7 injured when SUV crashes into Santa Rosa market; driver wore a walking boot

Seven people were injured Friday when an unidentified woman crashed her SUV into a busy market in Santa Rosa, authorities said.

The crash at Oliver’s was reported around 11:50 a.m. on Feb. 13, prompting responses from both Santa Rosa police and fire personnel, said Paul Lowenthal, a fire division chief and fire marshal with the Santa Rosa Fire Department.

Santa Rosa police Sgt. Tanya Potter said that the driver of the red Hyundai Tucson was apparently parking her vehicle at the Montecito Shopping Center when it jumped the curb, crashed through the front of the store and smashed into a checkout stand.

In total, seven people were hurt, authorities said. Four were taken to hospitals — one with major injuries, one with moderate injuries and two with minor injuries, according to Lowenthal. Two additional patients were treated and released at the scene, and one person declined treatment.

Oliver’s Market employees declined to discuss the crash at the store Friday, though General Manager Scott Gross said the incident was “pretty shocking.”

“We just wanted to make sure everybody is OK,” he said, declining further comment.

A woman photographed by the Press Democrat at the scene who was wearing a walking boot and seated on a mobility scooter was later identified by authorities as the driver of the SUV, though her name was not released. She did not appear to be injured, Potter said.

The police sergeant confirmed the woman was wearing the walking boot while driving, which may have been a “contributing factor” in the crash. Potter said that wearing such a boot while driving does not violate the California vehicle code.

According to Lowenthal, fire crews arrived at the store within two minutes of dispatch. Because of the nature of the call — a vehicle into a building with multiple injuries — fire officials sent a larger-than-usual response. Crews included two fire engines, one ladder truck, one paramedic squad, two battalion chiefs, a fire prevention officer, four ambulances and a medical supervisor, Lowenthal said.

A fire inspector and building inspector evaluated the damage and estimated repair costs to be about $20,000. The building was “yellow-tagged,” meaning it is restricted from full use until repairs are made. The store was closed Friday afternoon, with limited entry allowed for cleanup and to secure the damaged portion of the structure.

Staff Writer Madison Smalstig contributed to this report.

You can reach Staff Writer Isabel Beer at isabel.beer@pressdemocrat.com.