Driver Charged in Crash That Injured NJ Officer

Assault by auto charges were filed against a New Jersey driver who allegedly fled the scene after sideswiping a police cruiser, injuring an officer who was on his way to an emergency call.

Forty-five-year-old William Newschafer of Jackson also faces numerous motor vehicle charges.

Authorities tell the Asbury Park Press of Neptune that Jackson officer Wayne Olejarz sustained back and shoulder injuries in the accident, which occurred around 5:20 p.m. Tuesday. He was treated at local hospital and later released.

Olejarz was responding to an accident call when his vehicle was struck. The cruiser's emergency lights and siren were on at the time.

Newschafer was later charged after police found his damaged car parked in a tavern lot. A telephone number for him could not be located Wednesday night.