(Editor’s note: Some of the details below have been changed to protect the privacy of those involved.)

A light snow began to fall as a steady stream of headlights inched its way up to the traffic light at Routes 10 and 322 in Honey Brook Borough. It was five o’clock and if there is rush hour traffic in Honey Brook, this is about as bad as it gets.

Police Chief Pat Ely is at his desk, phone pressed against his ear. “OK. Yes. Thank you. I’ll keep my eye on it. Yes. Thanks.” He sets down the phone and pauses to listen as the radio alerts him to an accident in a nearby township. The phone rings again.