Wallington Man Allegedly Drunk When He Hit Pedestrian in Elmwood Park, New Jersey

Elmwood Park police recently arrested a Wallington man accused of driving while intoxicated and hitting a pedestrian on Route 46.

According to authorities, the 30-year-old suspect was operating a 2003 Ford Escape on Route 46 in Elmwood Park NJ when the accident occurred. Police believe that the suspect was intoxicated at the time of the car crash.

Elmwood Park police were notified of a car accident that injured a pedestrian at the intersection of Route 46 and Boulevard. When police officers showed up at the scene, they came across the 18-year-old victim lying on Route 46 east.

The victim, who is from Hackensack, sustained injuries when the suspect allegedly crashed into him.

Emergency responders later arrived at the scene and took the victim to a hospital. The victim got medical treatment for his injuries and was later released.

Elmwood Park law enforcement conducted an investigation and determined that the driver was likely intoxicated. The suspect was then placed under arrest and charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) and assault by auto.

If the suspect is eventually convicted on the most serious charge of assault by auto, he would be subject to stiff penalties. As set forth by N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1(c), anyone who operates a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and causes serious bodily injury to another person can be charged with a third degree felony. A conviction for third degree assault by auto could lead to the suspect being sentenced to 3-5 years in New Jersey State Prison.

After being arrested, the suspect was moved to the Bergen County Jail in Hackensack, NJ. He was being held at the correctional facility on a $10,000 bail amount.

To learn more about this case, access the NJ.com article entitled “Drunk Man Allegedly Hit Pedestrian with Car, Cops Say.”