By Greg Forester, Staff Writer
WEST WINDSOR — Whoever left a 1992 Saturn sedan on the side of Washington Road after an early Sunday morning accident will likely face charges of careless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, and failing to report an accident, according to township Sgt. Brian Melnick.
The only sign of the potential driver of the vehicle was a note left on the windshield of the vehicle.
West Windsor police first got wind of the accident after receiving a report on the car from Princeton University Public Safety officers shortly before 6 a.m. Sunday, police said Monday.
It appears the car left the roadway and struck a nearby tree, at which point the driver then fled, Sgt. Melnick said.
West Windsor fire personnel were called to the scene in the early morning darkness to use thermal imaging equipment to search the accident area for people or clues, but fire personnel came up empty-handed.
After checking the vehicle’s documentation, police said they discovered the car’s owner was a Hamilton Township woman.
But that led to another dead end, as Hamilton police reported that the owner no longer lived at the Hamilton address. The current residents did not have a forwarding address for the woman, Sgt. Melnick said.
Police said they would investigate if the driver had been drinking, which they said is commonly the reason for someone to leave a late night or early morning accident.
”A lot of times at that hour, in the middle of the night, it involves someone under the influence,” said Sgt. Melnick.
Sgt. Melnick said it was important for residents to understand they are legally responsible to contact police in the event of any car accident that causes over $500 in damage or any bodily injuries.
West Windsor police officer Pete Hanna is investigating the accident. Anyone with information is urged to contact the West Windsor Police Department at (609) 799-1222.
