A vehicle malfunction is believed to be to blame for a car backing into a rental home in Red Oak on Friday.  At 10:40am officers were called to the corner of East Coolbaugh Street and Towle Street for that accident.  Upon arrival officers found a 1993 Chevy Lumina owned by 96-year-old Maxine Louise Cleveland resting against the foundation of the home located at 1100 E Coolbaugh Street.

Ms. Cleveland told police that she had returned home and parked her car in the garage and took the keys out and was leaving the vehicle when she realized it was still running. She then got back in the car and the vehicle popped into reverse and began backing down her driveway. The door was still open and struck the side of her house and a sidewalk railing.  The car kept backing and crossed over East Coolbaugh Street and into the yard at 1100 East Coolbaugh Street and struck the foundation of the home.  Cleveland said she attempted to brake but the brakes failed.  The vehicle was still running when officers arrived and they were unable to get the ignition to turn off.  The malfunction is believed to have caused the accident.

Damage to the Chevy was $1,5000 and damage to the rental home owned by Sherry Bourlon of B&B Rentals was approximately $4,000.  No injuries were reported.