Cops search for hit-and-run motorist in fatal crash
TRENTON >> Police are searching for a hit-and-run motorist who killed a pedestrian earlier this year.
Elvin Rivera, a 37-yearold tattoo artist born in the capital city, was struck by a hit-and-run motorist in the first block of Morris Avenue around 3:30 a.m. on January 11. He died at the hospital later that night.
“Elvin had a passion for art and drawing,” his obituary states. “His creativity and talent for permanent art as a tattoo artist was inspiring to many.”
Officials released a screenshot from surveillance footage of that night which shows a red Ford Focus cops believe was involved in the fatal crash.
If the driver of the vehicle is apprehended, he or she will likely be charged with death by auto.
According to the New Jersey State Police Uniform Crime Reporting Unit, vehicular homicides are considered manslaughter and are, therefore, not reported as a homicide statistic.
The Trentonian, however, includes death by auto and justifiable police shootings in its yearly homicide count.
Police are also investigating two other fatal pedestrian accidents that happened on the same day Rivera was killed.
Shawn Hurley, 47, and Mark Zachary, 59, were also struck by motorists while walking in the capital city on Jan. 11; they both later died at the hospital.
Officials say the drivers involved in Hurley and Zachary’s death remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. At this time, neither of those drivers have been charged with criminal offenses, though both cases remain under investigation.
If the drivers in those latter two fatalities are charged with death by auto, Hurley and Zachary’s death will be added to this newspaper’s 2018 homicide toll.
Anyone with information regarding the driver or the car involved in Rivera’s death is asked to call police at 609-989-4167. Information may also be left on the confidential tip line at 609-989-3663.