Pedestrian injured after taking a ‘shortcut’ under tractor trailer

A New Jersey man is in the hospital after he attempted to take a ‘shortcut’ under a semi truck at a gas station this week.

The incident happened at 9:25 p.m. on Tuesday, February 5, at the Raceway service station off of Route 1 in Edison, New Jersey, according to a news release from the Edison Township Police Department.

Police say that 30 year old Neal Patel and a male friend were on foot walking towards a local motel called the Global Inn when they came across a tractor trailer in their path and Patel reportedly attempted a ‘shortcut’ to save a few steps.

The release says that Patel “apparently tried to scoot under a stopped tractor trailer that just fueled up.” Patel’s friend “took a safer route, walking around the big vehicle”, according to police.

As Patel was attempting his shortcut, a Michigan-based truck driver started up his truck and attempted to drive onto Route 1, unaware that there was anyone underneath his truck.  Authorities say that Patel was dragged 10 feet and run over by the truck’s rear tires.

The truck driver continued on his way and was later located by police more than 60 miles away in Philadelphia. He cooperated with the investigation and returned to Edison after learning what had happened.

Patel was taken to a local hospital and is listed in critical condition.

Police say that the semi truck driver will not be charged.