By: Richard L. Smith
On Tuesday, October 17th, North Bergen Police Detectives from the Detective Bureau and the Traffic Unit sprung into action following a hit-and-run motor vehicle collision that left an 11-year-old pedestrian injured.
The incident occurred at 76th Street and Hudson Avenue intersection, sending shockwaves through the community.
The reckless incident unfolded when the driver of a 2021 gray Ford Explorer failed to stop at a crucial stop sign, colliding with a juvenile pedestrian who was in the crosswalk.
Police said the driver didn't stop to offer assistance but instead continued eastbound towards Broadway, leaving the young victim in pain and distress.
The juvenile sustained bodily injuries as a result of the impact.
Swift action by the North Bergen Police Department was instrumental in resolving this distressing situation.
During the course of their investigation, detectives were able to identify the license plate of the vehicle, leading to the apprehension of Mr. Julio Seoane-Alamo, a 57-year-old resident of North Bergen.
Seoane-Alamo now faces a slew of serious charges related to this incident, including Assault by Auto, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and Endangering an Injured Victim.
Additionally, he was issued several Title 39 summonses, namely, 39:4-144 for Disregarding a Stop Sign; 39:4-96 for Reckless Driving; 39:4-36 for Pedestrian-Failure to Yield Right of Way; 39:4-129A for Leaving the Scene of Collision Involving Personal Injury; and 39:4-130 for Failure to Report a Collision.
Seoane-Alamo has been released pending his first court appearance, where he will have to answer for his alleged actions.
Mayor Nick Sacco expressed his gratitude for the dedicated efforts of the North Bergen Police Department in swiftly apprehending the suspect. He said, "I want to extend my gratitude to the members of the North Bergen Police Department for their tremendous work in apprehending the suspect involved in the hit and run of an eleven-year-old student. Their actions reflect our Township's commitment to justice and safety because our children's well-being is our top priority. Through collaboration with schools and community organizations, we are determined to create a safer environment for all of our residents."
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to traffic laws and the responsibility that every driver holds when operating a vehicle.