Fair Lawn, NJ (August 12, 2026) – A mother and her 5-year-old child were injured on Tuesday morning after they were struck by a vehicle while crossing a street in Fair Lawn, according to police.
The crash happened around 6:30 a.m. at the intersection of Broadway and Fair Lawn Parkway, near a Dunkin’ Donuts. The driver involved fled the scene following the collision, authorities said.
The 47-year-old woman and the child were transported to Hackensack University Medical Center, where they were listed in stable condition.
Police later arrested 67-year-old Maritza Salazar-Perez of Fair Lawn in connection with the crash. She faces multiple charges, including leaving the scene of an accident resulting in serious bodily injury and endangering an injured victim.
Salazar-Perez was remanded to the Bergen County Jail pending a first appearance in Superior Court.
The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Fatal Accident Task Force assisted with the investigation. Detectives focused on the area around the crosswalk where pedestrians cross Broadway.
The investigation remains ongoing.
We are thinking of the mother and child and wishing them a smooth recovery.
Why Hit-and-Run Crashes Can Be Especially Dangerous
Pedestrian crashes can result in serious injuries because people crossing roadways have little physical protection when struck by a vehicle. The risk can be particularly concerning at busy intersections where vehicles and pedestrians are moving through the same area.
When a driver leaves the scene, the investigation can become more challenging because authorities may need to identify the vehicle and driver through witness accounts, surveillance footage, vehicle evidence, and other investigative leads.
Investigators may also examine the crosswalk, traffic signals, roadway markings, and surrounding traffic patterns to reconstruct what happened. The findings can help establish how the collision occurred and whether additional violations occurred.
