02/05/10

TITLE: 3 CAR CRASH IN HUNTERDON COUNTY
 

CL TWP

On Wednesday, February 3, at approximately 10:40 am, Officer Jennifer Petruzziello responded to a three-car motor vehicle crash on Route 31 South at Halstead Street. Upon arrival, Ptl. Petruzziello learned that a 1995 Nissan Sentra operated by Walter Diaz Jr., age 19, of Wrightstown, rear-ended a 2009 Chrysler Sebring operated by Declan Clohesy, age 45, of Glen Gardner, while the Clohesy vehicle was stopped for the red light.

The impact caused the Clohesy vehicle to be pushed forward into the rear of a 2006 Honda Accord operated by James Dooley Jr., age 32, of Washington. There were no injuries and both the Clohesy and Dooley vehicles were driven from the scene. When asked about the cause of the crash, Mr. Diaz advised Ptl. Petruzziello that he could not stop in time because his vehicle had bald tires. While investigating the crash, Ptl. Petruzziello observed marijuana on the left cuff of Mr. Diaz’s coat.

When Mr. Diaz opened his glove box in order to retrieve his insurance card, Ptl. Petruzziello observed rolling papers and a switchblade knife in plain view. A consensual search produced a “one-hitter” marijuana pipe in the passenger’s compartment and a partially-consumed bottle of rum in the trunk. As a result, Ptl. Petruzziello arrested Mr. Diaz and charged him with Possession of a Prohibited Weapon, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Underaged Possession of an Alcoholic Beverage, Careless Driving, and Unsafe Tires. He was released ROR. His vehicle had to be towed.