Quantcast

FTPD Sergeant Accused In Road Rage Incident With Off-Duty Cop Released From Jail

The man a Franklin Township Police sergeant allegedly pulled a gun on and pursued in a car in southern New Jersey was an off-duty police officer.

That was just one of the revelations Nov. 8 during a pre-trial detention hearing for the township officer, Sgt. Teddy Cerra. Cerra was arrested on multiple charges by State Police Nov. 1 after he and the unnamed Lumberton police officer engaged in a dispute in Southampton.

During the hearing, which was held in Burlington County Superior Court in Mt. Holly, Burlington County Assistant Prosecutor Lisa Commentucci  argued for Cerra’s continued incarceration in the Burlington County Jail, according to two published reports.

But state Superior Court Judge Terrence R. Cook ordered Cerra released, and ordered him to report monthly to court officials, and surrender all of his guns as well as his firearms dealer’s license and firearms identification card, according to the reports.

In arguing for Cerra’s continued imprisonment, Commentucci noted that Cerra allegedly pointed a gun at the Lumberton police officer’s head and chest, and then engaged in a car chase with him in which speeds exceeded 100-105 mph, according to the published reports.

The incident began when the Lumberton officer allegedly saw Cerra driving erratically in Southampton, twice driving into bushes, according to the reports. The officer stopped Cerra, at which time both men left their vehicles and an altercation ensued.

Cerra allegedly lifted up his shirt and brandished his gun, and said, “I’m blue,” meaning that he was a police officer, according to the reports. The Lumberton officer than showed his badge, and said “I’m blue, too,” before dropping to the ground with his hands up, according to the reports.

Commentucci said that Cerra grabbed the officer’s wallet and threw it, but Cerra’s defense attorney told the judge that the wallet was found in the Lumberton officer’s car, according to the reports.

After Cerra allegedly pointed his gun at the man, the Lumberton officer managed to return to his car and drive away, according to the reports. Cerra allegedly gave chase, exceeding 100 mph, and hitting two cars along the way.

The Lumberton officer called 9-1-1 from a housing development, according to the reports, after which State Police responded.

Cerra’s attorney told the judge that he had already surrendered all of the weapons in his house, expect those owned by Cerra’s wife, who is a Secret Service agent. Cerra was also a Secret Service agent prior to joining the Franklin Township PD.

Cerra was arrested on a weapons charge, as well as charges of robbery, aggravated assault and driving while intoxicated.

Cerra’s next court appearance is set for late December, according to the reports. He remains suspended without pay from FTPD.

 

Your Thoughts

comments

Please Support Independent Journalism In Franklin Township!

No other media outlet covering Franklin Township brings you the depth of information presented by the Franklin Reporter & Advocate. Period. We are the only truly independent media serving the Eight Villages.

But we can only do that with your support. Please consider a yearly subscription to our online news site; at $37 a year, it’s one of the best investments you can make in our community.

To subscribe, please click here.

Other News From The Eight Villages …