Ramsey NJ jewelry store's future unknown after car crash

Apr 14, 2023

RAMSEY — Two weeks after a Mercedes SUV crashed into their store, the owners of Apolo Jewelers are not sure what their next step will be.

"We are still checking with our insurance company," said manager Paul Sarkissian, son of owner Lily Sarkissian. The family has run the jewelry business since 1989.

The store at 63 E. Main St. was gutted at 6:45 a.m. on May 13 by a black Mercedes SUV after it crashed into a street lamp and a sidewalk tree. The accident occurred before business hours, and no employees were hurt. No residents or pedestrians were injured, according to a police report.

The driver, a 42-year-old resident of Allendale, suffered a medical emergency, police said. There were no passengers in the car.

Police tests determined that the driver was not driving while under the influence.

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The Ramsey police report on the crash indicates there was "no odor in the vehicle of an alcoholic beverage" or on the driver when he was extricated from his car while unconscious. Police and paramedics concluded in the written report that there was "no criminal element" involved, and their assessment "did not indicate the accident was caused by alcohol/drug/medication impairment."

The driver was treated by Valley paramedics at the scene and taken by ambulance to Hackensack University Medical Center.

The report's conclusion was that the accident was caused by an "unknown medical episode," and no charges were filed as a result.

The building was temporarily vacated to determine its stability, but the temporary vacate order was revoked and the building was deemed "safe to reoccupy," the police report said.