Full Notification

At approximately 11:35 A.M., on Thursday, October 10, 2013 the Columbia Township Police Department responded to 311 S. Main St. for a private property vehicle-versus-building accident. The caller to 911 advised that a car had crashed through the front of the Stone Hearth Bakery, on Main St. near Wamplers Lake Road.

Upon arrival officers found a 2004 GMC Envoy partially inside the store. The vehicle had traveled approximately one quarter the length of the vehicle into the interior of the bakery, after crashing through the wall. As a result of the crash the West (front) wall had been breached and the structural integrity was compromised.

The operator of the vehicle is identified as John Porter, 88 years, of Somerset Center. The passenger was an 88 year old female from Jackson. Although neither occupant had any visible injuries, the female was transported to Allegiance Hospital by Jackson Community Ambulance, as a precaution, to be medically evaluated.

The Village of Brooklyn department of public works assisted at the scene in securing the front of the building, as well as the Columbia Township Fire Department. The Village building inspector was also notified of damage, and responded to the scene. Besides the Bakery, two adjacent businesses were closed for approximately an hour, until the building inspector declared those businesses safe to open. The Bakery is currently closed pending further inspections. The Department of Agriculture has been notified.

The crash occurred due to driver error, and alcohol was not a factor. The driver is being referred to the Secretary of State’s Office for a re-exam, and has been cited for careless driving.