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Driver Losses Control in Library Parking Lot, Strikes Building and Car

A driver pulling into a parking spot at the South Brunswick Library mistakenly hit the gas causing the vehicle to hit a parked car, jump a curb, drive on the sidewalk, and strike part of the Library entrance. The 47-year-old driver Sunitha Maganti of Monmouth Junction told responding officers that she was pulling into the lot at 10:15am in her 2013 Acura MDX when the crash happened. The entire incident unfolded directly in front of the Library main entrance just moments after it had opened, but no pedestrians were struck.

Officers found that when the driver hit the accelerator by mistake, the Acura struck a 2010 Lexus that was parked, then jumped a curb, and drove on the sidewalk for 50 feet while hitting railings at the Library entrance. The Acura finally came to a stop when it struck a concrete wall for the handicap access ramp. The crash caused over $3,000 dollars worth of damage to the exterior of the Library ,but no structural damage.  

Police are reminding drivers to be alert while driving at all times including parking lots. It only takes a second to become distracted and lose focus on your driving. “When the library first opens, there is typically a lot of people near the entrance. We are just lucky in this instance that no one was injured,” said Chief Raymond Hayducka. Maganti was issued a summons for careless driving. The Library remained open for the day.