By: Richard L. Smith
The Passaic County Prosecutor's Office, led by Camelia M. Valdes, reported that Mr. Barrington Hewitt, a 52-year-old resident of Paterson, has been charged in connection with a fatal hit-and-run incident that occurred on September 13, 2023, at the intersection of 17th Avenue and East 33rd Street in Paterson.
The incident, which transpired around 3:00 a.m., involved three juveniles.
The police received reports of a hit-and-run at the intersection, where a 17-year-old female tragically lost her life.
Prosecutor Valdes said a second juvenile, a 16-year-old male, sustained a broken foot, while the third, also a 16-year-old male, did not report any injuries.
Prosecutor Valdes said Hewitt faces multiple charges, including Death by Auto (second degree), Aggravated Assault by Auto (third degree), Leaving the Scene of an Accident Resulting in Death (second degree), Leaving the Scene of an Accident (third degree), and two counts of Endangering an Injured Victim (third degree).
These charges come following a thorough investigation conducted by the Paterson Police Department in collaboration with the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office.
Mr. Hewitt is currently held in custody at the Bergen County Jail, awaiting his first appearance at Central Judicial Processing.
The Passaic County Prosecutor's Office intends to file a motion for pre-trial detention, with the court setting a date and time for the hearing.
The arrest marks a significant step in pursuing justice for the victims and their families in this tragic hit-and-run case in Paterson.
