Story by Ethan
On March 15th, 2024, the arrest of Gerard Norum, age 51, was announced by Camden County Prosecutor Grace C. MacAulay and Somerdale Police Chief James J. Walsh. Gerard Norum was charged with Driving While Intoxicated, one count of second-degree Death by Auto, one count of third-degree Assault by Auto, and three counts of fourth-degree Assault by Auto.
According to the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, officers from the Somerdale Police Department responded to a two-vehicle collision in the area of White Horse Pike and Cedar Avenue on March 14th, 2024, at approximately 11:58 p.m.. Gerard Norum was the driver of one vehicle, while the other vehicle was driven by an unidentified 34-year old woman. The passengers were a 12-year old male, a 14-year old female, a 17-year old male, and 39-year old Walter Lopez-Arevalo. Walter Lopez-Arevalo was pronounced dead on the scene while the other 4 occupants were transported to Cooper University Hospital in critical condition. An investigation of the incident revealed that Gerard Norum crossed a double yellow line while traveling westbound on White Horse Pike, which resulted in him striking the vehicle carrying Walter Lopez-Arevalo. Allegedly, Gerard Norum was operating his vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.
The Camden County Prosecutor’s Office stated that the charges against Gerard Norum are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
