Police Search for Driver Who Allegedly Hit 73-Year-Old Woman, Left the Scene of the Accident

Bergenfield NJ police are investigating a hit-and-run accident which resulted in the hospitalization of a 73-year-old woman.

According to officials, the victim was walking across South Washington Avenue, near the New Bridge Road intersection, in Bergenfield, New Jersey. As the woman got to the middle of the street, a vehicle slammed into her.

Instead of stopping to check on the victim, the suspect allegedly fled the scene and drove eastbound on East Englewood Avenue. According to witnesses at the scene, the headlights of the car were turned off as the suspect drove away.

The victim suffered injuries to her head and arm as a result of the accident. Emergency responders treated the victim at the scene before taking her to Hackensack University Medical Center for further medical treatment. The victim was later listed in stable condition at the hospital.

Witnesses were able to supply Bergenfield NJ investigators with descriptions of the suspect’s car. According to eyewitness accounts, the vehicle appeared to be a dark-colored Nissan Altima. Police said that the car could have damage to the front passenger side due to the crash.

If police are eventually able to identify and apprehend the suspect, serious criminal charges and severe penalties could follow. As set forth by N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1, leaving the scene of an accident can be classified as a third degree criminal charge, not just a traffic violation, when the accident causes serious bodily injury. In this case, the suspect could be subject to a potential penalty of 5 years in NJ State Prison.

The Bergenfield Police Department is asking for the public’s help in the case. Anyone with information about the suspect or the accident should get in touch with Bergenfield investigators at 201-387-4000.

For further information about this case, check out the NJ.com article entitled “Woman, 73, Hurt in Bergenfield Hit-and-Run, Police Say.”