By Jennifer Kohlhepp, Managing Editor
The pickup truck that struck several patrons dining in front of Cranbury Pizza on Sept. 5 was unable to stop due to a mechanical failure, according to police.
Cranbury Police Chief Rickey Varga said the cause of the accident has been determined to be mechanical failure. Driver Keith Maluchnick, 46, of East Brunswick, has been issued a summons for driving an unsafe vehicle, he said.
Mr. Maluchnick was operating a gray 1993 Ford F-250 pickup while traveling west on Park Place East at 7:40 p.m. He was unable to stop for the stop sign at the intersection with North Main Street, police said.
The pickup hit the left rear of a blue 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer operated by Nicole Lesniak, 38, of East Windsor. The truck continued across the southbound lane of North Main Street and up onto the sidewalk in front of Cranbury Pizza where it struck several tables where patrons were dining. The vehicle came to a rest only after striking the Cranbury Pizza building, according to police.
There were three injuries as a result of the crash. Jason Lesniak, 40, of East Windsor, a front seat passenger in the Trailblazer, was transported to Princeton Medical Center for reported back pain. The other two victims, juveniles ages 6 and 12, were also transported to Princeton Medical Center, where they were treated for cuts, scrapes and contusions to their legs and face, according to police.
Police continue to investigate the incident and possible criminal charges following the actions of individuals who were at the scene. Immediately following the crash, bystanders allegedly threatened Mr. Maluchnick and damaged his truck, police said.
Any witnesses are asked to contact the Cranbury Township Police Traffic Safety Bureau or Detective Bureau at 609-395-0031.
