CLIFTON, NJ – A driver who led the scene of a fatal hit and run back in June has been charged and released by police after his capture.
Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes announces that Bryan Meza-Roca, 26 years old, from Moonachie, New Jersey has been indicted in relation to a June 13, 2021 motor vehicle crash that occurred in the City of Clifton and left one person dead.
A Passaic County Grand Jury returned Indictment No. 21-10-00702-I charging Mr. MezaRoca with one count of second degree Knowingly Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Accident Resulting in Death, and third-degree Endangering an Injured Victim. On June 13, 2021, during the early morning hours, Mr. Meza-Roca drove a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe on Route 3 Eastbound and struck Mustafa Hemaid, 33-years-old from Paterson, New Jersey, and thereafter left the scene.
Mr. Hemaid was pronounced deceased at the scene. The sentencing exposure on second degree Knowingly Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Accident Resulting in Death is between 5 and 10 years in New Jersey State Prison and third-degree Endangering an Injured Victim is between 3 and 5 years in New Jersey State Prison. Mr. Meza-Roca was arrested without incident at the Clifton Police Department on June 18, 2021, and has been on pretrial release since June 19, 2021.
Mr. Meza-Roca will be scheduled to appear in front of a Superior Court Judge for Arraignment on a date to be determined by the Court in the near future. A criminal indictment is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office asks anyone with additional information about this incident to contact us on our tips line at 1-877-370-PCPO or contact the Clifton Police Department at (973) 470-5900.