Woman Dies After Her Vehicle Suddenly Accelerates at Pelham Manor Gas Station, Plunges into Creek

Written By: Robert Cox

PELHAM MANOR, NY — Sandra Fuller, age 63, of Mount Vernon, NY died earlier today after her Grey Jeep Cherokee suddenly accelerated through fencing, plunging into Eastchester Creek. The car was stopped at a gas pump at BJ’s Gas Station at 5 Secor Lane in Pelham Manor.

The vehicle was submerged in a canal that separates Mount Vernon and Pelham Manor, near the Bronx border.

Pelham Manor P.O. John Luiso, one of the first officers to arrive, jumped into Eastchester Creek and reached the vehicle, but was unable to remove the driver from the locked car. Officer Luiso is presently receiving medical treatment at a local hospital.

Police responded to a call at 8:38 a.m. Friday.

Pelham Manor Fire Chief Joseph Ruggiero served as Incident Commander and coordinated the search and rescue effort, which included response teams from the Pelham Manor Fire and Police Departments, as well as fire and police response units from New York City and Mount Vernon. Pelham Manor Lt. Thomas Atkins led the PMPD efforts on scene.

Village Manager John Pierpont, Mayor Jennifer Monachino Lapey and Police Commissioner Breda Bennett were on scene. Mayor Lapey and Manager Pierpont also coordinated with Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard, who was present.

The driver is believed to have been the only occupant of the vehicle, according to Pelham Manor Police.

CBS2NY: Woman Dies After Car Plunges Into Water In Pelham Manor

WABC7: 1 person dead after SUV plunges into canal in Westchester County

NYDN: ‘Nothing you could do’: Woman dies after SUV plunges into Westchester County canal