Lodi Man Charged In Midland Park Fatal Pedestrian Hit & Run
Wednesday, October 23, 2024, 7:00 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
MIDLAND PARK, NJ.- On Monday, October 21, 2024, a 47-year-old Lodi, New Jersey, man was taken into custody and jailed after being charged in connection with fatally running down a 70-year-old male pedestrian in Midland Park, New Jersey, and fleeing the scene, leaving the man lying in the roadway.
According to Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella, on Friday, October 11, 2024, shortly after 7:00 p.m., members of the Midland Park Police Department responded to a 911 Emergency Call reporting a pedestrian being struck by a motor vehicle on Godwin Avenue in Midland Park.
Upon arrival, Police Officers found a man, later identified as Paul Adams, 70, whose last known address was listed in Wyckoff, New Jersey. Mr. Adams was immediately transported to Saint Joseph’s University Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased a short time later. The initial investigation by responding Police Officers revealed that the vehicle that struck Mr. Adams had fled the scene.
Detectives of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Fatal Accident Investigation Unit and the Midland Park Police Department launched a joint investigation.
During the investigation, Detectives determined that a 2010 Toyota Tundra struck Mr. Adams, who was attempting to cross Godwin Avenue at the intersection of Witte Drive. On Monday, October 21, 2024, Detectives located the Toyota Tundra and identified Ralph W. Castellano, III, as the vehicle’s driver.
Detectives Arrest Castellano
Accordingly, on Monday, Castellano was taken into custody and formally charged by Detectives with second-degree Knowingly Leaving the Scene of an Accident Resulting in Death; third-degree Endangering an Injured Victim, as well as multiple motor vehicle violations.
Castellano was processed on the charges and was remanded to the Bergen County Jail pending future court proceedings in Bergen County Superior Court in Hackensack, New Jersey.
“The rules of the court require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.”
