Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy and police officials announced Monday night the arrest of the hit and run driver who allegedly plowed over a pedestrian near Newport Centre Mall with a pickup truck and left him in a coma more than a week ago.
Anthony J. Pane, 19, of 25th Street in Bayonne, was taken into custody early Tuesday evening by members of the JCPD’s Major Case Unit and the Accident Investigation Squad while in the company of his attorney. Pane gave a brief statement and was then charged with assault with a vehicle, leaving the scene of an accident, and endangering an injured victim. He will appear before a judge to answer the charges Tuesday morning at Central Judicial Processing Court, officials said.
Pane is charged with the hit and run of Ricardo Torres, 52, while he was in the crosswalk at 1:30 p.m. June 13, 2009 at the intersection of Marin Boulevard and Sixth Street. Torres has been in a drug-induced coma since the incident after reportedly losing a kidney and spleen and suffering other significant injuries. He remains in critical condition at Jersey City Medical Center according to police.
Following the hit-and-run, police released the footage of the incident, which showed the Ford F-150 pickup truck, registered to Pane’s father, traveling at least an estimated 45 MPH in the 25 MPH zone, officials said. The footage was released to solicit the public’s help in finding the driver.
After visiting and eliminating several similar vehicles, police closed in on the Panes. After inspecting the truck in question, police seized the vehicle and questioned the family regarding its use. Shortly thereafter, Pane was charged, officials said.
“This is a prime example of the community and police working together. It was a puzzle, and with the community help, we put it together,” Police Chief Thomas Comey said. “Beyond any doubt whatsoever, we have the right guy and the right car in custody.” – Ricardo Kaulessar