Two Kearny Residents Charged In February Crash Which Seriously Injured Moped Operator

Ten months after a serious moped accident in Kearny, the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office has announced the arrests of two individuals in connection to the February incident.

The Hudson County Regional Collision Investigation Unit has arrested two, Kearny residents in connection with a motor vehicle crash that seriously injured a moped operator in Kearny on Sunday, February 11, 2024.

According to Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez, 35-year old Sergio Morocho has been charged with knowingly leaving the scene of a motor vehicle collision, unlawful taking of means of conveyance and endangering the welfare of a child. In addition, 33-year old Sandra Morocho has been charged with endangering the welfare of a child and Hindering. Both suspects were arrested at locations in Lyndhurst and Irvington, respectively, on Monday, December 2, 2024, and released pending their first court appearance.

According to Prosecutor Suarez, just after 10:15 pm on February 11, 2024, the Kearny Police Department was notified that a moped operator was struck by a cargo van in the area of Harrison Avenue and Bergen Avenue.  When responding officers arrived on scene, they located the individual, later identified as a 67-year-old North Arlington man, with life-threatening injuries. The striking vehicle did not remain at the scene, but was recovered not far from the collision location.

A press release from the Prosecutor states, “During the course of the investigation, Sandra Morocho falsely reported she was operating the vehicle when Sergio Morocho had been driving at the time of the collision. Sergio Morocho did not own the cargo van and was not authorized to be using the vehicle at the time of the crash. The investigation further revealed two children were unrestrained in the back of the cargo van when the collision occurred.

The charges filed are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.