Authorities in Paterson in conjunction with the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, arrested **Mr. Alvin W. Mootoo, 46, from Orlando, Florida**, on Thursday morning in relation to a multi-vehicle and pedestrian crash that took place on Wednesday at the intersection of 18th Avenue and East 24th Street, in the City of Paterson.
Police charged Mr. Mootoo with Death by Auto within 1000 Feet of School Property, First Degree; and Strict Liability Death by Auto, Third Degree for the death of 31-year-old Jorge **Alberto Pena Mesa, of Newark, New Jersey**.
According to police, at approximately 9:34 p.m., members of the Paterson Police Department responded to the area of 18th Avenue and East 24th Street, in response to a report of a multi-vehicle collision involving three vehicles, and a pedestrian.
Police say upon their arrival, they found the driver of a Buick Encore, later identified as 46-year-old Alvin Mootoo.
The investigation revealed that Mr. Mootoo disregarded a stop sign when he struck a silver 2008 Honda Accord. As a result of his vehicle being struck, Mr. Mootoo’s car was pushed into a 1999 Honda Accord which was occupied and parked at the time. Mr. Pena Mesa was standing outside of the 1999 Honda Accord speaking to the driver, at which time he was struck, and sustained severe injuries.
Police say Mr. Pena Mesa was transported to Saint Joseph’s Hospital for treatment, where he was pronounced deceased a short time later. The drivers of the two Honda Accords sustained minor injuries and were treated at the hospital and released.
Police charged Mr. Mootoo by way of a warrant complaint and appeared at Central Judicial Processing on Thursday, January 3rd at 1:30 p.m.
A motion to detain Mr. Mootoo has been filed by the State and will be heard at a later date in Superior Court authorities said.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office asks anyone with additional information about this incident to contact us on our tips line at 1-877-370-PCPO or tips@passaiccountynj.org or contact the Paterson Police Traffic Bureau at 973-321-1112.