BMW Driver Flees Wrong-Way Route 4 Crash That Sends 5 To Hospital: Bergen Prosecutor

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — A Queens man was arrested on drug and motor vehicle charges after he fled on foot from a wrong-way crash on Route 4 that sent five to the hospital Sunday, prosecutors said.

Emelio S. Lutchmansingh, 24, of Queens, was driving a 2004 BMW M3 eastbound in the westbound lanes of Route 4 Sunday around 11:13 p.m. when he collided head-on with a 2020 Jeep Compass, said the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office.

He "fled the scene of the collision on foot and was apprehended a short distance from the crash by Teaneck Police Officers and Bergen County Sheriff’s Officers," prosecutors said.

The BMW was determined to have stolen plates, prosecutors said.

In addition, suspected cocaine was found in it.

The five occupants of the Jeep Compass were taken to area hospitals for treatment of injuries, prosecutors said. Lutchmansingh was treated for injuries as well.

Two of the Jeep’s occupants suffered serious injuries and were admitted to the hospital, prosecutors said.

Lutchmansingh was charged with third-degree leaving the scene of an accident resulting in serious bodily injury, third-degree possession of drugs, third-degree motor vehicle alteration, fourth-degree resisting arrest, fourth-degree receiving stolen property, two counts of fourth-degree assault by auto, and three counts of the disorderly persons offense of assault by auto, as well as other motor vehicle offenses.

He remains hospitalized and in the custody of the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office as he awaits a first appearance in court, prosecutors said.