Story By: Vanessa
A 24-year old man from Ridgefield Park has been charged after investigators say he intentionally swerved into oncoming traffic, causing a serious two-car crash on May 21, 2025.
According to the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, Patrick J. McArdle was behind the wheel of a Honda Civic traveling north on Bergen Turnpike, when he crossed the double-yellow line, and struck a Toyota Corolla heading south. The driver of the Corolla, an 84-year-old man, was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Patick McArdle was also taken to the hospital.
A joint investigation by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Major Crimes Unit, the Fatal Accident Task Force, and the Ridgefield Park Police Department determined the crash was deliberate. Authorities allege Patrick McArdle intentionally drove into the opposite lane and struck the other vehicle on purpose.
As a result, McArdle has been charged with Second-Degree Aggravated Assault and given several tickets. McArdle remains in police custody at the hospital and will appear in Bergen County Superior Court once released.
Prosecutor Mark Musella noted that the charges are accusations and Patrick McArdle is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. He also thanked the law enforcement agencies that assisted in the investigation, including police from Fairview Police Department, Ho-Ho-Kus Police Department, and the Ramsey Police Department.
