2004 Ford F-150
Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Hawthorne Police Chief James W. Knepper
announce that investigators are seeking the assistance of the public regarding any information
about a hit-and-run crash that occurred in the evening hours on June 28, 2023, in the area of
Wagaraw Road and Passaic Street in Hawthorne, New Jersey. Police are searching for a graycolored 2004 Ford F-150.
At approximately 8:46 p.m., the Hawthorne Police Department received information concerning
a hit-and-run motor vehicle incident in the area of Wagaraw Road and Passaic Street in
Hawthorne, New Jersey. It was reported that a gray-colored Ford F-150 bearing New Jersey
registration W73-MCN struck a pedestrian, later identified as Joe Bender, an 83-year-old male
from Hawthorne, New Jersey. The Ford F-150 then fled the area. The victim was transported to
Saint Joseph’s University Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased.
This investigation is active and ongoing. More information will be released when it becomes
available.
The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office asks anyone with additional information about this
incident to contact us on our tips line at 1-877-370-PCPO or tips@passaiccountynj.org or contact
the Hawthorne Police Department at (973) 427-1800.
