LEONIA, N.J. — A 34-year-old man from North Bergen has been charged in connection with a hit-and-run crash that left a 77-year-old pedestrian critically injured last week, authorities announced Tuesday.
Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said Osmary Jimenez-Luna was arrested Monday following an investigation into a crash that occurred early Thursday morning on Grand Avenue near Ames Avenue in Leonia.
Police were called to the scene around 4:35 a.m. Thursday after an unconscious woman was found on the side of the road. Officers determined she had injuries consistent with being hit by a vehicle. She was taken to Hackensack University Medical Center, where she remains hospitalized in critical condition.
Detectives from the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and the Bergen County Fatal Accident Task Force launched a joint investigation with Leonia Police. Investigators determined the woman was struck while attempting to cross Grand Avenue by a red 2012 Toyota Sienna that fled the scene.
Authorities later identified Jimenez-Luna as the driver and located the vehicle.
On Monday, Jimenez-Luna was arrested and charged with third-degree knowingly leaving the scene of an accident resulting in serious bodily injury and fourth-degree endangering an injured victim, along with multiple motor vehicle violations. He was taken to the Bergen County Jail pending his first court appearance in Hackensack.
“The charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt,” Musella said in a statement.
Multiple police departments, including those in Elizabeth, North Bergen, Ridgefield, and Norwood, assisted in the investigation.