Man Hits 2 Piscataway Pedestrians, Then Flees Scene, Police Say

PISCATAWAY, NJ — A Plainfield man has been arrested and charged with driving into two pedestrians Sunday afternoon in Piscataway, seriously injuring one, and then fleeing the scene, police say. The man has been apprehended, but the SUV he was driving, however, has not been located by police, who are asking the public's help in finding it.

The crash occurred Sunday, March 3 at approximately 12:51 p.m., according to a press release from the Township. The SUV was traveling west on West Third Street in the area of Leslie Avenue when it veered right, striking two pedestrians, police say. The SUV pinned one of them against the rear of the parked vehicle.

The driver then fled the scene continuing westbound on West Third Street, onto Rock Avenue and then northbound into Plainfield, according to police.

The pedestrian who was pinned was transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick with significant leg injuries. They remain hospitalized as of Monday afternoon, a Piscataway Township spokesman said.

The other pedestrian was also taken to Robert Wood, but treated for minor injuries and released. The names of the two pedestrians were not released

Douglas C. Coelho, 32, of Plainfield, was later arrested and charged in the incident. He was charged with two counts of assault by auto and one count of knowingly leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident resulting in serious bodily injury, a third-degree crime. He is being held at the Middlesex County Adult Corrections Center pending a detention hearing. Additional charges may be pending.

Although an arrest has been made, the SUV that police say he was driving has yet to be located. The vehicle is a 2016 Toyota 4-Runner, dark gray in color, bearing NJ registration N83-KBP. The vehicle is outfitted for off-road use. The SUV bears a roof rack with a spare tire atop it, large off-road style tires, a "snorkel type" intake system, decals on the right rear side window and large front fog lights. One fog light may have a "smiley face" cover attached.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Patrolman Kevin Haynoski of the Traffic Safety Section at 732-562-2341 or 732-562-1100.