Tragic Parking Lot Crash Claims Life of Infant
A tragic accident in New Jersey has claimed the life of a 9-month-old baby after a vehicle struck a mother and her two children in a grocery store parking lot.
The incident happened shortly before noon on August 28 in Jackson Township. Authorities responded to reports of a crash involving pedestrians at a grocery store parking area.
When officers arrived, they found that a mother, her 5-year-old daughter and her 9-month-old son had allegedly been hit by a Ford Fusion while the mother was pushing the baby in a stroller.
All three victims were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. The infant was later pronounced dead. The mother and her young daughter were reported to be in stable condition.
Driver Allegedly Did Not Have a Valid License
Investigators identified the driver as 20-year-old Maria CobonGuzman. According to authorities, she allegedly did not have, and had never previously possessed, a valid driver’s license in New Jersey or any other state.
Police also arrested 22-year-old Ariadna Lazaro-Flores in connection with the case. Authorities allege that she knew CobonGuzman was not licensed to drive but still allowed her to operate the vehicle.
CobonGuzman faces several charges, including manslaughter, driving without ever having held a valid license during a fatal motor vehicle crash, and two counts of assault by auto.
Lazaro-Flores has been charged with allegedly engaging in conduct that knowingly created a substantial risk of death to another person.
Investigation Into Fatal Crash Continues
Both women were taken into custody and are being held pending further court proceedings.
Authorities said the investigation into the fatal parking lot crash remains ongoing. Multiple law enforcement agencies are involved in examining the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The death of the 9-month-old child has brought renewed attention to the dangers pedestrians and families can face in busy parking lots, particularly when young children and strollers are present.
Officials have not released further details about what may have led to the collision as the investigation continues.
