Men Flee Fatal Crash In Newark; 2 Dead, 3 Hurt: Authorities

NEWARK, NJ — A car crash in Newark involving a stolen vehicle killed two people and injured three others on Thursday, authorities said.

The crash took place at 4:35 a.m., when a Dodge Charger traveling at a high rate of speed struck an Acura at the intersection of West Runyon and Elizabeth Avenue, according to a joint statement from the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office and the Newark Department of Public Safety.

Both occupants of the Acura – a male and a female – were pronounced dead at the scene at 4:59 a.m., authorities said.

The male victim was identified as Felix Valdez, 47, of Bay Shore, New York. The identity of the female has not yet been confirmed, authorities said Friday.

At least three women were in the Dodge Charger, which was reported stolen out of Union on Thursday. The women were transported to University Hospital for treatment, and are in stable condition, authorities said.

Two men were also believed to be in the Dodge Charger at the time of the crash. They both fled the scene on foot, authorities said.

No arrests have been made as of Friday, authorities said.

The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force, which includes detectives from the Newark Police Department, has launched an investigation. No additional information was immediately available.

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