The Alternative Press

WEST CALDWELL, NJ - Early Thursday morning, Democratic Essex County Freeholder Leonard Luciano reportedly left the scene of an accident at 120 Harrison Avenue, in Roseland and, according to a West Caldwell Police Department official, did not notify the Roseland or West Caldwell police of the event. Luciano was traveling along Harrison Avenue and apparently lost control of his vehicle, a red Jeep Liberty, and went through the bushes in front of the home, ultimately hitting a tree; area neighbors report that the impact was heard at 2:22am. 


Credit: Carolyne Volpe Curley

According to the police official, Luciano then left the scene and walked to where he lives at his parent's home on Orton Road in West Caldwell. Google Maps calculates the distance from 120 Harrison Avenue, Roseland to his parent's home on Orton Road, West Caldwell as .5 miles, which would be a 2 minute drive, or an 11 minute walk. 

Credit: Mapquest Maps

On Saturday, the WCPD source was able to confirm with TAP that Luciano never called 911 to alert either the Roseland Police Department or the West Caldwell Police Department but instead, Luciano called a friend.

During the call to the friend, Luciano allegedly stated that he had been in an accident and was injured. At 2:50am, the friend then called the West Caldwell Police Department to have them perform a welfare check and determine Luciano’s medical condition.

Immediately, the WCPD were dispatched to Luciano’s home where they met him sitting at his kitchen table. At that point they noticed what looked like severe lacerations to his chin and alerted the West Essex First Aid Squad, who responded to Luciano’s home. Luciano was then transferred by the squad to St. Barnabas Hospital for treatment.

At 3am Thursday morning, the WCPD arrived at 120 Harrison Avenue, Roseland, and found the heavily damaged red Jeep Liberty crashed into a tree. At that time they alerted Roseland police that the accident had occurred in Roseland. Roseland police then responded to the scene. 


Credit: Carolyne Volpe Curley

The ongoing police investigation is being led by the Roseland Police Department, under the direction of Chief Richard McDonough. 

Besides being a member of the Essex County Freeholders, Luciano is employed by the Newark Public School District as an Archive Librarian and is also a member of the Newark Teacher's Union.


Credit: Essex County Freeholders

For further information regarding Luciano’s assignments in Essex County see our previous article when we originally reported on this incident, “Leonard Luciano, Essex County Freeholder, Allegedly Leaves Scene of Accident in Roseland.