Jackson Township, NJ (August 30, 2026) – A nine-month-old baby was killed, while his mother and five-year-old sister were hospitalized after being struck by a car in a grocery store parking lot on West County Line Road. The incident happened on Friday, August 28, around 11:55 a.m.
Jackson Township police responded after reports that a mother and her two children had been hit by a vehicle. All three victims were taken to a nearby hospital, where the baby boy was pronounced dead. Investigators said 20-year-old Maria CobonGuzman was driving a Ford Fusion when she struck the mother, who was pushing her children in a baby carriage through the parking lot.
Officials said CobonGuzman did not have a valid driver’s license. Both women were arrested and remained in the Ocean County Jail pending detention hearings. The mother and five-year-old girl were reported to be in stable condition. Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident. Our deepest condolences go to the baby’s family and loved ones during this heartbreaking time.
What Should Drivers Know About Pedestrians in Parking Lots?
Parking lots can be challenging areas for drivers because pedestrians and vehicles share the same space. People may walk between parked cars, cross travel lanes, or move through areas with limited visibility.
Drivers should keep their speed low in parking areas and watch carefully for people walking nearby. Extra attention is needed around children, shopping carts, and vehicles entering or leaving parking spaces.
A driver’s ability to see pedestrians can also be limited by parked vehicles or other objects. Checking surroundings before moving and remaining prepared to stop can help reduce the risk of a pedestrian accident.
Children can be especially difficult to see because of their smaller size. Drivers should take additional care whenever families are walking through parking areas.
