MARLBORO – A state grand jury has voted not to file criminal charges against a Marlboro Township Police sergeant for the death of a Freehold man whose car was hit during a police pursuit.
On November 9, 2022, Arturo Tlapa Luna, 33, died after he was hit by a stolen vehicle Marlboro Township Police Sgt. Gregory Arrone was pursuing but was not involved in the crash.
After included interviews of witnesses, reviewing photographs and video footage, and autopsy results, the grand jury concluded on January 8 and voted “no bill,” meaning jurors concluded no criminal charges should be filed against Sgt. Gregory Arrone.
The crash occurred around 2:14 a.m. on November 9, 2022 near the intersection of Spring Valley Road and Route 9 South in Old Bridge. Sgt. Arrone attempted to stop a stolen Nissan Maxima, while investigating attempted car thefts from the neighborhood.
Sgt. Arrone discovered that learned the suspects were checking to see if they could open the doors of parked cars in driveways. When police officers arrived, the suspects ran back to the Maxima and fled the area, officials said.
The driver of the car, 20-year-old Samuel Villar of Somerset, drove away at a high speed and was pursued by Sgt. Arrone.
Officials said the pursuit spanned nine miles and lasted more than seven minutes. It also reached speeds of over 100 mph.
During the pursuit, a few cars and no pedestrians were along the route of travel. However, it continued to a heavily trafficked area of Route 9 where Villar ran a red light at a high speed and collided with Luna. Luna died from injuries sustained in the crash. Sgt. Arrone’s vehicle was not involved in the accident, officials said.
On June 14, 2023, Villar pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter, aggravated assault while eluding, and eluding. On December 4, 2023, he was sentenced to serve 12 years in New Jersey state prison, 85 percent of which must be served before parole eligibility, pursuant to the “No Early Release Act.”
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