3-Hour Manhunt for Me Was Not Necessary, Driver Accused of Leaving Crash Says

A Washington Township man gave local authorities a busy Christmas night after crashing his car on Schooley’s Mountain Road, police said.

Officer Scott Myers found a Volkswagen Passat crashed and lodged between a guardrail and stone embankment on the southern end of Schooley’s Mountain Road shortly after 11 p.m. Wednesday, Lt. Doug Compton said.

Police learned the vehicle belonged to Melvin Travis, 55, who left the scene on foot before Myers arrived, Compton said.

Myers conducted a search of the area but could not find Travis. Because the crash coupled with low temperatures, the Morris County Sheriff’s Department K9 Unit also conducted a search of the area for about three hours, Compton said.

But Travis believed the whole issue was blown out of proportion.

Travis told Patch Friday one of his vehicle's tires blew out while he was driving, causing the crash. He said a passerby called the police for him.

Travis said he believed his car was in a safe area and would not need immediate attention, considering the time of night. 

Travis contacted the police department and told officers he was the driver of the car, Compton said. Travis said he contacted a friend who picked him up from the scene, and had planned to return the following day to handle removing the car, Compton said.

An investigation revealed Travis was heading southbound near the “S” curves close to Newburgh Road when he lost control, skidding into the northbound lane, off the roadway, then back to the southbound lane before getting stuck between the guardrail and stone embankment, Compton said.

Travis was issued summons by mail for leaving the scene of an accident, failure to report an accident, careless driving, and failure to maintain lane. His vehicle was impounded and he was issued a court date.

For questions about this post, email jason.koestenblatt@patch.com.