`DRIVERLESS CAR' DAMAGES NEW POLICE VEHICLE

A "driverless car" damaged one of three new patrol vehicles for the Cape Girardeau Police Department early Sunday.

Sgt. Al Moore, head of the department's traffic division, said Monday the damage was the quirky result of an otherwise routine drunk driving arrest.

Aristed Islas of 2700 Pioneer Drive, Apt. #145, was arrested at about 1:50 a.m. Sunday on a charge of driving while intoxicated after he struck a gas utility post outside his apartment.

But when his wife came outside to raise the windows of Islas' vehicle, she unintentionally started the car, which lurched forward and struck the patrol car a recently purchased 1992 Ford Crown Victoria.

Moore said Islas' vehicle had power windows and a manual transmission.

"She went out to put the power windows up, and the car was in gear," he said. "When she turned the key, she apparently turned it too far and the car started, jumped forward and struck the patrol car."

Moore said the woman stood outside the car at the time and reached in to raise the windows. The "driverless car" had only to travel a few feet before striking the front door on the driver's side of the patrol car.

"I don't know what the damage is yet," said Moore. "We haven't gotten an estimate, but the front door is dented in."

Moore said Victoria Islas won't be charged in connection with the accident.