Story by Ethan
On November 14th, 2024, the arrest of Hugo R. Paz-Lajuj, 28, was announced by Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella. Hugo R. Paz-Lajuj was charged with third-degree Knowingly Leaving the Scene of an Accident Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1.1; third-degree Hindering Apprehension, N.J.S.A. 2C:29-3b(1); fourth-degree Tampering with Physical Evidence, N.J.S.A. 2C:28-6(1); and fourth-degree Obstructing Justice, N.J.S.A. 2C:29-1(a); as well as related motor vehicle offenses.
According to the Palisades Police Department, officers responded to a 911 call at approximately 6:40 a.m., that a pedestrian was struck by a motor vehicle on Brinkerhoff Avenue. The pedestrian was identified as a 17-year old from Fort Lee, New Jersey. They were swiftly transported to a local hospital to be treated for serious injuries they suffered from due to the accident.
A joint-investigation was promptly launched by the Paramus Police Department and the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Fatal Accident Investigation Unit. Detectives uncovered that the vehicle involved was a 2004 Honda Civic driven by Hugo R. Paz-Lajuj, who fled the scene after striking the pedestrian. Hugo R. Paz-Lajuj also didn’t inform law enforcement about the incident. After a month, detectives identified and located Hugo R. Paz-Lajuj, as well as the car involved in the hit and run. Repairs were made to the car in order to cover up the damage from the incident.
The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office stated that the charges against Hugo R. Paz-Lajuj are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
