Paterson car crash victim had been shot, police investigating homicide

A one-car crash in Paterson on Friday is now being investigated as a homicide.

The driver of the Jeep that crashed into a utility pole on Broadway Friday afternoon had been shot, according to the Paterson Press.

Police were initially unsure of what caused the accident and were looking into the possibility of drug use, the Paterson Press reported Friday.

Paterson Police Director Jerry Speziale told the Paterson Press Saturday morning that the incident is now being investigated as a homicide.

Speziale did not provide additional information, but police sources told the Paterson Press that the victim had a gunshot wound, which may have been fatal.

The victim’s name has not been released. He was alone in the vehicle at the time of the crash, according to the Paterson Press report.