By: Richard L. Smith
A bicyclist was killed Thursday evening after being struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run crash on U.S. Route 22 in Union County, prompting a major police response and the temporary closure of the highway.
The collision occurred at approximately 8:19 p.m. near the intersection of Route 22 and New Providence Road in Mountainside according to initial reports.
Witnesses said the vehicle drove away from the scene after striking the bicyclist, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police quickly located the suspect vehicle, and took the driver into custody in Watchung with assistance from the Scotch Plains Police Department.
Route 22 remained closed for several hours while investigators processed the crash scene before reopening just before midnight.
The identity of the victim and the driver have not been released.
The investigation into the fatal crash remains ongoing.