rick Fuentes was at the hospital with Trooper Castellano and his family.
“The loss of Trooper Castellano is a difficult blow to absorb,” said Colonel Fuentes. “The New Jersey State Police prides itself on being a family and the loss of our brother will be felt throughout the entire Division of State Police,” Fuentes said. “Trooper Castellano was the embodiment of the finest ideals of the New Jersey State Police.” “The entire State Police Family extends its’ very deepest condolences to the family of Trooper Mark Castellano.”
The investigation into this incident is ongoing.