Car Rams Into New London AutoZone Store

By Izaskun E. Larrañeta ,    Published on 12/27/2007

New London - A driver got into the zone when he crashed his vehicle into the Auto Zone at the New London Shopping Center on South Frontage Road.

Fire and police crews responded to the scene of the accident at about 11:30 a.m. The nose of the silver Dodge Intrepid broke part of the brick foundation and a section of plate-glass window near the front entryway of the store.

Battalion Chief Marc A. Melanson said there were no injuries. He said fire crews were waiting for a building official to ascertain the building's safety.

Alfred Desoto, of 159 Hawthorne Drive, told police that he thought the car was in reverse. When he stepped on the gas pedal, however, the car lunged forward. He was charged with reckless driving.

Once the building was deemed structurally safe, the car was pulled away. Dangling glass had to be removed before fire crews could approach the gaping hole.

Izaskun E. Larrañeta