Arrest made in fatal New Jersey hit and run

ByEyewitness News WABC logo
Friday, August 25, 2017
Police searching for driver in hit-and-run that killed woman in NJ
Anthony Johnson has the latest on the deadly hit-and-run crash in Linden.

LINDEN, New Jersey (WABC) -- Police have made an arrest in the deadly hit-and-run crash that killed a woman in New Jersey Thursday.

Authorities say 62-year-old Donna Babbs was crossing East St. George Avenue in Linden just before 1 p.m. when she was struck by an eastbound 2001 Nissan Altima. She was pronounced dead at the scene, the bags she was carrying scattered across the roadway.

The driver then fled the scene, heading towards Elizabeth.

Linden police quickly identified the driver as 51-year-old Michael Nicholson, who was arrested at his residence in Colonia without incident hours after the crash.

"Our prayers are with the victim, and all those affected by this tragedy," Linden Police Chief Jonathan Parham said. "We are pleased to be able to make this arrest quickly. It is yet another example of ordinary citizens and law enforcement working together to make our community safer."

Nicholson is charged with second-degree leaving the scene of a fatal crash.

The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to call Investigator Jimmy Solano at (908) 474-8505.