Mother and Sons Struck by Alleged Drunk Driver Outside Freehold Preschool
Posted on: February 19, 2026
On Friday, February 13, 2026, a mother and her two young sons were struck by an alleged drunk driver outside a preschool in Freehold. Surveillance footage reportedly shows the family exiting the front entrance of Bloom Academy around 3:00 p.m. when a gray SUV suddenly veered toward them.
Authorities allege the driver was intoxicated and had arrived at the school to pick up another child.
What the Video Shows
According to reports published by the New York Post and video obtained by News 12 New Jersey, the mother was able to pull one of her sons out of the vehicle’s direct path moments before the SUV crashed into a pillar.
However, the rear of the vehicle struck her youngest son, knocking him to the ground. The tire reportedly bounced off his leg before the vehicle continued forward, striking the mother and her other son and pinning them against a railing before finally coming to a stop.
Two women from inside the school rushed out to assist the family as the driver exited the SUV.
Injuries and Criminal Charges
The mother sustained reported back and neck injuries. Her youngest son suffered a leg injury and burns believed to have resulted from contact with the vehicle’s tire and underside. The older child was treated for minor injuries. All three were transported to a local hospital for evaluation and later released.
Following an investigation, the Freehold Police Department charged 68-year-old Angela Arrigo of Manalapan with the following:
- Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
- Assault by auto
- Endangering the welfare of a child
Under New Jersey law, impaired driving incidents that result in bodily injury can lead to enhanced criminal charges. Depending on the severity of the injuries, assault by auto may be prosecuted as an indictable offense.
Drunk Driving and School Zone Risks in New Jersey
Driving while intoxicated remains a major contributor to serious injury crashes throughout New Jersey. Areas surrounding preschools, daycare centers, and schools present heightened risks due to concentrated pedestrian traffic during arrival and dismissal times.
Children are especially vulnerable in vehicle-pedestrian collisions because:
- They are smaller and less visible to drivers.
- They may move unpredictably.
- Even low-speed impacts can result in significant injury.
When vehicles leave travel lanes or lose control in school zones, the consequences can be devastating.
Potential Legal Consequences Under New Jersey Law
A DWI involving bodily injury in New Jersey can carry significant penalties, including the following:
- License suspension
- Substantial fines and court costs
- Mandatory ignition interlock installation
- Possible jail time
In addition to criminal prosecution, injured victims and their families may have the right to pursue civil claims for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the crash.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash, our attorneys at Ellis Law provide strategic legal guidance and strong advocacy. To schedule a free consultation, call 732-308-0200 or contact us online. With office locations in Monmouth County, including Freehold, Middletown, and Neptune City, we serve clients throughout New Jersey and New York.
