At least 3 injured when speeding SUV slams into main entrance to CVS Pharmacy

WILMINGTON — At least three people, including the driver, were injured Wednesday afternoon when an SUV rammed through the front door of a CVS Pharmacy on East Main Street.

The driver, identified as a 35-year-old male, was taken to a hospital and the two other injuries were store customers, City Administrator Marian Miller said. The injuries to the customers were not believed to be life-threatening, she said.

The Kia Sorrento was being driven at high speed when it smashed through a telephone pole, continued through shrubs and into the CVS across from the courthouse about 4 p.m., Miller said.

The driver ran but was apprehended by Wilmington police a couple of blocks away, she said. There had been no police pursuit involving the SUV.

Miller said police are working to determine whether the vehicle was stolen.

Police Sgt. Ron Fithen told the Wilmington News Journal the most seriously injured victim was a female who was inside the foyer when the SUV rammed through it.

Fithen also said two small children and two other individuals were reportedly injured.

The driver, the sergeant said, was being freed by first responders when “he somehow got out of the sun roof and fled on foot.”

Fithen told the News Journal the cause of the crash was not immediately known and the investigation continues into whether drugs, alcohol or a medical issue factored into the incident.

No CVS employees were physically injured, the sergeant said.

Miller said the CVS is not likely to be open Thursday as there are structural issues with the building based on a check by the city engineer’s office and fire personnel.

Cox Media Group