Crime & Safety

Stafford Cops Charge Teenager With Careless Driving After 3-Car Accident

By Patricia A. Miller

Nine people received minor injuries in a three-car accident in front of Southern Regional High School just after school was dismissed at midday, police said.

The accident occurred at 12:08 p.m. in heavy traffic that resulted from another collision just north, near Cedar Bridge Road.

Michelle Elmquist, 45, Roaring Brook, PA had to stop in heavy traffic, as did Lori Meloro, 27, Barnegat. A third car driven by Victoria Schmittinger, 17, North Beach, first struck Meloro's 2006 Toyota Sienna van. The impact pushed the Meloro vehicle into Elmquist's 2008 Suzuki SUV, police said.

Further investigation determined that Schmittinger "was not paying attention to traffic," police said.

Meloro's and Schmittinger's vehicle - a 1993 Toyoto Camry - had to be towed from the scene due to damage, police said.

Schmittinger received facial injuries when her airbag deployed and her younger brother complained of neck pain. Meloro sustained a neck injury and three small children in the car also complained of neck pain.

Elmquist and her two children sustained neck and an arm injury from the collision. All of the injured were checked by Stafford EMS personnel, but all r refused further medical treatment, police said.

Schmittinger was issued a summons for careless driving pending a court date in Stafford Municipal Court. Patrolman Justin Pascale is investigating.


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