WOMAN CHARGED WITH FALSE PUBLIC ALARM IN TROOPER'S DEATH

A South Jersey woman has been slapped with multiple charges in connection with a traffic accident that led to the death of New Jersey State Trooper Mark Castellano. 30 year old Diana Hoffmann of Blackwood appeared in court Monday and was charged with eluding, hindering apprehension, creating a false public alarm, and other charges. Hoffmann abandoned her vehicle on Route 195 on Sunday; Castellano responded to the call and was struck and killed by another motorist. Police allege Hoffmann lied when she said another man was driving her car, and he fled the scene with a gun. Hoffmann’s bail has been increased to $500,000 cash. She has a long criminal record.