Driver Accused Of Almost Hitting 2 Kids Getting Off School Bus On Route 202

BRANCHBURG, NJ — A Pennsylvania man was arrested after police say he almost hit two kids while they were getting off a stopped school bus on Route 202 in Branchburg.

Ryan Mongiori, 31, of Morrisville, Pennsylvania was charged with two counts of third-degree endangering the welfare of a child, two counts of third-degree endangering the welfare of another person, and one count of fourth-degree driving during a period of license suspension, said Branchburg Police Chief Richard Buck.

On June 4 at around 4:19 p.m., a 911 call reported a vehicle had almost hit two juveniles, ages 7 and 6, who were exiting a stopped school bus on Route 202.

Officers were advised that a school bus had come to a complete stop on Route 202, with its flashing red lights and stop sign activated, said Buck.

Police were further told that as two juveniles were exiting the bus, the sound of tires screeching was heard. A vehicle was then seen improperly passing the stopped school bus, on the right shoulder of the roadway, said Buck.

Upon passing the school bus, the vehicle narrowly missed hitting two children exiting the bus.

The involved vehicle had left the scene before Branchburg Police arrived, said Buck.

Branchburg Police Detectives investigated and looked at video footage of the incident, which was captured via the school bus's video surveillance system.

The video captured the incident and showed the suspect vehicle almost hitting the two children exiting the school bus, said Buck.

Branchburg Detectives were able to identify the involved vehicle and driver as Mongiori. As a result of this investigation, on June 27, Mongiori was charged. A warrant was issued for Mongiori's arrest.

On July 4, Mongiori was placed under arrest in Bucks County, Pennsylvania by the Bucks County Sheriff's Office. Mongiori was lodged in the Bucks County Correctional Facility pending extradition to Somerset County, New Jersey.

Buck thanked the Bucks County Sheriff's Office for their help in the apprehension of Mongiori.

Anyone with information relating to this incident is asked to contact the Branchburg Police Department at 908-526-3830 or via the STOPit app. The STOPit app allows citizens to provide anonymous reports including videos and photos. STOPit can be downloaded to your smart phone for free at the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, access code: SOMERSETNJ.

Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers’ Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). All anonymous STOPit reports, and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential.

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