ALLENDALE, N.J. — Two police officers were injured when a suspected drunk driver rear-ended an Allendale police vehicle, triggering a four-car chain-reaction crash on Sunday night, authorities said.
Saddle River Police Officer John Latka and Allendale Police Officer Mark Dunn, Jr. were at the scene when a Range Rover SUV struck Dunn’s parked patrol vehicle. Both officers were seriously injured in the collision, according to local officials.
The incident occurred during a routine traffic stop when the SUV driver, believed to be intoxicated, crashed into the police car. The impact caused a series of crashes involving three additional vehicles.
Latka was treated for minor injuries and has since been released from the hospital. Dunn remains hospitalized with serious injuries, according to a statement from the New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association (PBA).
“These 2 officers were serving their communities last night when a drunk driver seriously injured them. We pray for their recovery,” said NJ State PBA President Patrick Colligan.
An investigation into the incident is ongoing.