A call for an erratic driver early this morning in Bridgeport turned out to be much more than what law enforcement may have been expecting. Instead of eventually finding a local individual having a morning joy ride or still under the influence of late-night partying, the police found something entirely different.

 

“The call came in shortly before 6 a.m.,” Bridgeport Police Chief John Walker said. “The call was for a vehicle not only driving erratically, but had hit a snow bank on Route 58.”

 

By the time law enforcement responded, the vehicle was no longer there. A short while later, Bridgeport Police Office Mike Hammond found the vehicle near Meadowbrook – actually closer to the Johnson Avenue intersection near Interstate 79.

 

“When (Office Hammond) approached, he discovered there was a 92-year-old woman that was driving,” said Walker.

 

While a person of 92 driving is far from a first in this or any other area, what proves to be unique are the circumstances that led her to Bridgeport. In fact, she doesn’t live anywhere near Bridgeport and had no intentions of coming here.

 

“We found out that she left a city just outside of Baltimore around 1 p.m. (Wednesday) to go shopping,” said Walker. “Sixteen hours later, she’s driving in Bridgeport. I know this may sound unusual, but we actually have cases similar to this maybe a couple of times each year.”

 

Walker said the department used standard protocol for situations like this. She was taken to the department and, in this case, was taken there to get warm. Walker said after a little bit of convincing, she agreed to eat some breakfast.

 

“She was just as sweet as she could be and wasn’t scared at all. She just wanted to watch television so we tried to make her as comfortable as possible,” said Walker.

 

Walker said the Maryland State Police were contacted as was the family. He said there is no history of any type of illness or anything of that nature, according to the family.

 

“The good news is that she appears to be totally fine and even relaxed,” said Walker. “Her family told us they weren’t even aware she was gone. As of early this morning they were on their way to get her. We’re very pleased that she’s okay.”

 

Editor's Note: Pictured is Police Chief John Walker.