Man Accused Of Hitting Child With Car In Newark, Driving Away (UPDATE)

NEWARK, NJ — A New Jersey man has been accused of hitting a child with his car in Newark and driving away, authorities announced Wednesday evening.

A 9-year-old girl is reportedly in “stable but critical” condition after being hit by a car on Tuesday, according to the Newark Department of Public Safety.

Newark police released the following details about the incident:

“At approximately 7:36 a.m., police responded to the intersection of Irvine Turner Boulevard and Spruce Street on a call of a 9-year-old girl struck by a vehicle at that location. The victim was transported to University Hospital for treatment. She is reportedly in stable but critical condition. The driver did not remain at the scene.”

Detectives investigating this incident identified the driver as Sawab O. Williams, 51, of Newark. He was charged with assault by auto and endangering an injured victim.

Authorities announced they were searching for Williams on Thursday, saying that he is known to frequent an Auto Zone parking lot on Springfield Avenue, as well as Elizabeth and Carteret.

Williams has since been apprehended is in custody, police said.

Authorities said anyone with information about the incident can contact the Police Division’s 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477). Anonymous tips can also be made using the Police Division’s website.

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