While pursuing him, the officers momentarily lost track of his vehicle, before it allegedly collided with the rear of an SUV that was stopped at a red light. The driver of the SUV, a 40-year-old man from Elizabeth, was subsequently transported to the hospital for injuries to his neck and back.
Shortly thereafter, Danilo Rodriguez-Benitez was arrested. Roselle Park officers say that he was attempting to flee the scene of the accident before he was taken into custody. He is now charged with eluding police, driving while intoxicated, driving without a license and several other traffic offenses. He is currently being held at the Union County jail in lieu of bail set at $75,000.
As for the penalties he is facing, Rodriguez-Benitez may be subject to a period of driver’s license suspension, fines, and even a jail sentence if he is ultimately found guilty. In addition, if he is charged with leaving the scene of an accident resulting in property damage, he may face restitution payments to compensate for the damage to the vehicle or property surrounding the incident.
