Crime & Safety
Stalker Ran Down, Killed NJ 2 Girls On E-Bikes, Reports Say
The man allegedly had been at it for months, even parking in front of her house.
CRANFORD, NJ — The driver who killed two 17-year-old girls riding e-bikes in Cranford on Monday had been stalking at least one of them for months, reports say.
Find out what's happening in Cranfordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
In fact, CBS News New York reported that one of the girls had filed a restraining order earlier this year.
"She made complaints and nothing was done," Tammy Carbajal, a friend of one of the girls said. "It's just a tragedy. It's just a tragedy."
Find out what's happening in Cranfordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
A neighbor told Fox 5that authorities at the school and the police had been notified of the ongoing issue.
"He's been parked outside her house for three months now. He was never stopped," she said.
Neighbors on the block where the girls lived allege the suspect had been fixated on one of them for months, watching her online and even parking outside her home. https://t.co/zY1k4rCklM
— FOX 5 NY (@fox5ny) October 1, 2025
On Tuesday night, locals gathered around tributes to the victims, identified as Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas, by CBS News New York and Fox 5. A portion of Burnside Avenue, the site of the crash, was closed for the vigil to honor the two former Cranford High School students.
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.https://t.co/r4cLVnUsAM pic.twitter.com/Dn7u1APgKJ
— Eyewitness News (@ABC7NY) October 1, 2025
As the Union County Prosecutor's Office continues to ask for witnesses and those with surveillance footage along the street, some residents are saying they know who was in the driver's seat of the Jeep
MORE FROM PATCH: Witnesses, Video Sought In Deadly E-Bike Crash Of 2 Teen Girls In Cranford
Fatal Crash
At around 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Cranford Police arrived at Burnside Avenue after two teenage bike riders were hit by a vehicle, according to authorities.
CBS News New York reported the driver fled the scene but is now in custody. Authorities have not confirmed this to Patch.
UPDATE: Two girls in Cranford, New Jersey, were struck and killed while riding e-bikes Monday evening. Relatives and friends of the victims say the teens knew the alleged driver. @NickJCaloway reports. https://t.co/ZcGOrF3EDz
— CBS New York (@CBSNewYork) September 30, 2025
The two girls were airlifted to the hospital, where they later died, authorities said.
Police are asking for the public's help regarding a suspect and vehicle in the crash. Witnesses and those with surveillance footage are asked to come forward.
The driver has not been identified, and authorities have not confirmed any motives behind the crash.
A local business with ties to the family has confirmed to Patch that a gofundme to directly benefit the loved ones of the girls has been organized. Funds will be shared evenly to help with funeral costs.
The story is developing. Check back with Patch for the latest.
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