Fatal Hit-And-Run Driver Sought After Hitting Pedestrian, 83: Passaic Prosecutor

HAWTHORNE, NJ — Officials say a pickup truck driver fled the scene after causing fatal injuries to an elderly pedestrian in Hawthorne on Wednesday evening, and are asking the public's help identifying the driver.

Township police and the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office are seeking a Ford pickup (pictured above) for the hit-and-run crash in the area of Wagaraw Road and Passaic Street.

The crash claimed the life of 83-year-old Hawthorne resident Joe Bender, said County Prosecutor Camelia Valdes and Hawthorne PD Chief James Knepper.

Hawthorne Police got a call about the crash at 8:46 p.m. on Wednesday, said officials. Witnesses said a gray-colored 2004 Ford F-150 with New Jersey license plate W73-MCN struck a pedestrian and then fled the area.

First responders transported the pedestrian, identified as Bender, to Saint Joseph's University Medical Center. He was pronounced dead at the hospital, according to Valdes and Knepper.

The prosecutor's office asks anyone with additional information about the crash to contact them via the tips line (1-877-370-PCPO) or tips@passaiccountynj.org.

Hawthorne Police also ask witnesses, or anyone with more information about the truck or driver, to contact police at 973-427-1800.

"This investigation is active and ongoing," said Valdes and Knepper. "More information will be released when it becomes available."