By: Richard L. Smith
A 23-year-old Perth Amboy resident has been arrested in connection with a fatal hit-and-run accident that claimed the life of a pedestrian earlier this week, according to a statement from the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office.
The incident occurred on the evening of December 6 when Perth Amboy police were called to Elm Street, between Market Street and Riverview Drive, after reports of a pedestrian being struck.
Upon arrival, officers discovered 57-year-old Ms. Gladis Ruiz of Elizabeth.
Ruiz was transported to a nearby hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead.
An investigation led by Detective Kyle Savoia of the Perth Amboy Police Department and Detective James Alleva of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office revealed that Ruiz was crossing Elm Street on her way home from work when a 2010 Hyundai Sonata struck her.
The vehicle fled the scene after the collision.
On December 7, authorities arrested the Hyundai Sonata driver, Mr. Jarleidys A. Bautista. Bautista has been charged with second-degree leaving the scene of an accident and third-degree endangering an injured victim.
She is currently being held at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center, awaiting a pre-trial detention hearing.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities urge anyone with information about the incident to contact Detective Savoia of the Perth Amboy Police Department at 732-324-3837.
This arrest highlights the collaborative efforts between local law enforcement and the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office to ensure justice is served in cases of reckless and fatal driving behavior.
