North Plainfield Police Department

June 5, 2008, Press Release

Chief William Parenti

North Plainfield Police Chief William Parenti announced that the victim in last week’s fatal motor vehicle accident has been positively identified.  On Thursday, May 29, at 9:40 pm a pedestrian was fatally injured as he attempted to cross the intersection of Route 22 West and Somerset Street.  The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene through paramedics from Muhlenberg Hospital, due to massive injuries sustained after being hit by more then one vehicle.  The investigation was conducted by the North Plainfield Police Department and the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Collision Analysis Reconstruction Team.  As of this time no motorists have been charged in connection with the accident.

After exhausting other options, the police turned to the media for help in an attempt to positively identify the victim and then notify next of kin.  On Thursday afternoon the victim was positively identified as Mynor Anibal Enriquez-Gonzalez of Plainfield New Jersey, by members of his family.  The victim was 19 years old and had been in the United States for approximately three years.  Chief Parenti credited Ms. Flor Gonzalez, (no relation), of the Latin American Coalition based in Plainfield, with  providing the police critical assistance in establishing Mr. Enriquez-Gonzalez’s identity.   Chief Parenti also indicated this was another tragic accident that could have been prevented through the use of designated crossing places.  He said efforts to curtail pedestrians from improperly crossing the highway will continue through a program of vigorous enforcement and education.