Vehicle sought after deadly street racing crash on Mount Holly highway

MOUNT HOLLY, N.J. - Street racing on a Burlington County roadway ended in tragedy last week, and now police are looking for another vehicle wanted in connection with the deadly crash.

What we know:

A wreath, candles, and flowers sit at the location of the crash, along busy Route 38 in Mount Holly Township. Police now say the driver, an 18-year-old man from Pemberton Township, was believed to be street racing just after 9:30 p.m. on February 18th.

Several officers responded to rescue the driver, who was trapped in the burning vehicle.

Police now say they believe there were three vehicles racing at the time. They are looking for a vehicle that was captured on video going through the intersection first, running a red light. Police say a second driver stopped at the light and a third car, driven by the 18-year-old victim, went through the intersection and hit another car that was not racing. Fortunately, that driver was not hurt.

Police say a patrol officer on-duty at the time saw the aftermath and sprang into action, attempting to save the 18-year-old from the burning vehicle, alongside other responding officers. The 18-year-old was taken to the hospital but did not survive. In a statement they said, in part:

"On behalf of the family and public safety, we want to emphasize the dangers associated with street racing on public highways. These roads are not racetracks. It will simply not be tolerated and will leave a lasting impact on the families and all those involved."

What they're saying:

Police say the crash was the deadly result of street racing as they ask for the public's help to locate a third vehicle.

"These roads are not racetracks. High speeds, unpredictable traffic, and lack of safety measures make for a lethal combination; one that puts not only drivers at risk but also passengers, bystanders, and innocent motorists," said Capt. Clifford Spencer.

Karl Morris drove by the scene.

"I couldn’t understand how it happened, but like I said, it’s 38, and there are some speeders that come down here at night," he says. "When you tear up a$ 60,000 car and walk away from it that’s a different story, but a life is very precious."

Sabrina Little says she read the update from police.

"I knew the police department and the people that were working to get them out of the car had given some heroic efforts to save them, including some injuries themselves, so I’m grateful for what they tried to do," she says. "I hope they find whoever’s responsible for racing on a very busy artery where a lot of people drive.

Jessica Freligh hopes the tragedy is a reminder for people to slow down and drive safe.

"Over at the Lowes in Lumberton you’ll hear wheels screeching at three in the morning, there’s been meetups there, illegal meetups, and you just hear it all night long. You will hear some loud noises going up Route 38 from where I live," she says. "It’s terrible. I have two kids and I think about one day they’re going to be driving, and it’s very, very scary."

What you can do:

Police are asking anyone that was in the area of Route 38 between Mount Laurel Township and Mount Holly Township on Tuesday, February 18, between 9:30 p.m. and 9:50 p.m. and observed the incident, or vehicle in question, to contact Detective Fenton or Detective Simpson of the Mount Holly Township Police Department at the non-emergency number: 609-267-8300.

Police say charges for racing and other traffic violations are pending.