Paterson councilman involved in fatal pedestrian collision in Teterboro, authorities say
TETERBORO — A 59-year-old Garfield woman was killed Monday afternoon on Route 46 in Teterboro when she was struck by a vehicle driven by Paterson Councilman Luis Velez, authorities said.
Authorities identified the victim as Fetije Lickollari. Moonachie Police Chief Richard Behrens said she was struck by a vehicle traveling east while she was attempting to cross the highway near Industrial Avenue at about 3:32 p.m.
Behrens said the woman "was nowhere near the crosswalk, she ran out on a six-lane highway. As far as we can determine, this guy did nothing wrong.”
No charges have been filed against Velez, but the incident remains under investigation, authorities said.
“The driver of the vehicle remained on scene and was cooperative with investigators,” Behrens said.
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Velez, who is considering running for mayor, issued a brief statement Tuesday night.
"I am deeply saddened for the death of the pedestrian that was involved in this tragic accident," said Velez, Paterson's 5th Ward councilman since 2016. "I have fully cooperated with investigators as they review the incident."
"I have no further comment out of respect for the investigation," Velez added, "and obviously out of respect for the families of everyone involved. Just pray for the families."
The Moonachie Police Department was assisted by the Hasbrouck Heights Police Department, Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Fatal Accident Investigation Unit, Bergen County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Criminal Investigation, New Jersey Department of Transportation and Little Ferry First Aid Squad.
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Steve Janoski covers law enforcement for NorthJersey.com. Email: janoski@northjersey.com
Joe Malinconico is editor of Paterson Press. Email: editor@patersonpress.com
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Paterson NJ councilman involved in fatal pedestrian collision
