SOUTH BRUNSWICK — A township police officer is recovering after his patrol car was struck on Route 1 by an alleged distracted driver.
At 2:55 p.m. on June 24, Officer George Morgan was on patrol in a marked patrol unit stopped for the Route 1 light at the Raymond Road intersection. Morgan was struck from behind by a 2014 Mercedes E350 Sedan driven by Mihir Sinha, 75, of Plainsboro, according to a statement prepared by the South Brunswick Police Department.
The collision caused extensive damage to both vehicles.
Morgan was transported by South Brunswick EMS to Princeton University Hospital. He was treated for arm and leg injuries and released, police said. Sinha was uninjured in the crash.
An investigation by the South Brunswick Police Traffic Safety Bureau determined Sinha allegedly failed to pay attention and was distracted prior to the crash, according to the statement. Sinha was issued a careless driving summons.
“I am grateful Officer Morgan is okay. This is the second time in two months where officers narrowly missed serious injury in traffic crashes. There is a wide array of dangers in police work, but driver inattention is a preventable hazard. Drivers need to pay attention when driving. It only takes a second of distraction for disaster to happen,” Police Chief Raymond Hayducka said.