LEONIA, NJ – A late-night crash on the New Jersey Turnpike spiraled into gunfire when two men rear-ended a car before opening fire and assaulting its occupants, State Police said Saturday.
The incident unfolded just after 11:30 p.m. Thursday in the northbound lanes near milepost 121.2 in Leonia. Traffic was at a standstill when an unidentified vehicle slammed into the back of a white Acura with New York plates, investigators said.
Two suspects then got out of the striking vehicle armed with a handgun. According to police, they assaulted the two people inside the Acura before firing at the car.
The suspects fled the scene, and troopers launched a manhunt while urging the public to help track them down. No arrests had been made as of Saturday.
The Turnpike’s northbound lanes were briefly shut down during the investigation, causing heavy delays for overnight traffic.
Key Points
- Two suspects rear-ended a car on the New Jersey Turnpike Thursday night in Leonia.
- After the crash, they assaulted the victims and opened fire on their vehicle.
- State Police are searching for the suspects and asking the public for help.
A routine traffic jam turned into a crime scene in the dead of night.
