West New York resident Jose Rolando Martin Baron, 28, a Guatemalan immigrant, was killed in a hit-and-run accident when he was crossing Bergenline Avenue near 63rd Street in the early morning hours of last Saturday, July 29.

West New York Police Director Tim Griffin said that Baron, a day laborer who was on his way to work, was hit by a while delivery van that was traveling in the southbound lane at about 6:43 a.m. According to eye witness reports, Baron was crushed under the van's weight and was killed nearly instantly. He was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

Baron moved to the United States seven years ago and lived a Madison Street apartment for over three years. According to police, he would often work seven days a week as roofing and siding worker. Baron's next of kin were notified by the Guatemalan consulate, and funeral arrangements are now being made, Griffin said.

White van fled

Police are now looking for the driver of the van and are asking the community for help. Griffin said that van, which has no lettering or rear windows, fled east at a high rate of speed on 63rd Street.

According to witness reports, the driver of the van was a male in his 50s with an olive complexion, goatee, and salt and pepper hair.

"We are asking the community if anyone saw the van in question, or if local businesses have external video surveillance that may have caught the vehicle on video tape," Griffin said.

Police ask anyone with further information to call the detectives bureau at (201) 295-5000.