SALEM — A driver accused of fatally striking a woman standing in her own driveway faces a charge from the crash, but has not been stripped of her driver's license.
Theresa Fuller, 71, of Salem turned herself in to police last week on a charge of vehicular assault, police Capt. Shawn Patten said. The investigating officer has requested a hearing with the Department of Motor Vehicles to have Fuller's license revoked, but until then, she will keep her license, police said.
On Aug. 14, Fuller was pulling out of the south exit of Mary Queen of Peace Church, heading north on Lawrence Road, when her car suddenly accelerated. Patricia Lessard, 70, of Salem was getting into a minivan parked at her home at 195 Lawrence Road when Fuller's car came barreling into the driveway. The front-end of Fuller's Honda Accord clipped Lessard and sent her into the Honda's windshield, according to police.
Lessard was taken to Holy Family Hospital in Methuen, then flown by medical helicopter to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. She died last month from injuries suffered in the crash.
Police had to complete their investigation, including a review of Lessard's medical records, before charges were brought forward, Patten said.
Vehicular assault is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,000. Fuller awaits arraignment in Salem District Court.
