Max
06-01-2003, 11:27 AM
2 girls struck by SUV at home
Published in the Asbury Park Press 5/28/03
Injuries are serious; Jackson man jailed
By MARGARET F. BONAFIDE
STAFF WRITER
LAKEWOOD -- Two girls remained hospitalized yesterday, a day after being struck by a sport-utility vehicle while they played in front of the house on E. Fourth Street where they both lived. The driver has been charged with driving while intoxicated.
Marlene Hernandez, 11, was in critical condition at Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune. Her cousin, Rachel Hernandez, 10, was initially taken to Jersey Shore but was airlifted yesterday to University Hospital in Newark for further treatment, said
The two were injured about 7:35 p.m. Monday while they played outside their home at 168 E. Fourth St.
Lawson said Robert J. Wikander Jr., 39, Hampshire Boulevard, Jackson, was driving a 1999 Lincoln Navigator west on E. Fourth Street. Lawson said Wikander lost control of the vehicle, which sideswiped two parked cars, traveled over the sidewalk, hit the two girls and left the area.
Lawson said Marlene Hernandez is clinging to life with a probable skull fracture.
"We're all praying for them and hope they will survive," Lawson said. "The good news is, she is somewhat responsive."
Regarding Rachel Hernandez, paralysis from a spinal-cord injury was initially feared, but she is now being treated for a severely fractured pelvis, Lawson said he was told.
After Wikander left the scene, Sgt. Greg Meyer spotted the vehicle, which was damaged, on Ridge Avenue. Several men were changing a tire on the vehicle, police said.
"This was good work by Sgt. Meyer," Lawson said.
Meyer found Wikander standing outside the vehicle. He also found a small bag of cocaine on the ground near Wikander, one on the passenger side of the vehicle and another in Wikander's pocket, Lawson said.
Wikander was not injured in the crash but blood samples were taken from him at Jersey Shore, Lawson said.
"He did not want to cooperate without his attorney," Lawson said.
A sample may have been taken against his will because there was probable cause to suspect he was under the influence, Lawson said.
"He was pretty intoxicated," Lawson said of Wikander. "(If) you strike two kids, it's hard not to know it."
Wikander was being held in the Ocean County Jail, Toms River, in lieu of $150,000 bail, Lawson said. He is charged with driving while under the influence, possession of three bags of cocaine, and two counts of assault by auto and leaving the scene of an accident involving serious injuries, Lawson said.
"These are very serious charges," Lawson said. "If (either girl) dies, he could spend 20 years in prison for manslaughter, theoretically."
Patrolman Steve Daiboch assisted as did traffic safety officers Patrolmen Frank Work and Larry Patterson, Sgt. John Mount of the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office and members of the county Sheriff's Department.
Margaret F. Bonafide: (609) 978-4583 or bonafide@app.com
Click Here to subscribe to the Asbury Park
http://www.app.com/app2001/story/0,21133,743061,00.html
Published in the Asbury Park Press 5/28/03
Injuries are serious; Jackson man jailed
By MARGARET F. BONAFIDE
STAFF WRITER
LAKEWOOD -- Two girls remained hospitalized yesterday, a day after being struck by a sport-utility vehicle while they played in front of the house on E. Fourth Street where they both lived. The driver has been charged with driving while intoxicated.
Marlene Hernandez, 11, was in critical condition at Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune. Her cousin, Rachel Hernandez, 10, was initially taken to Jersey Shore but was airlifted yesterday to University Hospital in Newark for further treatment, said
The two were injured about 7:35 p.m. Monday while they played outside their home at 168 E. Fourth St.
Lawson said Robert J. Wikander Jr., 39, Hampshire Boulevard, Jackson, was driving a 1999 Lincoln Navigator west on E. Fourth Street. Lawson said Wikander lost control of the vehicle, which sideswiped two parked cars, traveled over the sidewalk, hit the two girls and left the area.
Lawson said Marlene Hernandez is clinging to life with a probable skull fracture.
"We're all praying for them and hope they will survive," Lawson said. "The good news is, she is somewhat responsive."
Regarding Rachel Hernandez, paralysis from a spinal-cord injury was initially feared, but she is now being treated for a severely fractured pelvis, Lawson said he was told.
After Wikander left the scene, Sgt. Greg Meyer spotted the vehicle, which was damaged, on Ridge Avenue. Several men were changing a tire on the vehicle, police said.
"This was good work by Sgt. Meyer," Lawson said.
Meyer found Wikander standing outside the vehicle. He also found a small bag of cocaine on the ground near Wikander, one on the passenger side of the vehicle and another in Wikander's pocket, Lawson said.
Wikander was not injured in the crash but blood samples were taken from him at Jersey Shore, Lawson said.
"He did not want to cooperate without his attorney," Lawson said.
A sample may have been taken against his will because there was probable cause to suspect he was under the influence, Lawson said.
"He was pretty intoxicated," Lawson said of Wikander. "(If) you strike two kids, it's hard not to know it."
Wikander was being held in the Ocean County Jail, Toms River, in lieu of $150,000 bail, Lawson said. He is charged with driving while under the influence, possession of three bags of cocaine, and two counts of assault by auto and leaving the scene of an accident involving serious injuries, Lawson said.
"These are very serious charges," Lawson said. "If (either girl) dies, he could spend 20 years in prison for manslaughter, theoretically."
Patrolman Steve Daiboch assisted as did traffic safety officers Patrolmen Frank Work and Larry Patterson, Sgt. John Mount of the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office and members of the county Sheriff's Department.
Margaret F. Bonafide: (609) 978-4583 or bonafide@app.com
Click Here to subscribe to the Asbury Park
http://www.app.com/app2001/story/0,21133,743061,00.html