SOUTH BRUNSWICK — The father of a 19-year-old suspect in a hit-and-run accident at South Brunswick High School was charged in connection with the incident on April 18.
According to a South Brunswick Police press release, Rajesh Patel, 51, was charged with fourth-degree hindering the apprehension by attempting to conceal the vehicle and the driver from police. He was also issued a summons for failure to report an accident and concealing evidence.
According to police, the driver, Shivangi Patel, a Rutgers University student, was operating a 2009 Nissan Altima in the driveway in front of the main Ridge Road school entrance onApril 13 when she struck a 14-yearold female sophomore. The high school student was walking into school at 7:25 a.m.
The victim was knocked onto the hood of theAltima and then into the windshield of the vehicle, police said. Patel drove away, despite numerous students and parents witnessing the crash, the police report said.
Police worked with school officials to review videotape and interview numerous witnesses. A break in the case came when car parts left at the crash scene were identified by Acme Nissan officials as originating from a 2007-2009 NissanAltima.
Sgt. Ken Drost, who led the investigation, located the suspect vehicle parked approximately two blocks away from the scene. Police said the vehicle had significant damage to its passenger side and a hole in the windshield.
According to investigators, the Rutgers student was conducting class observations at the high school and had pulled into the lot looking for a spot. She struck the student and then drove two blocks and parked her vehicle. Her father then drove her back to the school, where she signed in and completed her observations, police said.
After the incident, South Brunswick EMS transported the victim to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, where she was treated and released. Police said she suffered a severe concussion and a fractured clavicle.
Patel was charged with leaving the scene of an accident with serious injuries, endangering the welfare of an injured victim, and numerous motor vehicle violations, including one for operating the vehicle in excess of the posted speed limit.
Patel’s father surrendered at police headquarters at noon on April 18. The judge released him on summonses pending further court action, police said.
SBHS Principal Timothy Matheney sent an email to parents immediately following the accident. He strongly encouraged parents to send students to school on their assigned bus or allow students in close proximity to campus to walk to school.
“This is both environmentally conscious and provides for safer school grounds with fewer vehicles attempting drop-offs in the morning,” he said.
If it is essential to drive a student to school, Matheney requested that parents enter campus off Stouts Lane by the tennis courts and proceed around the building to the Athletic Entrance, where students should be dropped off. He also recommended leaving the home early to arrive at school by 7:15 a.m.
“By doing this, you avoid the need to rush and your son or daughter will have sufficient time to go to his or her locker and get to class on time,” he said.
There was continued police presence throughout the week following the incident, and school staff is present during busy times. Matheney pointed out that any driver can be ticketed on school campus by the police for violating a traffic law.
According to the principal, there is a 15- mph speed limit on school ground, no U-turns are allowed, and drivers must stop for all pedestrians in marked crosswalks. He said the school is in the process of purchasing additional signage for the busiest crosswalks.
There will be a SBHS Site Council meeting onApril 26, and the primary topic will be traffic safety on campus. Contact Deanna McLafferty at