Cranford teens killed: Juvenile arrested after 2 girls on e-bikes killed in hit-and-run in NJ
A juvenile has been arrested in connection to the deaths of two teen girls who were struck by a vehicle while on their e-bikes in Cranford on Monday night.
This is breaking news. See original story below:
A community is in mourning after two teen girls riding their e-bikes were fatally struck by a vehicle in an apparent hit-and-run crash in New Jersey on Monday night.
Candles were lit up on a dark and quiet street in Cranford as hundreds gathered Tuesday night to remember the two young lives cut short.
"I don't think any of us had a decent night's sleep because it could be our own," said Cranford resident Brandi Schmidt. "So, you put yourself in their shoes and come out and support."
They rallied behind the families of the victims.
The two best friends were hit around 5:30 p.m. on Monday near Burnside and Lincoln avenues. Both victims died overnight.
It is believed the victims were riding their e-bikes home after attending a school function when they were struck by a black 2021 Jeep Compass. Both were just blocks from their home when they were struck.
Though police have not confirmed it, two women who say they work with the mother of one of the victims said both girls were 17 years old.
On Tuesday night, the victims' mothers held each other up through their grief.
Mary Campbell lives next-door to one the family of one of the victims.
"Beautiful young girl, very good student, very friendly, always helping the parents out," Campbell said. "She's got a brother and a beautiful young boy. Beautiful. I hugged him last night and I said, 'there's no words I can say to make this any easier for you.'"
The alleged suspect, also believed to be 17, left the scene but was later found and taken into custody.
Authorities have not released details about the driver or whether the collision was an accident or intentional.
The Union County Prosecutor's Office says they are urging residents, or anyone who was traveling in the area of Hillcrest Avenue, Burnside Avenue, and Lincoln Avenue in Cranford around the time of the crash to check home surveillance cameras or dash cameras.
In particular, investigators say they are looking for any witnesses to the crash, or any video that depicts the suspected vehicle, a 2021 black Jeep Compass Utility 4D Altitude 4WD with tinted windows, before or after the crash.
Meanwhile, community members are choosing instead to focus on the memory of the high school students.
Cranford's superintendent released a statement, saying part that counseling will be available to any student who needs to talk.
A GoFundMe page for the family of one of the victims has already raised thousands of dollars and support continues to grow. The community says it is confident it will heal in time.
Anyone with any information on the crash is urged to contact Union County Prosecutor's Office Homicide Task Force Detective Alex Lanza at (908) 370-4318 or Cranford Police Detective Jason D'Agostino at (908) 276-0171.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously by phone at 908-654-TIPS (8477) or online at www.uctip.org; submission of tips made in this fashion that result in an arrest and indictment can be eligible for a reward of up to $10,000 via the Union County Crime Stoppers
----------
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
