City woman hit by car

Police: Kennedy Manor resident, 64, seriously hurt while crossing street in front of complex

WOONSOCKET — A 64-year-old resident of Kennedy Manor was seriously injured Monday when she was struck by an unlicensed, unregistered motorist as she crossed the street in front of the Clinton Street high-rise for seniors, po- lice say.

The driver was identified as Carlos J. Lopez Jr., 21, of 727 Front St. He was cited for second-offense operating on a suspended license; operating with a suspended registration; improper use of a registration; and operating without evidence of insurance, according to police reports.

The victim was not identified, but she was transported to Rhode Island Hospital, where she remains in stable condition, according to the police. Her injuries were described as serious in a police report, and a hospital spokeswoman said she is in the trauma intensive care unit.

Using a walker, the victim was crossing Clinton Street from the parking lot of Walgreen’s – across the street from Kennedy Manor – when she was struck by Lopez’s blue Mazda in the left lane of the northbound one-way.

Police obtained a video of the accident from the Woonsocket Housing Authority. An officer who viewed it said the victim can be seen crossing the street with her walker and – moments before being struck by the car – tumbling to the ground after apparently losing her balance.

She is then struck by the car as she attempts to get back on her feet.

“The Mazda is then observed striking (her) while she is trying to get to her feet and propelling her through the air onto the nearby sidewalk where she was located upon our arrival,” Patrol Officer Alexander N. Simmons’ report says.

Lopez pulled into the Walgreen’s lot and parked to wait for the police to arrive.

Officers ran a check on the plates and quickly learned that the registration was suspended and didn’t match the make of Lopez’s car.

He was cooperative with officers when they asked who the driver was.

“I am,” Lopez replied, adding, “I never saw her,” according to Patrol Officer James Dybala.

While the victim’s name was redacted from police reports, a friend said she is Marian Morrow, a tenant of Kennedy Manor.