New Jersey: Paterson police officer struck by car while responding to accident on Route 80

A Paterson police officer was taken to the hospital Thursday morning after he was struck by a vehicle on Route 80 as he responded to another accident.

The officer suffered non-life threatening injuries and was taken to St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center, State Police spokesman Sgt. First Class Gregory Williams said.

He had responded to the highway’s westbound side just before 5 a.m. to help the State Police with an accident near mile marker 58, Williams said. A second accident occurred about 40 minutes later about a mile away and the officer responded to that crash as well.

He was hit by a passing car, which stayed at the scene, while responding to the second accident, Williams said.

Paterson Police Director Jerry Speziale said the officer, a six-year veteran, suffered serious injuries to his head, face, arms and legs but was alert and conscious.

The officer, whose name has not been released, was standing on the grass on the side of the highway when the vehicle left the road, Speziale said. He was hit by the right side of the vehicle; his head hit the windshield and he was thrown into the air.

“He’s a great officer,” Speziale said. “The department is praying for his speedy recovery.”