Newark, N.J.- Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that a West Caldwell man has been charged in connection with the fatal hit-and-run crash that claimed the life of a woman in Caldwell in January.
Angelo Lotrecchiano, 82, of West Caldwell, is charged with second-degree leaving the scene of a crash resulting in death and third-degree endangering an injured victim.
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.
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, Lotrecchiano stopped and exited the vehicle, before returning to it and fleeing 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.
These allegations are merely accusations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they enter a guilty plea or are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The public is encouraged to report any information related to criminal activity by contacting the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Tips Line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432. All calls will remain confidential.
