WEST NEW YORK, N.J. — The driver involved in a hit-and-run that resulted in the death of a pedestrian in West New York has had charges upgraded, according to Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez. The incident occurred on August 17 when Samuel Collazo, 20, of Westfield, allegedly struck a pedestrian with a motorcycle and fled the scene.
The pedestrian, identified as Angel Guzman-Morales, 54, of Union City, sustained life-threatening injuries in the collision, which took place near the intersection of Bergenline Avenue and 57th Street. Guzman-Morales was transported to Jersey City Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries on Saturday, August 24.
Initially charged with knowingly leaving the scene of a motor vehicle crash resulting in serious bodily injury, Collazo now faces an upgraded charge of knowingly leaving the scene of a motor vehicle crash resulting in death. He is also charged with endangering an injured victim, receiving stolen property, and unlawful taking. Collazo is currently being held at the Hudson County Correctional Facility as the State moves to detain him.
A second individual, Rylan Cook-Figueroa, 20, of West New York, has also been charged in connection with the incident. Cook-Figueroa faces charges of endangering an injured victim and unlawful taking.
The West New York Police Department was alerted to the hit-and-run at approximately 3:40 p.m. on August 17. Upon arrival, officers found Guzman-Morales severely injured, and the occupants of the motorcycle had fled the scene on foot.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not disclosed further details regarding the circumstances leading up to the crash.