Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced on March 27, 2026, Jose Perez-Parada, 35, of Jackson, was charged with Knowingly Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Crash Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in connection with an incident that occurred in Lakewood on March 27, 2026.
On March 27, 2026, at approximately 8:30 p.m., Officers from the Lakewood Township Police Department responded to the area of Hope Chapel Road and Hope Hill Lane for a report of a hit-and-run involving a pedestrian. An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit- Vehicular Homicide Squad, Lakewood Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, revealed that a Hyundai Elantra was traveling northbound on Hope Chapel Road when it struck a minor pedestrian. The Hyundai failed to stop and fled the area. The victim was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune where he is listed in critical but stable condition.
Further investigation revealed that Perez-Parada was operating the Hyundai that struck the pedestrian and fled the scene. Perez-Parada was taken into custody at Lakewood Township Police Headquarters and transported to the Ocean County Jail where he is presently lodged pending a detention hearing.
Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit- Vehicular Homicide Squad, Lakewood Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation.
The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).