3 Hurt In Crash Involving Former North Jersey Mayor: Police

NEWARK, NJ — A pedestrian was struck during a motor vehicle crash last weekend involving former Newark Mayor Sharpe James, authorities said.

According to the Newark Department of Public Safety, the crash took place Saturday around 9:30 p.m. near Springfield Avenue and Bergen Street.

Authorities released a surveillance video of the incident, which can be seen below.

Newark police released a statement about the crash:

“Based on video surveillance, police observed that James had driven head-on into a second motorist at a slow speed. He then reversed his vehicle, nearly colliding with a NJ Transit bus and narrowly missing a pedestrian in the crosswalk, before jumping the sidewalk and pinning a male pedestrian under his car. Although James appeared confused, it has been determined that he was not driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics.”

Authorities said police became aware of the crash when an officer was flagged down by a pedestrian, who said there was a motor vehicle accident.

Here’s what the officer saw, authorities said:

"The responding officer observed a silver 2009 Cadillac occupied by James crashed against a bus stop along with a struck pedestrian, who was pinned under James’ vehicle."

James, 83, the struck pedestrian, and second driver were transported to University Hospital for treatment. Each were reportedly in stable condition, authorities said Monday.

A police investigation continues. No additional information was immediately available, authorities said.

James served as mayor from 1986 to 2006; he also served in the state Senate. In 2008, a federal jury convicted him on five counts of fraud, finding that he illegally arranged the sale of lucrative city land to his former girlfriend between 2001 and 2005.

Despite his criminal conviction, James has taken out nominating petitions to run for an at-large city council seat in the May non-partisan elections, the New Jersey Globe reported.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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