Suffolk County Police today arrested a woman after she forcibly stole a vehicle and intentionally ran over an elderly woman in Setauket this morning.
An 84-year-old woman was attempting to park her 2013 Subaru Forrester in a parking spot in front of Walmart, located at 3990 Nesconset Highway, Setauket, when she exited her vehicle to remove a shopping cart that was in the middle of the parking spot. While out of the vehicle, Dareine Heller ran to the car, entered the drivers seat and attempted to drive the vehicle away. The victim approached the vehicle and a struggle ensued. Heller shoved the victim to the ground, and intentionally ran the victim over with the vehicle, dragging her for a short distance.
Heller then struck a pole, a stop sign, a separate vehicle, and a brick retaining wall before fleeing the scene.
The victim was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries.
Heller drove to 255 Pond Path, Centereach, where she was located and arrested at approximately 1 p.m. The vehicle was impounded.
Heller, 34, of 526 Grundy Ave., Holbrook, was charged with Robbery 2nd Degree Causing Physical Injuries, Robbery 2nd Degree, Assault 2nd Degree Injure Victim 65 or Older, Assault 2nd Degree, Reckless Endangerment 1st Degree, Leaving the Scene of an Accident Causing Injuries and two counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th Degree.
Heller is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on September 12.
A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.