Man Killed While Changing Tire In Hit-And-Run On Jersey Turnpike

SECAUCUS, NJ — A 33-year-old man was hit and killed while changing a tire Saturday night on the New Jersey Turnpike in Secaucus.

The man was identified as Jose Peralta, 33, of East Newark, said State Police. The car that hit him fled the scene and has yet to be located by Monday morning.

At 11:51 p.m. Saturday, Peralta pulled off to the side of the Turnpike southbound through Secaucus, at milepost 110.3. This was on the eastern spur of the Turnpike (the Turnpike splits into an eastern spur and a western spur in Secaucus), and it happened right by Laurel Hill Park, said police.

He was struck by a car, which fled the scene. The driver has not been apprehended. He suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene, said State Police.

"The man was on the right shoulder of the Turnpike changing a tire on his car; he was struck by a car," said Trooper Charles Marchan. "It is never advisable to change a tire on the Turnpike; it's very dangerous, especially at night."

If you ever get a flat tire or other car trouble on the Turnpike, you can call 911 and State Police will send someone out and change the tire for you, he said.