NJ Police Officer Convicted in Deadly Parkway Crash

Hillside cop faces up to 20 years in prison for vehicular homicide that killed Maryland couple

Apr. 13, 2026 at 1:50pm

An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered car windshield, the jagged glass reflecting a harsh, direct camera flash and creating a stark, gritty visual representation of the violence and destruction caused by the fatal crash.A police officer's reckless driving led to a deadly crash that claimed the lives of an innocent Maryland couple.Tinton Falls Today

A Hillside police officer has been found guilty of vehicular homicide after a crash on the Garden State Parkway that killed a married couple from Maryland. John P. McClave III was driving recklessly and under the influence when his pickup truck went airborne and struck the couple's car, resulting in their deaths. McClave now faces up to 20 years in prison for the deadly incident.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious consequences of reckless and impaired driving by law enforcement officers, who are entrusted to uphold the law and protect public safety. The tragic loss of life has devastated the victims' family and community, raising questions about accountability and safety measures for officers commuting to work.

The details

In October 2021, McClave was headed to his job as a Hillside police officer when his pickup truck left the northbound lanes of the Parkway, went down an embankment, and struck a Toyota Corolla. The crash killed Maryland residents Angel L. Acevedo, Jr. and his wife Daniela Correia Salles, who were both pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators found that McClave was driving recklessly and under the influence of intoxicating substances at the time of the incident.

  • In October 2021, the crash occurred on the Garden State Parkway in Tinton Falls.
  • In March 2022, McClave was charged with vehicular homicide and other offenses.
  • In April 2026, McClave was convicted by an Ocean County jury.
  • McClave's sentencing is set for May 8, 2026.

The players

John P. McClave III

A 38-year-old former Hillside police officer who was convicted of vehicular homicide for causing a deadly crash on the Garden State Parkway.

Angel L. Acevedo, Jr.

A 40-year-old Maryland resident who was killed in the crash along with his wife.

Daniela Correia Salles

A 35-year-old Maryland resident who was killed in the crash along with her husband.

Raymond Santiago

The Monmouth County Prosecutor who announced the charges against McClave.

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What’s next

McClave's sentencing has been set for May 8, 2026, where he faces a maximum of 20 years in state prison and would have to serve 85% of whatever term he is given before the possibility of parole.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the devastating consequences of reckless and impaired driving, even by those sworn to uphold the law. It raises urgent questions about accountability measures, safety protocols, and the need for comprehensive solutions to address substance abuse issues among law enforcement officers to prevent such senseless loss of life.