An intoxicated man drove over a curb, crashed through bushes before hitting a borough police car, authorities said Tuesday.
A 29-year-old man was accused of driving while under the influence of drugs in Riverdale Dec. 4, 2015, authorities said. (File photo)
Sgt. Robert DiGirolamo and Patrolman Mike Reilly were called to a report of an erratic driver in a Chevy Tahoe on Route 287 northbound around 5:30 p.m., Lt. James Macintosh said in a statement.
As officers responded, the sport utility vehicle exited onto Route 23 southbound, went onto the grass at the Riverdale One building and ran over bushes before making a U-turn to the highway's northbound side, Macintosh said.
The SUV went back onto Route 287 north before police found it in traffic on the highway ramp to Hamburg Turnpike, according to the lieutenant.
Officers tried to reach the driver, Arthur Gussis, 29, of Roseland, and have him stop, but the SUV rolled forward and hit the door of the sergeant's cruiser, authorities said.
Gussis eventually put the vehicle in park, got out and tried to throw Xanax pills out of his pocket, Macintosh added. He tried to deny the pills were his and was taken to police headquarters for sobriety tests after an initial check at the scene.
At headquarters, a certified drug recognition expert found Gussis was under the influence of drugs, police said. He was charged with drug possession and being under the influence of narcotics. Police also issued him traffic summonses, including driving under the influence and careless driving.
Police said the officers were not injured.
Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
