Passenger takes wheel, rams cars

A special-needs passenger took control of a van in a Delran parking lot Monday night, ramming 11 parked vehicles before being stopped by police.

An investigation was under way yesterday to determine how the passenger managed to take the wheel and career through the lot at the Millside Shopping Plaza, on Route 130 North. Police said the cars were unoccupied.

The van belongs to Durand Academy and Community Services. It was carrying five adult clients from Durand's Mount Laurel facility and two supervisors, according to a Durand news 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," said Durand executive director Raymond Cristofoletti, according to the release. "An incident like this should never have happened."

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