Drive-through window? SUV plows through store wall

Two people were transported to the hospital Nov. 2 after a car crashed through the wall at Linds Jewelry in Freeland, according to fire officials from South Whidbey Fire/EMS.

At about 4 p.m., a Honda CR-V in the parking lot outside Payless Plaza jumped the curb and penetrated the wall between the front doors of Linds and Rite Aid, Deputy Fire Chief Mike Cotton said.

An 83-year-old man was the sole occupant of the vehicle and “had tried to move to a better parking spot when he inadvertently pushed the accelerator instead of the brake, causing significant damage to the store and his vehicle,” according to the Island County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies found no evidence of impairment. An enforcement action is possible pending the completion of the investigation, the sheriff’s office reported.

A woman inside the store was transported the WhidbeyHealth Medical Center with minor injuries, Cotton said. The driver was standing outside the vehicle when fire officials arrived, but he was later transported to the hospital with minor injuries.

Inside Linds, a display of colorful Fiesta dishes was destroyed.

Despite the chaotic scene, Cotton said many customers continued shopping until his arrival.

“For the most part, the store was still operating,” he said.