Hit-and-Run on Route 42 in Washington Township Leaves Person Seriously Injured

Police search for driver who fled the scene after striking a pedestrian early Sunday morning.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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A person was seriously injured in a hit-and-run incident on Route 42 in Washington Township, New Jersey, early Sunday morning. Police say a 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class struck a pedestrian walking along the shoulder of the road, and the driver then fled the scene. The injured person was taken to a local hospital and then airlifted to a trauma center for further treatment.

Why it matters

Hit-and-run incidents are a serious problem, often leaving victims with severe injuries and raising concerns about public safety on roadways. This case highlights the need for drivers to remain at the scene of an accident and for law enforcement to thoroughly investigate such incidents to hold perpetrators accountable.

The details

According to police, the hit-and-run occurred just after 4:30 a.m. on Route 42 in the area of Whitman Drive. The Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon struck a person walking southbound along the shoulder of the road, and the driver then fled the scene. Investigators were able to identify the striking vehicle using license plate readers in the area.

  • The hit-and-run happened just after 4:30 a.m. on Sunday, February 15, 2026.

The players

2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

The vehicle involved in the hit-and-run incident on Route 42 in Washington Township.

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What’s next

Police are continuing to investigate the hit-and-run incident and are searching for the driver of the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon who fled the scene.

The takeaway

This tragic hit-and-run highlights the importance of drivers remaining at the scene of an accident and the need for law enforcement to thoroughly investigate such incidents to hold perpetrators accountable and improve public safety on our roads.