JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP, NJ (Morris County) – A Jefferson Township police officer was injured after his vehicle was hit by an alleged drunk driver early Sunday morning, according to Jefferson Township Police Captain Robert Bush.
On August 28, at 03:06 a.m., Jefferson Township Police Officer Tyler LaMantia was sitting in his marked patrol vehicle assisting other officers with a motor vehicle accident on Route 15 North in the area of Berkshire Valley Road when his vehicle was struck from behind by an alleged drunk driver, Bush said.
Officer LaMantia suffered bodily injuries and was transported to Morristown Medical Center, Bush said.
The driver of the vehicle was identified as David Prontnicki, 45, of Budd Lake and he was arrested at the scene for suspicion of driving under the influence, Bush said.
The Morris County Sheriff’s Department, Jefferson Township Police Department’s Detective Bureau, Jefferson Township Fire Department #2, and Jefferson Township Rescue Squad responded to assist at the crash scene.
The crash remains under investigation and anyone with information can contact Officer Nolan Ryan or Det. Sgt. James Stokes of the Jefferson Township Police Department at 973-697-1300.
