A Mays Landing man charged in a hit-and run that seriously injured an Absecon pedestrian and killed the victim's dog was not the driver, an investigation found.
Byron A. Jones confessed to the crime to cover for his son, according to new charges.
Amir A. Jones, 20, also of Mays Landing, now faces several charges including leaving the scene of an accident causing serious bodily injury, endangering an injured victim and hitting a domestic animal required to stop, Capt. Jeffrey Mazer said.
His 52-year-old father is charged with hindering apprehension and making false reports to law enforcement officials as a result of the alleged cover-up attempt.
Both are charged on summonses and were not jailed.
A passerby discovered Syed Hoque and his dog in the roadway and called 911.
Hoque, 25, was rushed to the hospital in life-threatening condition. His dog, Duca, died at the scene.
Friends who started a GoFundMe for Hoque described the Navy corpsman as a great friend who was always helping others.
The initial investigation led to the suspect vehicle, and charges against Byron Jones. But further investigation revealed the alleged cover-up.
