Ramsey Man Ejected from Alleged Drunk Driver's Car, Prosecutor Says

A Mahwah man was arrested and charged after an early Saturday drunk driving accident that left two brothers injured. One of the brothers remained in serious condition at Hackensack University Medical Center Saturday night, authorities said. 

The accident occurred on Route 17 North near Passaic Street.

Edward Davis, 33 of Mahwah, was driving a 2003 Range Rover around 2:30 a.m. Saturday when he apparently lost control and veered off Route 17 just north of Woodland Avenue,  Bergen County Prosecutor John L. Molinelli said Saturday in a press release. Davis allegedly hit a utility pole, causing the car to roll over onto its roof, according to Molinelli.

Rochelle Park Police Department responded and found Davis’ two passengers, a pair of brothers from Ramsey, injured. 

Clint Callahan, 25, was ejected from the front passenger seat and suffered serious internal injuries. He was brought to Hackensack University Medical Center (HUMC) for immediate surgery. He remains in serious condition.

James Callahan, 23, who was in the backseat,  was also brought to HUMC with non-life-threatening injuries to his face. The driver, Davis, was treated at HUMC for unspecified injuries, according to the release. 

After observations at the scene and later at HUMC, officers believed that Davis was driving while intoxicated. A follow-up investigation showed that Davis was drinking heavily before the accident, according to Molinelli. 

A blood sample from Davis will be sent to New Jersey State Police Laboratory for toxicological examination. 

Davis was charged after an investigation by Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Fatal Accident Investigation Unit (FAIU), under the direction of Chief Steven Cucciniello; the Rochelle Park Police Department, under the direction of Chief Robert Flannelly; and the Bergen County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff Michael Saudino.

Davis was charged with one count of third degree assault by auto for causing serious bodily injury to Clint Callahan and one count of fourth degree assault by auto for causing bodily injury to James Callahan.  Davis also received numerous summonses for motor vehicle violations, including Driving While Intoxicated and Reckless Driving. 

Presiding Municipal Court Judge Roy McGeady set bail at $35,000 with a 10 percent option.  No first appearance date has been set because Davis is still hospitalized.

Rochelle Park Police Department and the Bergen County Sheriff’s Department assisted in this investigation.