Reward Increased To $5K For Information In Salem County Fatal Hit-And-Run

PILESGROVE Twp., N.J., (CBS) --New Jersey State Police are asking for the public's help as they continue to search for the driver wanted in connection with the October fatal hit-and-run accident that killed 25-year-old Chelsea Burns.

According to New Jersey State Police, the Salem County Prosecutor's Office has raised the reward to $5,000 to anyone who can provide information that leads to the identification of the driver.

Around 11:30 p.m. Friday, October 17th, troopers responded to Alloway Road and East Lake Road for a motor vehicle crash involving a pedestrian.

Police say detectives determined that Chelsea Burns, 25, of Woodstown, was walking south in the southbound lane of Alloway Road when she was struck by an unknown vehicle that they say fled the scene after the crash. A short time later, police say she was struck by a second vehicle.

Police say investigators determined that Burns was deceased as a result of the first collision.

According to her mother, Chelsea had gotten into an argument with her boyfriend then gotten out of the car to walk home. The boyfriend called Chelsea's mother, who tried to go get her daughter then came across the accident scene.

"I checked her heartbeat — there wasn't one. She wasn't breathing. I tried CPR…I tried," said Chelsea's mother, Cathy Burns, a registered nurse, who attempted to help save her daughter.

According to police, troopers were able to identify and interview the driver of the second vehicle, and there are no criminal charges pending.

At this time, investigators do not have a description of the first vehicle.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Woodstown Station at (856) 769-0775.

The Burns hope someone has spotted a vehicle with damage or someone trying to hide a damaged vehicle.

"I'm not really mad at whoever did this," Doug Burns, Chelsea's father, said. "I wish they'd have the heart to just turn themselves in."

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