By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in Morris County announced that Keith M. Gunther, 42, of Wanaque, has been charged with second-degree Vehicular Homicide and third-degree Assault by Auto in connection with a two-vehicle crash that occurred in the Borough of Riverdale on October 15.
Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll stated that on October 15, at approximately 10:58 p.m., law enforcement responded to a motor vehicle crash on Route 23 North.
The investigation would reveal that a 2021 Ford F-150 had been traveling south in the northbound lanes of travel and struck a 2005 Toyota Camry traveling north, County officials said. The front passenger of the Toyota Camry was pronounced deceased at the scene.
According to Morris County officials, the passenger was identified as Hamid Shabuddin, 55, of Paterson. The driver of the Toyota Camry sustained non-life-threatening injuries in the crash and was transported to St. Joseph’s University Medical Center for treatment.
The driver will not be identified at this time, officials say.
Morris County authorities said the driver of the Ford F-150 was identified as Keith M. Gunther, and he exhibited signs of being under the influence at the scene.
As a result of the criminal investigation, Gunther was charged with one count of second-degree Vehicular Homicide and one count of third-degree Assault by Auto, County officials said. He has also been issued a summons for Driving While Intoxicated.
Gunther is a sergeant with the East Hanover Police, authorities stated.
County officials say pursuant to the Criminal Justice Reform Act, Gunther was released from custody on a series of non-monetary bail conditions, including Pretrial Monitoring (Level III), surrender of his driver’s license and passport, and to refrain from excessive use of alcohol.
The next scheduled court appearance is a Pre-Indictment Conference before the Hon. Claudia Jones, J.S.C., on December 9, 2024, Morris County officials said.