Two individuals have been charged in connection with a fatal collision that occurred in Union City on Monday, June 5, 2023.
The 16-year-old male driver is charged as a juvenile with Knowingly Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Collision in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-5.1 and Causing Death While Driving Unlicensed in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:40-22a. The juvenile’s mother, a 37-year-old Union City woman, is charged with Hindering in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:29-3A(7) and False Reporting to a Law Enforcement Officer in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:28-4b(2). Both were arrested at the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office in Secaucus on Friday, June 23, 2023 and released pending their first court appearance. Juvenile matters are confidential and no additional information can be released at this time.
On Monday, June 5, 2023, at approximately 7:36 a.m., the Union City Police Department was notified of a pedestrian struck in the area of Palisade Avenue and 36th Street. Responding officers located a male victim – later identified as Fortunato Rojas-Solis, 73, of Union City – with life-threatening injuries. He was transported to Jersey City Medical Center and was pronounced dead at approximately 5:15 p.m.
The investigation determined Rojas-Solis was struck by a Dodge Durango operated by the 16-year-old Union City male. Rojas-Solis was working in his capacity as a Union City Department of Public Works employee at the time of the collision.
The above charges are merely accusations and the juvenile and defendant are presumed innocent until proven guilty. R.P.C.3.6(b)(6)