Fort Lee Man Charged In October’s Palisades Park Hit & Run
Friday, November 15, 2024, 6:15 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
PALISADES PARK, NJ.- Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella reported, that following an investigation, a 28-year-old Fort Lee, New Jersey man was taken into custody and jailed after being charged in connection with running down a 17-year-old boy as he was attempting to cross a road in Palisades Park, then fleeing the scene, leaving the teen injured in the roadway.
On Monday, October 14, 2024, shortly after 6:30 a.m., members of the Palisades Park Police Department responded to a 911 Emergency Call reporting a pedestrian being struck by a motor vehicle on Brinkerhoff Avenue in Palisades Park.
Upon arrival, Police Officers learned that a 17-year-old boy from Fort Lee, New Jersey, was struck by a motor vehicle that fled the scene of the collision. The teen was immediately transported to an area hospital for treatment for serious injuries. Following the teen being transported to the hospital, the Palisades Park Police Department notified the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Fatal Accident Investigation Unit, and a joint investigation was launched.
Detectives Identify Driver
During the investigation, Detectives determined that a 2004 Honda Civic struck the teen as he was attempting to cross Brinkerhoff Avenue near the intersection of 14th Street. Following striking the teen, the driver of the Honda fled the scene without notifying Police of the collision. During a month-long investigation, Detectives were able to identify Hugo R. Paz-Lajuj, 28, of Fort Lee, New Jersey, as the driver of the Honda. They were also able to locate the vehicle, which included repairs that Paz-Lajuj made to the vehicle to hide the damage caused by the collision.
   Accordingly, on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, Paz-Lajuj was taken into custody and formally charged with third-degree Knowingly Leaving the Scene of an Accident Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury; third-degree Hindering Apprehension; fourth-degree Tampering with Physical Evidence; and fourth-degree Obstructing Justice. Additionally, Paz-Lajuj was issued multiple motor vehicle summonses.
After being processed on the charges, Paz-Lajuj 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.”
