Background: News footage of the Taco Bell in Manchester, N.H., where Juliana Harbeck was killed (WMUR). Inset: Maria Camila Posada Canizales (Manchester Police Department).
A New Hampshire woman was arrested after she allegedly hit and killed a pedestrian with her car in a Taco Bell parking lot.
Maria Camila Posada Canizales, 27, faced charges of felony conduct after an accident associated with the demise of 60-year-old Juliana Harbeck on September 17. As stated by the Manchester Police Department, Canizales was driving when she hit Harbeck and left the scene. Harbeck was transported to a local hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.
Canizales turned herself in on Monday. When police interviewed her, she offered a different account of the incident.
Per an arrest affidavit accessed by local ABC affiliate WMUR, Canizales was in her vehicle at the Taco Bell parking lot when Harbeck walked up to her. Canizales recounted to authorities that Harbeck inquired if she wanted to purchase cigarettes. As Canizales displayed her cash, which included her rent funds, she claimed Harbeck allegedly snatched at the cash and refused to release it.
Canizales recounted to the police that a scuffle between them followed, and she acknowledged driving away in a panic. She claimed she was unaware she had run over Harbeck.
The police also spoke with Harbeck’s boyfriend, who was in another vehicle with Harbeck when she stepped out after stating she recognized someone in the parking lot. According to the affidavit, the boyfriend witnessed the purported altercation between Harbeck and Canizales, reporting to police that he observed his partner being drawn into the other car and struck by the driver.
Seeing the alleged confrontation, Harbeck’s boyfriend exited the vehicle to assist. He informed the police that he attempted to separate Harbeck from the fight, and Canizales changed the gear, causing Harbeck to fall. While Harbeck was on the ground, Canizales reportedly reversed over her before departing the scene.
Police interviewed several witnesses to the alleged altercation, who were able to provide the license plate number for Canizales’ vehicle. According to the affidavit, police went to the home address registered to the car, but no one answered the door.
Canizales was set to be held in custody until her court appearance on Tuesday.
