A New Jersey woman has been charged with driving under the influence, reckless conduct and two counts of reckless endangerment after police allege she crashed her Jeep through a fence and into a crowded pool at Smuggler's Notch Resort in Cambridge, Vermont, injuring at least two swimmers.
The incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. Monday at the resort located approximately 30 miles northeast of Burlington, according to the Vermont State Police. The driver, whose name has not been released due to what authorities described as "the age of the individuals involved," was arrested after allegedly failing several field sobriety tests at the scene.
Background
Troopers responded to reports of a vehicle that had breached the pool's perimeter fence and entered the water. Photos from the scene showed the Jeep submerged in the resort's swimming area. Witnesses, including children, described chaos as swimmers scrambled to evacuate the pool.
"I just heard a bang and a car went there," 9-year-old Joseph Sage told WPTZ. "It hit my head and pulled me under."
Joseph was among two people who sustained minor injuries in the incident, according to state police. The resort, known primarily as a ski destination, offers water activities during the summer months.
The Investigation
Following her arrest, the New Jersey woman was transported for processing. She appeared before a judge on Wednesday and entered pleas of not guilty to all charges. According to court records cited by WPTZ, she faces two years in prison for each of the DUI and negligent conduct charges, plus one year for the reckless driving charge.
The judge imposed pre-trial conditions barring her from operating a motor vehicle and consuming alcohol. Her next court date had not yet been scheduled at the time of reporting.
A towing company was called to the scene and used a crane to lift the submerged Jeep from the pool.
Key Takeaways
- The suspect, a New Jersey woman, has been charged with DUI, reckless or gross negligence, and two counts of reckless endangerment
- Two people suffered minor injuries, including 9-year-old Joseph Sage who described being struck by the vehicle
- The incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. Monday at Smuggler's Notch Resort in Cambridge, Vermont
- The defendant pleaded not guilty during a Wednesday court hearing and is barred from driving and drinking alcohol pending trial
- She faces up to two years in prison on each of the DUI and negligent conduct charges if convicted
What's Next
The case is expected to proceed through the Vermont court system. No additional court dates had been set as of publication. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have indicated more details may be released as the case develops.
WPTZ contributed reporting to this story.