Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez announced today that charges have been upgraded against the driver involved in a West New York hit-and-run after a Union City pedestrian died as a result of injuries he sustained in the collision.
20-year old Samuel Collazo of Westfield is charged with Knowingly Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Crash Resulting in Death. Collazo had previously been charged with Knowingly Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Crash Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury; Endangering an Injured Victim; Receiving Stolen Property; and Unlawful Taking. Collazo is being held at the Hudson County Correctional Facility pending the State’s Motion for Detention.
A second defendant, 20-year old Rylan Cook-Figueroa of West New York, was previously charged with Endangering an Injured Victim and Unlawful Taking.
The tragic accident occurred at approximately 3:40 p.m. on August 17, 2024. According to Prosecutor Suarez, the West New York Police Department was notified of a pedestrian struck by a motorcycle in the area of Bergenline Avenue and 57th Street. When police arrived they found a male victim – later identified as 54-year old Angel Guzman-Morales of Union City – with life-threatening injuries. The occupant(s) of the motorcycle fled the scene on foot. Guzman-Morales was transported to Jersey City Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead one week later, on Saturday, August 24, 2024.
During the preliminary investigation, it was determined the vehicle was previously reported stolen. Collazo was identified as the operator of the vehicle and Cook-Figueroa was identified as the rear passenger.
Prosecutor Suarez credited the Hudson County Regional Collision Investigation Unit and the West New York Police Department with the investigation and arrest. The above charges are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.