Police investigate pedestrian seriously injured at Walt Whitman Shops

Suffolk County police are investigating a case in which a 76-year-old woman was seriously injured when hit by a vehicle in the parking lot of the Walt Whitman Shops Tuesday.

Helen Rivera was standing in a handicapped spot in the mall's parking lot and appeared to be holding it for someone, when a Honda driven by Robert Berger pulled into the spot about 1:30 p.m., police said.

Berger, of Jericho, struck the woman and a sign, police said.

Rivera, of Holbrook, was airlifted to Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow, where she was listed in serious condition. Berger was not injured, police said.

Police could not confirm if the two were arguing over the spot before the crash but said Second Precinct detectives are investigating the crash.

Police have not issued any summonses or tickets, and no arrest was made.

Anyone with information may call detectives at 631-854-8252.