By: Richard L. Smith
Essex County authorities are offering a $5,000 reward through the Crime Stoppers Program for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for a fatal hit-and-run incident that claimed the life of a Newark pedestrian in 2021.
Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II and Essex County Sheriff Armando B. Fontoura announced the reward as part of their ongoing efforts to bring justice for 42-year-old Rajon Collins.
The incident occurred on September 12, 2021, near the intersection of Avon Avenue and South 18th Street.
Collins was struck by a stolen red Jeep Grand Cherokee, which was traveling at a high speed at the time of the crash.
Collins was transported to Rutgers University Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Surveillance footage from the area shows two individuals fleeing the scene on foot after abandoning the vehicle.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office tips line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC (1-877-847-7432). All tips will be treated confidentially.
This appeal represents a renewed effort to solve the case and provide closure to Collins' family more than three years after the tragedy.