3 Injured When Stamford Driver Mistakes Accelerator For Brake In Shopping Center Crash

STAMFORD, CT — Three people were injured when a Stamford driver mistakenly pressed the accelerator instead of the brakes, causing a multivehicle crash in a Wilton shopping center, according to police.

The incident occurred around 12:56 p.m. on Oct. 15 near 240 Danbury Road, roughly 250 feet north of the Norwalk town line. Police said a 2024 Hyundai Kona, driven by Jacquelyn Murphy, 83, of Hazelwood Lane, accelerated out of control after she stepped on the wrong pedal while leaving the Gateway Shopping Center.

Investigators said Murphy continued through the parking lot and down a driveway where pedestrians often cross to reach nearby businesses. She reportedly maintained acceleration through a red light at the shopping center’s exit, where her vehicle struck a southbound 2015 Subaru Crosstrek driven by Angela Zangrillo, 71, of Norwalk.

The Hyundai continued another 125 feet before jumping a curb and crashing into a parked 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van belonging to Emmanuels Kitchen and Bath LLC.

Murphy, Zangrillo, and a passenger in the Subaru, Mary Jo Coletti, 81, of Jupiter, FL, were evaluated for minor injuries. All three were wearing seatbelts, and airbags deployed in both moving vehicles.

Murphy was charged with reckless driving, and her driver’s license was seized due to what police described as an inability to operate a vehicle safely.

Both the Subaru and Hyundai sustained heavy damage and were towed from the scene. The parked van received moderate damage but did not require towing.