Driver Charged With Fatal Hit-and-Run In Union City

On Tuesday, April 21, 2026, members of the Hudson County Regional Collision Investigation Unit arrested the driver involved in a fatal collision in Union City on December 27, 2025.

According to Hudson County Prosecutor Wayne Mello, 42-year old Tomas Amelcolima of West New York, is charged with Death by Auto, a crime of the second degree; and, Knowingly Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Collision Resulting in Death, a crime of the second degree. He was arrested at the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office in Jersey City and transported to the Hudson County Correctional Facility pending his first court appearance.

Mello states that at approximately 5:40 p.m. on Saturday, December 27, 2025, the Union City Police Department was notified of a pedestrian struck in the area of 30th Street and Palisades Avenue. Responding officers located a female victim — later identified as 83-year old Fabiola Bedoya of Union City — with serious injuries. The striking vehicle did not remain at the scene.  Bedoya was pronounced deceased just after 6:15 p.m.

Prosecutor Mello credited the Hudson County Regional Collision Investigation Unit, the West New York Police Department, and the Union City Police Department with the investigation and arrest. The above charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.