WEST DEPTFORD: On December 21, 2023 at 0838 hours, the West Deptford Police Department responded to the intersection of Hessian Avenue and Grove Avenue for a report of a motor vehicle crash between pedestrians and one (1) motor vehicle, with injuries. Patrols arrived and the subsequent investigation revealed that a school crossing guard, an adult female, and two juveniles had been struck by a vehicle while they were crossing the road within a crosswalk. All subjects were transported to Cooper Hospital by ambulance for a medical evaluation to determine the extent of their injuries.

The West Deptford Police Department initiated an investigation into the cause of the crash. The driver of the vehicle, who was identified as 40-year-old Lanielle M. Phelps of West Deptford, was placed under arrest as a result of this investigation. Phelps was charged with Driving While Intoxicated, four (4) counts of Assault by Auto, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. She was lodged in the Salem County Correctional Facility. This investigation is ongoing.