Truck goes into river behind Sheraton Mahwah Hotel with two adults, three children inside

A father was off-roading in a pickup truck with his girlfriend and with three children behind the Sheraton Mahwah Hotel on Friday night when it went into a river, according to police.

Officers removed the kids, ages 5, 12 and 13, and the woman from the truck when it became stuck around 8:15 p.m. by Black Bridge, according to Police Chief James Batelli. Officers Devon Gannon and Gregory Lehman had to enter the river tied to a rope to rescue the kids, Batelli said. The father had exited the vehicle to get help.

Batelli said he did not believe anyone was injured.

The river was 5 or 6 feet deep where the truck got stuck.

"We’re not quite sure yet whether or not he was unaware of the water being there or he tried to cross it and it was too high and too swift and the vehicle became disabled," Batelli said. "We’re leaning toward the latter."

Due to the strength of the current, authorities planned to leave the truck in the river until Saturday morning.

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The driver of the truck was the father of two of the children while his girlfriend was the mother of the other, Batelli said.

Lt. Phillip Rangel, Sgt. Brendan Mullin and officers Rosario Zito, Chris Monico, Mazen Landis and David Vega assisted at the scene. Batelli commended the actions of the officers and their foresight to properly prepare in the dark and dangerous conditions.

"It really speaks volumes about their commitment and their skills as police officers," the police chief said.

Mahwah's fire chief did not immediately respond to an email seeking more information.

Email: jongsma@northjersey.com