Arrest Made in Hit and Run Motor Vehicle Crash

Madison, NJ – August 5, 2022 – Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Christoph K. Kimker, Madison Police Chief John R. Miscia and Morris County Sheriff James Gannon announce that Charles J. Bender age 54, of Rockaway Township, New Jersey, has been charged with third degree Endangering an Injured Victim in connection with a hit and run motor vehicle crash that occurred on Main Street in Madison.

At approximately 5:20 p.m. on Thursday, August 4, 2022, the Morris County Communications Center received several 9-1-1 calls reporting a person struck by a vehicle. The vehicle, a gray 2005 Toyota Corolla, with passenger side damage and a missing passenger side hubcap fled the scene following the crash. The vehicle turned onto Waverly Place, left onto Lincoln Place, left onto Prospect Street before crossing over Main Street, and continuing on Greenwood Avenue towards Florham Park.

Madison Volunteer Ambulance Corps personnel and paramedics from Atlantic Health transported the 64-year-old Morris Township resident to Morristown Medical Center.

During the course of the investigation, Madison Police Department obtained video footage of the vehicle, including the license plate, and through a multi-agency investigation, the vehicle was located in Rockaway Township. The driver of the Toyota, identified as Mr. Bender, was arrested last night. Mr. Bender was charged with one count of third degree Endangering an Injured Victim and was lodged at the Morris County Correctional Facility. Bender is also been charged with a number of motor vehicle offenses.

Despite this accusation, defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

We thank the numerous law enforcement agencies who participated in the investigation, including Morris County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Unit & Vehicular Homicide Task Force, Morris County Sheriff's Office, Morris Township Police Department Traffic Safety Unit, County of Morris Law & Public Safety, Florham Park Police Department and Rockaway Township Police Department, as well as Madison Fire Department and Madison Volunteer Ambulance Corps.

Anyone with further information about this incident can call Madison Police Department Detective Sergeant Kenneth Shannon at (973) 593-3000 or Morris County Prosecutor's Office Detective Muhammad Thomas at 973-285-6200. When calling, please refer to MPD case number 22-19580. Anonymous calls can also be made to the Morris County Sheriff's CrimeStoppers at 973-267-2255.