What started out as a hit-and-run accident in Middletown on Sunday ended in the arrest of two area people on weapons and cocaine possession charges as well as the unlawful taking of a vehicle.

The incident unfolded as police responded to a motor vehicle crash on Route 36 shortly after 8  a.m. to find that one vehicle had fled from the scene, according to a press release from Middletown police.

After locating the vehicle and launching an investigation, officers Bernie Chenoweth and Robert McNair arrested the driver and passenger, the release said.

The driver, Stevie A. Rocha-Hughes, 30, of Portland Avenue in Highlands was charged with: taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent, unlawful possession of a handgun and various motor vehicle charges related to the incident, police said.

Her bail was set $ 5,000 with no 10 percent allowed. She was transported to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution.

The passenger, Clifton J. Hughes, 38, of Portland Avenue in Highlands, was charged with possession of cocaine, police said.

His bail was set at $2,500 with no 10 percent option. He was also committed to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution.