By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in Middlesex County announced that a 17-year-old juvenile male from Old Bridge was charged in connection with a fatal hit and run that occurred on December 4, 2023.
Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone stated on December 4, 2023, at approximately 7:41 a.m., Old Bridge Police responded to the Wawa on Route 34 in Old Bridge for a report of a pedestrian struck.
Upon their arrival, authorities located Andrew Padulano, 61, of Old Bridge, who sustained serious injuries and was transported to Raritan Bay Medical Center in Old Bridge and later transferred to Jersey Shore Regional Medical Center to receive treatment, officials said.
Officials say an investigation led by Officer Henry Penley of the Old Bridge Police Department and Sergeant Jonathan Berman of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office revealed that Padulano, a Wawa employee, was struck by a Ford F-150 driven by a juvenile following an altercation between the two.
Authorities say after striking Padulano, the juvenile fled the scene.
According to officials, as a result, the juvenile was identified and charged with first-degree Attempted Murder, third-degree Leaving the Scene of a Crash, Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, and other offenses.
The juvenile was arrested and subsequently released by the Court.
On January 23, 2024, Mr. Padulano died as a result of injuries related to the crash, officials said.
Officials stated that the charges against the juvenile were upgraded to first-degree murder and second-degree, Leaving the Scene of a Crash Resulting in Death.
The juvenile was continued on home detention and will return to Court in February for a status conference, officials say.