Distracted driver hits child, grandparent crossing in front of school bus: Police

FRANKLIN TWP., N.J. (WPVI) -- A driver is facing charges after she allegedly hit a child and a grandparent who were crossing in front of a school bus.

It happened around 4:28 p.m. Wednesday in the 1800 block of Grant Avenue in Franklin Township.

Police say the crash occurred while a Franklin Township School District bus was stopped on Grant Avenue with its red flashing lights on and stop sign engaged.

Chief Matthew DeCesari says a 6-year-old girl got off the bus with her 50-year-old grandmother waiting for her, but they went back to get something.

"Now the bus had all of its blinking lights on, stop sign was out. The bus driver had noticed that a car was coming towards her and it didn't appear that she was stopping," said DeCesari. "She started honking her horn at the car, and as the grandmother and child entered the roadway they were struck by the vehicle."

Brittany Zaugg left work and rushed to the hospital where her daughter was taken with minor injuries.

"Talking to her about going back to school next week and she's terrified to even go to school because of the bus," said Zaugg.

Her mother is still hospitalized.

"She can talk and everything but it's definitely hard. We're still trying to figure out," said Zaugg.

Police say the driver of the car, Laura Mayo Pulgarin of Philadelphia, stayed at the scene and was charged with assault by auto and other traffic violations. Police say she was in a personal vehicle delivering packages for a delivery service and was distracted by maps on her cell phone.

"There's no reason you missed a big yellow school bus with flashing lights and the bus driver honking repeatedly and you still didn't stop," said Zaugg.

Action News was unable to reach Pulgarin for comment on Friday. Police say she could face jail time if convicted.