Paterson Man Dies in Route 23 Motorcycle Accident, Police Say

Authorities have released the identity of the man who was killed in a motor vehicle incident that occurred on Route 23 Saturday.

Omar Stewart, 39, of Paterson, died from injuries he suffered as a result of the accident, which occurred on the Route 80 exit ramp, Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia Valdes and Wayne police Chief John Reardon said in a press release.

Wayne police Officer Darren Williams attempted to stop Stewart and two other motorcyclists going south on Route 23 at about 7:30 p.m. Saturday. As Williams attempted to initiate the stop, the drivers fled from him at “a high rate of speed” toward the Route 80 exit ramp, Valdes said.

Minutes later, Williams saw two of the motorcycles on the ground on the ramp and one of the drivers lying in the middle of the road, authorities said. Williams instructed the second driver to not move but the driver got back onto one of the motorcycles and fled the scene, Valdes said.

Stewart was taken to St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center where he died from his injuries at 8:53 p.m.

The Wayne Police Department and the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit are still investigating the incident.

Anyone with information regarding the incident or the identity of the driver who fled the scene should contact Wayne police Officer Jonny Liebchen of the Wayne Police Department at 973-633-3523 or Detective Kevin Conroy of the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office at 973-837-7641.