Man Sentenced For Hit-And-Run Of Boy, 12, In Watchung In 2019

WATCHUNG, NJ — A Union County man was sentenced to five years in prison for the hit-and-run of a 12-year-boy in Watchung in 2019, according to the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office.

Bryant D. Eggleston, 51, of Plainfield had been charged with third-degree leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident resulting in serious bodily injury, third-degree endangering an injured victim, fourth-degree hindering apprehension or prosecution and fourth-degree tampering with physical evidence.

On Oct. 8, 2019, at about 6:50 p.m., a 911 call reported a pedestrian was hit on Valley Road by a car that fled from the scene.

READ MORE: Plainfield Man Charged In 2019 Hit-And-Run Of Boy In Watchung

Police found the 12-year-old boy with serious bodily injuries. He was taken to a trauma center for emergency treatment and ended up surviving the crash, Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson said.

A 15-month investigation into the hit-and-run identified a white 2013 Hyundai Sonata and Eggleston were involved in the crash, Robertson said.

The investigation also concluded Eggleston fled the scene immediately after the crash.

He was arrested on Feb. 2 by Watchung Police at his house in Plainfield.

Additional reporting by Alexis Tarrazi