Prosecutor: Man wanted for deadly hit-and-run crash in Hawthorne

Juan Martinez Gonzalez is accused of running over Joe Bender on June 28.

Matt Trapani

Jul 11, 2023, 9:27 PM

Updated 519 days ago

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A Hawthorne man is wanted for a hit-and-run crash that killed an 83-year-old man.
The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office says that Juan Martinez Gonzalez is accused of running over Joe Bender as he was crossing the street near Wagaraw Road and Passaic Street on June 28. Bender was taken to the hospital where he died.
They say that Gonzalez was driving a gray Ford F-150 during the incident, and that he did not stop after the crash. The F-150 was later found in Passaic.
Anyone who might have information about his whereabouts is urged to call the prosecutor’s tip line at 1-877-370-PCPO or email tips@passaiccountynj.org.