Fatal Hit-And-Run Under Investigation In Bridgewater

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Authorities are investigating the fatal hit-and-run of a pedestrian in Bridgewater early Thursday morning.

Around 2 a.m., Robert C. Cepeda, 28, of Park Avenue in Plainfield had just gotten off a New Jersey Transit commuter bus at the bus stop on the westbound side of Route 28 in Bridgewater along with two other co-workers, said Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson.

Cepeda was on his way to work at the nearby UPS building on Route 28 and Chimney Rock Road when he began to walk towards a nearby convenience store. He was crossing the intersection when he was hit by an eastbound brown or red tractor truck cab without a trailer attached, said Robertson.

After hitting Cepeda, the driver of the truck slowed down but did not stop and instead drove onto Interstate 287 South, said Robertson.

Bridgewater Police Officers along with Emergency Medical Personnel found Cepeda on the roadway and tried lifesaving measures which were unsuccessful. Cepeda was pronounced dead at the scene.

The New Jersey Regional Medical Examiner’s Office will perform a post-mortem examination.

Anyone with information relating to this fatal hit and run is asked to contact the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Unit at 908-231-7100 or the Bridgewater Township Police Department at 908-722-4111 or via the STOPit app.

Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers’ Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). All anonymous STOPit reports and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here. Don't miss local and statewide announcements. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.