Man killed by suspected drunk driver while fixing tire on NJ highway

The victim was struck as he fixed a tire on Route 55 in Franklin Township in South Jersey early Thursday, police said
The victim was struck as he fixed a tire on Route 55 in Franklin Township in South Jersey early Thursday, police said. Photo credit Google Street View

FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, N.J. (WCBS 880) -- A man was fatally struck by a suspected drunk driver as he fixed a tire on a New Jersey highway, police said.

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The victim had pulled over near milepost 43.6 on Route 55 in Franklin Township in Gloucester County around 12:30 a.m. Thursday after his vehicle had a “tire malfunction,” state police told NJ.com.

As he was working on the tire on the shoulder of the northbound lanes, a man in a pickup truck “failed to maintain a single lane of travel” and crashed into him and his car, according to police.

The pickup’s driver, 48-year-old Brian Caldwell, was charged with death by auto after being arrested for driving under the influence, police said.

The victim’s identity has not yet been released.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Google Street View