Just before 11:00 am on October 15, the Lakewood Police Department responded to the report of an accident at the Saint Vincent Depaul Food Pantry located at 43 Madison Avenue in Lakewood.

Upon arrival, responding units learned that the operator of a 2005 Dodge Caravan had struck three bystanders while attempting to make a K-Turn in the parking lot.

UPDATE: The victim was identified as Dilcia Maribell Guevara-Tabora, 46, of Lakewood, TLS has learned. https://t.co/kfpF473EcE

— The Lakewood Scoop (@LakewoodScoop) October 16, 2022

40-year-old Abelino Landaverde-Ayala of Lakewood, stated that while attempting to back up, he mistakenly left or put the van in forward gear. As the vehicle accelerated forward, he struck 12 and 13 year old girls as they were standing on the curb.

In addition to the juveniles, he struck 46-year-old Dilcia Maribell Guevara-Tabora, also of Lakewood as she sat on the curb.

Unfortunately, Ms. Guevara-Tabora sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital where she succumbed to her injuries.

Additionally, both the 12 and 13 year old girls were transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center for further evaluation and treatment.

The investigation is still active with the assistance of the Ocean County Prosecutors Office and the Ocean County Sheriffs Department. At this time Mr. Landaverde-Ayala has received a summons for Careless Driving, however more charges may be sought.