Homeless man hit by car at Howell Wawa after verbal dispute

HOWELL - A pedestrian was hit by a car in a Wawa parking lot on Christmas evening following a verbal altercation with the driver, according to the Howell Township Police.

At about 6 p.m., Howell police received a 911 call that a pedestrian was hit at the convenience store located on Route 9 and Kent Road, according to a news release.

When they arrived, officers found a 51-year-old man lying unconscious in the parking lot, suffering from mostly minor injuries, police said. He was transported to a nearby hospital and later regained consciousness.

Police learned that prior to the accident the victim and driver were involved in a verbal dispute outside the store. The driver - later identified as Alonzo Godbolt of Howell Township - contacted police and turned himself in.

Godbolt was charged with assault by auto, according to the news release, and released on a summons.

A family member of the victim, who spoke with the Asbury Park Press, said that the victim is homeless and has been spending time around the Wawa for over 20 years.

According to the relative, he remains hospitalized.

Jenna Calderón covers breaking news and cold cases in Monmouth and Ocean counties. Before coming to the Press, she covered The Queen City for Cincinnati Magazine in Ohio. Contact her at 330-590-3903; jcalderon@gannettnj.com

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Homeless man hit by car at Howell NJ Wawa after dispute