photo courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
RIDGEWOOD, NJ — August 22, 2025 Police have identified the wrong-way driver who caused a multi-vehicle crash on Route 17 in Ridgewood after fleeing officers in a stolen SUV late Friday night.
The driver, Michael Zabielski, 65, of New City, NY, stole a Honda HR-V from a New York car dealership before leading police on a dangerous pursuit through multiple Bergen County towns, according to Ramsey Police Detective Jaclyn Sabatelli.
High-Speed Chase Across Bergen County
At 10:43 p.m., Allendale police first attempted to stop Zabielski on East Crescent Avenue near Lake Street. Ignoring police signals, Zabielski ran a red light, drove onto the off-ramp of Route 17 South, and entered the highway going the wrong way.
Police say he continued north in the southbound lanes, swerved around a patrol vehicle, and exited onto North Franklin Turnpike. He then sped through Allendale, Waldwick, and Ho-Ho-Kus, committing “numerous traffic violations” before nearly disabling his SUV on curbs along Hollywood Avenue.
Moments later, Zabielski turned sharply onto the off-ramp of Route 17 North, “nearly colliding with multiple vehicles” before entering the highway in the wrong direction, police said.
Multi-Vehicle Crash on Route 17 in Ridgewood
Under New Jersey Attorney General pursuit guidelines, the chase was terminated shortly before the crash. Soon after, Zabielski’s stolen SUV slammed into:
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A tractor trailer
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A Honda Odyssey
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And several other vehicles near Race Track Road in Ridgewood.
Four people sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Three were transported to Valley Hospital, while Zabielski was hospitalized for his injuries before being taken into custody.
Charges Filed Against Driver
Authorities later confirmed the SUV had been stolen from a dealership in New City, NY. Zabielski now faces charges of eluding police and receiving stolen property.
The incident is under investigation by multiple police departments, including Ramsey, Allendale, Ho-Ho-Kus, and Ridgewood Police.
Vaping laced with THC….