Law enforcement officials in Somerset County reported the arrest of Mr. Raulito Peralta, 22, Highland Park and Ms. Estrella Caballero-Cruz, age 21 of Cedar Lane, Highland Park in connection with a fatal hit and run crash involving a pedestrian that occurred on Somerset Street near High Street in Franklin Township in the early evening hours on Tuesday, February 22, 2022.
Acting Prosecutor Taggart stated that on Tuesday, February 22, 2022, at approximately 8:29 p.m., Franklin Township Police Department responded to a 9-1-1 call of a female pedestrian fatally struck by a vehicle while crossing Somerset Street near High Street in Franklin Township.
The driver of the vehicle, which was heading southbound on Somerset Street, fled the scene after striking the victim.
The victim, who was identified as New Brunswick resident, Treasa M. Daye-Fennie, was subsequently pronounced deceased at the scene by the New Jersey Regional Medical Examiner’s Office.
The Somerset County Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Team (C.A.R.T) responded to the scene to investigate along with members of the Frankin Township Police DepartmentTraffic Safety Bureau and Detective Bureau, along with detectives from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s OfficeMajor Crimes Unit.
Acting Prosecutor Taggart stated that on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, as a result of this investigation Raulito Peralta was arrested without incident and charged with 2nddegree, Leaving the Scene of a Fatal Motor Vehicle Accident, 3rd degree, Causing Death or Injury While Driving Suspended or Unlicensed, and 3rd degree, Hindering. Defendant Peralta was lodged in the Somerset County Jail pending a detention hearing in this matter.
Acting Prosecutor Taggart stated that also on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, as a result of this investigation, Estrella Caballero-Cruz was arrested without incident and charged with 4th degree, False Police Report.
Defendant Caballero-Cruz was released pending her court appearance date.
Acting Prosecutor Taggart, Chief Fodor, and Director Maeweather request anyone with information relating to this fatal hit and run to contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit at (908) 231-7100 or the Franklin Township Police Department at (732) 873-5533