A fatal crash in New Jersey killed a 9-month-old baby after a vehicle struck his family in a grocery parking lot.
Police said the incident happened Friday afternoon in Jackson Township, after officers received reports involving pedestrians. The mother reportedly pushed a stroller while walking with her five-year-old daughter and infant son. Meanwhile, a Ford Fusion moved through the grocery store parking area and struck the family.
Emergency responders quickly arrived and transported all three family members to a nearby hospital for treatment. However, doctors later pronounced the nine-month-old boy dead from injuries sustained during the collision. The mother and her five-year-old daughter remained hospitalized in stable condition following the incident.
Investigators identified Maria CobonGuzman, 20, as the driver involved in the fatal crash. Authorities also arrested Ariadna Lazaro-Flores, 22, in connection with the incident. According to investigators, CobonGuzman allegedly never held a valid driver’s license in New Jersey or elsewhere.
Furthermore, authorities allege Lazaro-Flores knew about the driver’s licensing status before allowing her to operate the vehicle. Investigators said that decision contributed to circumstances surrounding the deadly collision.
Police and prosecutors continued examining the circumstances surrounding the crash following the arrests. Their investigation involves several law enforcement units examining evidence from the parking lot and surrounding area.
CobonGuzman faces several serious charges stemming from the collision and the infant’s death. Prosecutors charged her with manslaughter and driving without ever holding a valid license during a fatal crash. She also faces two counts of assault by auto following the incident.
Meanwhile, Lazaro-Flores faces a charge involving conduct that allegedly created a substantial risk of death. Both women were taken into custody and transported to the Ocean County Jail. They remained there while awaiting further court proceedings.
Authorities have not indicated that the investigation has concluded. Instead, investigators continue reviewing evidence and circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.
Several law enforcement agencies are assisting with the investigation into the collision. Their work includes reviewing the crash scene, gathering evidence and determining how the vehicle struck the family.
The case has also raised attention around the dangers of unlicensed driving. However, investigators must establish the full circumstances before authorities reach final conclusions about responsibility.
The mother’s condition remained stable, while her daughter also continued receiving medical treatment. Authorities have not publicly released additional details about their injuries.
As the investigation continues, prosecutors will determine how the evidence supports the charges against both defendants. The court process will provide opportunities for the defendants to respond to the allegations.
The fatal crash remains under investigation, and authorities continue examining evidence surrounding the circumstances. Further developments could clarify what happened before the vehicle entered the family’s path.
