Woman who ran over 2 boys in Sayreville fled and threw away car keys, cops say
SAYREVILLE — Police say a 36-year-old woman ran over two brothers as they crossed the street to get to their elementary school Monday morning, then fled the scene and abandoned her car.
Margaret Cheheli, a borough resident, was arrested by police after they spotted her a short time later walking on Main Street.
Cheheli has been charged with two counts of aggravated assault, as well as leaving the scene of a motor vehicle crash involving serious injury, endangering an injured victim by fleeing, and tampering with evidence by tossing her keys after stopping her car.
The brothers, ages 5 and 8, were on the crosswalk in front of Our Lady of Victories School on Main Street about 7:48 a.m., when they were struck by a 2015 Dodge Dart, the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office said Monday afternoon.
Police said a crossing guard was in the street holding up a stop sign.
The 5-year-old suffered serious injuries and remains in the hospital. His brother was released from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick.
Cheheli was being held Monday afternoon in lieu of $100,000 bail. The prosecutor did not release an arrest photo of Cheheli.
It was not clear Monday afternoon whether Cheheli had an attorney.
The Diocese of Metuchen asked the community to pray for the victim and his family and classmates. The diocese said counselors would be available at the Catholic school to help those affected by the news.
"We are truly grateful to all those at the scene who acted swiftly and courageously to assist the student, including local law enforcement officials, who are investigating the matter," the diocese said in a statement.
Related video:
Sergio Bichao is deputy digital editor at New Jersey 101.5. Send him news tips: Call 609-438-1015 or email sergio.bichao@townsquaremedia.com.
More From 92.7 WOBM
