Police identify driver in deadly Smithfield Subway crash

SMITHFIELD, R.I. (WLNE) — Smithfield police on Tuesday identified the driver who was involved in a deadly crash at a Subway sandwich shop last week.

The crash, which killed Charlotte Vacca and injured five others, happened just before 3 p.m. at the Subway at the Apple Valley Mall on Putnam Pike.

Police said when they arrived at the scene, Jeffery Barden, who’s from North Scituate, was “unsteady on his feet and could not stand on his own.”

Barden had some minor facial injured and seemed disoriented, read a police report. He was taken to Miriam Hospital.

According to the report, a witness told officers that a white Volvo hit his car in the Chelo’s parking lot and drove away.

The man also stated that the car that crashed into the Subway was the vehicle that hit his car.

That Volvo was driven by 69-year-old Barden, according to the report. He has yet to be charged with any criminal offenses.