New Jersey State Police Searching For Vehicle Involved In Fatal Accident On I-676
By Robin Rieger
CAMDEN, NJ (CBS) – New Jersey State Police are asking for the public's assistance in the search for a vehicle involved in a fatal hit-and-run accident early Saturday.
The accident happened around 11:40 a.m. on I-676 north near Exit 4 in Camden, New Jersey. Several people were injured in the crash; a 29-year-old, later identified as Michelle MacInnes, died from her injuries Saturday night, according to authorities.
"She was an athlete," said David MacInnes, of his daughter Michelle before his emotions took over.
"She was beautiful, the sweetest girl you'd want to meet," said her mother Debbie.
David and Debbie MacInnes think back to early Saturday when their daughter, Michelle left their Jackson, New Jersey home to go with friends to the WXTU concert in Camden. She never made it.
"Just out of no where, she's gone. Yesterday morning, she was so happy going down there. She said she was going. I told her she looked pretty. She gave me a kiss and she left. That was it," said David.
She was riding in the back of a red Mazda with three friends according to state police. Trooper Brad Carmean says it was struck by a 2005 to 2008 black Nissan Xterra on I-676 north in Camden when some traffic, including the Mazda had slowed to a stop. The Xterra fled the scene after state police say the driver got out and saw how badly Michelle was injured.
"How could you do that to somebody that's hurt? Just leave somebody that's bleeding from the head," asked Debbie.
An immediate search for the Xterra was unsuccessful. Lighted sign boards in the area are now asking for the public's help in finding it. Authorities say it would have heavy front end damage, heavy hood damage, and a smashed windshield. The suspected driver has been described as a white male in his late twenties, approximately 5'-10" with brown hair and tan skin. He was wearing jean shorts and a white or light color shirt and may have a tattoo on his lower arm.
"There was other people in the vehicle that weren't driving the car. They're not responsible for the actions of the driver, come forward," said Michael MacInnes, the victim's brother.
He said someone knows who the driver is and where the car is. He wonders if it's hidden under a tarp, in a garage or was left on a street in Camden.
"My sister didn't deserve this," he said.
The MacInnes family says Michelle died of massive head trauma at Cooper Hospital in Camden Saturday night. The friends with her at the time of the accident were treated for minor injuries and released.
Anyone with information regarding the location of this vehicle or its occupants is encouraged to call the NJSP Bellmawr Station at 856-933-0662.
