Javier Pichardo, the father of 7-year-old Sheyla Pichardo – who was killed in a hit-and-run incident in West New York yesterday – broke down in tears when officials announced that two had been arrested in connection to the crime.
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Multiple members of the West New York and North Bergen Police Departments, as well as those of the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office and relatives of Sheyla Pichardo, all gathered at the West New York Municipal Court Chambers this afternoon to announce two arrests in connection to the incident.
West New York Police Director Robert Antolos praised the collaborative efforts between West New York, North Bergen and the sheriff’s office, before Hudson County Sheriff Frank Schillari revealed the car that killed Pichardo was recovered in Newark around midnight last night.
Johana Rosas-Alvarez, 26, the owner of the vehicle, and Fabian Rodriguez-Calles, 33 – who is believed to be an illegal alien from Ecuador – were the two arrested, Schillari said.
Schillari added that Rodriguez was charged with leaving the scene of an accident with injury, leaving the scene of a fatal accident and endangering and hindering a victim.
Additionally, Rojas Alvarez was charged with hindering apprehension and obstruction of justice. She was not in the car when her boyfriend, who was by himself, struck Pichardo with his vehicle.
Sgt. Bruce Miller, the head of the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office Crash Investigation Unit, was also complimentary of his colleague’s round the clock police work, further stating that Rojas Alvarez reported the car stolen to the Hillside Police Department around 9 a.m. yesterday – shortly after the accident occurred.
North Bergen Mayor Nick Sacco, Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto (D-32) and West New York Mayor Felix Roque all offered their condolences to the family, before Javier Pichardo, Sheyla’s father, gave an emotional speech in Spanish – breaking down in tears.