South River Man Sentenced To Prison In Fatal Hit And Run

64-YEAR-OLD SOUTH RIVER MAN SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS IN PRISON FOR KILLING 14-YEAR-OLD BOY

    "Michael Arena Sentenced To Prison For The July 2023 Fatal Hit & Run That Killed A 14-Year-Old Boy While Riding His Bike."

Friday, April 12, 2024, 6:30 A.M. ET. By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

SOUTH RIVER, NJ.- On Wednesday, a 64-Year-Old South River, New Jersey man will spend the next 15 Years in New Jersey State Prison in connection with a Fatal Crash that Claimed the Life of a 14-Year-Old South River Boy in Early July of 2023.

     According to Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone, on July 7, 2023, shortly before 4:30 p.m., Members of The South River responded to The Intersection of Whitehead and Russell Avenues in South River following receiving a 911 Emergency Call Reporting a Serious Crash.

     Upon arrival, Police Officers found a 14-Year-Old Boy who had been Struck by a White Work Van while Riding his Bicycle. The Boy was immediately transported Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased. Police Officers learned that following hitting the Boy The White Van Fled the Scene.

     A Joint investigation by Sergeant John Kenney of The South River Police Department and Sergeant Jonathan Berman of The Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office identified Michael Arena, 63, of South River, New Jersey as the Driver of the White Work Van. On July 7, 2023, shortly after The Crash, Detectives transported Mr. Arena to The South River Police Department where he admitted to Driving The Van at the time of The Crash. Following his admission, Arena was Taken into Custody and Formally Charged with Leaving the Scene of a Fatal Motor Vehicle Crash and other related Offenses.

     During a Court Hearing on December 8, 2023, Mr. Arena Pleaded Guilty to Second Degree Knowingly Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Crash Resulting in Death; and Second Degree Vehicular Homicide. 

     On Wednesday, April 10, 2024, The Honorable Sheree Pitchford, J.S.C. Sentenced Arena to Ten Years in New Jersey State Prison for Second Degree Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Crash Resulting in Death consecutive to Five Years for Vehicular Homicide. Arena will be required to serve Eighty-Five Percent of his Custodial Term of Five Years before Parole Eligibility.  Upon his release Arena's Driver's License will be Suspended for One Year.

FILED UNDER: APRIL 12, 2024: LAW, LOCAL, MIDDLESEX: