Gloucester Township Police Media Release- GTPD Arrest Fatal Hit And Run Driver
On Monday, November 7, 2022 at approximately 10:28 pm the Gloucester Township Police Department responded to the area of the 800 Block of the Black Horse Pike for a report of a pedestrian laying in the roadway. It was determined the pedestrian was attempting to cross the roadway when the driver of a dark colored vehicle struck her. The driver of the striking vehicle then fled the scene, without stopping to render aid or call 9-1-1. The victim was transported to the hospital with life threatening injuries where she was later pronounced deceased. The responding officers initially had little to no description of the striking vehicle.
Over the next 24 hours officers from the Gloucester Township PD Serious Crash Investigation Team (SCIT) and the Criminal Investigations Unit (CIU) recovered and reviewed surveillance video from businesses along the Black Horse Pike in an attempt to identify the striking vehicle. Additionally, they investigated several tips provided by the community and conducted multiple interviews. Utilizing this information and photographs from surveillance, a bulletin was disseminated to surrounding Law Enforcement Agencies to solicit any information regarding the striking vehicle or driver’s identity. An Officer with the Berlin Borough, NJ Police Department contacted GTPD after reviewing the bulletin and provided timely, critical information regarding a possible suspect vehicle that proved invaluable.
As a result of this information, on November 8, Officers were able to locate a 2016 Gray Dodge Caravan with front end damage consistent with striking a pedestrian in the area of Tansboro Road, in Berlin, NJ. The vehicle was recovered and processed for additional evidence related to the crash. The driver of that vehicle, identified as Orlando Venters Jr., was taken into custody. As a result of the investigation Mr. Venters Jr. was charged with Knowingly Leaving the Scene of a Fatal Crash (2nd degree) and Causing Death While Driving with a Suspended License (3rd Degree). He was remanded to the Camden County Correctional Facility in accordance with the New Jersey Bail Reform Act.
Chief David Harkins stated, “I want to thank the community for many tips and information we received. I especially want to commend all of the officers involved in this investigation for their determination to find the striking vehicle and arrest the driver less than 48 hours after the victim was struck. I want to thank our law enforcement partners, especially the Berlin Borough PD for the critical role that they played in this investigation, and the assistance provided by the Camden County Prosecutors Office. We all were determined to bring closure to the family of Ms. Hubler, and we have done that.”
Victim: Elaine J. Hubler, 58 YOA, LKA 200 Block of Maple Ave, Hilltop, NJ 08012
Arrest: Orlando A. Venters Jr., 42 YOA, Unit Block of Tansboro Rd, Berlin, NJ 08009
Date and Time of Media Release: 11-10-2022 09:00
Media Release By: Lt. T. Kohlmyer #206
Approved By: Chief D. Harkins #122
