For Immediate Release

Tuesday, May 21, 2019

News Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Newport Police Arrest Woman After Pedestrian Struck with Van

NEWPORT, Vermont — Chief Seth DiSanto reports that Newport Police arrested a local mother after she allegedly ran a woman over with her van yesterday.

MONICA DONOFRIO, 32, of NEWPORT is charged with Grossly Negligently Operating a Motor Vehicle with Serious Injury Resulting.

On Monday, May 20, at approximately 7:45 p.m., Newport Police responded to a report of a crash involving a vehicle and pedestrian in the Waterfront Plaza area.

Upon arrival, police found a 35-year-old Orleans woman on the ground behind a van. She was conscious and alert, but had suffered serious injuries. The victim was taken by ambulance to a local hospital, and later airlifted to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in New Hampshire.

The victim was in serious but stable condition on Tuesday morning.

After a preliminary investigation on scene, police learned that the driver of the vehicle, identified as DONOFRIO, had been confronted by the victim and another woman, who had become concerned when they observed that DONOFRIO had left her four children inside the van while she went into a store. Prior to the crash, the two women were in the process of calling the police.

DONOFRIO was booked at the Newport Police Department. She is expected to be arraigned in Orleans District Court today.

DONOFRIO’s children were taken into the custody of a family member after the incident, and the Department of Children and Families was notified.

These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.

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