Driver Flees Multi-Vehicle Crash That Injured 3 Passengers In Jersey City: Prosecutor

JERSEY CITY, NJ — Two men were arrested this month in connection with a multi-vehicle crash that took place in Jersey City over the summer, prosecutors said.

Jose Pepin Hernandez Jr., 25, of Jersey City, was charged with knowingly leaving the scene of a crash resulting in serious bodily injury, said the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office. He was also charged with endangering an injured victim, receiving stolen property, assault by auto, and obstruction, prosecutors said.

Kevin Badenath, 21, of Jersey City, was charged with assault by auto.

Prosecutors said the multi-vehicle crash occurred in Jersey City on July 21. Shortly after 10 p.m., officials say, police were notified of a crash on Kennedy Blvd. near Claremont Avenue.

Police found a Honda Accord, Honda Pilot, and Infinity G3 that had been involved, prosecutors said.

Three female passengers in the Honda Accord were injured, one with a serious injury to her lower body, prosecutors said

The driver of the Accord had fled on foot before police arrived, prosecutors said.

Two people in the Pilot suffered minor injuries.

The investigation determined Hernandez was operating the Honda Accord, which was reported stolen in New York City, prosecutors said.

Badenath was operating the Infinity G37, prosecutors said. He was arrested on Sept. 4.

Hernandez was arrested Thursday on Beach Street in Jersey City by members of the U.S. Marshals Service, prosecutors said.

Both men were taken to the Hudson County Correctional institution.