South Carolina Man Arrested for Hit-and-Run Accident in Elizabeth NJ
By Travis Tormey posted in Traffic Offenses on Monday, November 25, 2013
A South Carolina man was arrested for his alleged involvement in a hit-and-run accident in Elizabeth, New Jersey.
According to police, 26-year-old Jose Argueta critically injured an Elizabeth NJ woman in an accident at the intersection of East Jersey Street and Catherine Street. Police believe that Mr. Argueta was driving a 2002 white Dodge Ram at a high rate of speed when he ran a red light and slammed into a red Geo Prism.
When police officers arrived at the scene, they found the Prism stuck between a light pole and a tree, with the driver injured but responsive. After fire rescue crews freed the woman from her mangled car, she was taken to University Hospital in Newark for treatment.
Police later determined that Mr. Argueta is an unlicensed driver.
Mr. Argueta was in Elizabeth to visit a relative. Sometime after the accident, he surrendered himself to police.
Mr. Argueta has been charged with fourth degree assault by auto. He has also been issued motor vehicle summonses for leaving the scene of an accident and reckless driving.
In New Jersey, assault by automobile is governed under N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1(c). As set forth by the statute, assault by auto can be classified as a second, third, or fourth degree crime, depending on the intent of the driver and the injuries caused. In this case, Mr. Argueta could be sentenced to up to 18 months in NJ State Prison if he is convicted of fourth degree assault by auto.
After being charged, Mr. Argueta was being held at the city jail pending a bail hearing.
For more information about this case, see the NJ.com article entitled “South Carolina Man Arrested in Elizabeth Hit-and-Run That Critically Injured City Woman.“
