Newark, N.J – Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II and Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda announced today the arrest of a Belleville man in connection with a fatal hit-and-run that claimed the life of a pedestrian on McCarter Highway (Route 21) in Newark on Sunday, October 11, 2026.
Mickael Esteban Barrionuevo Medina, 28, of Belleville, is charged with second-degree leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death and third-degree endangering an injured victim.
According to preliminary findings, at approximately 7:44 p.m. on Sunday, James Edward Kolla, 62, of Newark was crossing a marked crosswalk at the intersection of Edison Place and McCarter Highway as the traffic light was turning green.
A black pickup truck struck Kolla, knocking him onto the roadway. The vehicle then fled the scene onto Market Street.
Kolla was transported to University Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 8:11 p.m.
Medina later surrendered to Newark Police.
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.
MICKAEL ESTEBAN BARRIONUEVO MEDINA
