SOUTH RIVER, NJ – Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Chief Mark Tinitigan of the South River Police Department announced the sentencing of Michael Arena, 64, from South River, for his involvement in a fatal crash that killed a 14-year-old boy. The incident occurred on July 7, 2023, at the intersection of Whitehead Avenue and Russell Avenue.
Responding to the scene, South River police discovered the young victim, who had been struck by a white work van while riding his bicycle. The driver fled the scene. The victim was rushed to the hospital but later died from his injuries.
Following a thorough investigation, authorities arrested Arena at his home on the same day. He later confessed to being the driver involved in the accident. On December 8, 2023, Arena pled guilty to second-degree charges of Knowingly Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Crash Resulting in Death and Vehicular Homicide.
Superior Court Judge Sheree Pitchford sentenced Arena on April 10, 2024, to a total of 15 years in prison, with the sentences to run consecutively. He must serve 85% of the 5-year sentence for Vehicular Homicide without the possibility of parole. Additionally, Arena will face a one-year suspension of his driver’s license upon his release.