Two Charged in Route 208 Collision

Two men have been charged in connection with a "road rage" collision that shut a stretch of Route 208 South for hours last week.

After concluding his investigation, police Sgt. Michael Ragucci charged both drivers, Arben Hasani, 23, of West Milford, and John Simpson Jr., 19, of Midland Park, with two counts each of assault by auto for an accident that sent two people to Hackensack University Medical Center.

Police Chief Benjamin Fox said the investigation was helped by an off-duty officer from another municipality, who witnessed the Wednesday night collision. Fox said a Ford Escape driven by Hasani was traveling in the left lane of the roadway, with Simpson tailgating in his Dodge Durango. Hasani purposefully slammed on his brakes, then slowed down next to a vehicle in the next lane, preventing Simpson from passing him, police said. However, when Simpson saw a window of opportunity, he allegedly drove into the right lane and attempted to pass Hasani, leading to the collision, police said.

Simpson's move caused the vehicles to collide and go out of control, police said. Both drivers struck the highway divider, one struck a third car, and both crossed all lanes of travel and left the roadway, ending up in a wooded embankment, police said.

Hasani's Escape flipped twice, and Simpson's Durango struck several trees, Fox said. The extent of the collision left Simpson pinned in his SUV for 45 minutes, requiring Fire Department assistance to cut the vehicle apart to extricate him from his seat. However, Fox said Hasani left his car immediately following the crash and hit Simpson in the face while he was trapped in the SUV.

Simpson and a female passenger, 16, from Hackensack, were transported to the hospital for treatment of cuts and abrasions. Hasani sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene of the crash, which was south of the Ewing Avenue exit but north of the Russell Avenue exit of 208 South. Police had that portion of the roadway closed for several hours while they processed the scene.

Fox said Ragucci charged Hasani with the two counts of assault by auto for driving recklessly and injuring Simpson and his passenger. He also faces a physical assault charge for allegedly hitting Simpson in the face. Simpson's two charges stem from the injuries to Hasani and his passenger. Both drivers also were charged with numerous motor vehicle violations.

Hasani and Simpson were released on their own recognizance, and the complaints will be referred to Superior Court.

Ragucci was assisted in his investigation by Lt. David Murphy, Detective Sgt. Joseph Soto, Patrolmen Mark Tagliareni and Kevin Kasak and the Bergen County Fatal Accident Investigation Unit.