After a lengthy investigation, New Haven police have decided not to charge a driver who struck and killed an elderly woman crossing the street in October, police said.
Patricia Cofrancesco, of New Haven, was driving her 2001 Audi TT when she hit Dolores Dogolo, 81, of New Haven, who was crossing five feet outside of a sidewalk on Olive Street, police said. Dogolo was killed in the accident that happened at 10:32 a.m. on Oct. 30, 2014.
Police seized her vehicle, which had damage to the windshield, front left headlight and " 'A' pillar and hood." In an inspection, investigators determined that there were no mechanical problems that could have caused the crash.
Cofrancesco wasn't using a cell phone or any other device that could have distracted her at the time of the collision and, while she was wearing contacts, her vision was not a factor in the crash, police said.
Witnesses told police that Dogolo "had no walking impairmant," but that she "walked at a slow pace." She was crossing the road diagonally outside of the nearest unmarked crosswalk and was "one pace" over the double yellow line when she was hit, police said.
"The driver would not have perceived the pedestrian as a threat until she stepped over the line," police said.
Cofrancesco was driving at about 24 miles an hour at the time, so police said speed wasn't a factor in the collision. Police didn't find any evidence to suggest that she was driving her vehicle recklessly.
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Investigators said "it is unknown" whether an oncoming vehicle or car parking could have obstructed the view of the driver or pedestrian.
State's Attorney David Strollo also reviewed the case and didn't find probable cause to prosecute Cofrancesco, so she will not be facing any charges.
