A mother and her two young sons were rushed to hospital after a suspected drunk driver in an SUV plowed into them outside a preschool in Freehold, New Jersey, in a terrifying afternoon incident.
Horrific Scene Captured on Video
The crash occurred around 3pm on Friday as Patrice Pisani, a mother of three, was leaving Bloom Academy with her children. Shocking video footage obtained by News 12 shows the family stepping out of the school's front doors when a gray SUV came barreling toward them without warning.
In a desperate attempt to protect her children, Pisani grabbed her older son with her right hand while reaching for her younger child as the vehicle slammed directly into them. The SUV's tire skidded sickeningly over the little boy's leg, knocking his shoe completely off in the violent impact.
Injuries and Immediate Aftermath
The younger boy suffered a leg injury and burns from the vehicle's undercarriage, according to his mother's account to News 12. Pisani herself sustained injuries to her back and neck from the collision.
Other parents and staff members rushed from the building immediately after the crash to help the injured family. Officers from the Freehold Township Police Department responded to Bloom Academy at 350 Pond Road at approximately 3:01pm, authorities confirmed.
All three injured pedestrians were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment but were fortunately released shortly afterward.
Driver Charged with Multiple Offenses
The driver, identified as 68-year-old Angela Arrigo of Manalapan, was allegedly operating the SUV while intoxicated, police confirmed to the Daily Mail. Arrigo has been charged with driving while intoxicated, assault by auto, and endangering the welfare of a child.
Police confirmed that their investigation into the incident remains ongoing. The Daily Mail has reached out to Patrice Pisani for additional comment on the traumatic experience.
Significant Damage to Preschool Property
The SUV caused substantial damage to the preschool building during the crash, striking a support column near the front entrance and completely destroying a plastic railing leading to the building.
Bloom Academy released a statement expressing their deep sadness about the incident: 'We are deeply saddened by this incident. While we are grateful that the injury was not more severe, we remain committed to the safety and well-being of our students, families, and staff.'
The terrifying incident has raised serious concerns about pedestrian safety around school premises and the consequences of impaired driving in residential areas.
