NJSPBA: Allendale police officer remains hospitalized after chain-reaction crash caused by a suspected drunk driver

The incident began as a Saddle River officer and an officer from Allendale were conducting a traffic stop on Route 17 south.

Lauren Pena and Lauren Due

Oct 6, 2024, 5:32 PM

Updated 74 days ago

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A New York man is facing a slew of charges for a DUI crash that hurt five people late Saturday night in Bergen County.
The incident began as a Saddle River officer and an officer from Allendale were conducting a traffic stop on Route 17 South in Saddle River.
The Bergen County prosecutor says a Range Rover SUV driven by 18-year-old Joseph Ford crashed into the back of the Allendale officer’s patrol car.
The impact triggered a four-car chain reaction crash including both patrol vehicles and the car from the traffic stop.
Ford attempted to run and was caught by police shortly after, according to authorities.
The two police officers were among five people injured during the incident.
The Saddle River police officer was released from the hospital. The Allendale police officer remains in the hospital with serious injuries.
Authorities say Ford is hospitalized and awaiting his first court appearance.
The charges against him include DUI, assault by auto, leaving the scene of an accident resulting in serious bodily injury, driving while intoxicated and several other motor vehicle offenses.