Woman Dies After Being Dragged Through Library Parking Lot By Bergen County Driver, 94

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — A 75-year-old woman has died after being struck in a library parking lot by a 94-year-old driver who dragged her 20 feet, Paramus police said.

Helen Koons of Paramus succumbed to her injures at 11:42 a.m. on Sunday, March 17, police said.

Police said that at approximately 12:45 p.m. Saturday, they responded to a "distressing incident" at the Paramus Public Library on Century Road.

"The individual was struck by a vehicle in the rear parking lot, resulting in significant injury and prompt action by Paramus police," said Chief Robert Guidetti.

Koons was taken to Hackensack University Medical Center "in a semi-alert state for medical attention, with particular focus on a head injury," the chief said.

The driver of the 2013 Toyota Corolla, Claire Plager, 94, of Paramus, was charged with failure to yield to a pedestrian and careless driving, Guidetti said.

"We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Helen Koons during this difficult time," the chief said.

(The incident was unrelated to an alleged hit-and-run that killed a public school teacher on Thursday in Dumont, for which a 94-year-old man was charged. READ MORE: 'Mrs. Rosa' Mourned: Alleged Hit-And-Run Crash Takes Life Of Teacher)

Guidetti said that the Paramus incident was not a hit-and-run, and speed was not a factor.

"The safety and well-being of our community members remain our utmost priority," he noted. "We urge all individuals to exercise caution and vigilance, especially in areas with high pedestrian traffic."