Police: NJ man fled crash to avoid yelling girlfriend

VINELAND, N.J. -- Police in New Jersey say a man told officers he fled the scene of an auto accident because he "didn't want to deal with his girlfriend yelling at him."

They say David Scarpa was having an argument with his girlfriend Sunday night when he backed into a utility pole in Cumberland County. The caller who reported the hit-and-run said he heard people "yelling" and then heard a bang and saw debris on the ground by the pole.

Police say the 21-year-old Scarpa then took off and didn't report the accident immediately.

Scarpa went to police headquarters to turn himself in Monday.

Police tell The Press of Atlantic City that Scarpa has been charged with leaving the scene of an accident and reckless driving.

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Information from: The Press of Atlantic City