North Jersey Drunken Driver Dragged Cyclist With Her Car, Cops Say

WARREN COUNTY, NJ — A Warren County woman has been arrested after she struck a bicyclist with her car while drunk, police say.

On Feb. 25, around 7 p.m., police in Maplewood, Essex County, were called to the area of Parker Avenue and Orchard Road on reports of a collision.

Authorities discovered that a bicyclist had been struck and dragged by a silver SUV, officials said. The SUV fled the area while continuing to drag the bicycle, investigators added.

The bicyclist was rushed to a nearby hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

A multi-faceted investigation identified the SUV driver as Helen Barrera, 47, of Phillipsburg, according to police. Additional investigations led police to believe Barrera was drunk at the time of the collision, officials said.

Barrera was arrested and charged with assault by auto, aggravated assault, and endangering an injured victim. She was also issued multiple summonses, including driving while intoxicated, reckless driving, and leaving the scene of an accident involving personal injury.