Wayne Hit-And-Run Driver Lied To Cops, Falsely Reported Car Stolen

WAYNE, NJ — A Wayne man has been found guilty of a hit-and-run from nearly three years ago and lying to the police about it, authorities said.

Nicholas Perota, 23, was convicted on Friday of aggravated assault, knowingly leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident, assault by auto, and false reports to law enforcement following a jury trial.

The charges stem from an incident on Sept. 9, 2023, when police were called to Mountainview Boulevard in Wayne on reports of a hit and run.

Police learned that a driver had hit a fire hydrant, struck a pedestrian, and slammed into the front entryway of a residence.

The pedestrian suffered serious injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Authorities added that the driver had run away on foot, accompanied by a pitbull, leaving the car behind near the home’s front entryway. The incident was captured on nearby surveillance cameras.

Two hours later, Perota, who was, in fact, behind the wheel, falsely reported his vehicle stolen in an attempt to avoid prosecution.

He is scheduled for sentencing on July 9 and faces up to 18 years in prison.

Perota has had run-ins with police before, having been investigated for a hostage situation, and reportedly accidentally shooting himself while trying to rob a Paterson gas station.