An East Hanover police sergeant has been charged in connection with a deadly crash in Riverdale

RIVERDALE, NJ — Sergeant Keith M. Guenther, 42, of the East Hanover Police Department, has been charged with vehicular homicide and vehicular assault in connection with a fatal crash in Riverdale on Oct. 15, authorities announced.

According to Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally and Riverdale Police Chief Charles Quant, the incident occurred at approximately 10:58 p.m. on Route 23 North. Investigators determined Guenther was driving a southbound 2021 Ford F-150 northbound when he collided head-on with a northbound 2005 Toyota Camry.

Hamid Shabuddin, a 55-year-old front-seat passenger in the Toyota Camry, was killed in the crash, who died at the scene. The driver of the Camry, whose identity has not been released, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to St. Joseph’s University Medical Center for treatment.

Authorities said Gunter showed signs of impairment at the scene. After a criminal investigation, he was charged with second-degree vehicular homicide and third-degree vehicular assault. In addition, he was issued a summons for driving while intoxicated (DWI).

Pursuant to the New Jersey Criminal Justice Reform Act, Guenther was released on non-cash bail. These conditions include pretrial control (level III), surrender of driver’s license and passport, and prohibition of excessive alcohol consumption. His next court appearance, a pre-arraignment conference, is scheduled for December 9, 2024, before Judge Claudia Jones.

The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.