By: Richard L. Smith
A serious hit-and-run in Maplewood has led to multiple criminal charges against a Warren County woman following an investigation by local and county authorities.
According to information released by Maplewood Police, officers responded around 7:00 p.m. on February 25, 2026, to the area of Parker Avenue and Orchard Road on reports of a bicyclist struck by a vehicle.
Upon arrival, officers, along with South Essex Fire Department EMS crews, provided emergency medical aid at the scene.
The injured cyclist was transported to University Hospital’s Trauma Center for further treatment.
The victim’s condition was not immediately disclosed.
Witnesses told authorities that a light-colored SUV traveling eastbound on Parker Avenue struck the cyclist before fleeing the scene.
The vehicle was last seen heading southbound toward Fernwood Avenue, reportedly dragging the bicycle as it left the area.
Following an investigation involving Maplewood Police, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, and the New Jersey State Police, Detective Isetts identified the driver as 47-year-old Helen Barrera of Phillipsburg. Authorities said she was operating a silver BMW SUV at the time of the incident.
Barrera has been charged with second-degree aggravated assault, second-degree assault by auto, and third-degree endangering an injured victim.
In addition to the criminal charges, she was issued multiple motor vehicle summonses, including driving while intoxicated, careless and reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident involving injury, and failure to possess or exhibit required driving documents.
The incident remains under investigation.