Essex County Freeholder Issued Summons for Driving and Using Cell

Story updated at 4:50 p.m. Friday.

Essex County Freeholder Leonard Luciano was transported to the hospital early Thursday morning after he crashed his car into a tree while apparently using his cell phone, according to police officials.

Luciano, who lives in West Caldwell, was issued a summons for prohibited cell phone use, Police Chief Richard McDonough said Friday.

There was no indication that the freeholder was drinking, McDonough said.

"He was doing something with the phone" at the time of the accident, he said.

The accident occurred in the area of 120 Harrison Ave. at approximately 3 a.m. Luciano lost control of his Jeep Liberty and crashed into a tree. He walked to his nearby home where he called West Caldwell Police, who contacted Roseland Police, McDonough said.

Luciano suffered bruises to his chin and the right side of his head and was transported to St. Barnabas Medical Center by the West Essex First Aid Squad. 

As the District 4 Freeholder for Essex County, Luciano represents 11 municipalities, including Caldwell, Cedar Grove, Essex Fells, Fairfield, Livingston, Millburn, North Caldwell, Roseland, Verona, West Caldwell and West Orange.

He is employed by Newark Public Schools as a library media specialist.