NEWARK, N.J. (TNND) — A 26-year-old man was arrested in connection with a hit-and-run crash that fatally injured two women on Saturday night.
David J. Zapata-Vera of Newark surrendered to authorities on Tuesday, according to the Essex County Prosecutor's Office. He faces multiple charges, including two counts of second-degree vehicular homicide.
The incident occurred while Mariana Elizabeth Valverde Beltran, 58, and Maria Isabel DeLosAngeles Salgado Ayala, 61, were using a crosswalk after leaving a World Cup watch party. Both were taken to University Hospital, where they later died from their injuries.
Witnesses reported that Zapata-Vera fled the scene immediately following the collision. Video footage provided to WABC showed the vehicle striking the women forcefully.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Essex County Prosecutor's Office Tips Line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432.