Police search for hit and run driver in crash that killed two new jersey teens

Police search for hit and run driver in crash that killed two New Jersey teens

The hunt is on for the Jeep driver who fled after two teens lost their lives.

Cranford, NJ – Two teenage girls were fatally struck while riding an electronic bike on Burnside Avenue late Monday afternoon, sparking a countywide plea for public assistance in tracking down the driver involved.

The crash occurred at approximately 5:26 p.m. Monday near the intersections of Hillcrest Avenue, Burnside Avenue, and Lincoln Avenue, according to the Union County Prosecutor’s Office. The victims, both juveniles, were pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators are focusing on a 2021 black Jeep Compass Utility 4D Altitude 4WD with tinted windows that was believed to be in the area at the time of the crash. Authorities released a reference photo of the make and model as they seek witnesses and video evidence.

Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel urged residents and drivers who may have passed through the neighborhood Monday afternoon to review home surveillance systems and dash cameras for any footage of the Jeep before or after the crash.

The investigation is being led by the Union County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Task Force in collaboration with the Cranford Police Department.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Alex Lanza of the Union County Prosecutor’s Office at (908) 370-4318 or Cranford Police Detective Jason D’Agostino at (908) 276-0171. Anonymous tips may be submitted by calling 908-654-TIPS (8477) or online at www.uctip.org. Information leading to an arrest and indictment could qualify for a reward of up to $10,000 through Union County Crime Stoppers.


Shore News Network

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

With extensive experience covering municipal government, county government, state legislatures, elections, law enforcement, emergency management, and public records, Stilton specializes in translating complex government actions into clear, factual reporting. His work frequently relies on primary source documents, including court filings, legislation, public meeting records, election finance disclosures, government databases, police reports, and Freedom of Information and Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. He has reported extensively on local government accountability, taxpayer spending, campaign finance, public corruption investigations, infrastructure, public safety, and the policies affecting New Jersey residents.

Under Stilton's editorial leadership, Shore News Network has grown into one of New Jersey's largest independent digital news organizations, publishing thousands of original news articles each year while providing breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, and analysis across state and local government. The publication's reporting is routinely sourced from official government agencies, public officials, court records, and firsthand documentation, with a commitment to transparency, attribution, corrections when warranted, and clearly distinguishing factual reporting from opinion.

Stilton's journalism follows established newsroom standards emphasizing accuracy, verification, fairness, and accountability. Every effort is made to verify information through official records and multiple reliable sources before publication. His reporting is intended to provide readers with timely, well-documented information that helps them understand the issues affecting their communities, while maintaining editorial independence from political parties, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and commercial interests.

Readers can submit story tips, corrections, public records, or media inquiries through the official Shore News Network website or its verified social media channels. Shore News Network welcomes corrections and updates when new information becomes available as part of its ongoing commitment to accurate and transparent journalism.