Prosecutors say driver fled after striking minor on Hope Chapel Road Friday night.
Lakewood, NJ – A Jackson Township man has been charged after authorities say he struck a minor with his vehicle and fled the scene in a hit-and-run crash Friday night in Lakewood. Jose Perez-Parada, 35, was taken into custody and charged with knowingly leaving the scene of a motor vehicle crash resulting in serious bodily injury, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced.
Police responded around 8:30 p.m. to the area of Hope Chapel Road and Hope Hill Lane for reports of a pedestrian struck. Investigators determined that a Hyundai Elantra traveling northbound hit the minor before leaving the scene without stopping.
The victim was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune and remains in critical but stable condition.
Investigation identifies driver
Authorities said a joint investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit–Vehicular Homicide Squad, Lakewood Township Police, and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office led to Perez-Parada being identified as the driver.
Key Points
- Jackson man charged in hit-and-run involving minor in Lakewood
- Victim hospitalized in critical but stable condition
- Suspect identified and arrested following joint investigation
Suspect jailed pending court hearing
Perez-Parada was taken into custody at Lakewood Township Police Headquarters and lodged in the Ocean County Jail, where he remains pending a detention hearing.
Prosecutor Billhimer credited multiple agencies for their coordinated efforts in the investigation.