Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II, and Newark Public Safety Director Brian A. O’Hara announced today that the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force, which includes detectives from the Newark Police Department, is investigating a fatal motor vehicle incident that resulted in the death of two people and injuries to three others.
Officials said that at approximately 4:35 a.m., a Dodge Charger traveling at a high rate of speed struck an Acura at the intersection of West Runyon and Elizabeth Avenue.
Both occupants of the Acura – a male and a female -- were pronounced dead at the scene at 4:59 a.m.
The male victim has been identified as Felix Valdez, 47, of Bay Shore, NY.
The identity of the female has not yet been confirmed.
According to officials, at least three females were in the Dodge Charger, which was reported stolen out of Union yesterday.
They were transported to University Hospital for treatment. They are in stable condition. Two males, who were also believed to be in the vehicle, fled on foot.
The investigation is active and ongoing.
At this time, no arrests have been made.