Hit-and-Run leads to DWI

courtesy photo

HAMMONTON—Police were dispatched to the 100 block of Lakeview Drive in reference to a motor vehicle crash hit-and-run at 2:54 a.m. on May 30, Hammonton Police Chief Kevin Friel said.

“The caller advised dispatch that the vehicle, a silver in color sedan, left northbound on Poplar,” Friel said.

Cpl. Kyle Ambrozaitis observed the accused vehicle in the area of the White Horse Pike (Route 30) and Eighth Street with significant damage to the front end, Friel said.

He stopped the vehicle at the intersection of Moss Mill Road and Boyer Avenue, Friel said. The driver was identified as Christopher Barts Jr., 23, of Hammonton, Friel said.

While Ambrozaitis was speaking with him, Barts appeared to be disoriented and confused, Friel said. Ambrozaitis detected the odor of alcoholic beverage on Barts’ breath and person, Friel said.

He was placed under arrest, transported to police headquarters for processing and charged with the following motor vehicle violations, Friel said: driving while under the influence, refusal to submit to breath testing, reckless driving, careless driving, failure to report an accident, leaving the scene of an accident, leaving the scene of an accident involving damage and vehicle in an unsafe condition, Friel said.

Barts was released as per John’s Law, pending a court appearance in Hammonton Joint Municipal Court, Friel said.

Friel said Ambrozaitis was the investigating and arresting officer.

This report is comprised of arrests and investigations made by the men and women of local enforcement. All suspects and arrested are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.