- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Elmwood Park Today
By the People, for the People
Retired NJ State Police Lt. Pinned In Crash Faces Long Recovery Amid Wife's Cancer Battle
A fundraiser has topped $15,000 for the retired officer who suffered catastrophic injuries after being struck by a driver who fell asleep.
Published on Mar. 9, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Jim Visco, a retired New Jersey State Police lieutenant, was struck and pinned between two vehicles on December 30, 2025 in Elmwood Park, New Jersey. The driver, Andrea Catbagan, fell asleep at the wheel and crashed into Visco, causing him to suffer severe injuries. Visco has undergone multiple surgeries and faces a long recovery, while his wife Michelle is also battling breast cancer.
Why it matters
This tragic incident highlights the dangers of distracted and fatigued driving, as well as the immense challenges facing families dealing with multiple health crises. The community has rallied to support the Viscos during this difficult time.
The details
Police responded to multiple 911 calls around 12:20 p.m. on December 30, 2025 and found Visco pinned between two damaged vehicles in front of Exotic Pets on Broadway in Elmwood Park. Officers rendered aid and applied a tourniquet to Visco's leg. The driver, Andrea Catbagan, a 59-year-old Elmwood Park resident, told police she fell asleep and did not feel well prior to the crash. Catbagan was issued summonses for careless driving and failure to maintain lane.
- On December 30, 2025, Visco was struck and pinned between two vehicles.
- In late December 2025, the crash occurred.
The players
Jim Visco
A retired New Jersey State Police lieutenant who suffered catastrophic injuries after being struck and pinned between two vehicles in Elmwood Park.
Michelle Visco
The wife of Jim Visco, who is also battling breast cancer and has been caring for her husband during his recovery.
Andrea Catbagan
A 59-year-old Elmwood Park resident who fell asleep at the wheel and crashed into Visco, causing his injuries.
Michael Foligno
The Elmwood Park Police Chief who provided details about the incident.
Tanya Hartig
The person who launched a GoFundMe campaign to support the Visco family.
What they’re saying
“Jim has suffered catastrophic injuries; broken bones, horrific muscle, tendon and blood loss, and his future is unknown.”
— Tanya Hartig, GoFundMe campaign organizer (GoFundMe)
“Instead, while still healing herself, Michelle travels back and forth to medical facilities to be by Jim's side, lifting, transporting, advocating, and caregiving.”
— Tanya Hartig, GoFundMe campaign organizer (GoFundMe)
What’s next
The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Andrea Catbagan to be released on bail.
The takeaway
This tragic incident underscores the importance of safe driving and the immense challenges facing families dealing with multiple health crises. The community's support for the Visco family during this difficult time is a testament to the power of compassion and resilience.
