Morris Co. Cop Who Saved Man From Burning Car Hurt In Crash

MOUNT ARLINGTON, NJ — A Mount Arlington police officer honored for his heroic, lifesaving efforts in 2013 was struck by a car Tuesday night, the Morris County Prosecutor's Office confirmed.

Sgt. James DiStasio was struck just before 7 p.m. on Howard Boulevard during an unrelated, routine traffic stop, Prosecutor Fredrick M. Knapp said. DiStasio was taken to Morristown Medical Center; Knapp declined to say how serious his injuries are, but other police departments have characterized them as severe. A spokesperson for the hospital declined to comment.

“Officer DiStasio is a valued member of our department and our Borough family. Please keep James in your thoughts and prayers at this time," Mount Arlington Mayor Michael Stanzilis said.

DiStasio was honored by the 200 Club of Morris County at their annual Valor & Meritorious Awards in 2013 for his efforts in pulling a driver out of a burning car. Along with Ptl. Joseph Farina and Det. Reginald C. Goode, DiStasio saved a driver after their car ran off the road and into the woods, hitting a tree and catching fire. After the officers freed the driver, they provided medical care.

The name of the driver that hit DiStasio on Tuesday is not being released at this time, Knapp said. The investigation remains ongoing.

This is not the first time DiStasio has been hit by a car in the line of duty. During a 2014 traffic stop, an unlicensed driver ran over DiStasio's foot; he did not sustain any major injuries from that accident, nj.com reported.

Anyone with information is asked to call Major Crimes Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at 973-285-6200.

Image: Sgt. DiStasio, right, receiving an award at a Borough Council meeting, via Mount Arlington Police