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Bryant D. Eggleston, of Plainfield, was behind the wheel of a white 2013 Hyundai Sonata when he struck the boy on Oct. 8, 2019 on Valley Road in Watchung, Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson said.
Officers responding to a 9-1-1 call reporting a pedestrian struck found the boy with serious injuries, Robertson said. The driver, meanwhile, had fled the scene, authorities said.
First aid was rendered to the boy, who was taken to a nearby trauma center for emergency treatment. The boy survived and an investigation was immediately launched by Investigators from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Collision Analysis reconstruction Team (CART) and Watchung detectives.
Eggleston was identified as the driver following a 15-month investigation, Robertson said Feb. 5, 2021. He was arrested on Feb. 2, 2021, at his home without incident, authorities said.
Eggleston was charged with third degree assault by auto, third degree endangering an injured victim, fourth degree hindering apprehension, fourth degree tampering with evidence and leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident.
He was lodged in the Somerset County Jail pending a bail detention hearing.
Prosecutor Robertson, Chief Fodor and Chief Kelly request anyone with information relating to the hit and run investigation to contact the Watchung Police Department at (908) 756-3663.
All calls will be kept confidential or via the STOPit app. The STOPit app allows citizens to provide anonymous reports including videos and photos. STOPit can be downloaded to your smart phone for free at the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, access code: SOMERSETNJ. Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers’ Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477).
All anonymous STOPit reports and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential.
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