Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II and Caldwell Police Director Nichele L. Patrick announced today that an investigation is underway into a fatal hit-and run accident that killed a woman in Caldwell on Friday, January 16, 2026.
On January 16, 2026, at approximately 6:30 p.m., the Caldwell Police Department responded to the area of the 400 block of Bloomfield Ave following a report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle.
Upon arrival, police officers found Sharon Thomas, 56, of Caldwell unconscious in the roadway. The victim was transported to Mountainside Hospital, where she was pronounced deceased at 7:22 p.m.
Witnesses reported that Ms. Thomas had exited an NJ Transit bus and was crossing Bloomfield Avenue when she was struck by a vehicle. According to witnesses, the driver stopped and exited the vehicle, looked at the victim lying in the roadway, then returned to the vehicle and fled the scene. A second vehicle also struck Ms. Thomas while she was in the roadway. That vehicle pulled over, and the driver remained on the scene.
This investigation is active and ongoing. No additional information is available at this time.
Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Tips Line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432. All calls will remain confidential.
