Full Breakdown
SUV Crash Injures Six Teens in Lindenwold, New Jersey
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Incident Overview
On a Tuesday afternoon, a silver SUV entered the sidewalk on the 400 block of East Gibbsboro Road, between Cooper and Emerson avenues, in Lindenwold, New Jersey. The vehicle struck a group of six pedestrians walking near Lindenwold High School. Victims were aged 14 to 16; one teen became trapped beneath the front bumper and was air-lifted to Cooper University Hospital, while the other five received medical treatment at area hospitals. No fatalities were reported.
Legal Action
Police identified a 16-year-old male from Lindenwold as the driver. He was arrested at the scene and later charged with one count of 2nd-Degree Aggravated Assault, six counts of 3rd-Degree Aggravated Assault, and one count of Joyriding.
Response from Authorities
Lindenwold police released a statement confirming the crash, the detention of two vehicle occupants, and that the cause of the collision remains under active investigation. Dr. Kristin P. O’Neil, Superintendent of the Lindenwold Board of Education, said the district could not comment on the students’ medical conditions but would provide counseling to any student in need.
Data & Statistics
- Victims: Six teenagers, ages 14-16.
- Injuries: One critical condition (air-lifted), five non-life-threatening injuries.
- Vehicle: Silver SUV with front-windshield and bumper damage; a fence was knocked down.
- Charges: Eight criminal counts filed against the driver.
Witness Account
A local supermarket employee, Dennis Woodley, heard the crash immediately after his shift, ran to the scene, and helped restrain the driver until police arrived. Woodley and a coworker also assisted in freeing the trapped teen and preventing the driver from leaving the site.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I heard a voice saying 'help' but it was, like, a little faint,” — Dennis Woodley
- “We are unable to provide comments regarding any of our students and their current medical conditions. However, the school district will make counseling available to any and all students who are in need of support. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of our Lindenwold School District families,” — Dr. Kristin P. O'Neil, Superintendent of the Lindenwold Board of Education
- “Soon as I clocked out I heard the crash happen so I ran immediately to the crash. Because they said it was high school kids.” — Dennis Woodley
- “I seen the girl that was laying on the sidewalk. Her leg was pinned under the tire. After that I heard a voice saying help. But it was a little faint and then I went outside of the fence and I seen a kid under the front bumper,” — Woodley. Woodley
- “Then me and my coworker seen the person who ran the kids over trying to escape the scene. So we pulled them out the car, my co-worker pulled him out the car, he started fighting us,” — Dennis Woodley
- “I restrained him, I put him in a full Nelson, I said you're under citizen’s arrest, and you’re not leaving until the police get here,” — Dennis Woodley
What’s Next
Investigators are still determining why the SUV left the roadway and what factors contributed to the crash. The Lindenwold School District will continue to offer counseling services to students and families affected by the incident.