Automatic Transmission Park/neutral Start Switch problems of the 1999 Chevrolet Malibu

My wife was waiting in line to pick up our son from school when the cones were moved she tried starting the car 3 times. Since the car would not start she made sure that the car was in park and got out and started walking to the next car to wave them around. All of a sudden the car jumped forward and ran into a parked Jeep. She ran for the car in fear for the safety of our 4 year old son who was asleep in the back seat, and in an attempt to open the door was dragged to the ground. When the car stopped she opened the rear door to take our son out. When the police arrived they noticed that the key was in the off position and that the car was in park. My wife did not touch these items after the crash. I spoke to the drivers of the two cars right behind my wife, and the first one to the rear said that my wife had taken approx. Two steps when the car took off. The second driver said that my wife was at the rear of our car when it took off. There is extensive damage to the right front corner and front passanger door of our car. No damage was noted on the parked Jeep due to the front towing bracket was the only thing hit. My wife is now fearful of this vehicle, and does not want to drive it. I myself feel that this vehicle is unsafe.