Drunken Driver Fled Crash, Hid at Home, Cops Say

A drunken driver was arrested Wednesday night after fleeing the scene of an accident, Washington Township Police said.

Peter Rizzuto, 42, of Washington Township was traveling north on Reservoir Road around 8:30 p.m. when he failed to “negotiate a turn,” Lt. Art Adams said. Rizzuto lost control, overcorrected, and hit a telephone pole directly on the passenger side door, Adams said.

The vehicle “sheered” off the pole and continued another 150 feet into the woods, hitting multiple trees along the way, Adams said. Rizzuto freed himself from the crash and fled the scene before police arrived, Adams said.

Cpl. James Burns arrived at the scene to find the crashed vehicle but no driver, and was joined by Sgt. Jeffrey Almer, Detective Sgt. Chris Bratus and Officer Robert Brobst who canvassed the area in case the driver was ejected from the vehicle, Adams said.

The Long Valley First Aid Squad and Schooley’s Mountain Fire Company assisted at the scene utilizing thermal imaging equipment to find anyone in the woods that may have come from the crash, Adams said.

Police learned the vehicle belonged to a resident on Stone Hill Court, a neighborhood near the crash scene, Adams said. Residents living in the area near the crash told police they heard someone run from the scene, Adams said.

Officers arrived at the home on the vehicle’s registration to find Rizzuto hiding behind his house, Adams said. An investigation revealed Rizzuto was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash, and he was was transported to Hackettstown Regional Medical Center to check for injuries, Adams said.

The crash resulted in loss of electricity for residents along Reservoir Road until a new pole, transformer and wires could be set in place.

Rizzuto was charged with driving while intoxicated, reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, failure to report an accident, and failure to keep right.

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