A 22-year-old part-time New Jersey police officer who was struck by a SUV over the weekend has died, authorities said.
Cliffside Park special police officer Stephen Petruzzello was on foot patrol crossing an intersection when he and his partner were hit by a Honda CRV Saturday.
Special police officers typically work part-time and are not allowed to carry guns.
Petruzzello suffered a serious head injury and died at Hackensack University Medical Center Monday morning.
"Officer Petruzzello was a bright, hardworking young man, with a lifetime of potential before him," said Cliffside Park Police Chief Richard Gaito. "This is clearly the saddest day I have had during my tenure as chief of the department."
Petruzzello's partner, Phaier Abdallal, 22, was treated at the hospital and released over the weekend.
The driver of the Honda CRV, 62-year-old Anie Kalayian, was issued several motor vehicle summons, police said.
