Authorities: Driver arrested in connection to Paterson crash that left 1 dead, 5 injured

The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office has announced a man from Florida has been arrested in connection to the motor vehicle collision Tuesday in Paterson that left one dead and five injured.
According to authorities, Harold Rasbin, 31, of Orlando, Florida, has been charged in connection to the collision. He’s charged with aggravated manslaughter and death by automobile, among other charges.
Authorities say police responded to the intersection of Main and Market streets around 3:15 p.m. in response to a motor vehicle collision involving multiple motor vehicles and pedestrians. Rasbin was driving a Honda CRV and struck an occupied police vehicle that was pulled over on the side of the road at the time.
Rasbin then drive away and collided with another vehicle at the intersection, lost control of the vehicle and struck several pedestrians.
The vehicle finally came to rest when it struck a light pole in the area of 227 Main Street and became disabled. As officers arrived, Rasbin exited the vehicle and ran on foot, but was apprehended by the officers after a short foot pursuit.
One person was pronounced dead at the scene, and five others were transported to Saint Joseph’s University Medical Center for treatment for various injuries.
An investigation revealed Rasbin stole the CRV a short time before the crash. The police vehicle that was struck during the incident was stationary on the side of the road while the officer was engaged in traffic enforcement unrelated to earlier theft of the CRV.
Rasbin is currently in custody and the State has filed a motion for pre-trial detention. A detention hearing has been scheduled for Monday.
The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office asks anyone with additional information to contact them at 1-877-370-PCPO or tips@passaiccountynj.org or contact the Paterson Police Department Traffic Division at 973-321-1111.