HARRISON –
A man reportedly involved in a hit-and-run on July 15 was subsequently arrested on drug charges, according to the Harrison Police Department.
Police said a BOLO was broadcast at 10:18 p.m. for a black or Hispanic man wearing black shorts and a hat who had allegedly fled the scene of an accident at Harrison Ave. and Frank E. Rodgers Blvd. on foot, last seen heading west on Jersey St. near Third St.
According to a police crash investigation report, the driver of a 2009 Ford Crown owned by DF Transportation of Newark told police she was traveling west on Harrison Ave. when she was struck from behind by a 1999 Acura CL operated by the suspect who fled the scene.
While traveling west on Jersey St., Officer Matthew Murphy observed an individual, later ID’d as Emmanuel Sanchez, 20, of Newark, matching the BOLO description, sitting on the front steps of 286 Jersey, police said.
After the officer asked him for ID, police said the man produced a New Jersey license for a Jesus Sanchez-Rios while reportedly attempting to conceal what turned out to be a New Jersey ID for Emmanuel Sanchez.
Police said Sanchez told the officer that he uses Sanchez-Rios’ ID because he lacks a valid driver’s license.
When asked where he had just come from, Sanchez reportedly replied: “I was afraid because the lady [in the other vehicle involved in the accident] yelled when I hit her.” Asked if he was driving and involved in an accident, Sanchez reportedly answered: “Yeah, I was driving my man’s car.”
Sanchez was issued multiple motor vehicle summonses and was arrested on a charge of hindering apprehension.
In a search incident to arrest, police said they found a small clear bag with green and brown vegetation believed to be marijuana and he was additionally charged with possession of under 50 grams of marijuana.
Sanchez, who, according to the police accident report, said he was not paying attention at the time of the crash, was released pending court action, police said.
– Ron Leir
