Clifton, NJ (August 18, 2026) – A police officer was injured early on Sunday when an SUV struck two police vehicles on northbound Rte 21 near River Rd.
The crash happened shortly before 4 a.m. on August 16. Police said Matthew Cancel, 32, of Passaic, was driving a 2024 Acura MDX when it struck the two police vehicles.
One officer suffered a head injury and was treated at a local hospital before being released. Another officer reportedly had to dive over a concrete median to avoid being struck.
The Acura and one police vehicle caught fire after the collision. Cancel was taken to a hospital and released after receiving treatment for a minor injury.
One of Cancel’s passengers was treated for a shoulder injury, while the other was not injured. The vehicles were fully engulfed in flames before firefighters extinguished them.
Cancel was charged with assault by auto and received summonses for driving under the influence, driving with a suspended license and registration, reckless driving, careless driving, and failing to pull over for an emergency vehicle.
He remained held in Bergen County’s jail pending a first appearance in the Central Judicial Processing Court in Paterson. The investigation into the wreck continues as authorities examine the circumstances that led to the injuries.
We hope the injured officer makes a full and lasting recovery.
What Are the Risks of DUI Crashes Involving Police Vehicles?
Driving under the influence can reduce reaction time, judgment, coordination, and the ability to recognize hazards. These effects can make it harder for a driver to respond safely to changing traffic conditions.
Police vehicles stopped along a highway can face added risks from passing traffic. Drivers approaching emergency vehicles should slow down and move over when required and when it is safe to do so.
Highway crashes involving multiple vehicles can also create secondary dangers. Fires, damaged vehicles, and moving traffic may expose people nearby to additional hazards.
Injuries in these crashes can range from minor harm to serious trauma. Medical evaluation can help identify problems that may not be immediately obvious after a sudden collision.
