Burlington City High student struck, killed; driver suspected of DUI

MOUNT HOLLY, N.J. (WPVI) -- Police say a driver is suspected of DUI after he struck and killed a 17-year-old Burlington City High School student.

Ricardo J. Patterson III, 42, of Willingboro was issued a summons on suspicion of drunk driving, police said on Monday. Investigators are awaiting a toxicology report to decide on criminal charges.

The accident happened at 12:08 a.m. Sunday at Route 130 South and East Federal Street.

Police say Antwan Timbers Jr. was walking with a friend off of the roadway when he was struck by a vehicle driven by Patterson.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Patterson did remain at the scene, police say. No other injuries were reported.

Antwan was a sophomore at Burlington City High School.

"He was a fine young man with a bright future. We cared deeply for Antwan and we grieve his loss," said Superintendent Patricia Doloughty.

Antwan was in ROTC, and was set to graduate next month.

"All we can do is grieve and go through this process and hope every day gets better," said his father, Antwan Timbers Sr.

On Monday, many of the students arrived at school wearing black to remember their classmate.

"He didn't deserve it," student Bryan Arline said. "He wanted to go to the Army."

"Everybody knew him. He was a good kid," said parent Russell Pittman.

Malik Ellis says he showed up for work at the barber shop Sunday morning and saw crews working to make repairs. The pole snapped in the lot out front after the car went careening off the road.

"It broke my heart. I used to cut his hair every now and then," Ellis said. "He was a good quiet kid, he took after his father, has a good family. He had aspirations of going to the military."

Ellis added, "It's just sad it had to be him."

"This year he won most improved student, he was on the wrestling team with me," said Arline. "You think about Antwan you smile, you think laughter, you think happiness. I've rarely seen him mad."

"Every kid goes through their teenage years kind of going back and forth, not knowing what they want to do in life, and then once they get a positive direction they just go forward with it and he was just at that point," Antwan's father said.

Any witnesses are asked to contact the City of Burlington Police Department at 609-386-0262 Ext. 236