Jul 15, 2009 6:56 pm US/Eastern
NJ Officer Recovering After Accident At Sonic's
HASBROUCK HEIGHTS, NJ (CBS) ―
Borough police officer Corey Lange was directing traffic at the Sonic drive-in on Route 17 when, prosecutors said, he was dragged by an unlicensed driver of an Acura identified as Daniel Yi.
"The vehicle came across Route 17 northbound lanes, hit the middle divider. Another vehicle hit Mr. Yi's car pinning the officer in between the two cars," said John Molinelli, Bergen County prosecutor.
Officer Lange was reaching into Yi's car, asking him for a license after warning him twice that Sonic's parking lot was at full capacity.
Some drivers said the problem was the parking lot wasn't big enough and the spot's so popular that cars back up onto Rt. 17 and to add to that, there's construction on the shoulder.
"It's ridiculous. The property is too small, it's too much congestion for that type of business," said Secaucus resident John Drennan.
Patron Victor Lopez had to park in a lot next door where there were signs warning Sonic's customers to stay away.
Asked if it was worth the wait, he said, "not really, but it tastes good."
Even though Sonic's manager didn't want to talk, Sonic officials said the congestion didn't lead to the accident.
"I think it's a bit short-sided to say it's not the congestion issue. It is, though it was a driver who caused the officer's injury," Molinelli said.
For now, Officer Lange's neighbors are praying for his recovery.
"He's a great father, out here always playing with his kids," said neighbor Joan O'Connell.
The well-respected officer had to undergo ankle surgery. Friends said he was in good spirits.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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