Two Charged in West New York Hit-and-Run That Left Pedestrian Critically Injured

Two men have been charged following a hit-and-run in West New York that left a pedestrian critically injured. The incident occurred on Saturday, August 17, 2024, when a motorcycle struck a 54-year-old Union City resident at Bergenline Avenue and 57th Street. The driver and passenger fled the scene on foot, leaving the victim in life-threatening condition. He remains hospitalized at Jersey City Medical Center.

The suspects, Samuel Collazo, 20, of Westfield, and Rylan Cook-Figueroa, 20, of West New York, were apprehended on August 21, 2024. Collazo faces charges including leaving the scene of a crash resulting in serious injury, endangering an injured victim, receiving stolen property, and unlawful taking of a vehicle. Cook-Figueroa is charged with endangering an injured victim and unlawful taking.

Authorities revealed that the motorcycle involved was previously reported stolen, and during their investigation, identified Collazo as the operator and Cook-Figueroa as the passenger. Both suspects are currently being held at the Hudson County Correctional Facility, awaiting their first court appearances.