PASSAIC COUNTY, NJ — One police officer was hospitalized, and two other officers narrowly escaped injury, or worse, after a drunken driver crashed into them in Passaic County this weekend, authorities said.
On Sunday, around 4 a.m., three police officers were investigating a crash on Route 21 in Clifton near River Road. Two police cars were parked in the left lane to block the lane and route traffic around the crash scene, according to officials.
Moments later, a 2024 Acura MDX, driven by Matthew Cancel, 32, of Passaic, approached in the left lane and slammed into both of the police cars, authorities said.
One of the police officers was inside the car during the crash and sustained a head injury, officials added.
The other two police officers were outside of the cars at the time of the collision. One of them had to dive over Route 21's concrete divider to avoid being hit, according to authorities.
Cancel and a passenger inside the Acura sustained minor injuries. A third occupant walked away with no injuries, police say.
The Acura and one of the police cars burst into flames once they were empty. The second police car saw major damage to its rear.
Cancel, his passenger, and the police officer were all taken to the hospital and later released.
Cancel had shown "signs of intoxication" following the crash and was arrested for driving under the influence and assault by auto, police said.
Once released from the hospital, Cancel was taken to the Passaic County Sheriff's Office Corrections Hub to await court proceedings.
"The results of this crash could have been much worse," said Clifton Police Lieutenant Robert Anderson. "We wish the injured officer a speedy recovery and are thankful for the assistance provided by all officers and first responders."
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