Suspect in Newport hit-and-run arrested
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.
After the incident, police released the footage that 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.”
Developer puts up reward in JC shooting
Jersey City developer Tony Deluco wants to do more than vent about the alleged shooters of a 43-year-old man near his workplace under the Pulaski Skyway on June 18. He is putting up a $1,000 reward for their capture.
“These scumbags need to be caught,” DeLuco said. “What happened to that man was horrible, but they are on the loose, and someone can get hurt or killed.”
The reward DeLuco is offering is for the person who provides information to the Jersey City police leading to the capture and arrest of the two men who allegedly tried to rob the victim, who was opening up his workplace around 6:30 a.m. The man was shot in the stomach and arm.
The victim, according to Jersey City Police, is still in critical condition at the Jersey City Medical Center.
DeLuco said he was prompted to do this by a tenant living in one of Deluco’s buildings, Andy (offered no last name), who also works at the garage and actually arrived at the scene 15 minutes after the shooting.
The police are looking for two African-American males. One stands 5’9″ to 6’0″ weighing 190-200 pounds. He wore a light brown, warm-up suit. His accomplice stands 5’7 to 5’8 and wore a black, hooded sweat shirt. Both men fled the scene in a red, 4-door Ford Focus, circa 2003-2007.
Anyone with information about the shooting should contact the West District Detectives Office at (201) 547-5369 or the Major Case Unit at (201) 547-5716.
JC Housing Authority gets top score on HUD rating system
The U.S. Housing and Urban Development has certified that the Jersey City Housing Authority has notched 99 percent in its annual SEMAP (Section 8 Management Assessment Program) performance rating.
As the JCHA’s first score certified under the Obama administration, it is the highest score in the agency’s history and the highest 2009 score among large municipal public housing authorities in New Jersey.
The Section 8 Management Assessment Program (SEMAP) measures the performance of public housing agencies that administer the housing choice voucher program in 14 key areas.
JCHA Commissioner and Chairman Raj Mukherji credited the staff, noting the Authority’s strict oversight of its Section 8 program.
Philippine-American Friendship Day Festival and Parade
Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy and the Division of Cultural Affairs present the 19th Annual Philippine-American Friendship Day Parade and Festival on Sunday, June 28.
This year’s festivities will start in Downtown Jersey City at 8 a.m. with a mass at St. Bridget’s Church, 370 Montgomery St., and the parade which will kick off at 10:45 a.m. It will make its way to Exchange Place with the festival to follow. The event is free and open to the public
Headlining the event is musician Mig Ayesa, who became a household name in the Philippines through his sounds of rock, funk and soul.
Festival-goers can expect fascinating floats, marching bands, health fair, music entertainment, foods galore, arts crafts, and of course, the Grand Finals of Filipino Idol 2009, which is open to young and talented Filipino-American youths between the ages of 16 and 30.
Nine finalists will compete for the title and winners are selected by a panel of judges during the festival will receive a first place prize of $1000, second place $700, third place $500 and runners-up will receive $100.