HACKENSACK, N.J. Sheriff Anthony Cureton announced today that Bergen County Sheriff's Officers successfully revived an unresponsive 80-year-old motorist during a coordinated roadside rescue on September 1, 2026, in Hackensack.

At approximately 3:14 p.m., Sheriff's Officers Vargas and Caceres, who had just completed an unrelated motor vehicle stop on Essex Street, were flagged down by a passing motorist who reported a driver slumped over and motionless at a nearby traffic light. The officers activated their emergency lights and responded within moments, locating a vehicle stopped at Essex Street and Polifly Road with an elderly male driver who appeared unconscious.

When the driver failed to respond to knocking and verbal commands, Officer Vargas attempted to open both the driver and passenger doors, which were locked. Using a window-punch tool, she forced entry through the passenger side and unlocked the vehicle. Officer Caceres opened the driver's door and confirmed the man had no pulse and was not breathing.

Sheriff's Officer Valderrama arrived moments later and assisted in removing the man from the vehicle, placing him on the ground, and immediately beginning CPR. Additional officers, including Sheriff's Officers Dingertopadre and Morelli, along with Hackensack Police Department units, arrived to assist.

The man was transported to Hackensack University Medical Center, where he is reported to be expected to survive.

 “Our officers’ quick thinking and decisive action turned a roadside emergency into a life saved,” said Sheriff Anthony Cureton. “This incident is a testament to the training, teamwork, and instincts our Sheriff’s Officers bring to every call. 

The Bergen County Sheriff's Office commends Sheriff's Officers Vargas, Caceres, Valderrama, Dingertopadre, and Morelli for their swift and coordinated response, as well as the Hackensack Police Department for their on-scene assistance.