TRUCKEE, Calif. (AP) — A disturbing incident occurred on Saturday afternoon when a vehicle drove into pedestrians at the entrance of a grocery store in Truckee, a picturesque mountain town in California. According to the local police, four individuals, including several children, sustained injuries in the collision, although authorities noted that their injuries were not life-threatening.
The driver, a 49-year-old man from Coalinga in the San Joaquin Valley, reportedly struck both the pedestrians and the front of the Truckee Safeway store intentionally. This alarming act left many shoppers and passersby shocked and horrified.
Witness Scotty Mathewson, 39, shared his experience of the incident, revealing that he was shopping with his wife when he heard the crashing sound followed by chaotic screams. While his wife called 911 for help, Mathewson sprang into action, assisting others at the scene in ensuring that no one was trapped beneath the rubble or the vehicle. He recounted a tense moment when a boy’s baseball team was fundraising in front of the store, and parents frantically searched for their children amid the confusion.
“We see things in the news, and we watch things on YouTube or TV and stuff, but it’s all removed,” Mathewson explained. “At least for me, this is the first time that it’s palpable.” His description highlights the surreal experience of witnessing such a traumatic event firsthand.
Mathewson noted that other pedestrians and shoppers shouted at the driver, attempting to gain access to the locked vehicle. He observed that the driver remained calm, simply sitting inside the truck until police arrived and detained him within minutes of the incident.
The authorities have since booked the 49-year-old driver on charges that include assault with a deadly weapon, felony vandalism, and probation violation. He is currently being held in a jail facility in Nevada City, which is the county seat of Nevada County, located approximately an hour’s drive from Truckee, separated by a 7,000-foot mountain pass.
As of Saturday evening, no public contact or attorney information for the driver has been made available. The incident has deeply affected the community of Truckee, which is known for its breathtaking winter landscapes and proximity to popular destinations such as Lake Tahoe and Donner Lake. February typically marks a bustling period for Truckee, where winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing attract both residents and tourists alike.
This disconcerting episode places a spotlight on safety concerns in public spaces, particularly in communities frequented by families and recreational enthusiasts. The emotional impact of such events resonates far beyond the immediate aftermath, as they remind us of the fragility of safety in everyday life.
