FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Caitlin Mota
PHONE: (201) 577-6699
EMAIL: cmota@hcpo.org
DATE: Tuesday, May 9, 2023

MAN CHARGED IN CONNECTION WITH NORTH BERGEN HIT-AND-RUN

Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez has released the following information:

On Tuesday, May 9, 2023, members of the Hudson County Regional Collision Investigation Unit arrested a 30-year-old man in connection with a fatal hit-and-run that occurred in North Bergen on Friday, May 5, 2023.

Julian Palacios, of Jersey City, is charged with Knowingly Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Collision Resulting in Death in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-15.1, a crime of the second degree, and Obstruction in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:29-1a, a crime of the fourth degree. Palacios was arrested in Long Branch, New Jersey, and is in custody at a local medical facility. When cleared, he will be transported to the Hudson County Correctional Facility pending his first court appearance.

At approximately 9 p.m., the North Bergen Police Department was notified of a motorcycle, with no apparent operator, lying in the road in the area of Granton Avenue and Liberty Avenue. Responding officers located an injured male – later identified as Joshua Huayamave, 23, of North Bergen – on 76th Street between Cottage Avenue and Tonnelle Avenue, several blocks from the motorcycle. Huayamave was transported by Emergency Medical Services to Palisades Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at approximately 9:40 p.m.

The preliminary investigation found Palacios was operating a blue Honda Civic and was involved in a collision with a motorcycle operated by Huayamave. Palacios did not remain at the scene.

Prosecutor Suarez credited the Hudson County Regional Collision Investigation Unit and the North Bergen Police Department with the investigation and arrest. The above charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. R.P.C.3.6(b)(6).