Officer Injured By Teen Driver On Route 17 Endures Two Surgeries

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — After two police officers were injured on Route 17 by an alleged drunk driver Saturday, one was released, but the other has had to undergo two surgeries, a family member posted on Facebook.

Meanwhile, local officials praised the officers and asked for prayers.

"Big Mark, Maddie and I want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts to the ARMY of you that are praying for Mark," wrote a family member of Allendale Officer Mark Dunn Jr. on Facebook on Tuesday. "Mark has been in surgery to repair his pelvis since 8:30 a.m. We’re hoping for an update soon. This surgery could take til 3:30. He has another surgery scheduled to repair his hand. After today, it is up hill all the way!"

Police officers and officials from around New Jersey have expressed concern about both Dunn and Saddle River Officer John Latka, after a teen driver slammed into Latka's police car on Saturday when both officers were involved in a traffic stop on Route 17.

Both were taken to the hospital, where Latka was treated and released, the state PBA said on Sunday.

"I extend my heartfelt wishes to Allendale Police Officer Mark Dunn Jr. and Saddle River Police Officer John Latka, who were injured by a drunk driver in the line of duty on Saturday," said Bergen County Executive James Tedesco in a message Tuesday. "As a fellow first responder, I know the prayer we all share—to make it home safe at the end of the day. Moments like these remind us of the danger our first responders face every day while protecting and serving our communities. They remind us to hug our loved ones tighter, be kinder to one another, and never take a single day for granted."

He added, "I thank Officers Dunn and Latka for their tremendous bravery."

How It Happened

Latka stopped a car along the shoulder of Route 17 South near East Allendale Road in Saddle River just after 10:30 p.m. Saturday. Dunn came to help. That was when John Ford, 18, of New York, drove onto the shoulder, according to the Bergen County Prosecutor, and slammed into Latka's car.

The crash caused a chain reaction with the other cars, injuring both officers.

Ford has been charged with driving while intoxicated, assault by auto, and several other offenses, the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office said.

"Mark truly had an angel or two with him on Saturday night," wrote his family member. "We are so very lucky to have him with us! Keep the prayers coming, he has a road ahead of him but I have no doubt that he will be back to 100 percent soon! We love you all!"

READ MORE: Teen Crashed SUV Into Cop Car, Sending 2 Police To Hospital: Bergen County Prosecutor