Driver Of Pickup Truck Hit By Train Was Drunk, NJ Transit Police Charge

HASBROUCK HEIGHTS, N.J. -- A driver was intoxicated when his pickup truck was struck by an NJ Transit train after he drove it onto the tracks in Hasbrouck Heights overnight Saturday, authorities said.

The mangled pickup.
Photo Credit: *COURTESY: Hasbrouck Heights FD*

Jerry DeMarco

04/23/2016 4:19 p.m.

The Hoboken-bound train hit the silver 2001 Toyota Tundra and left it severely mangled near Railroad Street and Industrial Avenue just after 1 a.m., said NJ Transit's Nancy Snyder.

"This wasn't at a grade crossing," Snyder said. "We're trying to determine what he was doing there."

Ediberto Rodriguez, 50, of Clifton, was taken to Hackensack University Medical Center, where investigators charged him with DWI and interfering with transportation. Hospital sources said he was in stable condition.

No other injuries were reported.

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