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Elderly driver cited in Wal-Mart crash in Danvers

E-mail|Link|Comments () July 8, 2009 11:03 AM

By Nandini Jayakrishna, Globe correspondent

Danvers police have cited a 93-year-old man who allegedly drove his car through the front entrance of a Wal-Mart last month, injuring a mother and her 1-year-old daughter.

Louis Vesprini of Peabody was cited for negligent operation of a motor vehicle. A clerk magistrate hearing in Salem District Court will determine whether probable cause exists to arraign him, said Danvers police Captain Patrick Ambrose. No date has been scheduled yet.

Vesprini could face a $200 fine, up to two years in jail or both if convicted, Ambrose said. The Registry of Motor Vehicles has revoked his license indefinitely, deeming him an immediate threat to public safety.

Vesprini has repeatedly declined to comment on the incident. Reached by phone this morning, a man who identified himself as Vesprini said he is not willing to talk to anyone about the accident, and hung up.

Alaina Hayes of Gloucester and her 1-year-old daughter, Makayla, were injured when, police said, Vesprini mistook the accelerator for the brake and crashed into the store. They were taken to Massachusetts General Hospital after the crash, and are now back at home.

Hayes has a possible fracture in her left pelvis, while Makayla has undergone jaw and plastic surgeries, said Attorney Barry Feinstein, who is pursuing a civil claim against Vesprini on behalf of the family. The baby will have another jaw surgery in the near future, he said.

"We're seeking compensation to assist the family with the medical expenses," Feinstein said this morning. "It's going to be a long road ahead."

On The Beat

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