MANCHESTER, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) A 60-year-old Rindge woman died after being run over during a confrontation in a Manchester parking lot last week, and police say the driver has now been charged.
Authorities said Juliana Harbeck was struck outside the Taco Bell on Second Street Wednesday evening following what began as a verbal dispute and escalated into a fight. Harbeck was rushed to the hospital but did not survive her injuries.
Investigators allege that the driver, identified as 27-year-old Maria Camila Posada Canizales of Manchester, initially fled the scene but later turned herself in. She is charged with felony conduct after an accident.
According to an affidavit, Harbeck and her boyfriend pulled into the parking lot when Harbeck recognized people inside another vehicle and decided to approach them. The boyfriend told police Harbeck wanted to talk to the occupants and walked over. Moments later, he saw her pulled into the car and punched by a passenger.
The boyfriend said he ran toward the vehicle to help but could not reach Harbeck before the driver shifted into reverse. Harbeck fell to the pavement, and the car continued backing up, striking her. Witnesses across the street reported seeing the altercation and provided police with the license plate number.
Court documents also describe Canizales’ version of events. She told officers Harbeck asked if she wanted to buy cigarettes and returned with a pack. Canizales said she took out $2 to pay, but was also holding rent money in larger bills. She claimed Harbeck grabbed at the cash, sparking a struggle that left her frightened. Canizales admitted she drove off in a panic, but said she did not realize she had run Harbeck over.
Police located Canizales’ car at her home shortly after the crash, though no one answered the door. She later went to the Manchester Police Department to meet with detectives and was formally charged after Harbeck’s death was confirmed at the hospital.
Canizales appeared in court Tuesday.