Cafe Crasher I.D.'d as Stamford Man, 92

STAMFORD, Conn. — Stamford Police have identified the motorist who drove through the front window of Café Oo La La on Monday as 92-year-old Samuel Leighton of Stamford. Ten cafe patrons were taken to Greenwich and Stamford Hospitals to be treated for injuries ranging from lacerations to broken bones, the release said.

The Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Squad has obtained a search warrant to examine Leighton’s 2003 Honda Civic for mechanical defects, Sgt. Andrew Gallagher said. He hopes to have the investigation concluded by the end of the week, and will take his findings to the state attorney’s office.

Leighton drove his vehicle onto the sidewalk in front of the café, hitting two women sitting at a table, a police press release said. The car continued through the front window and struck several more cafe customers, the release said.

After the 12:30 p.m. crash onlookers jammed the Ridgeway Shopping Center to see what had happened. Some shared their experiences on TheDailyStamford.com’s Facebook page.

“I work in the building next to the hotel. I heard a smash, saw the emergency vehicles. Almost went to lunch around the corner! Sorry to hear people were injured!” Rica Mendes said.

“I was leaving Staples when it happened. At first I thought it was a robbery or something,” Tristan Kelley said.

A call made to Leighton’s home was not returned.

Were you near Oo La La when the accident took place? Share your reaction and observations below or send them to reporter Anthony Buzzeo at tbuzzeo@TheDailyStamford.com. 

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