Car Crashes Into McAlister's at Lunch Peak

For the second time in a month, a vehicle has collided with a local business that doesn’t have a drive-through. This time, McAlister’s at 4525 Sherwood Way was the victim.

The accident occurred at approximately 1:30 p.m. when the restaurant was in full lunch swing. A 2013 white Nissan Altima four door sedan jumped the curb, mowing down a ‘Call In Parking’ sign and hit the side of the building near the left front corner.

“[It was] loud,” said Manager John Ritschell. “It rumbled the whole building.”

Ritschell stated that although the restaurant was full, customers reacted well and nobody panicked. Those seated near the window where the car crashed are reported to have leapt to their feet and ran, however for the most part, patrons remained calm. “It just got really quiet,” Ritschell said.

“What she did, is she got on the gas instead of the brake,” said SAPD Traffic Officer E.V. Hunger. The police are still investigating the issue to determine exactly how the incident occurred. “She said she hit the brake and the car just started going,” Officer Hunger said.

“The building has some damage,” said Hunger, “probably several thousand.” But the extent of the damage will be assessed by the insurance company once that person can be reached.

No one was injured in the accident and the building only showed minor damage where the car hit. Because the accident occurred on private property, there will be no fines or tickets issued from the SAPD.

The accident is one in a rash of car accidents that have been taking place all over the city in recent months. While Officer Hunger could not attest to how many accidents have occurred so far this year, he did say that the numbers are up from last year, by about 2-300.

The increase, he says, is attributable to the growth in population. “Anytime you have more cars in the area, you’ll have more wrecks,” he said.

 ***SAPD Press Release Update***

 The driver of the vehicle was a 61-year-old San Angelo resident (a female who denied comment on the scene).

Damage is estimated to cost approximately $10,000.