The driver who allegedly struck and killed a Millville Police officer pleaded not guilty during an arraignment on Tuesday.
Timothy Seidel, 23, of Millville, came into court in a wheelchair, still recovering from the serious injuries he suffered in the crash that killed Officer Chris Reeves.
On July 8, police say Seidel was driving the Toyota Scion that hit Reeves' cruiser. According to a press release from the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office, police were in pursuit of Timothy Seidel after he allegedly hit another cop car.
Reeves and his partner, Officer Jonathan Seidel (no relation to Timothy Seidel), were just called to join the pursuit when their cruiser was hit. Police say the impact killed Reeves and seriously injured his 27-year-old passenger.
Timothy Seidel was also injured in the crash and was airlifted to Cooper Hospital.
On July 18, the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office announced that Seidel was tagged with driving violations including driving the wrong way down a one way street, leaving the scene of an accident and two counts of reckless driving. In total Seidel faces eight moving violations.
He was already charged with second-degree vehicular homicide, second-degree aggravated assault, two counts of aggravated manslaughter, eluding police and related charges.
About a dozen of Reeve’s fellow officers were in the courtroom for Seidel’s arraignment on Tuesday.
Seidel’s attorney entered a not guilty plea to the charges. The judge also lowered Seidel’s bail from $500,000 to $400,000 cash or bond.
Investigators say that Seidel hoped to become a Millville Police officer and recently passed the civil service test but was rejected because he doesn't meet residency requirements.
Reeves was an 8-year veteran of the Millville Police Department -- a husband and father to a 2-year-old boy. Reeves wife, Susan, is also a police officer. He was laid to rest on July 13.
The Policemen's Benevolent Association set up a fund for Reeves' son. Donations can be sent to "Officer Christopher Reeves Fund" at P.O. Box 1142, Millville, NJ 08332.
