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Caught on Cam: Driver Beaten After Striking, Killing Woman

Video has surfaced of the brutal attack of a driver who struck and killed a woman in Lakewood, New Jersey.

On August 9, Juan Gregoria-Chacon, 26, was driving his SUV when he struck 41-year-old Chandra Martin as she was crossing the street on Ocean Avenue. Martin suffered multiple injuries, including head trauma, and later died at the hospital.

Investigators say it appears Martin walked into the path of the SUV and don’t believe Chacon was speeding or driving under the influence.

After Chacon got out of his vehicle to check on Martin, angry friends and relatives of the woman began to attack him, according to investigators.

“It was such a commotion,” said Madis Tampuu. “Everybody just gathered.”

Cell phone video shows several people punching Chacon and throwing him to the ground before police arrived at the scene. The video also shows several bystanders trying to keep two men away from Chacon as the attack took place.

Chacon suffered facial injuries in the beating and was taken to the hospital. On Monday he underwent surgery.

“They punched him in the head,” said Chacon’s uncle, Jose Chacon. “For what? I know they were angry but that doesn’t fix the problem.”

Anthony Campbell, who residents say lived with Martin, was later arrested in connection to the attack and charged with aggravated assault.

According to investigators, Chacon didn’t have a license at the time of the accident and had previously been cited twice for driving without one. While he was eligible for reinstatement in December, officials say he failed to pay the $100 restoration fee.

Chacon was charged with causing a death while driving without a license.

“I know it’s not right,” Jose Chacon said. “I know my nephew makes mistakes.”
 

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