Man, woman killed in fiery crash involving stolen vehicle in Newark
NEWARK, New Jersey (WABC) -- A manhunt is underway for the teenage driver of a stolen Dodge that crashed into another car, killing a man and a woman inside, in Newark overnight Thursday.
The crash happened just after 4:30 a.m. at Elizabeth Avenue and Runyon Street.
Eyewitness News obtained surveillance video showing the 2021 Dodge speeding down Elizabeth Avenue before smashing into the other vehicle at the intersection.
The Dodge bursts into flames as it skids down the street before coming to rest about the block from the impact site.
Raw video obtained by Eyewitness News:
The Essex County Prosecutor's Office says a man and a woman in the other vehicle were killed, and three teenage girls who were passengers in the stolen Dodge were injured.
Authorities say the teenage boy who was driving the stolen vehicle is on the run, as is another male who was in the Dodge.
The male victim was been identified as 47-year-old Felix Valdez, of Bay Shore, NY. The identity of the female has not yet been confirmed.
Police say the vehicle was stolen in Union on Wednesday, after the driver apparently left the keys inside with the car running.
Area residents say it is a dangerous stretch of road.
"This area right here is real bad," Craig Pickett said. "They drive crazy down here, all the way from down there by the Burger King, through here all the time.
The community is outraged after learning teens were inside that stolen car.
"This is a disaster that has been going on in our community," Newark resident Douglas Freeman said. "We need to change these things though youth programming."
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It also serves as a reminder to car owners.
"I live in North Plainfield, and they have signs that say don't leave your cars running with keys and stuff in it," Pickett said. "Because they jump in and take it."
Elizabeth Avenue was closed for the investigation and to repair two broken traffic poles.
The investigation is active and ongoing. At this time, no arrests have been made.
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