Two men now face serious charges after a violent three-car crash on John F. Kennedy Boulevard in Jersey City last summer. The wreck left five people hurt and set off a dramatic late-night chase.
The incident happened July 21, near Claremont Avenue. Police say one of the vehicles was stolen, and the chaos didn’t stop when the cars came to a halt.
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Months later, both drivers are in custody and waiting for their day in court. People around here are still talking about it—not just because of the injuries, but because it’s another reminder of the risks drivers take on these roads.
The Night of the Crash
It was around 10 p.m. on July 21 when three cars collided along a busy stretch of John F. Kennedy Boulevard. The vehicles: a Honda Accord, a Honda Pilot, and an Infiniti G37.
Emergency crews rushed over as soon as the crash happened. The scene was scattered with debris and battered vehicles.
Injuries and Emergency Response
Three women in the Honda Accord got hurt, and one of them had a serious lower-body injury. She needed medical help right away.
Two people in the Honda Pilot suffered minor injuries. The cars were a mess—just looking at them, you could tell how hard the impact was.
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The Suspects Behind the Wheel
Authorities say things started when 25-year-old Jose Pepin Hernandez Jr. drove a stolen Honda Accord. After the crash, investigators say Hernandez bolted on foot, leaving his injured passengers behind.
Cops tracked him down on Beach Street in Jersey City and arrested him. They took him to the Hudson County Correctional Facility.
The Second Arrest
The other driver, 21-year-old Kevin Badenath, was behind the wheel of the Infiniti G37. He faces assault by auto and related charges.
Police arrested Badenath on September 4 at the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office in Secaucus. That wrapped up the search for both suspects.
Charges and Legal Consequences
Hernandez faces charges for leaving the scene of a crash that caused serious injury, plus charges for possessing and using a stolen car. Badenath’s charges focus on reckless driving and assault by auto.
If convicted, both men could spend years in prison.
Community Concerns
This isn’t the first time a crash like this has rattled Jersey City. People here keep asking for more enforcement, especially in busy districts like this one.
Safety advocates push for better lighting, stricter speed limits, and more community awareness. It’s an ongoing conversation that never seems to end.
Exploring Jersey City Safely
Still, Jersey City’s got a lot going for it. Despite the risks, it’s a vibrant place to live, work, and wander.
There’s that wild mix of cultures, killer waterfront views of Manhattan, and a bustling arts and dining scene. Honestly, there’s no shortage of things to do in Jersey City.
Visiting the City
If you’re planning a trip, you’ve got plenty of high-quality Jersey City hotels to pick from. There’s something for both leisure and business travelers.
Some folks go for luxury waterfront spots, while others love the charm of boutique stays. Where you land really depends on your interests and, honestly, your budget.
Getting to Jersey City is a breeze. The city’s close to several PATH stations, ferries, and major highways, so you won’t struggle with transportation.
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View Top Stays
- Discover Liberty State Park for skyline views.
- Explore historic neighborhoods like Paulus Hook.
- Enjoy the thriving food scene on Newark Avenue.
Here is the source article for this story: Two Men Charged in July Three-Car Kennedy Blvd. Crash That Injured Five
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