Woman Accused Of Harassing Rt. 35 Drivers Nearly Hit Middletown Girl Scout Troop: Police

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — A woman was arrested last week in Middletown after police say she almost hit a group of Girl Scouts who were selling cookies off Rt. 35.

The incident happened March 16 in a parking lot on Rt. 35. The person who originally reported this to police in March said the woman was "driving at an unsafe speed and nearly collided with the group of Girl Scouts."

However, Middletown Police say it took some time for them to collect evidence, interview witnesses and victims — some of whom were from the Girl Scout troop — and develop enough evidence for probable cause to arrest her.

Susan Santos, 54, was arrested last Thursday. She is charged with child endangerment, endangering another and reckless driving. As of Monday, she is still being held at the Monmouth County jail.

Videos and photos of this woman have been circulating on social media, as Middletown residents say she is a known problem. Residents say she antagonizes drivers along Rt. 35 and harasses people. She currently lives in Middletown.

“Every resident of Middletown deserves to feel safe in their neighborhood. We take all reports of harassment and menacing behavior seriously, regardless of whether physical violence is involved," said Mayor Tony Perry.

"I would like to thank those members of the public who came forward and provided critical information that allowed the officers to develop the required burden of proof to file these charges," said Middletown Police Chief R. Craig Weber.

The investigation leading to her arrest was done by Patrolman Nicholas Massaro and other members of the Middletown Police.