Driver plows into Trader Joe's store in Castro Valley; shoppers injured

CASTRO VALLEY – Several shoppers at a Trader Joe's store in Castro Valley were injured after a driver plowed into the market Thursday afternoon.

According to authorities, the crash took place at the store located at 22224 Redwood Road.

Chopper 5 captured at least four people being taken out of the store on stretchers. Their conditions were not immediately known.

According to the California Highway Patrol, a child was among those taken to area hospitals.

Pictures posted by the Alameda County Fire Department showed a gray Toyota sedan inside the store, next to a checkout stand. Cash registers, tables and other goods were also knocked over.

Firefighters said they were assessing the building for hazards and injured persons.  

"It went pretty far (inside)," said Alameda County sheriff's spokesperson Lt. Ray Kelly.

Authorities do not believe the driver intentionally drove into the store nor do they think drugs or alcohol played a role, CHP Officer Dan Jacowitz said.

The driver was an elderly person who was in the parking lot and accelerated into the front of the store where cashiers were tending to customers, Kelly and Jacowitz said.

Four to six people were hit by either the car, debris or other objects. All of the injuries were minor or moderate, Jacowitz said.

The driver is cooperating with authorities, Jacowitz said.

The crash is still under investigation.

In:
• Castro Valley