Authorities say Michael Ettz, a teacher at Lodi High School, was intoxicated when he collided with Officer Daniel Breslin's police cruiser on Route 46 in Lodi early Saturday.
Around 1:50 a.m. near Summit Avenue, Breslin was pulled over in his cruiser alongside the other officer's car, assisting him with a broken radio, when his car was rear-ended by Ettz's vehicle.
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Ettz pleaded not guilty Tuesday in a Hackensack court to charges connected to the crash that critically injured Breslin, including aggravated assault and leaving the scene of an accident with serious bodily injury.
Breslin, 39, suffered a significant head injury and underwent surgery for a skull fracture and bleeding. His family said he is responding to treatment, but he is still in critical condition.
Ettz, 36, was released after posting $150,000 bail. He was treated for minor injuries in the crash.
The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission confirms that Ettz had his license suspended on Nov. 19, 2012, for a previous conviction for operating under the influence.
