Benz Driver Accused of Hit-And-Run Turns Self In, Cops Say

The driver of a Mercedes-Benz accused of smashing another vehicle in Mendham Township and causing injuries has turned himself in, police announced.

Christopher Andrews, 42, of Chester, turned himself in to Mendham Township police late Monday and was charged with two counts of assault by auto, leaving the scene of an accident, failing to render aid, and a variety of other motor vehicle offenses, including reckless driving, Lt. Ross Johnson said.

On Sunday night just after 10 p.m. police responded to Tempe Wick Road for a motor vehicle crash and found an Audi had rolled over, Johnson said.

Victims in the vehicle, Raouf Al-Bahrani, 53, and Dema Hilmi, 42, both of Mendham, told police a vehicle was “excessively” tailgating them, and subsequently crashed into the rear of the car, forcing them off the road and causing a rollover, Johnson said.

The driver of the second vehicle then fled the scene despite damage to the car, including a portion of the grill and headlight being left on the roadway, Johnson said.

Al-Bahrani and Hilmi were taken to Morristown Medical Center with non life-threatening injuries.

While the investigation is ongoing, there is no indication that the incident was premeditated, Johnson said.

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