PORTLAND, Ore. — A Southeast Portland pawn shop's holiday season was disrupted Wednesday when a white sedan crashed into its storefront, causing significant damage but miraculously sparing valuable inventory.
The incident occurred just before 8:30 a.m. at A1 Hawk Jewelry and Loan on Southeast Division Street, just as store manager Stephanie Odman was preparing for the day's business.
"I heard tires screeching and then saw the wall go (down)," Odman recalled, mimicking the sound the crash made. "My adrenaline was pumping."
Surveillance footage showed the vehicle ramming into the storefront at high rate of speed while in reverse. The car barely missed a black SUV heading east on Division as the car sped backwards into oncoming traffic, damaging a wall and displacing shoe displays and jewelry cases.
Despite the destruction, Odman noted that no merchandise was damaged.
The driver, who was not identified, declined medical treatment, according to police. When Odman checked on him, he simply stated that his sister was coming to get him.
Portland police said that the driver was cited for operating a vehicle without a license or insurance.
The store plans to remain open, though the damaged area will be sectioned off from customers. Odman expressed frustration, noting the crash comes during their busiest retail season.
"This is probably the worst time for us to have this happen because it's Christmas," she said. "This is when we have everyone come and shop and buy Christmas presents."
Police said it did not appear that the driver was impaired.