By: Tracie Carter
A state grand jury has decided not to file criminal charges in connection with the death of Christofe “Christopher” Wita, 44, of Berlin, who was fatally struck by a police vehicle in the Atco section of Waterford, New Jersey, on November 23, 2023.
The incident occurred when Sgt. Richard Sbarra of the Waterford Township Police Department, who was on duty and driving a department vehicle, struck Mr. Wita as he crossed the White Horse Pike (Route 30) on foot at approximately 2:09 a.m.
The investigation revealed that Mr. Wita was crossing the road in a poorly lit area and was not within a crosswalk when the accident happened.
Sgt. Sbarra was driving below the posted speed limit at the time of the collision. Despite efforts by officers on the scene to render medical aid, Mr. Wita was pronounced dead at 2:19 a.m.
The Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) investigated the case and presented it to a state grand jury in accordance with the 2019 Independent Prosecutor Directive.
The evidence, including witness interviews, police reports, video footage, and autopsy results, was reviewed by the grand jury, which concluded its deliberations on August 5, 2024.
The jurors voted “no bill,” indicating that Sgt. Sbarra would not be charged with a crime.
As part of the investigation, footage from a police body-worn camera and audio of police radio communications related to the incident were released and are available online: https://njoag.box.com/s/x7uzvywowy712nadb1q2db72xt0wuggs
