Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced today that following a joint investigation by the Port Authority Police of New York and New Jersey and the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, Fidel Ortez, a bus driver who struck and killed a pedestrian at Newark Liberty International Airport, has been arrested.
Fidel Ortez, 47, of West New York, has been charged with second degree leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death and third degree endangering an injured victim.
On Nov. 12, 2012 at approximately 4 a.m. Jeffrey Ziesler, 61, of Howell was struck by a bus in the long term parking lot at the Newark Liberty International Airport. The indictment alleges that Ortez failed to stop and render assistance to Mr. Zeisler.
The indictment charging Ortez was returned late Friday. He was arrested at his place of work on Friday evening. He was released after posting $50,000 bail.
These are accusations. All defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until they plead guilty or are found guilty in a court of law.
