Family and friends gathered Friday in Gloucester County to remember the New Jersey boy who was struck and killed by a police cruiser on Sunday.
Mourners began pouring into a viewing for 10-year-old Matthew McCloskey at Our Lady of Peace Parish/St. Mary's Church on Main Street and Carroll Avenue in Williamstown, New Jersey around 9:30 a.m.
The mother of Matthew told authorities her son had dreams of entering law enforcement and even attended a Junior Police Academy Camp in June.
“He wanted to be a police officer,” said Franklin Township Police Chief Michael Rock. “He has a connection to the police department.”
In a statement, family members described Matthew, the youngest of four children, as “the sweetest, most loving boy.”
“In his short life Matthew touched so many with his warm heart and compassion,” the family wrote. “He was also known as a jokester, he loved making people laugh."
"To all who knew him, his beautiful heart and kindness shined through in the community."
Matthew was crossing Delsea Drive (Route 47) Sunday night in Franklin Township on his way to a sleepover with two friends, when he was struck by a Franklin Township patrol car, prosecutors said.
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The driver, Patrolman Nicholas Locilento, 23, was responding to a call for assistance with an unruly juvenile in a township home, according to officials.
Family and witnesses claimed Locilento was traveling at a high rate of speed and did not have his lights or siren on. Authorities have yet to confirm those claims.
Each police department in New Jersey sets its own standard operating procedures for cruiser's lights and siren based on guidelines put out by the New Jersey Attorney General's Office, said Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office spokesman Bernie Weisenfeld.
Patrolman Locilento has been placed on paid administrative leave as the investigation continues.
