By Jennifer Kohlhepp, Managing Editor
A 24-year-old resident was seriously injured during an early morning hit-and-run accident Aug. 10.
Ryan Hamilton was crossing the street in front of his house on Sylvan Avenue behind Foley’s Market around 2:41 a.m. when a vehicle came around the corner and hit him and then dragged him 100 yards, according to Hometown Heroes in Toms River, which has established a charity fund for Mr. Hamilton.
Mr. Hamilton was transported by emergency medical service personnel to Capital Health Regional Medical Center for treatment of the injuries sustained in the collision, according to police. He is currently awaiting a second surgery and has a long road of recovery ahead of him, according to the Hometown Heroes website.
The Hamilton police are still searching for the hit-and-run vehicle, which they said should have front-end damage as well as damage to the front undercarriage molding.
Through the investigation being conducted by the Hamilton Police Division Traffic Unit, the suspect vehicle has been determined to be a four-door mid-sized sedan occupied by two males and one female. As of Wednesday morning, police had not yet determined the make, model and color of the vehicle.
”Instead of owning up to this mistake, the individuals who hit Ryan proceeded to get out of their car, assessed the situation, ran him over again, and then drove away,” the Hometown Heroes website states.
Mr. Hamilton’s sister, Kaitlin, confirms the details of the incident that Hometown Heroes has posted on its website on her public facebook page. Attempts to contact Kaitlin prior to press time went unanswered.
Hometown Heroes first heard of this situation from Ryan’s sister, Kaitlin, and is collecting donations to help Mr. Hamilton and his family during this difficult time, according to its website.To make a donation to the Hamilton family through Hometown Heroes, visit http://usahometownheroes.com/ryan-hamilton-2.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Hamilton Police Division at 609-581-4000. Information may also be left anonymously on the Hamilton Police Crime Tip Hotline at 609-581-4008.

