Taxi Driver Fled From Fatal Essex County Crash: Cops

NEWARK, NJ — Police are investigating a fatal hit-and-run that took place in Newark on Friday afternoon. A 63-year-old taxi driver who lives in Irvington was identified as the possible driver, authorities said.

The fatal hit-and-run took place around 1:55 a.m. when a vehicle struck and killed a 51-year-old woman on the 600-block of Frelinghuysen Avenue. She was pronounced dead at the scene at 2:17 a.m., according to a joint statement from Acting Essex County Prosecutor Robert Laurino and Newark Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose.

The victim’s name is being withheld pending notification of her next-of-kin, police said.

“The preliminary investigation indicates she was hit by a taxi driver who allegedly left the scene,” authorities stated Friday.

The driver was later identified as Gerard Benoit, 63, of Irvington. He is currently in police custody, authorities said.

Police charged Benoit with leaving the scene of an accident and endangering an injured person. An investigation is ongoing, authorities said. Anyone with information can contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force tips line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432.

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