Crime & Safety

Drunken Woman Hit Cop with Car and Fled, Police Say

Ana Cifaldi, 44, of Old Tappan, faces numerous charges after pair of hit-and-run accidents Wednesday, police said.

A drunken 44-year-old Old Tappan woman hit a police officer and fled the scene Wednesday afternoon, according to Fair Lawn Sgt. Brian Metzler.

Police received a report at about 2:20 p.m. that a car driven by Ana Cifaldi was involved in a hit-and-run accident on 208 and exited onto Fair Lawn Avenue, according to Metzler. Sgt. Lonnie Mergler quickly found Cifaldi and pulled her over in front of police headquarters.

Cifaldi appeared to be positioning to park, but then she allegedly drove onto the sidewalk, hitting Mergler with the car's driver-side mirror. Other officers jumped out of the way to avoid being hit, according to Metzler.

Police caught up with Cifaldi two blocks away at River Road but she still refused to get out of the car, according to Metzler. Mergler and Officer Ian Manelis had to break open her window and pull her from the car, where they also discovered two bottles of vodka and beer, according to Metzler.

Cifaldi was charged with aggravated assault to a law enforcement officer, eluding, operating a motor vehicle during a DWI license suspension, driving while intoxicated, suspended license, suspended registration, uninsured vehicle, reckless driving, careless driving, leaving the scene of a motor vehicle crash, failure to report a motor vehicle crash, failure to exhibit documents, failure to comply to an officer’s directions, driving on a sidewalk and open alcoholic container in a motor vehicle.

She was transported to Bergen Regional Medical Center.


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