FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Raymond Worrall
PHONE: (201) 795-6400 Ext. 6737
EMAIL: rworrall@hcpo.org
DATE: Tuesday, July 23, 2019
WOMAN STRUCK BY FLEEING VEHICLE IN JERSEY CITY; TWO MEN ARRESTED
Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez has released the following information:
On Monday, July 22, 2019, shortly after 10:30 a.m., a Jersey City Police Officer conducted a motor vehicle stop of a 2018 Nissan Rogue on Sterling Avenue in Jersey City. During the stop, the driver, who was later identified as Daquan Edwards, and the passenger, later identified as Nicholas Williams Jr., both fled the scene on foot and were pursued on foot by the JCPD Officer.
Edwards, age 22, of Jersey City, and Williams, age 21, of Jersey City, subsequently entered a 2005 Infiniti G35. The Infiniti is not believed to have been stolen. While fleeing, the Infiniti struck a 22-year-old female pedestrian from Jersey City in the area of West Side and Fairview avenues. She was transported by Emergency Medical Services to Jersey City Medical Center where she is being treated for life-threatening injuries. Her condition has stabilized, however she remains critical.
After striking the pedestrian, the Infiniti continued traveling and several parked and moving vehicles were struck before a final collision occurred in the area of West Side Avenue and Montgomery Street. Edwards and Williams then fled the scene on foot.
On July 22, 2019, at approximately 11:30 a.m., members of the Jersey City Police Department arrested Edwards on West Side Avenue in Jersey City. He has been charged with Resisting Arrest by Flight in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:29-2, a fourth-degree crime; Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C: 35-10, a third-degree crime; Hindering Apprehension in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:29-3, a disorderly persons offense; and Obstructing Administration of Law in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:29-1, a disorderly persons offense.
On July 22, 2019, at approximately 11:40 a.m., members of the Jersey City Police Department arrested Williams Jr. in the area of Montgomery Street and West Side Avenue. Williams Jr., who was identified as the driver of the Infiniti, has been charged by members of the Hudson County Regional Collision Investigation Unit with Eluding After Receiving a Signal to Stop from a Police Officer Creating a Risk Of Death or Injury in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:29-2, a second-degree crime; Assault By Auto in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1, a fourth-degree crime; Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended Driver’s License and Causing Serious Bodily Injury in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:40-22, a fourth-degree crime; Knowingly Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Accident Resulting In Serious Bodily Injury in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1.1, a third-degree crime; Aggravated Assault Causing Bodily Injury While Fleeing a Law Enforcement Officer in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1, a second-degree crime; and Resisting Arrest by Flight in violation of N.J.S.A. 29-2, a fourth-degree crime.
Prosecutor Suarez credited the Regional Collision Investigation Unit and the Jersey City Police Department with the investigation and the Jersey City Police Department with the arrests.
The Hudson County Regional Collision Investigation Unit and the Jersey City Police Department are actively investigating this case. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Office of the Hudson County Prosecutor at 201-915-1345 or to leave an anonymous tip at: http://www.hudsoncountyprosecutorsofficenj.org/homicide-tip/. All information will be kept confidential.
The above charges are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).