Bridgewater Police Officer Injured When Vehicle Struck by Train

A Bridgewater Police Officer was taken to Robert Wood Johnson Medical Center after his police cruiser was struck by a train on the Raritan Valley Line shortly before noon Thursday.

The name of the officer hasn't been released yet, and he was released from the hospital several hours later. No other injuries were reported.

The officer suffered "non-life threatening injuries" after a non-passenger NJ Transit train hit the vehicle near the Polhemus Avenue crossing at about 11:50 a.m., according to NJ Transit Spokesman John Durso Jr..

The train was returning to the Raritan Yard, while the officer was driving on railroad right-of-way investigating reports of trespassers on the rail line.

"Trespassers not only put their lives in danger but their lawless actions also jeopardize the lives of our first-responders," Durso said.  "We are grateful that the officer involved is on his way to recovery." 

NJ.com reported firefighters from the Finderne Volunteer Fire Company helped secure the area for a NJ State Police medivac helicopter to take the officer to the medical center.  

The incident closed rail service for a while, with Raritan Valley Line trains continuing to operating behind schedule through the afternoon.