Two girls in Cranford, New Jersey, were struck and killed while riding an e-bike Monday evening. Police sources said the driver of the black SUV that hit them did not stop and fled the scene. The alleged driver was later taken into custody.

Loved ones identified the victims as Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas, both 17 years old.

Relatives and friends of the victims say the teens knew the person behind the wheel, adding a restraining order was filed against the young man after he allegedly stalked one of the girls.

"She made complaints and nothing was done," friend Tammy Carbajal said. "It's just a tragedy. It's just a tragedy."

CBS News New York reached out to the Union County prosecutor's office, which is investigating, to verify those claims but did not immediately hear back.

Here's what police say happened

The crash happened just before 5:30 p.m. Monday on the 40th block of Burnside Avenue, a quiet, residential street where the speed limit is just 25 mph. 

The first officers arrived on the scene about two minutes after the 911 call was placed. 

The two teenage victims were rushed to a local hospital in critical condition but later died of their injuries.

Investigators were seen collecting and processing evidence around the neighborhood well into Monday evening. 

So far, no charges against the alleged driver have been announced.

The Union County prosecutor's office is asking neighbors who live in the area to check footage from their home surveillance systems or dash cameras, specifically looking for a 2021 black Jeep Compass with tinted windows before, during or after the crash. Investigators hope the video will shed some light on what happened.  

Cranford community mourns girls' deaths

A steady stream of loved ones, friends, and even strangers stopped and left flowers and candles at the scene.

"It's sad. Nobody should go through that," Carbajal said. "I'm a mother of five. We don't want to bury our children. Our children are to bury us, so we're here to support them no matter what."

"We're all parents. Cranford is a really tight-knit area, and when one thing happens to one kid, we all kind of take it personally," Jasmine Clausen-Soie said.

Neighbor Nicholas Rengifo said he knew one of the victims, who was said to be a senior at Cranford High School and loved music, acapella and performing.

"It's just tragic to see someone I knew not be here anymore," Rengifo said.

"It's just absolutely sickening, like I literally wanted to puke, it was so horrible. I just feel so awful for the family," neighbor Amanda Poda added.

Cranford Superintendent Dr. Scott Rubin shared a message with the school community Tuesday, saying crisis teams will be available.

"Our thoughts are with all of you, and especially the families and closest friends of the students involved. Please look after one another throughout our Cranford community and share any strength you have with those who need it most," the message read, in part.

Hundreds gathered for a vigil Tuesday evening.

"This rarely happens, and when it does, everybody comes together to show their love," Cranford neighbor Mary Campbell said.

"It hits, like, hard when it's so close to home," neighbor Nicole Januciksot said.

"Last night, I don't think any of us had a decent night's sleep because it could be our own," parent Brandi Schmidt said.

Relatives of Maria say she was kind and fun with lots of promise. They added she has a twin brother.

"I hugged him last night ... and all he said was, 'They killed my sister.' And what do you say?" Campbell said.

With tears in their eyes, friends of Isabella talked about a girl full of life.

"She was just a joy to have around. She was an amazing singer," friend Leah Davitt said.

As police continue their investigation, the community is finding strength in one another and for the victims' families.

"If you have faith, you can move mountains and you can move forward," Campbell said. "Right now, I don't know how they can get out of that."