Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella has announced that charges have been upgraded against Alexander L. Vargas in connection to a fatal hit-and-run collision that occurred on January 25, 2024.

Officers with the Teaneck Police Department responded to a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Palmer Avenue and Sherman Avenue in Teaneck, New Jersey around 8 a.m. on January 25, 2024.

The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Fatal Accident Investigation Unit was notified due to the severity of the injuries. Authorities say 17-year-old Alexander Vargas was driving a 2015 Ford Explorer that struck a 2022 Nissan Rogue driven by 40-year-old Dymond T. Fryson.

Following the crash, Vargas fled on foot before being taken into custody. The driver of the Nissan Rogue, Fryson, succumbed to his injuries on January 26, 2024. Authorities claim that Vargas was operating his vehicle recklessly.

He was allegedly driving under the influence of marijuana, was speeding in a residential zone, and disregarded several stop signs. Vargas was waived into an adult court on September 25. He is charged with First-Degree Aggravated Manslaughter, Second-Degree Vehicular Homicide, Second-Degree Leaving The Scene of a Motor Vehicle Accident Resulting in Death, and Third-Degree Endangering an Injured Victim.