NJ Man Dead, Toddler Hospitalized After DWI Driver Hits Pedestrians: Prosecutors

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A minivan fatally struck a pedestrian and left his young son hospitalized in critical condition over the weekend in the Oranges, authorities say.

The crash – which also injured several other people – took place as a man and his 3-year-old son were crossing South Grove Street in East Orange at 10:06 p.m. on Saturday, according to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.

After striking the man and his child, the minivan crashed into a nearby box truck, prosecutors said.

The man – later identified as Brian Hope 26, of East Orange – was pronounced dead at University Hospital in Newark after midnight. His 3-year-old son was also taken to University Hospital and is in critical condition, authorities said Monday.

The driver of the box truck and three passengers in the minivan were also injured and taken to the hospital after the crash.

The driver of the minivan – Kadeem Robinson, 34, of Bloomfield – was arrested and charged with first-degree vehicular homicide within 1,000 feet of a school, second-degree assault by auto while DWI within 1,00 feet of a school, second-degree assault by auto while DWI within 1,000 feet of a school, and fourth-degree assault by auto.

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