Perth Amboy Woman Charged In Friday’s Fatal Hit & Run

Monday, December 9, 2024, 9:00 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

PERTH AMBOY, NJ.- Detectives quickly arrested a 23-year-old Perth Amboy, New Jersey woman, in connection with fatally running down an Elizabeth, New Jersey woman, Friday night in Perth Amboy, and then fleeing the scene, leaving the woman lying in the roadway.

     According to Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone, on Friday, December 6, 2024, shortly before 6:30 p.m., members of the Perth Amboy Police Department responded to reports of a pedestrian being struck by a motor vehicle on Elm Street between Riverview Drive and Market Street in the City of Perth Amboy.

     Upon arrival, Police Officers found Gladis Ruiz, 57, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, suffering from life-threatening injuries following being struck by a motor vehicle that then fled the scene. Ms. Ruiz was immediately transported to a nearby hospital, where, despite life-saving efforts by doctors, she tragically succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased a short time later. 

Investigation Leads To Suspect Being Identified And Charged

     During the initial investigation by Detective Kyle Savoia of the Perth Amboy Police Department and Detective James Alleva of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, it was determined that Ms. Ruiz was crossing Elm Street on her way home from work when she was struck by a 2010 Hyundai Sonata which fled the scene.

     During an ensuing investigation, Detectives were able to locate the Hyundai Sonata and Jarleideys Battista, 23, of Perth Amboy, as the driver of the vehicle that struck and killed Ms. Ruiz.

     Accordingly, on Saturday, December 7, 2024, Battista was taken into custody without incident and formally charged with second-degree Knowingly Leaving the Scene of an Accident; and third-degree Endangering an Injured Victim.

     Battista was processed on the charges and remanded to the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center pending future court proceedings in Middlesex County Superior Court. The investigation remains active and ongoing, and more charges may be filed as the investigation continues.

     Anyone with additional information regarding this investigation is urged to contact Detective Savoia at (732) 324-3837 or Detective Alleva at (732) 745-4011.

“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.”