Overview
- A 31-year-old passenger, Krisiann Reyes Rivera, was struck by the rear tires of a U-Haul trailer after a minor collision on Route 17 in Paramus when, on Monday, she exited her vehicle and approached the other driver.
- Witnesses chased and blocked the Acura towing the trailer about a half-mile from the crash site and held the driver until police arrived, a action that led to his prompt arrest.
- Estuardo Rodriguez, 31, was charged with second-degree death by auto, leaving the scene and related offenses and is being held in custody while a not-guilty plea was entered on his behalf.
- Authorities allege Rodriguez was driving under the influence and operating the vehicle with a suspended license, allegations that prosecutors and investigators say will factor into the case.
- The victim was taken to Hackensack University Medical Center where she later died, and the case is now playing out in local court with public safety and bystander intervention under scrutiny.