KEARNY, N.J. — Two individuals have been charged in connection with a February hit-and-run collision in Kearny that left a 67-year-old moped operator with life-threatening injuries, the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office announced Monday.
Sergio Morocho, 35, and Sandra Morocho, 33, both of Kearny, were arrested on December 2 in Lyndhurst and Irvington, respectively. Sergio Morocho faces charges including knowingly leaving the scene of a motor vehicle collision, unlawful taking of means of conveyance, and endangering the welfare of a child. Sandra Morocho is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and hindering. Both were released pending their first court appearance.
The incident occurred on February 11 at approximately 10:15 p.m., when a cargo van struck a moped in the area of Harrison Avenue and Bergen Avenue. The driver of the van fled the scene, leaving the injured moped operator, a North Arlington man, who was transported to the hospital with critical injuries. Police later recovered the abandoned cargo van near the collision site.
Investigators determined that Sergio Morocho was driving the van, which he did not own and was not authorized to use. Two unrestrained children were in the back of the van at the time of the crash. Authorities said Sandra Morocho falsely claimed to have been the driver in an effort to protect Sergio Morocho.
The Hudson County Regional Collision Investigation Unit continues to investigate the incident.