Charges announced in fatal Midland Park hit-and-run

Lodi resident Ralph W. Castellano III, 47, was charged on Monday in a Midland Park hit-and-run that killed a pedestrian earlier this month, according to the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office.

Castellano's charges include third-degree endangering an injured victim, and second-degree knowingly leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, along with several other motor vehicle offenses, according to officials.

On Oct. 11, Midland Park police responded to Godwin Avenue after a pedestrian was struck shortly after 7 p.m. Officials said the driver of the vehicle involved in the crash fled. Investigators were able to determine that a 2010 Toyota Tundra hit the victim while he was crossing Godwin Avenue at the intersection with Witte Drive.

The victim, identified by officials as 70-year-old Paul Adams, was taken to a local hospital and pronounced dead.

Authorities said they found the vehicle that allegedly killed Adams Monday, identifying

Castellano as the driver.

Following his arrest, Castellano was taken to the Bergen County Jail, where he remained pending an appearance in court.

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NJ arrests 31 accused child predators in "Operation 24/7"

A roundup of 31 men have been accused of sexually exploiting children online, state Attorney General Gurbir Grewal announced on July 14 while detailing "Operation 24/7."

The suspects “possessed and or distributed videos and images of child sexual abuse, including in many cases videos of young children being raped by adults,” Grewal said.

Chat apps and gaming platforms remain favorite hunting grounds for child predators and even as the pandemic winds down, many children have continued to spend more time online.

State Police received 39% more tips in just the first 6 months of 2021 than they received in the entire year in 2019. The following are suspects charged in "Operation 24/7."

Gallery Credit: Dan Alexander/Erin Vogt

LOOK: Here's how much grocery shopping now costs in the U.S.

The average cost of groceries for one person per month in 2023 was around $337. But how does your state compare? Do you pay more, or less? Data compiled by Zippia takes a look at the average monthly grocery bill per person in all 50 states. States are listed from least expensive to most expensive and are rounded up to the nearest dollar.

Gallery Credit: Mike Brant