Police Look For Hit-And-Run Perpetrator

A vehicle swiped the left shoulder of the Garden State Parkway southbound in Cranford, injuring a man in the process and then speeding away Saturday evening, according to Capt. Frank Davis of the N.J. State Police Department. 

The victim, 57-year-old Mehmet Toy of Allendale, was transported by ambulance to University Hospital in Newark with head and back injuries. He is reportedly in stable condition, according to UC spokesperson Tiffany Smith.

Police are currently investigating the hit-and-run incident and are looking for the driver responsible.

The incident stemmed from a domino effect – around 8 p.m. a vehicle broke down in the left lane of the GSP by exit 136 and  "slowed traffic to a stop," said Davis.

To avoid hitting the stopped car, Toy braked and another vehicle ran into his fender. To inspect the damage caused by the incident, Toy stepped out onto the highway. Another vehicle attempted to pass the three stopped cars and allegedly hit Toy's ajar driver's side door, which swung back on its hinges and hit the victim.

According to Sgt. Brian Polite, investigators believe the vehicle that injured Toy is either a Ford f150 pickup truck or Ford Expedition. From evidence found on scene, officers determined that the vehicle either a metallic red or maroon color. The right headlight of the vehicle likely is damaged from the collision.

Detectives are asking that anyone with information on the vehicle or driver call the state bureau at 732-442-8600 ext. 2371.