Crime & Safety

QB's Case Moved After Wayne Judges Recuse Themselves

Kevin Olsen's case to be heard in North Haledon after judges step aside due to potential conflicts of interest.

Traffic charges against Wayne Hills quarterback Kevin Olsen will be handled in North Haledon Municipal Court because the two Wayne judges have recused themselves from the case.

The University of Miami-bound Olsen was scheduled to appear in Wayne Municipal Court Thursday on three traffic violations stemming from an April 25 incident.

Judges Peter Weiss and Lawrenece Katz recused themselves from the case because they’ve had a professional relationship with the Olsen family, including Olsen’s father Chris, and have known the family for many years, said court Administrator Lori Ellicott.

Find out what's happening in Waynewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The matter has been referred to North Haledon Municipal Court but the court administrator there, Karen Lomascola, said a court date for Olsen’s case has not been scheduled yet.

Olsen was charged with leaving the scene of an accident, failing to report an accident, and careless driving after he crashed the SUV he was driving into a tree and then a parked car on Emerson Place May 25.

Find out what's happening in Waynewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Olsen got out of the vehicle after hitting the tree, inspected the damage and drove away, but immediately hit a parked car, police have said. He got out of the SUV again, looked at the damage, and walked away from the scene, authorities claim.

A police report states that a bystander said Olsen had blood on his face and appeared to be “under the influence of something.”

Olsen’s drivers license and a few other possessions were found on the front lawn of a house near where the accidents occurred, the report states.

Olsen was charged May 30 after police conducted an investigation.

He is one of the top high school quarterback recruits in the country. He will attend the University of Miami after he graduates from Wayne Hills High School next week.

"Past couple weeks have shown me a lot, not only the people who will [be] there for me, but also the people who say they will but end up not," Olsen posted on Twitter Thursday afternoon.

— Have a question or news tip? Contact editor Daniel Hubbard at Daniel.Hubbard@patch.com or find us on Facebook and Twitter. For news straight to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.