Man accused of DWI in crash that injured mother, child and grandmother in Moonachie, New Jersey

MOONACHIE, N.J. (WABC) -- A Brooklyn man is under arrest, after prosecutors say he drove while intoxicated and ran into three members of a Moonachie, New Jersey family.

The accident happened late Thursday afternoon along Moonachie Road.

Authorities say Michelle Brattoli was legally parked along the road, dropping off her 9 year old daughter.

As Brattoli's mother, Concetta Palmieri, was standing on the sidewalk at the passenger side door of the car, helping her granddaughter exit the vehicle, prosecutors say their car and Palmieri were struck from behind by a 2005 Lincoln Town Car, driven by Esaian Vazgen.

He had failed to negotiate a bend in Moonachie Road and driven onto the sidewalk before striking the legally-parked car and Palmieri, according to investigators.

Brattoli and Palmieri suffered serious, but non life-threatening injuries, including internal bleeding and numerous fractures. The 9-year old suffered only minor injuries.

Police determined that Vazgen was intoxicated at the time of the crash, and was found to be in possession of a controlled dangerous substance.

He is charged with two counts of 3rd degree Assault by Auto, one count of 4th degree Assault by Auto, and one count of 3rd degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance.

He has also been issued motor vehicle summonses for DWI, Reckless Driving, CDS in a Motor Vehicle, and Driving on the Sidewalk. Bail has been set at $150,000.

He is due in court June 18th.