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Incident
Police Officer Thomas Raji was killed when his patrol car was struck by a drunk driver at the intersection of Route 1 and Green Street, in Woodbridge, while he was transporting a prisoner to the Middlesex County Jail.
The drunk driver had run two red lights at the intersection before broadsiding Officer Raji's patrol car. Another officer and the prisoner in the patrol car were both injured. The drunk driver was charged with vehicular homicide and assault by auto. The driver was sentenced to eight years in prison.
Officer Raji had served with the Perth Amboy Police Department for 10 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his expectant wife, who also served as an officer with the department.
In Our Keeping
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Raji gave the Perth Amboy Police Department 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Perth Amboy community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Raji.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Perth Amboy Police Department has lost 3 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
Thomas is one of 264 officers killed feloniously in NJ, 40.8% of the 647 remembered there.
Thomas is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Thomas is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2008, 1 officer in NJ was killed feloniously, the 61st heaviest of 101 years on record. The heaviest was 2001, with 39.
In 2008, 65 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 113th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2008, 65 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 122nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Thomas was 31. Of the 247 killed feloniously in NJ whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 47; the middle age was 38. Thomas had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 9 years.
Thomas was 31. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Thomas had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Thomas was 31. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Thomas had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 7.2% of these deaths in NJ; September holds the most, 23.9%. Fridays: 14.4%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 33.3% of all 3 deaths at Perth Amboy Police Department, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile; alcohol involved, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 40.8% of all 647 deaths in NJ, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile; alcohol involved, in 1.1% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile; alcohol involved, in 1% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile; alcohol involved, in 0.9% of these deaths.
His people
Perth Amboy Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, Thomas among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 58-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Perth Amboy Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
