Police have made an arrest in connection with a fatal hit-and-run incident that occurred overnight.
According to authorities, at approximately 1:55 am today a 51-year-old woman was struck and killed on the 600 block of Frelinghuysen Avenue in Newark.
Police say she was pronounced dead at the scene at 2:17 am. Her name is not being released at this time because next of kin notification has not occurred.
The preliminary investigation indicates she was hit by a taxi driver who allegedly left the scene. The driver was later identified as Gerard Benoit, 63, of Irvington.
Police charged Benoit with leaving the scene of an accident and endangering an injured person. He is currently in custody.
These are accusations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they enter a guilty plea or are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The investigation is active and ongoing.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force tips line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432.