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

SADDLE RIVER, NJ — A drunk teen crashed into a police car that was making a traffic stop on Route 17 on Saturday, causing a chain reaction that sent two officers to the hospital, prosecutors said Sunday.

Joseph Ford, 18, has been charged with driving while intoxicated, assault by auto, and several other offenses, the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office said.

Saddle River Police Officer John Latka stopped a car along the shoulder of Route 17 South near East Allendale Road just after 10:30 p.m.

Allendale Police Officer Mark Dunn Jr. arrived to assist and both cops had their emergency lights activated, prosecutors said.

Ford was driving a Range Rover southbound when he "lost control and entered the shoulder," prosecutors say.

The Range Rover rear-ended the Allendale police car, causing a chain-reaction crash that injured both police officers, officials said.

Ford fled on foot from the scene but was apprehended by officers from surrounding agencies.

The New Jersey State PBA posted on Sunday afternoon that Latka, the Saddle River officer, was treated and released with minor injuries, but Dunn was still at the hospital being treated for serious injuries.

“These 2 officers were serving their communities last night when a drunk driver seriously injured them. We pray for their recovery,” wrote NJ State PBA President Andreyev in the post.

Ford was charged with third-degree assault by auto, third-degree leaving the scene of an accident resulting in serious bodily injury, three counts of fourth-degree assault by auto, driving while intoxicated, and several other motor vehicle offenses.

Prosecutors said Sunday that Ford remained hospitalized and in custody, and awaits a first appearance in Bergen County Superior Court.