Crime & Safety

Unlicensed Driver Identified, Arrested for Downing Street Light, Police Say

20-year-old Randolph resident charged after fleeing the scene of the accident on Sunday, police said.

A 20-year-old Randolph resident was the subject of an intensive search stemming from an accident on Sunday morning that took down the traffic signal at the intersection of South Street and South Park Place, Morristown Police said. 

According to Lt. Stuart Greer, Carlos Eduardo Vargas-Membreno was identified as the person driving the 1995 Jeep when it struck the traffic light and then abandoned it on King Street after the accident. 

"Mr. Vargas-Membreno advised that he had been distracted while driving, struck the traffic signal and then left the area in the vehicle because he was scared," Greer said.

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Greer said the investigation by officers Robert Edwards and Brian McDonnell, concluded with Vergas-Membreno being charged with failure to report an accident, leaving the scene of an accident, careless driving and driving without a license. 

According to Greer, the Jeep was registered to a 23-year-old Branchburg woman, who was also charged. 

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"A summons was issued to the registered owner of the car for allowing an unlicensed driver to operate her vehicle," Greer said. 


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