Driver In Fatal Ridgefield Crash Charged With Death By Auto

RIDGEFIELD, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- The man accused of driving under the influence of drugs when he crashed his car into a building last month, killing one passenger and seriously injuring another, has been charged with death by auto following further investigation.

Bergen County prosecutors said Tamer Ammar, of Fort Lee, also faces assault by auto charges and numerous motor vehicle citations stemming from the July 24 crash in Ridgefield. The charges were announced Saturday.

Authorities said the 20-year-old was driving north on Routes 1 & 9 at around 1:30 a.m. when he lost control of his 2014 Honda Civic and hit two bus sign posts before crossing into the southbound lanes and hitting a building.

The collision scene was measured at nearly 500 yards long.

Ammar and his two passengers -- Miles Reme and James Racanelli, both 20 years old -- were all seriously injured. Reme died a short time later at Hackensack University Medical Center.

Ammar remains hospitalized. It wasn't known Saturday if he's retained an attorney.

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