Drunk Bergen Man Crashes Into Cop Car, Injures 3-Year-Old: Police

MAHWAH, NJ — A a 3-year-old girl was injured township police officer was nearly struck by a drunk driver during a traffic stop on Route 17 Friday night, police said.

Officer Chris Fasulo stopped a driver on Route 17 North near the West Ramapo Avenue overpass; he smelled marijuana coming from the vehicle and spoke with the driver, Shane Price Jr., 22, from Goshen, New York, on the side of the road, said Chief James Batelli.

While speaking with Price on the shoulder, Fasulo saw a Porsche driving "at a high rate of speed," directly toward them and pushed Price out of the way, Batelli said.

The Porsche's driver, Stephen Dowicz, 59, of Ho-Ho-Kus, ran directly into the back of Fasulo's patrol car, which caused it to hit Price's vehicle, the chief said.

Fasulo radioed for help and then checked on a 3-year-old girl inside the car, who complained of pain and had a bump on her head, Batelli said. She was taken to Valley Hospital by Mahwah Emergency Medical Services and her mother responded to the hospital.

Fasulo and Officer Tyler Boucher investigated and determined Dowicz was under the influence of alcohol, Batelli said. Dowicz was taken to Hackensack Medical Center and his blood was drawn for analysis, he said. He was later charged with assault by vehicle, reckless driving and failure to move over.

Police found a Ruger 9mm handgun under Price's driver's seat and marijuana and drug paraphernalia in the vehicle, Batelli said.

Price was charged with possession of a weapon without first obtaining a permit, possession of marijuana under 50 grams and possession of drug paraphernalia, Batelli said.

Send local news tips, photos, and press releases to daniel.hubbard@patch.com. Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here.

Image via Shutterstock