Exclusive details: Man crashes car into Forest City store
There were no reported injuries and no criminal charges were filed. Smith's Drugs remains open. Plus, Cops & Congress commentary.
A man crashed his car into Smith’s Drugs early Monday morning, causing significant damage to the front of the building. Witnesses reported the incident around 8:00 a.m. and suggested that the driver may have mistakenly pressed the gas pedal instead of the brake. Troy Stanley, who was having breakfast there when it happened, photographed the scene. “An elderly gentleman ran through the glass front, fortunately (there were) no apparent injuries,” he said.
“To our customers and patients, we are so thankful to be able to tell you that no one was injured in the car accident,” John Higgins, the owner of Smith’s Drugs said in a statement. “Please be patient and mindful of the work area as we make repairs. We are open for business with our normal hours today.” Smith's Drugs of Forest City is an independent, full-service pharmacy and soda fountain locally owned and operated since 1939.
City officials did not release any statements regarding the incident. However, when contacted by email, Police Chief Chris LeRoy confirmed that no charges were filed against the driver, Russell Warren Lowman, of Ellenboro. (Update: The Forest City PD’s Southern Software website shows the accident report here.)
Witnesses didn’t think something like this had ever happened in recent memory. “This could have been a person rather than a mannequin,” Stanley said.
Cops & Congress commentary: Swift community support amid controversy in Forest City car crash
Official Response Crucial to Prevent Misinformation and Foster Unity
The car crash at a local historic store has drawn attention not only for its immediate impact but also for the reactions it sparked within the community. Photos from the scene show that officials were quick to assess the damage, which appeared to be confined to the gift shop area, leaving the food section untouched. Despite this, the absence of detailed official statements fueled online rumors and speculation, ranging from accusations of a disgruntled customer to unfounded claims of terrorism.
In today’s polarized climate, such speculation isn’t entirely unexpected. The federal government has long warned that vehicles can be weaponized, making it crucial for officials to promptly issue clear statements to quash rumors and provide accurate information. “The use of a vehicle as a weapon in a terrorist attack is not new,” according to the Cybersecurity, Infrastructure and Security Agency (CISA), created in 2018.
Amid the flurry of social media activity, there were contrasting reactions. Many community members expressed support and prayers for those affected, demonstrating the solidarity and kindness that often emerge in times of crisis. However, there were also mean-spirited and vile comments.
Mike Spina, the owner of Carolina Cafe, said, “Shit happens.” The Department of Justice recently reached an agreement with Carolina Cafe stemming from an ADA complaint for “failing to provide clearly marked and designated accessible parking for individuals with disabilities,” the DOJ said.
Jimmy Locke said, “If I ever lose it behind the wheel I hope it’s in front of a Republican headquarters.” Locke wrote on social media that he is on the Youth Climate Council Botswana at The Locked On Happy Project.
The role of situational awareness and kindness in dispelling hate
To counter such negativity and prevent the spread of harmful rumors, situational awareness and kindness are essential. Here are some ways government officials and an average person can help.
Prompt and Clear Communication
Authorities need to issue timely and transparent statements to address the situation accurately. This helps to dispel misinformation and reassure the public. For instance, if officials had promptly clarified the nature of the crash and the absence of malicious intent, it could have prevented the spread of baseless rumors.
Promoting Community Solidarity
Encouraging acts of kindness and support within the community can mitigate the impact of negative comments. When people focus on helping one another and showing empathy, it fosters a more cohesive and supportive environment. Highlighting positive actions, such as local businesses offering assistance or neighbors checking on each other, can drown out the noise of hate and speculation.
By fostering a culture of situational awareness and kindness, communities can better navigate crises, dispel harmful rumors, and support one another through challenging times. This approach not only strengthens community bonds but also ensures a more resilient and unified response to incidents like the one yesterday in Forest City.
I was the first and only local journalist to report this public safety news shortly after it happened. Situational awareness: An exclusive, or scoop is an important news story that is first reported by a journalist. This goes beyond breaking news when no other journalists are known to be reporting on an important issue.
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🏛️ All those mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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