Motorist Cleared in Hit-Run Accident

Benjamin Mifflin, 594 Carman street, was found not guilty by a jury in the Camden County Criminal Court before Judge Clifford A. Baldwin yesterday, after he hinted the case against him was “to get money.” Mifflin was charged with assault and battery by automobile.

Mrs. Hazel E. King, of 441 Stevens street, testified that last September 23, Mifflin’s car struck and injured her in front of her home and then drove away as she was unloading some packages from her own car.

She identified Mifflin several days later. Several persons who saw the crash from a distance failed to identify him.

Mifflin denied the charge, saying he was not near the King home at the time of the accident. Asked by Prosecutor Patrick H. Harding on cross-examination: “Why do you think Mrs. King identified you?” Mifflin replied: “She may have had a malicious intent. She may have thought I had money.”

Mifflin formerly operated a Broadway shooting gallery. Detective William Robinson, who found Mifflin’s car after the accident, said there were no scratches on it, although Mrs. King testified the car tore off the door of her own car.