Accused Driver Wanted In Hit-And-Run That Killed North Jersey Man: Officials

HAWTHORNE, NJ — Officials are seeking a Hawthorne man whom they charged with leaving the scene of a fatal crash that killed an 83-year-old pedestrian, said the Passaic County Prosecutor.

Juan Martinez Gonzalez faces felony charges for the crash the evening of June 28 which killed borough resident Joseph Bender, said Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Hawthorne Police Chief James W. Knepper.

According to officials, Gonzalez struck Bender with his truck in the area of Wagaraw Road and Passaic Street around 8:45 p.m., and then fled the area. The next day, authorities released a photo of the truck Gonzalez was reportedly driving. Original article — Driver Sought In Fatal Hit-And-Run: Passaic County Prosecutor

Valdes and Knepper announced charges against Gonzalez on Tuesday, and ask anyone with information on his location to contact authorities. Gonzalez faces the following charges: Leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death of another (a second-degree crime), causing death or injury while unlicensed (third-degree), endangering an injured victim (third-degree), and driving while suspended (fourth-degree).

The prosecutor's office asks anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact them via the tips line (1-877-370-PCPO) or tips@passaiccountynj.org. People may also contact Hawthorne Police at (973) 427-1800.

"The investigation remains active and ongoing," said Valdes and Knepper on Tuesday. "More information will be released once it becomes available."

Funeral services for Bender are scheduled for Saturday, July 15. Related article — Funeral Set For Hawthorne Marine Veteran Killed By Hit-And-Run Driver