Trooper I Christopher S. Scales #4575 November 20, 1962 - December 3, 2002

     West Trenton - Frederick H. Madden, Acting Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, reported today that a State Trooper assigned to the Troop "D" (New Jersey Turnpike) Tactical Patrol Unit, was struck and killed by a passing motor vehicle while conducting a seatbelt enforcement detail.

     Superintendent Madden identified the Trooper as Christopher S. Scales, 40 years of age, of Mercer County. Trooper Scales, a fifteen year veteran of the State Police, Graduated from the 107th class in May, 1987. Trooper Scales was married with three children.

     According to Madden , Trooper Scales was outside his marked cruiser monitoring traffic as it passed through the Carteret toll plaza at Interchange 12 in Middlesex County. The detail was a part of a seatbelt enforcement initiative aimed at increasing seatbelt compliance by motorists. There were four Troopers assigned to the detail, which was to mark "All-American Buckle Up Week".

     The preliminary investigation revealed that at approximately 11:15 a.m. the rear portion of a tanker transport truck struck Trooper Scales as it exited the toll plaza. The truck owned by Dana Transport, of Avenel, New Jersey, was driven by Owen Donahue, 66, of Carteret. Trooper Scales was pronounced dead at the scene.

     "Troopers assigned to the Troop "D" Criminal Investigations Office, in conjunction with detectives from the State Police Major Crime Unit, are conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.

     Trooper Scales is the first State Trooper to die in the line of duty this year. The last was Trooper Scott M. Gonzalez who was shot and killed in Mansfield Township in October of 1997. The last Trooper killed in the line of duty on the Turnpike was Trooper Marvin R. McCloud whose vehicle was struck as he conducted a speed enforcement detail in Carney's Point Township, Salem County in June of 1995. Sixty-three Troopers have been killed in the line of duty since the State Police was created in 1921.

     "Throughout his assignment with the New Jersey State Police, Trooper Scales displayed courtesy, professionalism and offered aid and assistance to the citizens of this State. Trooper Scales upheld the finest traditions of the New Jersey State Police - he will be missed," said Superintendent Madden.

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