Essex Police Locate Suspect Involved in Hit and Run Death of Nutley Woman

The man believed to have been driving the black Ford Econoline van that struck and killed a 77-year-old Nutley woman has been located by Essex County Police.

The man, whose name is not being released at this time, allegedly struck Ernesta Fernandez with his van on Nov. 15, while she was crossing Centre Street at Ravine Avenue in Nutley, and drove off after the impact.

No charges have been filed at this time, and the man is reportedly cooperating with Police, according to Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray.

“Ms. Fernandez sustained fatal injuries on Saturday, Nov. 15 around 12 p.m. in the 300 block of Centre Street,” Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray stated to the press. “She was found in the street.”

Fernandez sustained fatal injuries from the accident, and was pronounced dead that day at University Hospital in Newark.

Following the hit and run, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office posted a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in this case.

This investigation is still active and ongoing, Nutley Police Chief Thomas J. Strumolo reported, noting that no other information is available at this time.

This is a developing story. More information will be updated as it becomes available.

Read more on the Nutley hit and run killing of Ernesta Fernandez here:

$5,000 Reward: Who Killed 77-Year-Old New Jersey Woman While She Crossed The Street?

Police Seek Help in Investigating Death of 77-Year-Old Nutley Woman Killed in Hit and Run