Watch: Vehicle left in drive rams through Tempe shop

PHOENIX — A pair of men narrowly avoided serious injury after a vehicle left in drive rammed through the front of a Tempe shop on Thursday afternoon.

Video shows a white car smash through the business at Southern and Mill avenues at about 12:30 p.m., hitting two men who were standing in the shop.

The men were pushed back by the car, which came to a halt after running over store counters.

Wow check out this close call!! The driver accidentally left the car in drive and tries to put it in park and unintentionally hit the accelerator. Thankfully only minor injuries! pic.twitter.com/03OWUN9o6c

— Tempe Police (@TempePolice) May 26, 2022

Tempe Police Det. Natalie Barela said one of the men was taken to a hospital with minor injuries.

“We’re just thankful that nobody was significantly injured,” Barela told KTAR News 92.3 FM.

The crash happened because the car’s operator left it in drive and when he attempted to get back in and stop the car, accidentally hit the accelerator instead of the brake, according to Barela.

The driver is facing criminal damage charges, according to Barela.

“It’s just an unfortunate situation,” Barela said.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Debra Dale contributed to this report.

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