Five cars strike pedestrian on Rt. 9
OLD BRIDGE — A 35-year-old Woodbridge man was killed after being struck by five vehicles when he attempted to cross Route 9 on foot last Wednesday.
Early Wednesday morning at approximately 12:43 a.m., Christopher G. Ronde, 35, was trying to cross Route 9 at the intersection of Fairway Lane. According to police, Ronde was crossing against the light when he was struck by a vehicle traveling northbound in the right lane of Route 9.
The vehicle was driven by John M. Pedulla of Staten Island, N.Y.
After the initial impact, Ronde was then hit by three more cars traveling along Route 9 before becoming lodged underneath a fifth vehicle.
Ronde was dragged nearly 150 feet underneath an Oldsmobile driven by Eugene J. Cottrell, Freehold, before the vehicle came to a stop at an Exxon gas station.
Police said they took blood samples from Pedulla and gave him a Breathalyzer test at the scene.
Police said the investigation concerning the cause of the accident should be completed in the next four to five weeks.
— Natalie M. Vena

