Police: Resident Injured After Hitting Tree Head-On

Charges are pending against a Wyckoff man who is currently hospitalized following an early afternoon motor vehicle crash.

Police responded to the Russell Avenue exit ramp off Route 208 South just after noon today to aid Robert M. Denise, 24, who hit a tree, authorities said. Denise was driving a 1965 Mustang and failed to negotiate the exit ramp, leaving the roadway and hitting the tree head-on, police said.

Sgt. Michael Ragucci said he detected the scent of alcohol on Denise and obtained a blood sample to determine his blood alcohol content. Any possible charges are pending, dependent on the results. Additionally, police said their investigation determined that the resident was speeding.

Denise, of Helena Avenue, was able to get out of the Mustang on his own power, although police communications reported a head injury and described his condition as one of "altered mental status." He was transferred to Hackensack University Medical Center by the Wyckoff Volunteer Ambulance Corps.

Ragucci was assisted at the scene by Lt. Charles Van Dyk, Lt. David Murphy and Patrolwoman Brenda Groslinger. Franklin Lakes police also responded to the scene.