MANCHESTER – A construction worker replacing a driveway in the Crestwood Village section of town, was injured in a hit-and-run accident. Police managed to locate the vehicle and the suspect a short time later.
Manchester Township Police said the accident happened Friday afternoon just before 4 p.m.
A call came in to headquarters saying a man was struck by a vehicle. Officers responded and found 46-year-old Dominick Demorato of Ocean Gate lying on the grass outside the Molly Pitcher Court home.
Demorato was conscious and alert but was complaining of leg and back pain.
Police Captain Todd Malland said a silver Mazda struck Demorato as he was walking across the roadway while working on the driveway at a home.
According to police, the senior citizen who struck Demorato pulled over after crash, asked him if he was alright and when he replied no, he got back in the car and took off.
The victim was taken to Community Medical Center in Toms River where he remains in stable condition.
Witnesses to the accident were able to aid police in locating both the car and the driver.
Police said 81-year-old Robert Rancati of Whiting was behind the wheel of the car at the time. The vehicle is registered to Rancati’s wife.
An investigation is currently underway and charges against Rancati are pending.
