Car crashed into Dollar Tree in Austin, sending two to hospital

On the afternoon of Tuesday, December 3, the Austin Police Department responded to a personal injury accident at the Dollar Tree on Highway 256. At approximately 4:08 p.m., officers arrived to find a gray 2013 Toyota passenger car that had driven through the store's front entrance, come to a stop inside the building.

Two women were injured in the accident. Felicia Thomas, 43, of Austin reported that she had just exited the front door of the store when the vehicle struck her, knocking her back into the store. Kayelee Silva, 32, also of Austin, was injured while attempting to move out of the car's path. Both women were transported to Norton Scott Hospital for further medical treatment.

The driver, Howard Steward, 90, of Scottsburg, informed officers that he was attempting to park the vehicle while waiting for his wife when his foot became stuck on the accelerator. This caused the car to lunge forward, crashing through the storefront. Steward was evaluated by EMS on the scene and released.

The Dollar Tree sustained significant damage to its entrance.