By: Tracie Carter
Authorities in Bergen County announced the arrest of a Bergenfield man in connection with a fatal hit-and-run crash that claimed the life of a 74-year-old pedestrian in Hackensack early Friday morning.
According to Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella, 38-year-old Terrence J. Hedden of Bergenfield was taken into custody following a joint investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and the Hackensack Police Department.
Police were called to the intersection of Essex Street and Summit Avenue at approximately 12:49 a.m. on May 8 after receiving reports of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle.
Responding officers arrived to find the victim suffering serious injuries consistent with being hit by a vehicle. Investigators said the driver fled the scene without stopping to render aid.
The victim, identified only as a 74-year-old man pending additional family notifications, was transported to Hackensack University Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead a short time later.
Investigators determined that a 2021 Honda Pilot allegedly operated by Hedden was traveling westbound on Essex Street when it struck the pedestrian as he attempted to cross Summit Avenue.
Authorities said Hedden allegedly left the scene immediately after the collision.
Detectives located the vehicle later that same day, leading to Hedden’s arrest.
Hedden has been charged with second-degree knowingly leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, third-degree endangering an injured victim, and several related motor vehicle offenses.