Lauren Pena

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Aug 3, 2026, 12:10 PM

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Updated

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A Mays Landing man is facing multiple charges after slamming into a senior center that sparked a fire and hurt two people in Atlantic County.

The Galloway Township Police Department say 40-year-old Eliel Vazquez-Hernandez crashed into the front of Ridgewood Senior Living at Historic Smithville on Sunday.

Officers responded to the report at 11:44 p.m. Upon arrival, they found the building actively on fire.

More than 100 residents and staff members were evacuated from the facility. The residents who sustained minor injuries were taken to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center for treatment.

Police say the preliminary investigation revealed that Vazquez-Hernandez drove at a high rate of speed, struck several objects in the senior center parking lot and a parked car before crashing into the building.

The charges against him include DUI, assault by auto, criminal mischief and causing or risking widespread injuring or damage.