Steven Baker Harry Halvorsen
A Lyndhurst woman was seriously injured last week when the car in which she was riding was involved in a fiery head-on collision on Route 46. Police said the other vehicle had been traveling the wrong way on the highway.
Both drivers were charged in connection with the crash, Bergen County Prosecutor John L. Molinelli announced.
Authorities said 25-yearold Jessica Wagoner was a passenger in a 1970 Mercury Cougar driven by Harry Halvorsen 3rd, 25, of Wallington, which was heading eastbound shortly before 1:30 a.m. last Wednesday, March 12.
Near the Henry St. intersection in Elmwood Park, Halvorsen’s car was struck by a 2000 Mitsubishi GS, which Elmwood Park police said was traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes.
The Mitsubishi’s driver, Steven Baker, 28, of Newark, has been charged with driving while intoxicated.
Authorities said the Cougar burst into flames and, prior to the arrival of police, two good Samaritans pulled Wagoner from the burning car. She was transported to Hackensack University Medical Center suffering serious injuries, Molinelli’s office said.
Baker and Halvorsen, both of whom suffered minor injuries, were reportedly operating their respective vehicles with suspended driver’s licenses.
Baker was charged criminally with third-degree assault by auto, driving while suspended and being involved in a serious-bodily-injury collision. He was also issued summonses for DWI and reckless driving.
His bail was set by Elmwood Park Municipal Court Judge Anthony Gallina at $10,000, with no 10% option.
Halvorsen has been charged criminally with driving while suspended and involvement in a serious-bodily-injury collision. His bail was set at $2,500, no 10% option.
– Karen Zautyk
