🚨🚔 CLIFTON OFFICERS NEARLY KILLED AFTER ALLEGED DWI DRIVER CRASHES INTO POLICE VEHICLES
A driver faces Driving While Intoxicated charges after crashing into two patrol cars on Route 21, injuring one Clifton officer. The suspect, who has a history of driving violations, allegedly caused a fire that destroyed both his vehicle and a police car.
CLIFTON, NJ — August 2026 — Three Clifton police officers narrowly escaped serious injury early Sunday morning after authorities say an allegedly intoxicated driver crashed into two marked police vehicles at an active crash scene on Route 21.
The officers were investigating a separate collision on Route 21 North near River Road when a 2024 Acura MDX allegedly entered the scene at a high rate of speed.
According to police, two marked patrol vehicles were positioned in the left lane to protect the officers and the original crash scene. The Acura allegedly struck both police vehicles.
🚔 One officer was inside a patrol vehicle and suffered a head injury. Two additional officers were outside the vehicles and narrowly avoided being struck. One officer reportedly had to dive over a concrete divider to escape the approaching vehicle.
🔥 Following the collision, the Acura and one of the police vehicles caught fire and became fully engulfed.
Police arrested 32-year-old Matthew Cancel, who is facing charges including assault by auto, DWI and numerous motor vehicle violations.
Authorities say Cancel was already awaiting trial in connection with an alleged October 28, 2025 hit-and-run crash outside the Clifton Municipal Complex.
According to the information released, Cancel’s driving history reportedly includes approximately 170 summonses dating back to 2007 across 32 New Jersey municipalities.
⚠️ A POWERFUL REMINDER FOR EVERY DRIVER
The incident is drawing renewed attention to the dangers faced by police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, tow operators, DOT workers and other roadway responders who work just feet from moving traffic.
New Jersey State PBA President Peter Andreyev said the incident could have resulted in officers’ deaths.
Thankfully, the officers survived.
🚨 Garden State News Network reminds every driver:
➡️ SLOW DOWN. ➡️ MOVE OVER. ➡️ PAY ATTENTION. ➡️ NEVER DRIVE IMPAIRED.
Police and emergency vehicles positioned at crash scenes are there to protect both responders and motorists. The vehicle you move over for could be the reason someone gets home safely that night.
🙏 A patrol vehicle can be replaced. A life cannot.
📸 Photo Credit: NJ State PBA