A child is in serious condition after being struck by a hit and run driver, who was later apprehended.

Authorities say the incident occurred at approximately 8:30 p.m. on Friday night.

Officers from the Lakewood Police Department responded to the area of Hope Chapel Road and Hope Hill Lane following reports of a hit-and-run involving a minor. Upon arrival, responders found the victim suffering from serious injuries.

An investigation conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit–Vehicular Homicide Squad, along with the Lakewood Township Police Department and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, determined that a Hyundai Elantra traveling northbound on Hope Chapel Road struck the pedestrian before fleeing the scene without stopping.

The injured minor was transported by Hatzolah to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where he remains listed in critical but stable condition.

Further investigation led authorities to identify Jose Perez-Parada, 35, of Jackson, as the driver of the vehicle involved. He was taken into custody at Lakewood Township Police Headquarters and transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he is being held pending a detention hearing.

Please be Mispallel for Daniel Shmuel Ben Shifra.