A hit-and-run van driver who struck and killed a 14-year-old boy riding a bicycle last summer in South River has been sentenced to 15 years in state prison.
Michael Arena, 64, will have to serve 12 years and nine months before he is eligible for parole, the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office said Thursday.
Arena struck Bryan Barbosa around 4:30 p.m. on July 7 near the corner of Whitehead and Russell avenues, officials said. He then drove away without stopping. The borough teen later died of his injuries at an area hospital.
Arena, of South River, was arrested later that day. He pleaded guilty in December to knowingly leaving the scene of a motor vehicle crash resulting in death and vehicular homicide. Arena had been also been indicted on the more serious charge, including aggravated manslaughter. He was sentenced on Wednesday.
In addition to the state prison term, Arena will have his license suspended for a year after being released.
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Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com.
