DUI Driver Strikes Officers During Traffic Stop On Route 78, 3 Hospitalized: Police

The New Providence Police Department said two of their officers were in marked police vehicles were emergency lights activated while stopped with a civilian vehicle on the westbound shoulder of the highway near mile post 43 in Berkeley Heights around 5 p.m.

A westbound Honda Odyssey driven by Johnny Ho, 45, of Flushing, NY, struck the back of the New Providence patrol vehicle, causing a chain reaction crash with the next New Providence Police vehicle and the Mercedes Benz that officers had originally stopped, New Providence police and New Jersey State Police said.

Two New Providence Police Officers were taken to Morristown Memorial Hospital and were in stable condition as of press time. The driver of the Honda Odyssey was also taken to Morristown Memorial Hospital. The occupants from the Mercedes Benz, who were seated inside the tow truck, were evaluated by EMS and released on scene.

Ho was arrested and charged with two counts of assault by auto, two counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, possession of CDS, under the influence of CDS, possession of paraphernalia, and was issued numerous motor vehicle violations. 

Berkeley Heights Fire Department, New Providence Fire Department, Union County Fire Command, Berkeley Heights EMS, Union County EMS, and Atlantic Paramedics responded to the scene. 

The New Jersey State Police, Berkeley Heights Police Department, Summit Police Department, and New Jersey Department of Transportation also responded. The New Jersey State Police are currently investigating the crash.

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