2nd New Jersey Teen Dies After Hit-And-Run; Cops Arrest Driver

HUDSON COUNTY, NJ — A second teen has died after suffering injuries in a hit-and-run crash in Jersey City this week. Police have arrested the alleged driver, authorities say.

Authorities say that the two boys – both students at Dickinson High School - were hit just after 2:30 p.m. on Terrace Avenue near Secaucus Road in Jersey City while they were riding a bike. One of the juveniles, Elionel Jimenez, 15, was found on the off-ramp of Route 1 and 9 in an unresponsive state. He was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after 2:40 p.m.

The second juvenile, Alex Rojas, 16, found near the Route 1 & 9 northbound roadway below the scene of the accident. Rojas was treated at the scene before being transported by emergency medical services to Jersey City Medical Center. Rojas continued to receive treatment for his injuries until Thursday, when he was pronounced dead at 12:05 p.m., prosecutors said.

The cause of death for both teens are pending an investigation by the Regional Medical Examiner’s Office, the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office stated.

• See related article: Police Identify Teen Boy Killed In Hit-And-Run In Jersey City, Driver Sought

Jimenez's mother, Esperanta, told ABC7 he was a good kid and very respectful, saying she cares for him very much.

"We need to find this person and he needs to take responsibility for what he did," she said.

On Thursday, the Jersey City Public School District shared news about the students' tragic passing, encouraging local parents to remember “our children are gifts, and we must let them know each day how precious they are.”

Jersey City Superintendent Marcia Lyles issued the following statement about the tragedy:

“Earlier, on behalf of the Board of Education, President Joel Torres echoed all of our thoughts and prayers for the families of both young men and their friends and loved ones who are coping with this tragedy. We will provide support to the Dickinson school community when they return tomorrow as students and staff try to make sense of this abrupt and devastating loss.”

Keep updated with Hudson County public safety alerts at the Patch Hoboken Facebook page.

DRIVER FOUND

The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office issued the following statement about the crash on Thursday:

“During the preliminary investigation, it was discovered that the two victims were riding on a bicycle when they were struck by a gold Nissan Maxima with four occupants. The male driver of the vehicle and the three passengers abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot after it was driven a short distance from the crash scene. Two of the passengers returned to the scene and were transported by EMS to Christ Hospital where they were treated for minor injuries and released.”

Police issued a warrant for Rashaun Bell, the alleged driver of the vehicle. Bell, 20, of Jersey City, has been charged with two counts of Knowingly Leaving the Scene of an Accident Resulting in Death.

The Hudson County Prosecutor's Office announced Friday afternoon that Bell was apprehended, stating:

"Rashaun Bell, the man suspected of being the driver of the Nissan Maxima that struck and killed two teenagers on Wednesday in Jersey City was arrested after surrendering on an outstanding warrant to detectives of the Office of the Hudson County Prosecutor. Bell surrendered at approximately 11:30 a.m. at the Prosecutor’s Office on Duncan Avenue in Jersey City."

Prosecutors also filed a hindering charge against one of the passengers, Denasia Felder, 20, of Jersey City. An investigation is ongoing, authorities said.

Anyone with information can contact the Homicide Unit of the Office of the Hudson County Prosecutor at 201-915-1345 or to leave an anonymous tip on the Hudson County Prosecutor’s official website at: http://www.hudsoncountyprosecu...

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Previous reporting by Tom Davis

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