Speeding Hasbrouck Heights motorist seriously injures 11-year-old boy in Seaside Heights

SEASIDE HEIGHTS — A 19-year-old Hasbrouck Heights man was speeding through this popular resort town at the start of the Memorial Day weekend when he struck and seriously injured an 11-year-old boy on a bicycle and then tried to flee the scene, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said Saturday.

Giancarlos Fernandez struck the boy with a 2012 Infiniti sedan at Barnegat and Freemont avenues about 6:50 p.m Friday, Billhimer said in a news release.

The child became imbedded in the windshield of the car upon impact and was eventually thrown to the pavement, the prosecutor said.

Fernandez got out of his car and ran, but borough detectives caught him a few blocks away, Billhimer said.

The child was airlifted to Jersey Shore University Hospital, Neptune, where he was listed in stable condition Saturday, Billhimer said.

Police administered a field sobriety test to Fernandez and also obtained a warrant to draw blood from him at Community Medical Center in Toms River, where he was transported upon his apprehension, Billhimer said. He did not reveal the results of either test.

Fernandez was charged with assault by auto and knowingly leaving the scene of a motor vehicle crash with serious injuries, Billhimer said.

Fernandez was transferred to the Ocean County Jail, where he awaits a hearing to determine if he will be jailed without bail pending trial.

Kathleen Hopkins, a reporter in New Jersey since 1985, covers crime, court cases, legal issues and just about every major murder trial to hit Monmouth and Ocean counties. Contact her at khopkins@app.com

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Child airlifted, struck by Hasbrouck Heights driver in Seaside Heights