After a 2-week investigation by the Cranford Police Traffic Bureau, a Cranford man was charged in connection with a pedestrian crash that occurred in Cranford on October 14^th, 2022.

At approximately 0630 hours on October 14^th, 2022, police units responded to a motor vehicle crash involving a pedestrian at the intersection of Miln Street and Alden Street.  Detective John Rattigan of the Cranford Police Traffic Bureau began his investigation and determined that the pedestrian, identified as a 58-year-old Cranford resident, was struck while walking within a marked crosswalk on Miln Street by a Gray Hyundai.  The pedestrian was transported to University Hospital in Newark, New Jersey with injuries.

The driver of the Gray Hyundai was identified as Akhil Patel, 45, of Cranford – who remained on scene and cooperated with this investigation. 

Patel was immediately issued motor vehicle summonses for failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk, careless driving, and driving while suspended.  Subsequently, a certified abstract from the State of New Jersey demonstrated that Patel was actively suspended for multiple offenses.  As a result, the Union County Prosecutor’s Office approved a criminal charge against Patel for 4^th Degree Operation of a Vehicle with a License Suspended for Driving While Intoxicated. 

On October 27^th, 2022, Patel was charged, processed, and released pending a Superior Court Appearance Date. 

#          #          #

Release by D/Lt. Matthew R. Nazzaro

m-nazzaro@cranfordnj.org / 908-709-4313