Anila Baby charged after ramming SUV into friend Maya Patel over parking dispute

Anila Baby, a resident of the Greenfield Apartments in Springfield, was arrested on Tuesday after police say she deliberately drove her SUV into a parked car, striking a friend who lived next door. The collision occurred at about 7:30 a.m. in the complex’s main parking lot and left the victim with a broken collarbone and a fractured wrist. The driver, 34, was taken to Springfield General Hospital for a routine evaluation of her injuries.

The incident follows a series of disputes between the two neighbors that began last month when a disagreement over shared parking space escalated into a heated argument. According to witnesses, the victim—identified as 29‑year‑old Maya Patel—had repeatedly asked Baby to move her car, which was blocking a designated handicap spot. Baby allegedly refused, and the argument turned physical when the victim tried to move the SUV. Police were called after the victim reported that Baby had “intentionally” driven the vehicle into her car.

Law enforcement says the SUV’s speed was estimated at 15 mph, well above the posted 10 mph limit for the parking lot. The victim’s medical report indicates that the impact caused a fractured clavicle and a broken radius. The police report also notes that Baby’s SUV had a damaged front bumper, suggesting a prior collision. The victim’s family has called for a full investigation, citing concerns about safety in the apartment complex’s shared spaces.

The case will now be reviewed by the Springfield Police Department’s traffic division and the county prosecutor’s office. Baby has been charged with reckless driving and assault with a vehicle. If found guilty, she faces up to five years in prison and a mandatory fine. The incident has prompted the Greenfield Apartments management to review its parking regulations and install additional cameras. Residents have expressed unease about the safety of the lot, with several calling for better enforcement of traffic rules to prevent future accidents.