Newark – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced today that Rafael Perez, 27, of Newark has been arrested for the hit and run incident involving a Newark Police Officer.
According to authorities, on Sunday at approximately 4:13 am, a Newark Police officer was struck by a Mazda Protégé in the 100 block of Foundry Street while issuing parking tickets to vehicles parked on the street.
Police said the Mazda fled the scene.
Perez has been arrested and charged with aggravated assault on a police officer, assault by auto, aggressive driving, leaving the scene of an accident resulting in serious bodily injury, failing to render aid to an injured victim and causing injury while being unlicensed.
Perez was transported to the Essex County Correctional Facility in Newark where he is being held on $150,000 bail, no 10 percent.
The police officer remains hospitalized in stable condition.
**These are accusations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they enter a guilty plea or are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.**