NEWARK, NJ — Law enforcement officials have announced a major breakthrough in the tragic hit-and-run that claimed the life of a beloved senior citizen earlier this week. Aides Benites Rivera has been arrested and charged in connection with the horrific crash at the Ivy Hill Laundromat, according to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.
The arrest brings a somber sense of relief to the Newark community following the chaotic scene that unfolded Monday afternoon at a strip mall on Irvington Avenue.
The Charges and the Crime
Rivera faces serious legal consequences, including leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death. The investigation into the incident revealed a chain reaction of violence:
- The Collision: Rivera was allegedly behind the wheel of a Dodge Ram pickup truck when he slammed into an SUV.
- The Impact: The force of the collision sent both heavy vehicles careening through the glass front of the Ivy Hill Laundromat.
- The Aftermath: Witness accounts provided a chilling detail—one witness told NBC New York he saw the driver of the white truck consuming alcohol with another man in the parking lot just moments before the fatal impact.
Remembering Ruth Benjamin
While the legal case against Rivera begins, the community is mourning 81-year-old Ruth Benjamin. On Monday, Ruth was doing what many neighbors do—sitting at a table near the entrance of the laundromat. She never had a chance to move as the wall of glass and metal came flying toward her. She was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
The crash also sent a laundromat employee “flying back” from the force of the impact. The worker was rushed to a local hospital; while their exact condition has not been made public, the injuries are believed to be serious.
A Community in Shock
There were approximately ten people inside the facility at the time of the crash. Survivors described a scene of pure terror, with glass shards and debris scattered across the floor where neighbors usually gather to do chores.
The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office is continuing its investigation to determine if additional charges, such as vehicular homicide or DUI, will be added as more evidence is processed. Attorney information for Rivera has not yet been made available to the public.
Newark Residents: We Want to Hear From You
The Ivy Hill neighborhood is a tight-knit community. Did you know Ms. Ruth Benjamin? Do you have concerns about safety and reckless driving in the Irvington Avenue area?
Please share your memories of Ruth or your thoughts on this arrest in the comments below. Your voice helps keep our neighborhood safe and informed.
