Off-duty East Hanover police sergeant charged with vehicular homicide following deadly crash
RIVERDALE BOROUGH, NJ (Morris County) – An off-duty East Hanover police sergeant has been charged with vehicular homicide in connection with a deadly crash in Riverdale Borough on Oct. 15, according to Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll.
Keith M. Gunther, 42, of Wanaque Borough, has been charged with second-degree vehicular homicide, third-degree assault by auto, and driving while intoxicated.
The incident occurred around 10:58 p.m. on Route 23 North. Investigators determined that Gunther was driving his personal vehicle, a 2021 Ford F-150, southbound in the northbound lanes when he collided with a 2005 Toyota Camry traveling north, Carroll said.
The front passenger of the Toyota Camry, identified as Hamid Shabuddin, 55, of Paterson, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Camry suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to St. Joseph’s University Medical Center for treatment; their identity is not being disclosed at this time, Carroll said.
Gunther allegedly displayed signs of intoxication at the scene, Carroll said.
In accordance with the Criminal Justice Reform Act, Gunther was released under non-monetary bail conditions, which include Pretrial Monitoring (Level III), the surrender of his driver’s license and passport, and restrictions on alcohol consumption. His next court appearance is scheduled for a Pre-Indictment Conference on Dec. 9 before the Hon. Claudia Jones, J.S.C.
The investigation involved collaboration among the Riverdale Police Department, Pequannock Police Department, Morris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit.
Authorities encourage anyone with information about the incident to contact the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit at 973-285-6200 or the Riverdale Police Department at 973-835-0034.
