The Hudson County Regional Collision Investigation Unit has arrested two individuals in connection with a motor vehicle crash that seriously injured a moped operator in Kearny on Sunday, February 11, 2024.
Sergio Morocho, 35, of Kearny is charged with Knowingly Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Collision in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1.1, Unlawful Taking of Means of Conveyance in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-10b, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4a(2). Sandra Morocho, 33, of Kearny, is charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Child in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4a(2) and Hindering in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:29-3a(7). They were arrested at locations in Lyndhurst and Irvington, respectively, on Monday, December 2, 2024, and released pending their first court appearance.
Shortly after 10:15 p.m. on February 11, 2024, the Kearny Police Department was notified that a moped operator was struck by a cargo van in the area of Harrison Avenue and Bergen Avenue. Responding officers located the individual, later identified as a 67-year-old North Arlington man, with life-threatening injuries. The striking vehicle did not remain at the scene, but was recovered not far from the collision scene.
During the course of the investigation, Sandra Morocho falsely reported she was operating the vehicle when Sergio Morocho had been driving at the time of the collision. Sergio Morocho did not own the cargo van and was not authorized to be using the vehicle at the time of the crash. The investigation further revealed two children were unrestrained in the back of the cargo van when the collision occurred.
The above charges are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. R.P.C.3.6(b)(6)