Crash Killed Teenage Newark Pedestrian, NJ Prosecutors Release Crucial Details

NEWARK, NJ — Authorities have released additional information about a crash that killed a 17-year-old pedestrian in Newark, and which has sparked an ongoing drive for more details from the public.

On Saturday, the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office issued a second statement about the fatal crash, which took place near Bloomfield and Mt. Prospect avenues on the evening of Aug. 9.

Details about the crash were initially sparse.

According to the attorney general’s office, the victim was a juvenile. Her name is not being released due to her age, authorities said.

Here’s what happened, prosecutors reported:

“According to the preliminary investigation, shortly before 9 p.m., an unmarked Newark police SUV [operated by a sergeant] was traveling westbound on Bloomfield Avenue. A sedan was traveling at a high rate of speed eastbound. [The officer] then made a U-turn on Bloomfield Avenue near the intersection of Parker Street and began following the sedan. Subsequently, the sedan struck the victim in the vicinity of Bloomfield Avenue’s intersection with Mount Prospect Avenue and left the scene. [The officer] pulled over to render aid to the injured civilian. At approximately 9:11 p.m., she was pronounced deceased.”

The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office is investigating the driver of the sedan that struck the civilian. Meanwhile, the attorney general’s office is investigating the circumstances of the police encounter.

Both investigations are ongoing. No further information is available at this time, prosecutors said.

The crash has raised questions in the Newark community.

A balloon release vigil was held for the deceased teen earlier this week, which included hundreds of mournful community members. Other Newark residents have been disputing the recent statements from the police and mayor’s office and are pressing for more information.

Earlier this week, city officials alleged that faulty rumors about the crash have been spreading online.

“I want to address misinformation that has been circulating on social media, including claims that this tragedy occurred as a result of Newark police pursuing a stolen vehicle,” Mayor Ras Baraka said.

“That information is false,” he said. “The vehicle was not stolen.”

The mayor said Newark has a strict policy prohibiting vehicle pursuits – except under limited circumstances involving serious offenses.

“This is a heartbreaking tragedy, and I extend my deepest condolences to the victim’s family and loved ones,” Baraka said. “No family should ever have to endure such a horrific loss, and our entire community mourns with them during this incredibly difficult time.”

• Related: Teen Pedestrian Killed In Newark Crash, Mayor Says False Info Is Spreading Online

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