By Crash News Writer 
Clifton, NJ (August 18, 2026) – A Clifton police officer suffered a head injury after an alleged drunken driver crashed into two police vehicles on Route 21 near River Road on August 16. The collision occurred at approximately 4 a.m. while three officers were investigating an earlier crash.
According to the New Jersey State Police, two police vehicles were positioned in the left lane to block traffic from the earlier crash scene. Authorities said a 2024 Acura MDX driven by 32-year-old Matthew Cancel of Passaic approached in the left lane and struck both police vehicles.
One officer was inside a police vehicle and sustained a head injury. Two other officers were outside the vehicles, including one who reportedly jumped over the concrete divider to avoid being struck.
Cancel and a passenger in the Acura sustained minor injuries, while a third occupant was not injured. The injured officer, Cancel, and the passenger were transported to a hospital and later released.
After the occupants were safely out, the Acura and one police vehicle caught fire. The second police vehicle sustained major rear damage.
Police said Cancel displayed signs of intoxication following the collision. He was arrested and charged with driving under the influence and assault by auto. After being released from the hospital, he was taken to the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office Corrections Hub to await court proceedings. The charges are allegations and have not been proven in court.
Protect Your Rights After an Accident Today
Crashes involving suspected impaired driving can result in serious injuries, extensive property damage, and complicated insurance and legal issues. Injured people should consider preserving medical records, photographs, witness information, insurance communications, vehicle damage documentation, and a car accident report. These records may help establish the circumstances surrounding a collision and document resulting losses.
Understanding car accident laws in New Jersey can help injured people learn about insurance requirements, filing deadlines, and potential options for pursuing compensation. Someone searching for a car accident near me or a car accident near Clifton should consider keeping medical bills, repair estimates, photographs, and records of missed work.
A criminal case and a potential personal injury claim involve different legal processes. An attorney can review the car accident report, examine available evidence, communicate with insurers, and explain how the circumstances may affect a civil claim. People researching a car accident near me or a car accident near Clifton should consider seeking legal guidance promptly because important filing deadlines may apply.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
This article is based on preliminary information released by authorities and public reporting. Details concerning the investigation and criminal proceedings may change as additional information becomes available. Readers seeking general information following a collision can review frequently asked questions in New Jersey.
- The injured police officer was not identified in the initial report.
- Charges filed against an individual are allegations, and guilt must be established through the judicial process.
- Additional investigative findings, toxicology information, or court developments may be released as the case proceeds.
Those affected by serious crashes can also review accident resources in New Jersey.
The content of this news story is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or medical advice. All information is based on public reports available at the time of publication, and details may change as investigations progress. Readers are encouraged to seek legal counsel if they or someone they know has been involved in a similar incident. The publisher assumes no liability for actions taken or not taken based on the information provided in this article. Learn more with our disclaimer.
If you were injured in a crash involving a suspected impaired driver, call an attorney as soon as possible to discuss your rights and available legal options. A New Jersey personal injury lawyer can review the circumstances and explain potential next steps.