STAFFORD TOWNSHIP, NJ – A teen driver crashed his car into a home in Manhawkin then fled the scene, police said today.
According to police, on Saturday, at around 11:39 PM, Patrolman Tyler Szwed was patrolling the Ocean Acres section of Manahawkin when he observed a vehicle that had crashed into the residence of 42 Mermaid Drive.
“Upon his arrival Officer Szwed observed the involved vehicle, a white Honda Civic, which was found to be unoccupied. Further investigation revealed that the accident had occurred just moments before Officer Szwed’s arrival, and the occupants of the vehicle had fled the area on foot. The residence had sustained extensive damage, but thankfully, no occupants in the house were injured,” the Stafford Police Department said. “After an extensive and time-consuming investigation, the driver of the vehicle was identified as Christian Capone, 17 year-old male of Beach Haven West, NJ. Capone was later located at his residence. It is believed that Capone had multiple juvenile passengers in the vehicle at the time of the crash. At this time, one of the passengers has been identified. There have been no reported injuries at this time.”
A report issued by the police department said Capone was issued numerous motor vehicle summonses including: Failure to Maintain Lane, Reckless Driving, Leaving the Scene of an Accident with Property Damage, and Failure to Report an Accident. He is scheduled to appear in the Stafford Township Municipal Court at a later date and time.