By Crash News Writer 
Jackson Township, NJ (September 1, 2026) – A tragic pedestrian crash in a grocery store parking lot in Jackson Township claimed the life of a 9 month old boy and left his mother and 5 year old sister hospitalized after they were struck by a vehicle late Friday morning.
According to the New Jersey State Police, the incident occurred shortly before noon on August 30 in the Jackson NPGS grocery store parking lot along West County Line Road. Investigators with the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office said a mother was pushing a stroller carrying her two young children through the parking lot when a Ford Fusion struck them. The infant was taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, where he was later pronounced dead. The child’s mother and older sister were also transported to the hospital and were reported to be in stable condition.
Authorities identified the driver as Maria CobonGuzman, 20, of Trenton. Prosecutors allege she had never been issued a valid driver’s license in any state. She has been charged with manslaughter, operating a motor vehicle without ever having possessed a valid driver’s license while involved in a fatal crash, and two counts of assault by auto. Those charges remain allegations, and she is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Prosecutors also charged Ariadana Lazaro-Flores, 22, of Toms River, alleging she knowingly allowed CobonGuzman to operate the vehicle despite knowing she was not licensed. She has been charged with knowingly engaging in conduct creating a substantial risk of death to another. Both women remain in custody pending detention hearings.
The investigation remains active and is being conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit Vehicular Homicide Squad and High Tech Crime Squad, the Jackson Township Police Department, the Lakewood Township Police Department, and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit.
Protect Your Rights After a Fatal Accident Today
Losing a loved one or suffering serious injuries in a fatal pedestrian accident can leave families facing overwhelming emotional and financial challenges. Medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, and long term recovery needs often create additional burdens during an already difficult time. Understanding your legal rights early can help preserve important evidence and ensure that insurance companies and other parties handle claims appropriately.
Learning about car accident laws in New Jersey can provide valuable information regarding wrongful death claims, personal injury cases, insurance coverage, and filing deadlines. An attorney can also assist with obtaining evidence, reviewing accident reports, interviewing witnesses, and protecting the interests of injured victims and grieving families throughout the legal process.
If you are searching for a car accident near me, it is important to seek reliable information and qualified legal guidance as soon as possible. Families looking for details about a car accident near Jackson Township should continue monitoring updates released by investigating authorities as new information becomes available. Obtaining a car accident report may also be beneficial when filing insurance claims or pursuing legal action.
Anyone involved in a car accident near me should preserve photographs, medical records, witness information, and any communications related to the incident. Residents searching for information about a car accident near Jackson Township should also request a copy of the official car accident report once it becomes available through the appropriate agency.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
The information contained in this article is based on preliminary information released by investigating authorities and may be updated as the investigation progresses. Readers seeking additional information can review frequently asked questions in New Jersey for more details about accident related matters.
The identities of the deceased child and the surviving family members have not been publicly released by authorities.
Additional information regarding the investigation, court proceedings, and any future developments will be released if and when officials make it available. Road closures, traffic advisories, and public safety information can also be found by reviewing accident resources in New Jersey.
The content of this article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or medical advice. Information is based on public reports available at the time of publication and may change as investigators continue their work. Readers who have been involved in a similar incident are encouraged to seek qualified legal counsel. The publisher assumes no liability for actions taken based upon this information. Learn more by reviewing our disclaimer.
If you or someone you know has been affected by a serious or fatal crash, contact an experienced New Jersey personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to learn about your legal options.