The Hudson County Regional Collision Investigation Unit has charged two men in connection with a multi-vehicle crash that occurred in Jersey City on Monday, July 21, 2025.
Jose Pepin Hernandez Jr., 25, of Jersey City, is charged with Knowingly Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Collision Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1.1, a crime of the third degree; Endangering an Injured Victim in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1.2a, a crime of the third degree; Receiving Stolen Property in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-7a, a crime of the third degree; Assault by Auto in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1c(1), a crime of the fourth degree; and Obstruction in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:29-1, a crime of the fourth degree. He was arrested on Beach Street in Jersey City by members of the United States Marshals Service and Jersey City Police Department on Thursday, September 18, 2025, and transported to the Hudson County Correctional Facility pending his first court appearance.
Kevin Badenath, 21, of Jersey City, is charged with Assault by Auto in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1c(1), a crime of the fourth degree. He was arrested at the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office in Secaucus on Thursday, September 4, 2025.
Shortly after 10 p.m. on July 21, 2025, the Jersey City Police Department was notified of a crash on Kennedy Boulevard in the area of Claremont Avenue. Responding officers located three vehicles – a Honda Accord, a Honda Pilot, and an Infinity G37 – that were involved in a collision. Three female passengers of the Honda Accord were injured, one with a serious injury to the lower body. The driver of the vehicle fled on foot prior to police arriving on scene. Two occupants of the Honda Pilot suffered minor injuries. The injured individuals were transported to Jersey City Medical Center for treatment. The investigation determined Hernandez Jr. was operating the Honda Accord and Badenath was operating the Infinity G37. The Honda had been reported stolen out of New York City.
The above charges are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. R.P.C.3.6(b)(6).
