Man Charged In Morris Co. Hit-And-Run Crash

MADISON, NJ - A Morris County man was charged Thursday in connection with a hit and run motor vehicle crash that injured a 64-year-old local, authorities said.

Charles J. Bender, 54, of Rockaway Township, was charged with one count of third degree Endangering an Injured Victim and a string of other motor vehicle offenses, Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Christoph K. Kimker, Madison Police Chief John R. Miscia and Morris County Sheriff James Gannon said in a joint statement.

At around 5:20 p.m. on Thursday, a gray 2005 Toyota Corolla with passenger side damage and a missing passenger side hubcap was reported fleeing the scene of a pedestrian crash on Main Street in Madison. At the scene, the Madison Volunteer Ambulance Corps personnel and paramedics from Atlantic Health transported a 64-year-old Morris Township resident to Morristown Medical Center, authorities said.

Meanwhile, the vehicle involved fled the scene by turning onto Waverly Place, left onto Lincoln Place, left onto Prospect Street before crossing over Main Street, and continuing on Greenwood Avenue towards Florham Park, authorities said.

An initial investigation recovered video footage of the vehicle, including the license plate, which led to the vehicle being located in Rockaway Township, authorities said.

The driver of the Toyota, identified as Bender, was arrested Thursday night. He is currently lodged at the Morris County Correctional Facility.

Authorities thanked the numerous law enforcement agencies who participated in the investigation, including Morris County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Unit & Vehicular Homicide Task Force, Morris County Sheriff's Office, Morris Township Police Department Traffic Safety Unit, County of Morris Law & Public Safety, Florham Park Police Department and Rockaway Township Police Department, as well as Madison Fire Department and Madison Volunteer Ambulance Corps.

Anyone with further information about this incident can call Madison Police Department Detective Sergeant Kenneth Shannon at (973) 593-3000 or Morris County Prosecutor's Office Detective Muhammad Thomas at 973-285-6200. When calling, please refer to MPD case number 22-19580. Anonymous calls can also be made to the Morris County Sheriff's CrimeStoppers at 973-267-2255.