Off-Duty Cop Hospitalized After Helping Crash Victims: Prosecutor

KEARNY, NJ - An off-duty Jersey City police officer who aided those involved in a car crash on Route 7 on Thursday was badly injured when another car passed road flares, crashed and caused a parked vehicle to catch fire, officials said.

The incident took place around 11:32 p.m. when two vehicles collided near 1249 Newark-Jersey City Turnpike, Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez said. Multiple motorists, including the off-duty officer, stopped to help those involved in the accident.

A 2007 white Mercedes then passed road flares in the area of the collision and crashed, causing a parked vehicle to catch fire, Suarez said.

The Jersey City Police Officer suffered multiple burns and was transported to Jersey City Medical Center for treatment. The driver of the Mercedes, a 29-year-old East Orange woman, is being treated at University Hospital for a serious leg injury. A third individual suffered a laceration to the arm and was treated at the scene by emergency medical services.

The Hudson County Regional Collision Investigation Unit and the Kearny Police Department are currently investigating.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office at 201-915-1345 or to leave an anonymous tip at https://www.hudsoncountyprosecutorsofficenj.org/homicide-tip. All information will be kept confidential.