FAIR LAWN, N.J. — A Fair Lawn woman has been charged after authorities say she struck a mother and her 5-year-old son in a marked crosswalk before leaving the scene of the crash Tuesday morning.
According to the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, 67-year-old Maritza Salazar-Perez was arrested following a joint investigation by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and the Fair Lawn Police Department.
Police responded at approximately 6:34 a.m. Tuesday to the intersection of Broadway and Fair Lawn Parkway at 32nd Street after receiving reports that two pedestrians had been struck by a vehicle.
Officers determined that a 47-year-old woman and her 5-year-old son had been hit while attempting to cross Broadway within a marked crosswalk. Both victims were transported to an area hospital, where the woman was treated for minor injuries while the child was found to have sustained serious injuries.
Investigators said the driver left the scene without notifying police or rendering assistance.
The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and members of the Bergen County Fatal Accident Task Force responded to investigate alongside the Fair Lawn Police Department. The Bergen County Sheriff’s Office also assisted with the investigation.
Authorities determined that Salazar-Perez was driving a 2011 Honda Pilot and was making a left turn from 32nd Street onto Broadway when the vehicle struck the pedestrians.
Within hours of the crash, investigators located the Honda Pilot and arrested Salazar-Perez.
She is charged with third-degree knowingly leaving the scene of an accident resulting in serious bodily injury and third-degree endangering an injured victim, along with related motor vehicle violations.
Salazar-Perez was remanded to the Bergen County Jail pending her first appearance in Bergen County Superior Court in Hackensack.
- Police responded to the crash at approximately 6:34 a.m. Tuesday.
- A 47-year-old woman and her 5-year-old son were struck in a marked crosswalk.
- The child suffered serious injuries, while the mother sustained minor injuries.
- Investigators say the driver left the scene before police arrived.
- Maritza Salazar-Perez, 67, was arrested within hours after investigators located her vehicle.
Leaving the scene of a crash involving serious bodily injury is a third-degree crime in New Jersey and may carry significant criminal penalties in addition to motor vehicle sanctions if a defendant is convicted.
FAQ
Who was charged?
Maritza Salazar-Perez, 67, of Fair Lawn.
Where did the crash occur?
At the intersection of Broadway and Fair Lawn Parkway at 32nd Street in Fair Lawn.
Who was injured?
A 47-year-old woman and her 5-year-old son. The child suffered serious injuries, while the woman sustained minor injuries.
How did investigators identify the suspect?
Authorities located the alleged vehicle, a 2011 Honda Pilot, within hours of the crash and arrested the driver following their investigation.
What charges does she face?
She is charged with third-degree knowingly leaving the scene of an accident resulting in serious bodily injury, third-degree endangering an injured victim, and related motor vehicle offenses.
Sources: Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office; Fair Lawn Police Department.
