Paramus First Responders Use Jaws Of Life To Free Man From Wreck

PARAMUS, N.J. — A man remains in critical condition following a serious motor vehicle crash where first responders had to use the Jaws of Life to rescue him on Route 17 Sunday, police said.

The police department responded to a serious motor vehicle crash on Route 17 South at Midland Avenue, said Chief Kenneth Ehrenberg.

Police determined that a tan 2002 Toyota Land Cruiser SUV struck the center divider on Route 17, crossed four lanes of traffic, rolled over, and wrapped around a utility pole at 443 Route 17, Ehrenberg said.

Witnesses told authorities that the Toyota "had difficulties" staying in one lane of traffic before hitting the divider, the chief said.

Members of the Paramus Rescue Squad and the Paramus Fire Department used a Jaws of Life tool to remove the driver, Andrew Ishak, 28, of Waldwick, from the vehicle, the chief stated. Ishak was taken to Hackensack University Medical Center. He was the vehicle's only occupant, police said.

Ishak remained in critical condition at the hospital Monday afternoon, Ehrenberg said. No charges have been filed against him.

Ishak was the driver in a similar crash on July 13, 2015. Police officers pulled him from a burning car after he struck a pole on Route 17 South, police said.

Police are investigating the crash. Charges may be filed as result of the investigation, the chief said.

Anyone with information about the crash should call the Paramus Police Department at 201-262-3400, or use the department's TIPS app at paramuspolice.org.