NJ mother accused of driving drunk with kids in car; BAC allegedly more than 4 times legal limit
NJ mother accused of driving drunk with kids in car; BAC allegedly more than 4 times legal limit
EWING TWP., N.J. (WPVI) — A New Jersey woman is accused of driving drunk with her children in the vehicle, with a blood alcohol level more than four times the legal limit.
Megan Fackler, 39, is facing charges of DUI, endangering the welfare of children and more after an October crash in Ewing Township.
Newly released body-worn camera video, first obtained by Transparency Bodycam, shows the aftermath of the crash between Fackler’s vehicle and a box truck at Grand and Summit Avenues on October 5.
“There’s empty wine bottles in the back, alright?” the officer says as Fackler sits in the driver’s seat.
“Those are from weeks ago,” she replies.
An officer questions her about the crash.
She tells him she and her children were heading home after a lacrosse practice, but she appears to have trouble remembering which direction she was traveling.
She also discloses where she works.
“I work for the DOT, I know how this works,” she tells the officer.
“So you understand you need to step out of the car,” the officer responds.
Fackler is listed online as the Director of Statewide Planning for the New Jersey Department of Transportation.
That night, she told officers she was going through a tough time.
“Do you remember which direction you were going?” the officer asks.
She replies, “In all honesty… I’m going through a divorce, I just moved in with my brother.”
An officer administered a field sobriety test.
“I need you to hold that position while I explain the instructions,” the officer says as she appears to stumble.
Fackler was taken into custody and given a breathalyzer test at the police station.
Court documents show her blood alcohol level was .371, more than four times the legal limit.
According to officers in the bodycam video, her three children were taken to the hospital to be checked out after the crash.
A search of municipal court cases shows Fackler was charged with another DUI in March of last year in Metuchen.
NJDOT has not officially responded to our request for comment, but a source at the DOT says she is still employed there as of Thursday morning.
Action News reached out to Fackler and her attorney. Neither has responded.
VA Secretary Doug Collins addresses Veterans’ benefits in new video
February 13, 2025
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In a recent video message from his desk at VA Central Office, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins addressed media concerns that Veterans’ benefits might be targeted for cuts.
“I’m the Secretary of VA, and I’m telling you right now, that’s not happening… the reality is, Veterans benefits aren’t getting cut,” Collins said. “In fact, we are actually giving and improving services.”
He went on to emphasize that the Veterans Benefits Administration is clearing cases faster than ever and that VA remains mission-focused by doing what it is supposed to do.
Now, in his first full week on the job, Collins also addressed concerns about the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and rumors regarding access to Veterans’ personal information. He clarified that DOGE representatives at VA are reviewing contracts to ensure operations remain efficient and that resources are directed toward services for Veterans.
“I’m happy to partner with them to find things we need to get rid of so we can put the money where it belongs… back with our Veterans,” he said.
Collins reinforced VA’s dedication to fulfilling its mission under President Trump’s leadership and concluded his message with an assurance of ongoing transparency regarding developments at VA.
2 mothers accused of leaving kids alone at Westgate while drinking
By David Baker
Published: May 16, 2025 at 9:23 AM GMT+7
GLENDALE, AZ (AZFamily) — Two mothers are facing multiple charges after Glendale police said they went drinking at a bar in the Westgate Entertainment District and left their kids alone in the parking lot earlier this year.
Several adults called police after they saw a small child running through the parking lot with no adult in sight on March 8 around 11 p.m., police said. “This is (expletive),” a woman told officers in the newly-released police body-camera footage. “We found her going up and down here. She took us to the car.”
Inside the car were three more children, all alone. Police guessed two of the kids may have been 4 or 3 years old while the other two were in car seats. One of the children is heard crying in the video and an officer gives them a bottle. Officers said they also found a large bag of marijuana in the glove box.
Police started searching nearby businesses to try and find the parents. About 30 minutes later, the children’s mothers showed up at the car. “Where have you been?” an officer asked sternly. “I went in to go to the bathroom,” the woman replied, claiming to use the restroom at Salt Tacos y Tequila.
The woman said she was gone for 10 minutes but police say the two were gone for at least 45 minutes.
The second mother claimed they were gone for 15 minutes. “That’s a lie,” an officer replied. “We’ve been standing with these kids for over 45 minutes by themselves.” Both later admitted to getting at least one drink at the bar.
The body-camera video then jumps a couple of minutes to the first mother, saying on the verge of tears that she thought they were only gone for 10 minutes. “Like I was, I thought we were going in and out,” she said. “I’m sorry. I didn’t have my phone on me.”
Both moms were then put in handcuffs and arrested. Their names have not been released. Glendale firefighters took the children to the hospital to be checked out.
“We’re thankful to the good Samaritans who stepped in and did the right thing. It’s a strong reminder: leaving kids alone—especially while under the influence—is not only irresponsible, it’s illegal,” police said in a statement.
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