Carlos F. Mejia-Padilla

By Cecilia Levine From Daily Voice

A 26-year-old DUI driver has been arrested in a violent New Jersey Turnpike crash that injured three passengers, according to New Jersey State Police.

On Sunday, Dec. 7 at 6:46 a.m., troopers to the Interchange 19W exit ramp to North Connection Road in East Rutherford for a motor vehicle crash, Tpr. II Christopher Postorino said. The driver, Carlos F. Mejia-Padilla, of East Orange, lost control of a Toyota minivan, traveled along the left metal guardrail, and struck a concrete overhead bridge support pillar, Postorino said.

A 28-year-old male passenger from Dover sustained serious injuries and was transported to an area hospital, State Police said. Mejia-Padilla and two additional passengers sustained moderate injuries and were also taken to a hospital for treatment.

On Tuesday, Dec. 9, Mejia-Padilla was discharged from the hospital. He was arrested and charged with one count of third-degree assault by auto, two counts of fourth-degree assault by auto, operating a motor vehicle while under the influence, and additional motor vehicle offenses, according to State Police. He was lodged in Bergen County Jail pending a detention hearing. The crash remains under investigation.