Stafford Township, NJ - On November 15, 2024, at approximately 4:00 P.M., Stafford Township Police received a report of a hit and run motor vehicle crash on Route 9 near Newell Avenue. The caller provided a description of the vehicle fleeing the scene as a white Jeep Patriot and provided the license plate number.  Traffic Safety Officer Justin Pascale located the vehicle entering onto the Garden State Parkway North and initiated a motor vehicle stop.  The driver was identified as 38 year old Matthew Clinton of Devon Street in Forked River, NJ.  Investigation revealed that Clinton had two warrants out for his arrest issued by Seaside Heights Municipal Court.  Patrolman Nicholas Fabrizzio arrived to assist, placed Clinton under arrest, and transported him to police headquarters.  Clinton was issued motor vehicle summonses for Leaving the Scene of an Accident 39:4-129E, Failure to Report an Accident 39:4-130, and Careless Driving 39:4-97, all scheduled for a court appearance on December 4, 2024 at 9:00 A.M. in Stafford Township Municipal Court.  Seaside Heights Municipal Court rescheduled Clinton's court appearance for the warrants and he was released on his own recognizance.

As a reminder, the Stafford Township Police Department does not release arrest photos of defendants. All individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.