Courtroom stock photo
Courtroom stock photo

Kearny crash that killed 72-year-old leads to arrest

Motorized bicycle operator charged months after fatal Kearny crash

Kearny, NJ — A motorized bicycle operator has been charged in connection with a crash that left a 72-year-old woman dead, more than two months after the collision on a busy Kearny roadway.

Authorities announced Thursday that 44-year-old Miguel Aguilar of Harrison was arrested and charged with causing death while driving with a suspended license, a third-degree offense under New Jersey law. He was taken into custody at the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office in Secaucus and later released pending a court appearance scheduled for Tuesday, May 12.

The charge stems from a crash that occurred around 8:15 a.m. on February 11 along Kearny Avenue between Bergen Avenue and Afton Street. Responding officers found a woman, later identified as Sheila Cruz, 72, of Kearny, suffering from injuries after being struck by a motorized bicycle.

Cruz was transported to University Hospital in Newark, where she died days later on February 15.

Investigators determined during the course of the case that Aguilar did not have a valid license or registration to operate the motorized bicycle at the time of the incident.

The case was handled by the Hudson County Regional Collision Investigation Unit. The charge is an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.


Key Points

  • Man charged in connection with fatal Kearny crash involving motorized bicycle
  • 72-year-old victim died days after being struck on Kearny Avenue
  • Defendant accused of operating vehicle without valid license or registration
Chris Quigley

Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News