July 9, 2024
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–On Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at 2:23 a.m., Trenton Police Officer Michael Cruse and Officer Maria Herrera-Corcuera were in a marked police vehicle patrolling the area of S. Broad St. near Liberty St. As they approached Liberty Street they observed a 2020 Toyota Rav4 recklessly heading into their lane from the oncoming lane and narrowly evaded a head- on collision. They then observed the Rav4 crash into three other vehicles, striking a pedestrian who was crossing between two vehicles, and overturn after striking the third vehicle. A good Samaritan pulled the pedestrian back as the Rav4 headed toward her, possibly saving the her from catastrophic injury. The impact of the crashes caused a chain reaction that propelled the parked vehicles forward, causing them to impact two other parked vehicles. One of the vehicles struck by the Rav4 suffered front end damage, a second vehicle is believed to be totaled due to heavy damage, and a third received moderate damage. The other two vehicles had minor and cosmetic damage.
Officer Herrera-Corcuera and Officer Cruse immediately called for additional emergency response vehicles and attempted to render aid to the injured. The pedestrian victim had no visible external injuries but was obviously in pain. It is unknown if she suffered any internal injuries. The Rav4 landed on its roof with its airbags deployed and the driver unable to get out. Officer Cruse entered the Rav4 through a window cut the airbag, and helped the driver out of the vehicle. The driver complained of pain and both he and the pedestrian victim were taken to Capital Health Regional Medical Center.
The officers observed evidence that the driver, Diogenes Martinez Ramirez, of Trenton, frequented local liquor establishments before the crash and obtained a search warrant for a blood draw. The driver was charged with Assault by Auto, Driving While Intoxicated, Reckless Driving, and other moving violations.
**CHARGES ARE MERE ACCUSATIONS AND THE ACCUSED ARE CONSIDERED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY**
Diogenes Martinez Ramirez, 46, of Trenton