Funeral for state trooper killed in crash

GLASSBORO, N.J. -- Police gathered for the funeral of a New Jersey state trooper who died when his patrol car struck a utility pole after he had responded to a call in Salem County.

The viewing for 30-year-old Eli McCarson was held Wednesday morning in Pfleeger Concert Hall at Rowan University in Glassboro. The funeral will follow there at noon.

McCarson's car hit a utility pole in Quinton Township on Thursday. He was trapped while rescuers opened the jammed doors and he died a short time later at a hospital.

He graduated from the academy in February and worked out of the Woodstown Station. He got married in September.

Gov. Chris Christie has ordered flags at all state buildings to be lowered to half-staff in the trooper's honor.