Crime & Safety
Steering Problem Blamed for SUV Crash, Fire
No summonses were issued and the driver examined at the scene by Chatham Emergency Squad members.
An SUV caught on fire after it ran off the road and struck a tree on Lafayette Avenue Tuesday evening.
Firefighters said Ryan Cardoza, 18, of Chatham, was headed southbound on Lafayette Avenue and struck a tree on the west side of the road near Essex Road.
The car, a 1999 Honda CRV, was on fire when police arrived at 7:33 p.m. Cardoza was out of the car when police arrived at the scene near Essex Road, police said.
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The used foam and water to put out the fire, which created a large cloud of smoke and pungent smell in the area.
Patrolman Roy George of the investigated the crash. Cardoza said there was a problem with the steering wheel which caused him to veer off the road and strike the tree, police said.
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Cardoza was examined by members at the scene of the accident, but he refused medical attention, according to police.
He was walking and was able to talk to members of the .
Police officers closed Lafayette Avenue to traffic while the fire was put out.
No summonses were issued to Cardoza.
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