RUTHERFORD, N.J. — A Newark man has been charged with assault by auto following a collision on Route 3 West that left three people injured, according to an announcement by Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella. Justin R. Latorre, 40, was arrested after an investigation by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and the Rutherford Police Department.
The incident occurred on Sunday, Sept. 15, at approximately 5:12 a.m., when Rutherford police responded to a motor vehicle accident on Route 3 West. Upon arriving, officers found that a 2022 Ford Ranger, driven by Latorre, had collided with a 2018 Honda HRV. While four occupants of the Honda were initially believed to be injured, three were later treated for varying degrees of injury.
Latorre was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated at the scene.
Due to the injuries involved and the suspicion of intoxication, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Fatal Accident Investigation Unit was notified, and a joint investigation was launched.
Authorities determined that Latorre had attempted to make a U-turn in the westbound lanes of Route 3, leading to the collision. He was charged with one count of third-degree assault by auto, two counts of fourth-degree assault by auto, and several motor vehicle offenses, including DWI.
Latorre was taken to the Bergen County Jail in Hackensack, pending his first court appearance.
