A woman was seriously injured Sunday afternoon after being run over by a sport utility vehicle while lying in a parking lot in San Diego’s Jamacha/Lomita neighborhood, according to police. Authorities said the incident appears to have been accidental, and the circumstances leading up to it remain unclear.
The woman was found lying in the fetal position in a driving aisle of a shopping center parking lot when a vehicle passed over her. Although she sustained multiple serious injuries, police said they were not believed to be life-threatening. An investigation is ongoing to determine why she was in the parking lot.
Incident
The incident was reported at about 1:52 p.m. Sunday at a shopping center located at 920 Cardiff Street, south of Jamacha Road, San Diego police said.
According to Officer John Buttle of the San Diego Police Department, the woman, believed to be in her 30s, was lying within a parking lot aisle at the time of the incident. A 50-year-old woman driving a black 2010 Chevrolet Equinox entered the aisle and did not see the woman before driving over her.
Police said there was no indication that the driver was speeding or acting recklessly. Parking lots are typically low-speed environments, but visibility can be limited, particularly when someone is lying on the ground in an area not intended for pedestrians.
Injuries
Police said the woman was rendered unconscious as a result of the collision. She suffered multiple fractures to her spine and ribs, along with collapsed lungs.
Paramedics responded to the scene and transported her to a hospital for treatment. Despite the seriousness of the injuries, authorities said they were not considered life-threatening at the time of the report. Medical officials are expected to continue monitoring her condition.
A summary of the reported injuries is outlined below:
| Injury Type | Reported Condition | Medical Concern |
|---|---|---|
| Spine fractures | Multiple | Long-term recovery possible |
| Rib fractures | Multiple | Breathing complications |
| Collapsed lungs | Confirmed | Requires immediate treatment |
| Loss of consciousness | Temporary | Neurological observation |
Driver
The driver involved was identified as a 50-year-old woman operating a mid-sized SUV. The vehicle was described as a black 2010 Chevrolet Equinox.
Police said the driver remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. No arrests or citations were announced as of Monday, and the investigation remains active as officers review the circumstances of the incident.
Authorities noted that drivers in parking lots often focus on other vehicles, pedestrians, and parking spaces. When a person is lying low to the ground, they may be difficult to see, even at reduced speeds.
Unknowns
Investigators have not determined why the woman was lying in the parking lot at the time of the incident. Police said there was no immediate information indicating whether she had experienced a medical emergency or other distress before being struck.
Officers may review nearby surveillance footage and speak with witnesses to establish a clearer timeline of events. Police said additional details may be released as the investigation continues.
Safety
While parking lots are generally considered low-risk traffic areas, they can still pose dangers to both drivers and pedestrians. Police encourage drivers to remain alert and proceed cautiously, particularly in busy commercial areas.
Officials also emphasize the importance of remaining visible and avoiding travel lanes whenever possible. Unusual situations, such as a person lying in a driving aisle, can significantly reduce reaction time for drivers.
Investigation
San Diego police said the investigation is ongoing. Officers will continue to evaluate whether environmental factors, visibility issues, or other conditions contributed to the incident.
The case highlights how quickly serious injuries can occur in everyday settings, even without high speeds or criminal behavior. Police said no further information was available as of Monday.
FAQs
Where did the incident happen?
It occurred in a shopping center parking lot on Cardiff Street.
Were the injuries life-threatening?
Police said the injuries were serious but not life-threatening.
Was the driver arrested?
No arrests or citations were announced by police.
What vehicle was involved?
A black 2010 Chevrolet Equinox was involved.
Why was the woman lying in the lot?
The reason has not yet been determined.
