MANCHESTER – Police said that a woman walking in front of ShopRite was run over by her own vehicle after being the victim of a hit-and-run.
The incident happened around noon on April 4 at the ShopRite on Route 70.
Katherine Chaplin, 80, of Manchester, was driving a 2005 Honda Element through the parking lot. She was getting ready to turn into a vacant parking spot when another vehicle struck hers. The other driver apparently did not see her.
There was minimal damage. Chaplin stepped out of her car to look at the damage and speak to the other driver. However, she did not put her car in park. It had been put in reverse. It rolled backward, knocked her down, and one tire rolled over both of her legs. Her car continued until it struck an unoccupied 2007 Chevrolet Aveo in the parking lot.
Chaplin was brought to Ocean Medical Center in Brick by Quality Medical Transport. The injuries were described by police as being “moderate” and not life-threatening.
The driver who initially struck her fled the scene and has yet to be identified. All that is known at this time is that it was a white vehicle. It is being investigated as a hit and run. Anyone with information about this suspect is urged to call Patrol Officer Michael Anderson at 732-657-6111 ext. 6400.
