Driver charged in hit-and-run that injured man in wheelchair

LEONIA -- Authorities have made an arrest in a hit-and-run accident that seriously injured an elderly man in a wheelchair.

Leonia police say 53-year-old Thomas Malatesta, of Fort Lee, faces charges of knowingly leaving the scene of an accident with serious bodily injury and endangering an injured victim.

Authorities say Malatesta was driving a sport utility vehicle that hit the 78-year-old victim on Monday morning. They say Malatesta then fled the area.

The victim was launched about 20 feet along the street and suffered six broken ribs, a broken clavicle and possibly a broken hip. He remained hospitalized Tuesday, but further details on his condition were not disclosed.

Malatesta was released on his own recognizance after being charged Tuesday. A telephone number for him could not be located and it wasn't known if he's retained an attorney.

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