14-Year-Old Bicyclist Killed In South River Hit-&-Run: Prosecutor

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ – A 14-year-old teen was killed in a hit-and-run while riding his bicycle in South River, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Police Chief Mark Tinitigan of the South River said.

On July 7, 2023, at 4:21 p.m., South River police responded to the intersection of Whitehead Avenue and Russell Avenue following the report of a crash. On arrival, authorities found a 14-year-old boy who was struck by a white work van while riding his bicycle, Ciccone said.

The white work van fled the scene of the crash. The boy was taken to the hospital , ultimately succumbing to his injuries and was pronounced dead.

An investigation led by Sergeant John Kenney of the South River Police Department and Sergeant Jonathan Berman of The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office identified Michael Arena, 63, of South River, as the perpetrator.

The same day, Arena was taken into custody at his residence for questioning where he admitted to driving the vehicle at the time of the crash.

Arena was arrested and charged with aggravated manslaughter and leaving the scene of a fatal motor vehicle crash. Arena is being held at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center pending the results of a pre-trial detention hearing in Superior Court.

According to a GoFundMe started by community members, the boy was identified as Bryan Barbosa. A community vigil was held for him over the weekend.

The investigation is active and continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Sergeant Kenney of the South River Police Department at (732) 254-9002 X109 or Sergeant Berman of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 745-4328.

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