By: Richard L. Smith
A New Jersey Transit bus driver has been charged in connection with a serious crash that left a Roseland police officer critically injured, according to a statement released by Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II and Roseland Police Chief Director Livio Cioffi.
The incident occurred on June 20 around 4:12 p.m. at the intersection of Livingston Avenue and Prudential Drive.
Authorities say 40-year-old Djimmy Evra of Orange was operating an NJ Transit bus at a high rate of speed when he ran a red light and collided with a marked police vehicle.
The officer, identified as 29-year-old Marc Miller of Bloomfield, was on duty at the time of the crash.
He sustained life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to University Hospital in Newark for emergency treatment. Evra and three bus passengers suffered minor injuries and were treated at a nearby hospital.
Evra now faces fourth-degree assault by auto charges and other related offenses.
“This investigation points to a completely avoidable crash caused by reckless driving,” Prosecutor Stephens said. “Whether operating a personal car or a public bus, those who jeopardize public safety will be held accountable.”
The case remains under investigation.