Caldwell Barber Charged in Fatal Hit-and-Run

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After hitting 56-year-old Sharon Thomas with his car in Caldwell, New Jersey, an 82-year-old local barber named Angelo Lotrecchiano got out of his vehicle and spoke with witnesses at the scene, but did not call for medical assistance. Lotrecchiano then fled the scene, leaving Thomas lying in the roadway. A second driver later struck Thomas, who was pronounced dead less than an hour later at a nearby hospital. Lotrecchiano has been indicted on charges of second-degree leaving the scene of a crash resulting in death and third-degree endangering an injured victim.

Why it matters

This case has shaken the Caldwell community and renewed concerns about safety along Bloomfield Avenue, a busy corridor that residents and business owners have long described as dangerous. The actions of Lotrecchiano, a longtime local business owner, have raised questions about accountability and the responsibilities of drivers involved in crashes.

The details

Surveillance footage shows Thomas had just stepped off an NJ Transit bus and was attempting to cross Bloomfield Avenue when Lotrecchiano's vehicle struck her. Witnesses provided descriptions of the vehicle and driver, leading authorities to identify Lotrecchiano. When interviewed, Lotrecchiano acknowledged being at the scene but claimed he did not hit Thomas. A second driver who struck Thomas after she was already lying in the road did stay at the scene and call first responders.

• On January 16, 2026, the incident occurred around 6:30 p.m.
• Less than an hour later, Thomas was pronounced dead at Mountainside Hospital.

What they’re saying

What’s next

A court date in April is listed in the affidavit, but a hearing has yet to be determined, according to the Essex County Prosecutor's Office.