NEWARK – Public Safety Director Brian A. O’Hara reports that a pedestrian was struck during a motor vehicle crash involving former Newark Mayor Sharpe James, 83 or 85 depending on sources, on Saturday, February 5, 2022.
At approximately 9:30 p.m., a police officer in the area of 16th Avenue and Camden Street was flagged down by a pedestrian who reported a motor vehicle accident at Springfield Avenue and Bergen Street. The responding officer observed a silver 2009 Cadillac occupied by James crashed against a bus stop along with a struck pedestrian, who was pinned under James’ vehicle. Mr. James, the struck pedestrian, and second driver were transported to University Hospital for treatment. Each of the three victims are reportedly in stable condition.
Based on the attached video surveillance, police observed that James had driven head-on into a second motorist at a slow speed. He then reversed his vehicle, nearly colliding with a NJ Transit bus and narrowly missing a pedestrian in the crosswalk, before jumping the sidewalk and pinning a male pedestrian under his car. Although James appeared confused, it has been determined that he was not driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics.
This incident remains under investigation. No further information is available.
