By: Richard L. Smith
A teenage girl from Newark Arts High School, a member of the cheerleading team, is now fighting for her life in the hospital following a pedestrian strike late Sunday night in Newark. 
The Essex County Prosecutor's Office, alongside Newark Police detectives, is investigating the incident in the Central Ward.
The victim, a senior student, and cheerleader, is reportedly in critical condition after being struck by a vehicle in front of the school building.
According to a preliminary investigation, the team was returning from a triumphant outing at the Impact Cheer Challenge in Toms River, NJ, where they celebrated a victory at the RWJ Barnabas Arena. The cheerleading team's excellent performance secured their spot in a national championship competition in Florida.
The accident happened around 10 p.m. as the school bus arrived back at Arts High School.
The teen was crossing Martin Luther King Boulevard to reach an Uber on the other side when a speeding northbound car, which seemed to have maneuvered around the bus, tragically struck her.
Her teammates, who were exiting the bus, watched in horror.
The impact left her with severe injuries from the collision. EMS transported the girl to University Hospital, where she remains in critical condition.
Police said the driver responsible for the hit-and-run sped away from the scene and is still at large.
Major Crimes detectives cordoned off the area from William Street to Mercer Street on Martin Luther King Boulevard, where they collected evidence and the victim's belongings scattered on the ground.
Authorities are also reviewing surveillance footage to identify the make and model of the car involved in this heartbreaking incident.
DEVELOPING