Van slams into 11 cars in Delran

A special needs passenger took control of a van in a Delran parking lot last night, ramming 11 parked vehicles before police stopped the runaway van.

An investigation is underway to determine how the passenger managed to take the wheel and careen through the lot at the Millside Shopping Plaza, on Route 130 North. Police said the cars were unoccupied.

The van belongs to Durand Academy & Community services. It was carrying five adult clients from Durand's Mount Laurel facility and two supervisors, according to a Durand press release.

Delran police said the incident occurred about 5:40 p.m. Two police officers pursued the van, trying to get the driver to stop. Finally, they broke the driver's side window, Durand said.

The unidentified driver was treated for minor injuries as were the two officers.

"We are thoroughly investigating this accident and we will take every action necessary with the two adult staff members who were in charge of the Durand clients in the van," the Durand release quoted executive director Raymond Cristofoletti as saying. "An incident like this should never have happened."

The five special needs adults live in one of five group homes run by Durand, which serves children and adults with special needs in South Jersey.