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Unlicensed motorist charged with assaulting cop
Thursday, July 16, 2009
BY NICK CLUNN
Herald News
STAFF WRITER
HASBROUCK HEIGHTS – A 23-year-old unlicensed driver, who became unruly after being turned away from a Sonic Drive-In and dragged a police officer into traffic, has been charged with aggravated assault, authorities said Wednesday.

Daniel Yi took off just as Officer Corey Lange reached inside the vehicle for his driver's license, said Bergen County Prosecutor John Molinelli. A sedan collided with Yi's SUV moments later, pinning Lange between the two vehicles.

Lange broke his leg and ankle in the ordeal Tuesday night. Yi, of Hackensack, remained in the Bergen County Jail in lieu of $100,000 bail Wednesday night.

The incident has prompted a crackdown on drivers who queue along Route 17 for a spot at the popular burger joint. Police will now fine drivers $100 for stopping on the three-lane highway.

"If you stay in the queue lane, you will be ticketed," Molinelli said Wednesday. "People are waiting along Route 17, which is not good."

Borough officials have also begun looking at better ways to deal with the congestion, which has been handled by off-duty officers hired by Sonic since its long-awaited opening last month.

In a statement, Sonic officials said the company and its franchisee will continue to work closely with municipal authorities to control traffic around the drive-in. They also said that traffic volume typically levels off once a drive-in "becomes a more established part of community life."

The uniformed officers hired by Sonic tell drivers that they cannot wait on the highway. Most drivers listen and return moments later for a chance at securing an open parking space, Molinelli said.

One patron on Tuesday night said she circled the highway five times before being allowed to enter the Hasbrouck Heights lot, which was the first Sonic to open in North Jersey. Others said they were similarly frustrated.

While Sonic locations have drive-through lanes, most customers prefer the drive-in option – 20 parking stalls where they can place orders and be served by roller-skating teenage carhops.

The chain began targeting New Jersey as a growth area several years ago but has had trouble finding locations in North Jersey with enough space for at least 20 dining stalls. A new one recently opened on Route 46 east in Totowa.

Yi arrived at Sonic about 10 p.m. and protested when Lange told him that he could not queue in the right lane. He refused to move along and attempted a second time to enter the lot, Molinelli said.

"I understand there were some expletives uttered," he said.

When Yi hit the gas pedal, Lange grabbed hold. The SUV then swerved across the highway, slammed into the sedan and pinned Lange before hitting a cement median, Molinelli said.

Police arrested Yi outside Sonic. Neither he nor the other driver was hurt.

Staff Writer Kibret Markos contributed to this article.