A Union City man pleaded guilty yesterday to a fatal hit-and-run last year that killed a 59-year-old cyclist, authorities said.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
Miguel Perez, 29, of Union City, pleaded guilty to charges related to his involvement in the November 16th, 2020 death of 56-year-old cyclist Marcelino Pico, who was struck and killed while bicycling on Bergenline Avenue, Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez said in a statement.
Perez pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death. The state is recommending a sentence of seven years in New Jersey State Prison along with a consecutive two year driver’s license suspension.
The plea was accepted by Hudson County Superior Court Judge Angelo Servidio.
On November 16th, 2020, at approximately 7:45 p.m., members of the Union City Police Department responded to the area of 48th Street near Bergenline Avenue on reports of a cyclist struck with serious injuries.
The victim, later identified as Marcelino Pilco, of Union City, was transported to the Jersey City Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased at 11:48 p.m.
According to the initial investigation, the victim was cycling northbound on Bergenline Avenue when he was struck and the driver fled the scene eastbound on 48th Street in a white Nissan Rogue sport utility vehicle.
Sentencing in the case is scheduled for January 5th, 2022 before Judge Servidio.
The State is represented in this case by Assistant Prosecutor Andrew Baginski of the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office.
