By: Richard L. Smith
An 18-year-old Deptford resident is facing serious charges after authorities say he left the scene of a fatal crash involving a bicyclist Monday night.
According to a statement released by Gloucester County Prosecutor Andrew B. Johns, Iqrar Ahmad has been charged with second-degree leaving the scene of a fatal accident.
Police in Deptford Township were dispatched shortly before 8:30 p.m. to Delsea Drive following reports of a crash involving a bicyclist.
Investigators said the initial caller reported striking the bicyclist with their vehicle, causing the victim to fall into the roadway, where they were then struck by a second vehicle that continued northbound.
A witness told authorities the second vehicle briefly stopped before leaving the scene.
Officials said approximately two hours later, Ahmad returned and identified himself as the driver of the second vehicle.
He told police that while traveling through the area, he observed a bicycle and another vehicle in the roadway and felt his car strike what he believed to be a large object, possibly a rock.
He continued driving, later noticing damage to his vehicle’s lower grille after pulling over farther north, but said he still did not realize he had struck a person.
Authorities said Ahmad returned home and, after speaking with a family member, went back to the scene and contacted police.
He has been charged with a second-degree offense, which carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison.