Charges have been upgraded against the driver involved in a West New York hit-and-run after a pedestrian died as a result of injuries he sustained in the collision.
Samuel Collazo, 20, of Westfield, is charged with Knowingly Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Crash Resulting in Death in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-5.1. Collazo was previously charged with Knowingly Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Crash Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1.1; Endangering an Injured Victim in violation of N.J.S.A. 12-1.2a; Receiving Stolen Property in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-10.2a; and Unlawful Taking in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-10c. Collazo is being held at the Hudson County Correctional Facility pending the State’s Motion for Detention.
A second defendant, Rylan Cook-Figueroa, 20, of West New York, was previously charged with Endangering an Injured Victim in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1.2a and Unlawful Taking in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-10d.
At approximately 3:40 p.m. on August 17, 2024, the West New York Police Department was notified of a pedestrian struck by a motorcycle in the area of Bergenline Avenue and 57th Street. Responding officers located a male victim – later identified as Angel Guzman-Morales, 54, of Union City – with life-threatening injuries. The occupant(s) of the motorcycle fled the scene on foot. Guzman-Morales was transported to Jersey City Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead on Saturday, August 24, 2024.
During the preliminary investigation, it was determined the vehicle was previously reported stolen. Collazo was identified as the operator of the vehicle and Cook-Figueroa was identified as the rear passenger.
Prosecutor Suarez credited the Hudson County Regional Collision Investigation Unit and the West New York Police Department with the investigation and arrest. The above charges are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. R.P.C.3.6(b)(6)
