Hit-And-Run Driver Sought In Route 22 Crash Of Hillsborough Dad

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — A Hillsborough family is asking the community for help in identifying a mystery driver involved in a hit-and-run of a father on Route 22 causing his car to be totaled. A GoFundMe fundraiser has since been created to help cover costs.

Al Freehauf, 60, of Hillsborough was driving on Route 22 East around 8 a.m. when a silver/grey (likely Honda) with a black hood, hit his passenger-side fender near Mountain Avenue which sent him spinning off-road before driving off, said Freehauf's daughter Sara Vestick.

Freehauf's car ran into three trees before stopping, said Vestick.

"The police said that if the trees weren't there he probably would've rolled over right into the embankment, ditch filled with water, said Vestick.

Freehauf managed to walk away from the crash with a small cut on his knee and shoulder pain associated to his seat belt and airbag.

Vestick asked Patch "to get the word out to see if anyone knows something and to help catch this person, especially since insurance won’t be covering anything because it was a hit and run."

Bound Brook Deputy Chief Kevin Rivenbark confirmed the report saying the suspect vehicle fled eastbound on Route 22, and the driver was described as a man. Vestick added the man had longer, dark hair.

Anyone having any information is asked to contact Bound Brook Police Officer Monica Jimenez at 732-356-0800.

Vestick is hoping someone saw the crash and could provide more information to the police to help find the driver.

Vestick also "set up a GoFundMe to try to cover the cost of a new (used) vehicle because simply we cannot afford to pay out of pocket for everything right at the moment, but we need a second vehicle in our home."

For more information on the GoFundMe or to donate visit gofund.me/1e6e2d8f.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

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