A 27-year-old New Jersey police officer drove the wrong way down the West Shore Expressway in Staten Island, New York and crashed head-on with a semi truck last week. Two of his passengers, including other New Jersey officers were killed in the accident.
The incident occurred shortly after the men left a Staten Island Gentleman’s club early Friday morning. The man behind the wheel, Officer Pedro J. Abad Jr., posted the following photo on Instagram shortly before leaving the club.
Officer Frank Viggiano and friend Joe Rodriguez, both 28, died in the crash, while 23-year-old Officer Patrik Kudlac and the driver, Pedro J. Abad Jr., are “fighting for their lives” according to Linden Police Capt. James Sarnicki.
The driver of the tractor trailer involved in the horrific incident suffered minor injuries, but is expected to make a full recovery.
NYPD Deputy Chief, Kim Royster, told reporters that “there is no indication of alcohol in the car. There was no smell of alcohol.” According to CBS New York, no blood-alcohol test was taken at the time of the crash, however the NYPD has applied for a warrant to take one.