Medical Examiner Calls Priest's Death Accidental, No New Charges For Motorist Who Struck Him

No new charges will be filled against a motorist after the pedestrian she struck last week died, Ridgewood police said Wednesday.

Det. Chris McDowell said the medical examiner ruled Rev. John Heusser's death accidental, and the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office will not seek additional charges for Lori Bandazian, who hit Heusser, 83, with her car while he crossed Franklin Avenue July 12.

Heusser, a priest at St. Agnes Roman Catholic Church in Paterson, died July 19 at Hackensack University Medical Hospital from complications following the car accident.

The medical examiner ruled the death accidental, as Heusser died a week following the accident, McDowell said.

Bandazian, 45, from Oakland, was initially issued summonses for careless driving, failure to stop for a pedestrian in cross walk, improper passing and failure to maintain a lane. No further charges will be issued.

According to police, Bandazian immediately pulled over and remained on the scene until Heusser departed in an ambulance.

Police said Bandazian hit Heusser as the priest was crossing from Oak Street toward the Bergen Co. YWCA.

Bandazian did not return a request for comment.