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FLORENCE: Council discusses dock damage after crash

Mother accused of attempting to drive van with children inside into Delaware River

by Amy Batista, Special Writer
FLORENCE — The governing body recently discussed damages caused to a dock when a township woman allegedly drove into the Delaware River, attempting to kill her three teenage children on April 15.
   ”You are all aware of the unfortunate incident that occurred last night,” said Township Administrator Richard Brook during the April 16. “We know that thankfully the children were saved from going in the river by people who were there.”
   In a joint press release, Burlington County Prosecutor Robert D. Bernardi and Florence Township Police Capt. Brian Boldizar said Joann Smith, 49, of the 2000 block of Burlington-Columbus Road, was charged with three counts of attempted Murder and three counts of endangering the welfare of children, after investigators said she drove onto a boat ramp off of West Front Street into the water at approximately 6:30 p.m.
   In the vehicle when Ms. Smith accelerated her van directly into the water were her three children – ages 15, 14 and 13 – authorities said.
   Thomas Sahol, assistant township administrator, said the dock would be taken out of service for repairs.
   Mr. Sahol further noted that the dock would be removed, it was previously taped off.
   ”It is coming out and it will be stored indoors,” he said. “Once it’s out, the ramp will be reopened so if any boater still wants to use the ramp you still can launch a boat. A shallow draft type vehicle would still be ok.”
   The vehicle went onto the floating structure breaking some of the decking and ripped some of the cleats off and has some metal extending away from the dock which could really slice you up, he added.
   ”The sections that were damaged are key components to the balance of the dock,” he said, adding they are the anchor pieces.
   Mr. Sahol noted that the new dock is different from the old dock “where any of the segments would’ve been able to go in so the entire dock has to be removed.”
   ”We are not sure about the structural integrity,” he said. “
   On Thursday, the manufacturer, Gator Dock, of Georgia, was expected to be inspecting the docks.
   ”Hopefully, we can get some idea as to whether or not it can be repaired so obviously it’s safe and structurally sound for future use or its going to require a replacement,” he said.
   Mr. Brook noted that the police would come back when their investigation is completed to advise council of the residents that “helped save the children.”
   ”There is already one name who helped saved the children down there so they can be properly thanked,” he said.
   Council Member Jerry Sandusky mentioned that one of the people was Darnell A. Taylor, of Florence. According to published reports, Mr. Taylor dove into the water and helped rescue the mother and all three children.
   ”The sad part about that is his father passed away this morning I’m hearing,” said Mr. Sandusky. “So he saves a family and loses his father.”
   Debbie Partyka, of Debbie’s Snack Shop, said Ms. Smith stopped by the store with her children before the incident.
   ”She seemed distant, like something was off with her,” Ms. Partyka wrote in an email to the Register News on April 20. “After she left with the kids, about few minutes later, Laura Taylor came running up on porch and said to call police that there was a van in the river with people in it.”
   One of the children sustained cuts to a leg, while Ms. Smith was checked into a medical facility for evaluation.
   Her bail was set at $600,000, and she was expected to make her initial court appearance in Superior Court in Mount Holly earlier this week, according to authorities.