The West New York police officer involved in the fatal accident has been identified as 28-year-old rookie Jorge Salgado, according to law enforcement sources with knowledge of the situation.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
A West New York police officer heading into work late last night struck and killed a pedestrian crossing the street in North Bergen, according to Hudson County Sheriff Frank Schillari.
“At 11:46 p.m., North Bergen Police received a 911 call that a pedestrian was struck by a car at 70th Street & Kennedy Blvd. The North Bergen Police and the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the scene,” Schillari said in an e-mail.
“A passing Guttenberg Police car was driving by the scene stopped to assist and found 28-year old Guiltier Guicoy-Mutzutz, a Guatemalan national, of 90th Street, in North Bergen, lying face down on the sidewalk, unconscious and bleeding from his head. North Bergen Police arrived shortly after.”
Schillari went on the explain that Guicoy-Mutzutz was crossing JFK Boulevard, from the Guttenberg side to the North Bergen side, when he was struck by a blue, 2013 Honda accord driven by a West New York police officer heading to work.
According to officials, the officer immediately stopped and rendered assistance to the injured man, who was in cardiac arrest. North Bergen EMS arrived and transported the victim to Palisades Medical Center. He was pronounced dead shortly before 12 noon today.
The Hudson County Sheriff’s Office Crash Investigation Unit added that the Honda does not appear to have been speeding and the victim was approximately 70 feet away from the nearest crosswalk when he was struck, he was also wearing dark clothing and the area is not well lit.
Furthermore, the driver of the car was also transported to Palisades Medical Center for shock and has been released. The accident is still under investigation West New York police officer has been identified as 28-year-old rookie Jorge Salgado.