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Driver accidentally crashes car into Tempe store, police say

Tempe police say at least one person was taken to the hospital for minor injuries.

TEMPE, Ariz. — A driver mistakenly drove their car into the front of a retail store in Tempe, causing significant damage to the interior of the business. 

Tempe police said the crash occurred Thursday near Mill and Southern avenues after the driver accidentally accelerated their vehicle instead of hitting the brake pedal.

Surveillance footage shows two people standing in the pathway where the vehicle crashed into the store. 

The two men were pushed by the car 25 feet inside the store, a sales associate and another employee. Both were taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

“It was just so quick,” the sales associate said, asking 12 News not to use his name. “The wall came to us.”

Bok Park, the store owner said one of the men had worked for him for 10 years.

"He’s like family," Park said. "Good thing no one is badly injured, so everything we can fix it."

Park said he expects the store to be closed for about a week.

The driver was not criminally charged for the crash but was arrested on an unrelated warrant, Tempe police said.

“I’m thankful that nobody died,” said the injured sales associate. “At that moment I thought I was going to but, thank the Lord I didn’t.”

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Driving Safety Tips:

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) offers driving tips to help keep people safe on the road.

"There’s always room for improvement when it comes to road safety," the department said on its website.

ADOT's suggestions include:

· Don’t speed or drive aggressively

· Never drive while under the influence of substances

· Avoid distractions while driving

· Wear your seatbelt and make sure all passengers are doing the same

· When an emergency vehicle is on the side of the road, move over

· Stay extra aware in work zones

· Be prepared for weather conditions that make driving dangerous Find more tips on the department's Driving Safety Homepage on ADOT's website here.

"Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov, by calling 511, downloading the AZ 511 app and through ADOT’s Twitter feed, @ArizonaDOT," the department said

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