Driver arrested after crash damages new jersey state police memorial

SUMMIT, N.J. — A motor vehicle crash on Interstate 78 resulted in the arrest of a 38-year-old man on drug and DUI charges, after his vehicle struck the memorial for a fallen state trooper, according to New Jersey State Police.

The crash occurred on Saturday, August 31, at approximately 2:01 p.m. at milepost 46.8 in Summit, Union County, the site where Trooper Thomas Hanratty was killed in 1992 after being struck by a vehicle during a traffic stop.

When troopers arrived at the scene, they found Summit Fire Department personnel administering first aid to David Neufield of Berkeley Heights. During the crash investigation, authorities discovered controlled dangerous substances (CDS) inside Neufield’s vehicle.

Neufield was transported to a hospital, where he was placed under arrest and charged with driving under the influence, possession of CDS, and being criminally under the influence.

The crash caused significant damage to the memorial for Trooper Hanratty, highlighting the continued dangers faced by law enforcement officers. The investigation is ongoing.

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