A shocking scene unfolded Thursday morning in Setauket when an 84-year-old woman was deliberately run over while trying to park her car outside Walmart.
Suffolk County Police said the victim had just stepped out of her 2013 Subaru Forester to remove a shopping cart blocking her parking spot at 3990 Nesconset Highway (Route 347) when 34-year-old Dareine Heller allegedly ran to the car, jumped into the driver’s seat, and tried to steal the vehicle.
When the victim approached the suspect, a struggle broke out. Police said Heller shoved the elderly woman to the ground and intentionally ran her over, dragging her a short distance before crashing into a pole, a stop sign, another car and a brick wall.
Heller then fled the scene and drove to a Centereach address, cops said.
The victim was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries.
Later, police found and arrested Heller — about 1 p.m. — in a parking lot at 255 Pond Path. She faces multiple charges, including robbery, assault on a senior citizen, reckless endangerment, leaving the scene of an accident causing injuries, and possession of controlled substances.
Heller is scheduled for arraignment Friday at Suffolk County First District Court in Central Islip.
Top photo: Walmart in Setauket (Google Maps)
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