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Eleazar Jimenezespinoza, 40, was arrested early Saturday, March 15, at 3:46 a.m. after officers responded to Union Avenue and Morse Lakes Road, where an overturned SUV was found in a wooded area, Bloomingdale Police Sgt. Sami Zeidan said.
The crash was first detected by an Apple iPhone’s 9-1-1 alert system, bringing Sgt. Conrad Jimenez and Patrolman Zach Borell to the scene, Ziedan said.
Jimenezespinoza and his passenger escaped by breaking a rear window, police said. The passenger, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected into the back seat and suffered significant facial injuries. He was rushed to Morristown Trauma Center for treatment.
Officers said Jimenezespinoza showed signs of intoxication at the scene and was taken into custody. He was charged with DWI and multiple motor vehicle violations along with Assault by Auto due to the severity of the passenger’s injuries.
The Passaic County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit assisted Bloomingdale’s Traffic Bureau in the crash investigation.
Police thanked the Wanaque Police Department and Passaic County Sheriff’s Office for their support.
Authorities remind the public that criminal complaints are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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