FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, N.J. – A 68-year-old woman from Manalapan was charged after authorities said she was driving while intoxicated when her SUV barreled into a preschool Friday afternoon, injuring a mother and her two young sons as they were leaving the building.
Angela F. Arrigo was charged with endangering the welfare of a child and assault by auto following the 3 p.m. crash at Bloom Academy on Pond Road, according to Freehold Township police. Investigators said Arrigo’s vehicle jumped a curb and struck the front of the school, narrowly missing others nearby.
Police said Arrigo, who appeared disoriented at the scene, was issued a summons for DWI and several traffic violations, including reckless driving, careless driving, and speeding across a sidewalk. Court documents also show tickets for failing to secure a child in a car seat and driving without proof of insurance.
Video shared on X shows the SUV slamming into the preschool’s facade, striking one of the children and knocking all three victims—the boy, his younger brother, and their mother—to the ground. Witnesses said the impact sent debris flying across the walkway.
Authorities said all three victims were treated and released from a local hospital. Arrigo is scheduled to appear in municipal court on March 4.
Police detail chaotic preschool crash scene
Investigators said the crash occurred moments after dismissal, when parents were walking children to their cars. The vehicle struck a concrete walkway before colliding with the building entrance. Staff members rushed to assist the injured family before first responders arrived.
Police have not released the victims’ names due to their ages but confirmed that both children are under 10 years old. The building sustained minor structural damage, and classes are expected to resume after safety inspections.
- Driver charged with assault by auto and DWI
- Mother and two children treated and released from hospital
- Bloom Academy to reopen after safety checks
Arrigo’s case will be heard in municipal court, where she faces possible license suspension and additional penalties if convicted. Authorities said the investigation remains active as they review surveillance and witness statements.
Related links: drunk driving | Freehold Township | assault by auto