Police said the preliminary investigation shows speed was a factor in the one-car crash
FLORENCE -- An off-duty Burlington Township police officer crashed his car into a utility pole early Friday, killing a woman passenger and critically injuring himself, police said.
Justin Rodriguez, 25, was driving his Acura Integra around 2:10 a.m. when he struck a pole on West Front Street in Florence, the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office said.
His passenger -- Ariana Williams, 27, of Florence -- was pronounced dead at the scene.
Rodriguez was thrown from the car and taken to Capital Health Regional Medical Center. He is listed in critical condition.
A preliminary investigation indicates that speed was a factor in the crash, authorities said. Officials are also conducting toxicology tests to determine if alcohol or drugs also played a role.
The crash remains under investigation by Florence police and the prosecutor's office. No charges have been filed at this point.
Rodriguez graduated from the Gloucester County Police Academy in December.
Cristina Rojas may be reached at crojas@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @CristinaRojasTT. Find NJ.com on Facebook.