WALL TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A Spring Lake Heights man has been charged in connection with a hit-and-run crash that damaged a Wall Township police vehicle earlier this month, authorities announced.
Jose Duarte, 38, was identified as the driver of a black Toyota RAV4 that struck a patrol car and fled the scene on January 2, according to the Wall Township Police Department.
The incident occurred around 9:10 p.m. when Patrolman Joshua Wheeler was conducting a traffic stop on New Bedford Road near Wall Church Road. While standing beside his patrol vehicle, Wheeler’s car was hit by the RAV4, which then left the scene. No injuries were reported.
Detective Zach Honecker led the investigation and determined that the vehicle had been taken without the owner’s consent prior to the crash.
Duarte voluntarily turned himself in at Wall Township Police Headquarters on January 15. He was charged with third-degree unlawful taking of a means of conveyance resulting in property damage, along with multiple motor vehicle violations.
Police confirmed that Duarte was processed and released on a complaint summons.