By: Richard L. Smith
Authorities have identified the man who died in a fatal moped crash on July 6, 2025, following an attempted traffic stop that began in Perth Amboy.
According to information released by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, the deceased has been identified as 26-year-old Joseph E. Acevedo-Rodriguez of Elizabeth.
The incident happened shortly after midnight, around 12:05 a.m., when three individuals were reportedly operating motorized scooters near the intersection of State Street and High Street in Perth Amboy.
Lieutenant Jose M. Pais of the Perth Amboy Police Department attempted to initiate a motor vehicle stop, activating his police vehicle’s lights and siren.
Two of the moped riders fled the scene immediately, while Acevedo-Rodriguez initially pulled over to the shoulder before suddenly accelerating and heading north at a high rate of speed.
Lieutenant Pais followed the moped into Woodbridge Township but eventually deactivated his emergency equipment and turned back toward Perth Amboy.
Moments later, approximately a quarter mile north on State Street between Arbor Street and Ferry Street, Woodbridge officers responded to a 911 call reporting a crash.
When police arrived, they discovered Acevedo-Rodriguez lying unresponsive in the roadway, with his moped located a distance away.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office continues to investigate the incident. No additional details have been released at this time.