On July 4, 2011 at 2:29 a.m., Roselle Park Police responded to the 200 block of Lehigh Avenue on a report of a motor vehicle accident with no occupant(s) observed at the scene of the accident.
An investigation revealed a 1997 Volkswagen was traveling west on Lehigh Avenue and struck a legally parked vehicle. The parked vehicle was pushed on a resident’s front lawn and the Volkswagen sustained substantial damage. The keys to the Volkswagen were still inside the ignition. Police were unable to locate a driver at the scene.
Upon notifying the registered owner, a 22-year-old male from the 400 block of Hemlock Street, he walked to his residence while police were questioning other family members and stated that his vehicle was stolen and unaware of the motor vehicle accident. He stated that he had been at a July 4th party throughout the evening. The owner was unwilling to provide any further information other than stating his keys “may have been left in the vehicle” and that he last observed his vehicle parked on the 10 block of East Colfax Avenue at approximately 3 p.m. on July 3, 2011.
This case is still under investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact Roselle Park Police at (908) 245-2300. This case is being investigated by Detectives Richard Cocca and Hussam Assad.
UPDATE: Charges Filed In Lehigh Avenue Car Accident (link)