1 'Critical,' 1 Charged In Hit-And-Run ATV Crash: Manchester PD

MANCHESTER, NJ — A Scotch Plains man has been charged with leaving the scene of a head-on ATV crash Sunday at the Heritage Minerals property that left a New York man in critical condition, police said Wednesday.

Brett Durant, 31, of Scotch Plains, has been charged with knowingly leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident resulting in serious bodily injury, Manchester Capt. Todd Malland said.

John Guzman, 28, of Queens, N.Y., suffered significant head trauma and multiple broken bonesand was flown to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, following the crash that happened about 5:15 p.m., Malland said. Guzman was listed in critical but stable condition, he said.

Malland said authorities learned Guzman was riding a blue Yamaha quad-style ATV west along the south side of the lake when his ATV was hit head-on by a larger side-by-side style ATV.

Witnesses told police the larger, side-by-side ATV, described as a white, possibly 2019 Polaris RZR, emerged from a smaller trail hearby and was headed east when it hit Guzman's quad.

Guzman was thrown from the ATV and was semiconscious when authorities arrived, Malland said. He was not wearing any safety equipment at the time of the crash, which may have increased the severity of his injuries, Malland said.

Patrolman Michael Anderson and Detective Danny Barker found physical evidence connecting a 2019 Polaris RZR side-by-side style ATV to the crash, evidence that was consistent with the statements provided by witnesses.

During subsequent interviews, investigators identified Durant as the Polaris driver and as well as the possible location of the ATV, Malland said. It was found hidden in a remote wooded location on the ASARCO property several miles from the scene of the crash, he said. It has been seized pending forfeiture.

Durant was arrested without incident, Malland said. He was released on a summons pending a first court appearance.

Manchester police were assisted in the rescue by firefighters from the Manchester, Ridgeway and Whiting Volunteer Fire Departments, EMTs from the Manchester Township Division of Emergency Services and paramedics from Robert Wood Johnson.

Malland said the firefighters were instrumental because they were able to use their off-road vehicles to transport EMTs and paramedics to the scene to render aid to Guzman.

It is the second serious incident at ASARCO, also known as Crystal Lake, in the last month. Edwin Caballero, 23, of Plainfield, drowned in Crystal Lake in early July; his body was found in about 16 feet of water in the lake on the former mining property.

Police have been patrolling the area trying to deter people from the site, which is private property and is closed to recreational and/or other use.

"It is a criminal offense to enter or remain on the property," Malland said.

Manchester police urge everyone to obey the "No Trespassing" signs posted at the site.

Trespassers are subject to hefty fines and penalties up to and including incarceration for being on the property.

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