Woman killed after fleeing traffic stop with 5-year-old child inside vehicle
The child also sustained injuries in the crash.
A woman was killed and a 5-year-old child was injured after authorities say she fled a traffic stop and crashed into a tree in Gloucester County.
The Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office says Mantua police stopped a vehicle on Route 55 southbound around 11:57 p.m. Sunday for a motor vehicle violation.
While the driver was outside the vehicle speaking with officers, investigators say a passenger in the backseat climbed into the driver's seat.
Authorities identified the passenger as 41-year-old Holly Hageman.
Prosecutors say Hageman then sped away from the traffic stop with a 5-year-old child still inside the vehicle.
Police searched for the vehicle but were unable to locate it immediately.
While officers were at police headquarters with the original driver, New Jersey State Police notified them that Hageman had crashed into a tree about three miles from the traffic stop.
Authorities say Hageman died in the crash.
The child suffered injuries, but investigators do not believe those injuries are life-threatening.
The investigation remains ongoing.
