Police Car Totaled

A few years ago, a 2000 BMW, seized in connection with a drug arrest, was painted red, white, and blue to become the HPD's official D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) car. The rear bumper of the car bore the message: "Compliments of a Local Drug Dealer."

Photo: Bill Williams|98.5 The Cat

Today, that car was totaled and school resource officer Jake Hoffman was injured in an accident at the corner of Sixth and Columbia streets. Gossips received the following press release late this afternoon from Chief Ed Moore.

At 3:08 p.m. today, HPD responded to the intersection of North 6th Street and Columbia Street for a report of a two car personal injury accident involving a police vehicle. The call for assistance was made by Officer Jacob Hoffman, HPD’s School Resource Officer for the Hudson City School District.

Upon arrival at the scene, officers discovered a 2016 black Honda Accord operated by Monish D. Patel, 18 years old, of Hudson had struck Officer Hoffman’s assigned vehicle, a 2000 BMW sedan, in the intersection. Patel had a passenger, a 16-year-old male resident of Hudson. Patel complained of pain but declined medical treatment at the scene. His passenger claimed no injury but is being evaluated at Columbia Memorial Hospital (CMH). Officer Hoffman sustained injuries and is currently being examined at CMH.

Patel has been arrested for unlawful possession of marijuana, driving while ability impaired by drugs, and vehicle & traffic law violations. This matter is still under investigation. Patel is currently being processed at HPD.

HPD is currently being assisted by Troopers from the S[tate P[olice] Livingston Barracks.

“Officer Hoffman was driving the BMW 'D.A.R.E.' vehicle that we had seized from a drug dealer. It appears the injuries are minor, and it certainly could have been worse.” Chief