Two crashes in Monroe County occurred just minutes apart with one involving an ambulance responding to the first crash. The crashes occurred on Sept. 21.

State police at Fern Ridge said the first crash occurred at 12:36 p.m. along Route 209, east of Baxters Road, in Chestnuthill Township. Troopers said Narda M. Tejada, 52, of Blakeslee, was operating a 2015 Mercedes-Benz in the right lane traveling northbound while Sofia P. Gonzales, 19, of Bushkill, was operating a 2004 Jeep Cherokee, in the right lane southbound.

Tejada came upon a vehicle stopped in the lane and passed the vehicle entering the oncoming lane. The Mercedes-Benz and Jeep collided head-on.

Both drivers and a passenger with a boy in a child safety seat, were all taken to the Lehigh Valley Hospital - Pocono, East Stroudsburg, for treatment of suspected minor injuries. Both vehicles were towed.

Both drivers were cited, Tejada for a driving violation, and Gonzales for operation of a vehicle without official certificate of inspection.

At 1:20 p.m. police said Michael L. Claypotch, 25, of Kunkletown, driving a 2009 Nissan Altima, pulled out of his driveway in a careless manner onto Route 209. His car struck the side of a 2018 Chevrolet ambulance driven by Tyler L. Westbrook, 28, of Albrightsville. The ambulance was responding to the first crash.

Claypotch fled the scene but was later located and charged. No injuries were reportedin that second crash. The Altima was damaged.