North Jersey police officer hit by SUV dies

CLIFFSIDE PARK (AP) — A police officer in North Jersey has died two days after being struck by a sports utility vehicle while on a walking patrol.

Area where Officer Stephen Petruzzello was hit by an SUV in Cliffside Park (ABC 7)

Cliffside Park officials say 22-year-old Stephen Petruzzello died at 5 a.m. Monday.

He was a special police officer, a member of the force who carries a baton and handcuffs but not guns.

He and another special officer, Thaier Abdallah, were both hit by a truck during a walking patrol on Friday. Abdallah underwent surgery on Saturday and is expected to survive.

Cliffside Park Police Chief Richard Gaito tells The Record that it's "the saddest day I have had during my tenure."

The SUV's driver, 62-year-old borough resident Anie Kalayian, was issued several motor vehicle citations on Sunday,