Teen charged in deadly hit-and-run in Cranford is related to Westfield police chief

Westfield Police Chief Christopher Battiloro, along with his family, issued a statement Wednesday afternoon saying in part, “I do unequivocally condemn the actions of the accused, and like you, I demand that he face the consequences of his alleged actions in a court of law. As a law enforcement officer, I maintain full faith and confidence in our criminal justice system, and that it will ensure he is held fully accountable.”

The statement continues to say, “While social media has made it known that the accused is related to me, he is not my son and not a member of my immediate family.”

While it’s unclear how Chief Battiloro is related to the accused, people in the Cranford community tell News 12 that the chief is the teen’s uncle.

A makeshift memorial built outside of 45 Burnside Ave., the site of the crash, continues to grow. Many of the people stopping by to pay their respects were children. A 9-year-old boy named Liam saw this story on the news and was so moved that he asked his father to bring him to the memorial to leave flowers.

"I really wanted to pay my respects to the people who died. I’m sorry for your loss,” he said.

Andy Salvador, 19, also stopped by to offer sympathy to those grieving and was reminded of the time he was struck by a driver just three years ago.

"I didn’t know them, but I had to pay my respects because I know what it’s like to be in that position. I know what it’s like to be hit. It’s a tragedy. I can’t imagine what the parents are going through. I really do hope prayers for the parents and everyone going through it right now," Salvador said.

According to the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, the two teen girls were riding an electric bike on Monday night around 5:30 p.m. when they were hit by a black Jeep Compass.

The 17-year-old suspect is currently in police custody. He was charged with two counts of murder in the first degree. His name was not released due to his age.