Fatal Hit-And-Run Leads To 2 Arrests In Somerset County

FRANKLIN, NJ — Two people were charged in connection with a fatal hit-and-run of a New Brunswick woman, said Acting Somerset County Prosecutor Annmarie Taggart.

Raulito Peralta, 22 and Estrella Caballero-Cruz, 21, both of Cedar Lane, Highland Park were charged after police say they fatally hit a pedestrian on Somerset Street near High Street in Franklin Township on Feb. 22 around 8:29 p.m.

The driver of the vehicle, later identified as Peralta, was heading southbound on Somerset Street when he hit the woman and then fled the scene, said Taggart.

The woman, who was identified as New Brunswick resident Treasa M. Daye-Fennie, was subsequently pronounced dead at the scene by the New Jersey Regional Medical Examiner’s
Office.

The Somerset County Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Team (C.A.R.T) along with members of the Frankin Township Police Department Traffic Safety Bureau and Detective Bureau, and the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit investigated.

As a result of this investigation, Peralta and Caballero-Cruz were both arrested without incident.

Peralta was charged with second-degree leaving the scene of a fatal motor vehicle accident, third-degree causing death or injury while driving suspended or unlicensed, and third-degree hindering.

Peralta was taken to the Somerset County Jail pending a detention hearing in this matter.

Caballero-Cruz was charged with fourth-degree false police report. Caballero-Cruz was released pending her court appearance date.

Anyone with information relating to this fatal hit and run is asked to contact the Somerset County
Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit at 908-231-7100 or the Franklin Township Police Department at 732-873-5533 or via the STOPit app.

Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers’ Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). All anonymous STOPit reports and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

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