GOSHEN– On Sunday, April 4th, at approximately 5:37 p.m., the Middle Township Police Department responded to a report of a motor vehicle accident where a vehicle had run into a residence in the Goshen section of the Township.
While en route, dispatch received numerous calls that the driver had fled the scene. Upon arrival officers were assisted by neighbors in locating the driver, Jose Viera Jr.,29, of Grant Street in Woodbine.
Patrolman Leonard Larkin and Patrolman Josh Bryan were taken approximately 400 yards into the woods off of Goshen Road by ATV’s where they apprehended Viera.
Investigation revealed that Viera was driving a 2007 Cadillac CTS north bound on Goshen Road, when he went off the roadway, struck a tree in the yard of 861 Goshen Road and then struck the house at 863 Goshen Road.
The owners of the residence, Betty and Milt Whitaker were not home at the time of the accident.
Viera was treated at the scene by Middle Township Ambulance corps.
Viera was charged with Careless Driving, Driving While Suspended, Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Accident and Failure to Report a Motor Vehicle Accident. Viera was then released.
The Goshen Fire Department responded and assisted with accident scene.
Goshen Assistant Fire Chief Frank Svitak, said the damage was limited to the porch area which absorbed the force of the crash. The house itself did not appear to be damaged, he said.
