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

A Wayne man was convicted Friday for a 2023 hit-and-run in which he struck a pedestrian, a fire hydrant, and the front of a residence before fleeing on foot with his dog. Nicholas Perota, 23, tried to cover his tracks by falsely reporting his car stolen two hours later, but surveillance footage caught up with him. He faces up to 18 years in prison at his July 9 sentencing.