BRIDGEWATER, NJ — The driver of a Tesla involved in a fatal crash on Route 22 claims the car "suddenly stopped on its own" in the middle of the highway on May 31, said Bridgewater Police.
"During the investigation, the driver stated that the Tesla was operating in autopilot mode and that the vehicle suddenly stopped on its own. Our investigators were unable to substantiate that claim based on the evidence available," Bridgewater Police Sgt. Kevin Florczak told Patch.
Tesla did not immediately respond to Patch for comment.
The driver was also issued summonses for careless driving, driving without a license, and failure of a new resident to obtain a New Jersey driver's license, said Florczak.
The identity of the driver was not immediately released.
On May 31 at around 4:06 p.m., Bridgewater Township Police Officers were called to a multi-vehicle crash on Route 22 East near Grove Street.
A preliminary investigation found that a white Tesla was driving on Route 22 East near Grove Street when it suddenly came to a complete stop in the center lane, said Florczak.
A 2018 Subaru Outback, which was driving behind the Tesla, was reportedly forced to stop.
A 2002 Buick LeSabre, driving behind the Subaru, was unable to stop in time and hit the back of the Subaru, according to Florczak.
The Subaru then spun out and came to rest in the left lane.
A 33-year-old man from Brooklyn, NY, and two passengers were inside the Subaru. None were injured, said Florczak.
The Buick lost control, drove into the right lane, crossed the highway, left the highway, and went into the center median, where it hit a tree before stopping, according to Florczak.
Officers found the Buick about one-quarter mile east of the crash.
The driver, a 91-year-old Bridgewater man, was found unresponsive inside the Buick.
Officers immediately began CPR and continued lifesaving efforts until Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital paramedics arrived. The driver was taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, where he was later pronounced dead.
Hugh Johnson Jr., 91, of Bridgewater, was identified as the driver of the 2002 Buick LeSabre in the May 31 crash, said Bridgewater Police Lt. Stephen Zeichner.
Johnson Jr. served in the 3rd Armored Division in Germany. Afterward, he worked as a welder before landing his lifelong career with American Airlines, according to his obituary.
A 93-year-old female passenger in the Buick sustained minor
injuries and was also taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital for treatment.
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