During the early morning hours on Saturday, Nov. 19, North Bergen resident Isaias Castillo Ramos, 34, was struck and killed in a hit and run accident as he attempted to cross at the intersection of 51st Street and Bergenline Avenue in West New York.
Ramos, an immigrant from Guatemala, was reportedly crossing the street around 2:15 a.m. when he was struck by the vehicle on Bergenline Avenue.
“This happened around 2:15 or 2:30 a.m. on Saturday morning,” said Tim Griffin, West New York director of police. “He was struck by an automobile, which fled the scene, traveling south on Bergenline Avenue.”
Ramos was pronounced dead at the scene, and was then transported to the state Regional Medical Examiner’s Office in Newark.
The preliminary autopsy reported that he had died instantly from blunt force trauma to the head, which was likely caused upon impact.
“We have a vague description of the car, but we can not release any details; it is an ongoing investigation,” said Griffin.
Although police would not release any more details about the accident, they are looking into the possibility of a personal dispute Ramos may have had before the accident.
“We’re investigating whether or not there may have been an argument prior to the victim proceeding into the street,” said Griffin. “We are seeking the public’s assistance, asking if anyone remembers seeing anything unusual [that morning] or a possible altercation that took place.”
Ramos had apparently lived alone at his North Bergen home on Kennedy Boulevard. Police were able to contact Ramos’ sister, who lives in New York. The family is currently making arrangements to have the body released from the medical examiner’s office for burial.
“We are still interviewing witnesses at this point, and request that anyone who saw anything to come forward,” said Griffin.
Anyone with information concerning the accident is asked to contact the West New York Police Department at (201) 295-5000.