Driver in Fatal Independence Day Hit-&-Run Arrested

HUDSON COUNTY REGIONAL COLLISION INVESTIGATION UNIT ARRESTS DRIVER IN FATAL CRASH THAT KILLED 26-YEAR-OLD MAN

Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez has released the following information:

The Hudson County Regional Collision Investigation Unit has charged the driver in a fatal July 4th hit and run in Jersey City that killed a 26-year-old man.

Evans Severe, 29, of Jersey City, has been charged with Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Collision Resulting in Death in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-5.1, a crime of the second degree. Severe was arrested at his home in Jersey City shortly after 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 27, 2020.

On July 4, at approximately 3:56 a.m., Jersey City Police responded to the area of Hopkins Avenue just east of Summit Avenue on reports of a pedestrian struck with life-threatening injuries.

The victim, later identified as Shawn Charles, 26 of Jersey City, was transported to the Jersey City Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased at 4:28 a.m.

According to the initial investigation, the victim was standing outside of a home on Summit Avenue when he was struck by a vehicle backing up and leaving the area. The driver initially left the scene, but returned shortly after.