The other driver called police on his cellphone after his car was struck from behind on Franklin Turnpike around 10:15 a.m. by a Jeep that then took off, Police Chief James Batelli said.
While following the Jeep, he told police it had stopped on Armour Road near Airmount Road.
Michael Delaney (MUGSHOT: Courtesy MAHWAH PD)
Officer Thomas Solimano spoke with the Jeep’s driver, 32-year-old Michael Delaney, who told the officer he’s from Levittown, Long Island and is living with his fiance in Mahwah, Batelli said.
In the back seat was his infant daughter, the chief said.
Delaney “admitted to smoking marijuana and taking a large amount of over the counter cold medicine earlier in the morning,” he said.
Delaney was arrested and charged with driving while under the influence of narcotics, driving while under the influence of narcotics with a minor in the vehicle, driving with a suspended license, leaving the scene of an accident, reckless driving and a criminal violation of being under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance, Batelli said.
The girl was released to a family member and state child protection services works were notified, the chief said.
Delaney is due in Mahwah Municipal Court next Tuesday.
MUGSHOT: Courtesy MAHWAH PD
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