HTPD reports hit-and-run accident, attempted carjacking

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Published:

November 2, 2020

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The following report is on file with the Harrison Township Police Department:

On Sunday, Nov. 1, at North Main Street and Wolfert Station Road, 44-year-old South Harrison Township resident Samuel Fish IV was operating a 2014 Dodge Ram and sideswiped a 2017 Ford Fusion. As a result of the collision, a passenger in the Fusion suffered minor neck injuries and was transported to Inspira Medical Center for treatment. 

Fish continued traveling north on North Main Street with a flat tire, riding on the rim, and swerved into oncoming traffic. A vehicle traveling south on North Main Street near Jefferson Road came to a stop, fearing the vehicle was intentionally trying to cause a head on collision. As a result, Fish stopped his vehicle. Fish then exited his vehicle and attempted to enter the other stopped vehicle by grabbing the door handles and ordering the driver to exit the vehicle. The driver locked his doors and pulled away. 

The accused then re-entered his vehicle and fled into Mantua Township where his vehicle became fully disabled and engulfed in flames. Fish was detained by the Mantua Police Department and ultimately placed under arrest by Harrison Township Police Department officers, then transported to headquarters where he refused to provide samples of his breath.

While being processed, he made suicidal statements and threats to EMS, prompting a transport to Inspira Medical Center for a crisis evaluation. 

A telephonic search warrant was requested and authorized for a blood draw due to the bodily injury suffered by the passenger of the Ford Fusion. 

Fish was charged with numerous motor vehicle violations including leaving the scene of a crash with injuries, DWI, and refusal to submit samples of his breath. He was additionally issued criminal charges for carjacking and assault by auto for leaving the scene of a crash with injuries while operating under the influence of an alcoholic beverage or drugs. 

Fish will be lodged in Salem County Jail pending a hearing in Gloucester County Superior Court once he clears medical treatment. The incident is being investigated by Cpl. Michael Flannery, assisted by Sgt. Andrew Thomas and Ptl. Christopher Foster.